Hollywood makeup artist Gina Brooke shares a facial safe even for sensitive and eczema-prone skin

Revered makeup artist to the stars, Gina Brooke has painted the faces of the likes of Madonna, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Victoria Beckham and Zoë Kravitz. But when asked for her biggest beauty tip, the Los Angeles–based artist offers something unexpected: it’s not about makeup at all.

Best known as the Material Girl’s personal makeup artist for over a decade—and Global Brand Ambassador for Intraceuticals—she was recently in town to spotlight IDS Aesthetics’ O2 Rejuvenate Facial. Her philosophy is refreshingly simple.

“Skin prep is such an underrated step. People focus a lot on makeup, but not enough on why it looks good. It’s not just about the makeup itself—it’s about preparation,” she says. “It’s like painting a wall: you need to prime it first, or it won’t last or look smooth.”

It’s precisely why, she adds, so many famous faces rely on the super-hydrating powers of Intraceuticals oxygen facials.

“When I worked with Kim (Kardashian)—she was pregnant with North and was concerned about getting an oxygen treatment. Kendall wanted one too after seeing the results, and it created a ripple effect. It’s amazing how one treatment can transform how people perceive a brand—and, more importantly, how it makes someone feel about themselves.”

Gina, who has served as Global Brand Ambassador for Intraceuticals since 2010, first discovered the Australian skincare brand while working on beauty campaigns. Models often arrived on set with skin conditions like rosacea, acne and psoriasis—making it challenging not just to perfect the makeup, but also to help them feel confident in their own skin.

“At the time, we were shooting on film—you could see every pore,” she recalls. “It made my job even more difficult.” Determined to find a solution, she consulted a doctor friend, who introduced her to Intraceuticals. 

She was later trained by the brand’s founders and began introducing oxygen facials to her celebrity clients. The facial infuses therapeutic-grade oxygen and concentrated serums deep into the skin using pressurised delivery. Pain-free, it feels like a cool mist on the skin, while low molecular weight hyaluronic acid and antioxidants penetrate deeply to combat the effects of ageing and environmental stressors. Unlike other treatments that come with downtime, you can follow up with makeup immediately—or head straight to an event—earning it a reputation as a red carpet favourite.

Though Gina notes it’s best done 24 hours before a big occasion, she adds: “If you want to see immediate results, do a treatment the day before an event. I also recommend brightening treatments, like those from IDS, and lasers like Aerolase to help with hyperpigmentation.”

Besides being deeply relaxing, the treatment is suitable for all skin types—including those with eczema and psoriasis, as well as post-procedure skin following Botox, lasers, peels and microneedling. According to Gina, an Intraceuticals oxygen facial also supports skin recovery and “prolongs the results of procedures like Botox because you’re delivering oxygen into the skin.”

She adds, “It’s almost a ‘one-and-done’ treatment that does everything, without needing to worry about injectables. Oxygen is antibacterial—it helps reduce acne-causing bacteria and supports collagen production.”

While the oxygen facial delivers immediate, red-carpet-ready results, Gina stresses that lasting skin health comes from everyday care and smart habits. From hydration and exfoliation to understanding how humidity affects the skin, she shares practical tips that complement professional treatments, keeping skin radiant and resilient every day.

On caring for your skin in a humid environment
“A lot of people think that because they live in a humid environment, their skin is already hydrated—but humidity can actually draw moisture out of the skin, so you need to replenish it. This applies even to people with oily skin.

It’s important to use the right products. In humid environments, people often over-cleanse or use overly aggressive products—like strong retinoids—which can dry out the skin. This sends signals to the skin to overcompensate, producing more oil. Just because you’re in a humid environment doesn’t mean you have oily skin.”

On a must-do skincare step
“Exfoliation is very important. If the skin isn’t properly exfoliated, it’s like working on a canvas that hasn’t been dusted—you can’t paint on a surface that isn’t smooth. Right now, I’m using a retinol with a booster system. Many retinols target the root of the problem but can be drying, whereas this uses a multi-phase delivery system that works even for sensitive skin.”

On her skin philosophy
“I’m very much about prevention—getting about 15 minutes of sun exposure daily for vitamin D, while still using sun protection like a zinc-based SPF, such as IDS S3 Sunscreen. Supplements like Lycro White Ultra can also support the skin.”

On taking a holistic approach to skincare
“Beauty shouldn’t be overly complicated. I believe in a more holistic approach—some of the most effective technologies come from nature, like oxygen.

Taking care of yourself is important—decompress, exercise to boost serotonin, and consider treatments like steam or red light therapy.

Lymphatic drainage, including techniques like cupping, can help reduce puffiness and contour the face. We live in environments with a lot of external stressors, so it’s important to support detoxification—not just for the face, but the body.

I’m also a big proponent of gua sha—always working in upward and outward motions. I work with many Japanese brands that emphasise lifting techniques—never dragging the skin down. I also focus on the platysma muscle.

Simple habits matter too—like splashing your face with ice water in the morning. It can help reduce puffiness and refresh the skin.”

On finding a makeup style that suits you
“There are no strict rules when it comes to makeup. Everyone should approach beauty as an individual. Some people enjoy wearing more makeup, while others prefer less. It’s about recognising the features you love and enhancing them.”

On a pre-makeup hack
“I love face masks and eye masks. I keep brightening eye masks in the refrigerator—they’re especially helpful for morning puffiness. Puffiness can be influenced by diet and even sleep position. While doing my brows and makeup, I leave them on to brighten and refresh the under-eye area.”

On trends we can look forward to
“I’m not really a fan of trends—I think they’re often driven by product cycles. That said, there’s a shift towards simplicity. Many people don’t have the time for complicated routines, so streamlined beauty is becoming more relevant.

There’s also a continued focus on healthy, glowing skin—with minimal makeup and a thoughtful use of colour. A simple look with one focal point—like the lips or eyes—paired with great skin can be very effective.”

On giving your skin time to rest
“I believe it’s important to let your skin breathe at night. While many brands promote intensive night repair routines, sometimes allowing your skin to rest can be beneficial. In the morning, instead of over-cleansing, I prefer a simple rinse with water followed by hydration.

It’s important not to overload the skin with too many products, as that can overwhelm it. Giving your skin a break allows it to respond better over time.”

On makeup mistakes she’s seen
“When it comes to foundation, one common mistake is choosing a shade that doesn’t match your skin tone. It’s important to find a balance that enhances your natural complexion rather than masking it. Blending properly—especially around the hairline and neck—is key to achieving a seamless look.

Often, one single foundation shade isn’t enough—mixing shades can create a more natural result. Undertones also matter: for example, yellow-based foundations can help neutralise redness, while overly pink-toned bases may emphasise it.”