Hot-Towel Makeup Removal Treatment with Nicki Leddreman
We’re always inspired to learn how people create their own In Fiore rituals, and we love hearing from film and TV makeup artists on how they use In Fiore to prep actors for their close-ups. We thought we’d share a few of our favorite of these rituals in a new series: On Set with In Fiore. Award-winning makeup artist Nicki Ledermann, renowned for her work on shows like Sex and the City, Boardwalk Empire, and The Knick, and movies including The Only Living Boy in New York and The Greatest Showman, as well as Martin Scorsese’s upcoming The Irishman, has been using In Fiore for years on all of her actors.
“In Fiore is by far my favorite skincare line to use on film sets as well as in my personal life. On set, I like to massage Calendula Oil and Fleur Vibrante into actors’ skin prior to their makeup applications. It adds a dose of hydration and preps the skin. My male actors look forward to seeing me when it’s time to remove their makeup because I cleanse with Treate and Lustra, followed by a hot towel, then I apply Calendula oil or Calme and finish with a spritz of Vitale.”
Currently on the set of Martin Scorsese’s unnamed prequel to The Joker, Nicki shared a bit of behind-the-scenes intel: “In the makeup trailer, we call Calendula oil the Truth Serum, because every time we massage it into the skin, the delicious aroma makes the actors—especially the male ones—talk, telling us their secrets. They’re always perplexed when they realize they opened up just a little too much!”
Nicki’s Hot-Towel Makeup Removal Treatment
1. To dissolve heavy makeup, begin with the 4-2-4 Method. Apply a few pumps of Lustra to the skin, massaging the face, neck, and décolleté for four minutes. This allows the oil to penetrate deep into the pores and draw pollutants to the surface of the skin while stimulating circulation and encouraging healthy flow of lymph (which aids with natural detoxification processes; a must when dealing with heavy makeup). Next, emulsify the oil by adding a layer of Treate and massaging it over Lustra for two minutes.
2. The standard next step of the 4-2-4 would be four minutes of alternating hot and cold-water splashes, but heavy makeup calls for the big guns. Drape a hot towel over your face and press gently for 15 seconds. Slowly wipe the emulsified cleanser from your skin, rinsing the towel frequently. Skin will feel plump and clean yet well moisturized.
3. Massage a nourishing oil into your face, neck, and décolleté to create a smooth, dewy foundation for foundation. Nicki prefers Calendula, Calme, and Fleur Vibrante, all which contain skin-healing properties. We suggest Calme if your skin feels particularly vulnerable.
4. Apply a spritz of Vitale to seal in the moisturizing benefits of your oil. Vitale is also often used to “set” the final application of makeup and to refresh the makeup in-between shoots.
