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Clare Holden

Beauty and style writer Clare has been a fan of makeup and fashion ever since she was a child. While studying for her degree in Journalism and Communications, Clare worked part-time on cosmetic counters. After graduating she went back and trained as a makeup artist after falling in love with beauty and skincare. She now splits her time between writing about all things makeup and running her own womenswear brand White Night.

Work or writing background leading to expertise

With over 15 years of experience working in fashion and beauty, Clare is endlessly passionate about finding the best quality products on the market. Having done makeup for fashion shoots, TV, weddings and events and having worked with every type of skin and complexion, she now combines her writing skills with her passion for beauty, skincare, clothing and jewelry. Whether it is researching cosmetic ingredients and testing out beauty products or checking the seams and fabrics used in clothing she always ensures that whatever she covers is of the highest standard.

Education

Clare has a B.A. in Journalism and Communications, following which she obtained her diploma in Makeup Artistry from the LA Academy of Creative Arts. After working for years as a makeup artist, she went back to complete her studies in fashion design.

Work history

Clare began her career working in fashion magazines doing everything from stylist assistant to trend analysis. After pivoting to working as a makeup artist she continued to write about beauty and style trends for various publications. She has written for Byrdie, Instyle, mindbodygreen, the Reader’s Digest and many more.

Best Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin

The Best Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin

The number one top tip from makeup artists when it comes to beauty is not actually to do with applying makeup but to do with removing it. Every makeup artist and dermatologist will tell you—the best skincare tip is to always cleanse your face at night and to never sleep with your makeup on. If […]

The Best Long-Lasting Lipsticks

Lipstick is definitely considered a desert island beauty product, with many of us often repurchasing our favorite shades repeatedly over the years. Nowadays lipsticks are not only created to deliver color but also to protect against environmental stressors, hydrate lips and mostly importantly last longer. After speaking with makeup artists and beauty industry experts—we tested […]

The Best Eyeliners for Waterline

You may have found your dream eyeliner for your top lid, only to discover when you go to use it along your waterline, it can turn into a smudged mess. If you are serious about creating a clean and defined eyeliner aesthetic, it is best to invest in a product designed especially for underneath the […]

The Best Foundations for Mature Skin

As we age, it is common to find our favorite foundation may no longer be working for our current skin type. Luckily, there is no better time than now to be in the market for a foundation for mature skin. Beauty brands have developed an array of silky smooth liquid bases that improve the appearance […]

The Best Cream Eyeshadows

Creating an elevated eye look in seconds sounds impossible, but cream eyeshadows do exactly that. With just one swipe of a shimmering warm gold shade across your lids you will add brightness to your eyes that will last all day. There is no need to worry about multiple brushes or five different colors when working […]

The Best Contour Brushes

You may have found the perfect contour product for your skin tone but without the right brush to apply it with—you will struggle to achieve a smooth and sculpted base. Until you find a contour brush that enables you to achieve precise placement and blendability—your liquid, cream or powder contour is going to be pretty […]

The Best Night Creams to Try Now

Finding the best night cream for your skin has long been regarded as one of the most important steps in keeping your complexion plump, radiant and healthy. Night creams tend to be heavier than day creams, as they contain vital ingredients such as peptides and antioxidants, which provide essential restorative properties that prevent the signs […]

The Best Drugstore Primers, According to a Makeup Artist

Whenever you see a smooth-looking foundation, whether it be on the red carpet or on social media, chances are a layer of primer has been applied underneath. This is an essential step in creating the perfect canvas for your makeup. Not only does it improve the overall appearance of your skin, but it will also […]

The Best Eyeliners for Older Women

Eyeliner is one of those beauty bag staples that can be a makeup savior. A carefully applied line can subtly enhance your eye shape and make your eye color pop. But finding the best eyeliner — especially if you’re an older woman — is no easy feat. The skin around the eye area is the […]

The Absolute Best Bronzers for Fair Skin

Bronzers can get a bad rep, and finding the best bronzer on the market isn’t easy. After all, they’re often blamed for being the cause of makeup mishaps and orange faces — but if you choose correctly and apply the product properly, bronzers are a beauty savior that can turn your dull skin into a […]

15 Best Drugstore Retinol Creams for Smooth Skin

Retinol is everywhere. Even though it was first discovered in 1909 and has long been available for medical purposes, this vitamin A derivative has become the must-have skincare ingredient for anyone looking to improve signs of aging, plump up their skin and achieve an overall healthier-looking complexion. After being used as an acne treatment in […]

12 Best Drugstore Setting Powders to Keep Skin Fresh

No makeup look is complete without a light dusting of setting powder to lock in your foundation and leave your face appearing fresh all day long. Not only does setting powder extend the wear of your makeup, it also prevents shine and adds a blurring effect to your skin. Everyone can benefit from adding this […]

The Best Black Eyeliners to Elevate Your Makeup Bag

Fact: We all need a good, reliable black eyeliner in our makeup bag. These pencils and liquids have the ability to instantly elevate your appearance and make you look put together in seconds. Whether you prefer a clean line on your lid or a blended out smokey look, ensuring you have the best black eyeliner […]

The 20 Best Nude Lipsticks in 2024

Fact: Nude lipstick is an absolute must-have in any makeup collection. The most flattering of all makeup trends, it never goes out of fashion due to how universally good it looks on every shopper. This is why when you find your perfect shade and finish, you will most likely stick to it for life. Taking […]

15 Best Setting Sprays to Keep Makeup Flawless

If you have ever wondered how singers like Beyoncé keep their makeup looking fresh and matte all while performing high-impact dance routines for hours on end, you may be surprised to hear that all it takes to achieve this kind of makeup longevity is a two-second spritz of a setting spray. Unlike other celebrity beauty […]

The Best Brown Eyeliners for a Natural Makeup Look

Brown eyeliner is finally stepping out of the shadow of the more popular black pencils. This surge in recognition is due to beauty lovers everywhere discovering just how complementary brown eyeliners can be to your skin tone and how perfectly they work for a natural, healthy makeup look. The versatility is endless, and similar to […]

The 15 Best Matte Eyeshadow Palettes to Sculpt and Slay

After rising in popularity over the last few years, matte eyeshadows have proven they are here to stay. Unlike shadows in the past, the matte options available now are creamy, velvety and easy to blend. Forget chalky formulas, modern mattes have been created to add definition and sculpt your eye shape perfectly. There is no […]

15 Best Korean Moisturizers for Smooth, Hydrated Skin

The popularity of Korean beauty brands has been gathering momentum over the last few years with everyone from makeup artists, beauty bloggers and celebrities singing their praises. While most of the brands were unheard of up until recently in the Western world, they have been creating some of the best face creams on the market […]

14 Best Drugstore Eye Creams to Boost Your Routine

Dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles are just a few of the issues that many of us have around the eye area. Sometimes, when your eyes look tired, there is no amount of makeup that can improve their appearance — which is why getting to the root of the problem and finding a product […]

The 15 Best Powder Foundations to Create a Flawless Base

If you are looking to create a flawless base in seconds that will stay put no matter what the day throws at you, it’s time to invest in a powder foundation. Simple to apply and incredible at controlling shine, they offer customizable coverage which works for every makeup look. With many options now infused with […]

The Best Eyeshadow Palettes

Everyone is in agreement that good eye makeup makes a world of difference to your overall appearance. Think about it like this: After applying a perfectly blended smokey eye, most people not only look, but feel, like a different person. That’s the transformative power makeup can have. Eyeshadow palettes are the ideal solution to keep […]

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