As a professional makeup artist, I’m always looking for ways to stay ahead of the latest beauty trends, refine my skills, and immerse myself in the artistry that makes this industry so magical. So when I received an exclusive invite from L’Oréal Paris PR to attend a Masterclass with the legendary Val Garland in central London, I knew I was in for something truly special.

For those who may not know, Val Garland is an icon in the makeup world—a true artist who has shaped the beauty industry for decades. Her bold, innovative approach has made her a favourite among celebrities, top fashion houses, and editorial shoots. Attending her masterclass was an opportunity I simply couldn’t miss.

The Atmosphere – A Room Filled with Excitement

The moment I arrived at the event, I could feel the buzz in the air. The venue was packed with makeup artists, beauty influencers, and industry professionals, all eager to watch the master herself in action. While waiting for Val to take the stage, we were greeted with generous goody bags, which already made the day feel extra special. The organisers had also thoughtfully arranged a lovely spread of tea, coffee, and vegan cakes—a delightful touch that added to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Val Garland Takes the Stage – The Art of Cream Products

As soon as Val Garland stepped onto the stage, the energy in the room shifted. Watching a legend at work is always inspiring, but experiencing her artistry in real time was a whole new level of mesmerising. She worked on two models—one with light skin and one with dark skin—creating two flawless, trend-forward makeup looks.

One of the biggest takeaways from the masterclass was the emphasis on cream products, which are set to dominate the beauty scene in 2025. Val showcased the versatility of L’Oréal Paris’ latest cream-based formulas, demonstrating how they enhance the skin’s natural glow while providing long-lasting wear.

She used the newly released L’Oréal Paris long lasting cream eye shadow sticks to create stunning eye looks. These highly pigmented, smudge-proof products blended effortlessly, proving why cream textures are the future of beauty. She then moved on to cream blushes, explaining how they melt into the skin beautifully for a natural flush. The result? A radiant, skin-like finish that looked effortlessly chic.

The K-Beauty Influence – Glass Skin for 2025

Another major focus of the session was the ever-popular K-beauty “glass skin” trend, which is making waves in the Western beauty industry. Val demonstrated how to achieve that ultra-hydrated, luminous effect using L’Oréal Paris’ newest skin-enhancing products. The glow she created on her models was nothing short of breathtaking—dewy, youthful, and effortlessly fresh.

The Perks – Goodie Bags and Personalised Product Picks

As if watching Val Garland in action wasn’t enough, attendees were treated to some incredible perks. The goodie bag itself was packed with fantastic L’Oréal Paris products, but the real highlight was the exclusive opportunity to handpick some of our personal favourites.

Being a fan of L’Oréal’s True Match range, I made sure to stock up on their True Match Nude Foundations and True Match Concealers, both of which I swear by for a flawless, skin-like finish. I also grabbed their Revitalift Day Cream with Hyaluronic Acid, a game-changer for hydrated, plump skin. Of course, I couldn’t leave without a few of their long-lasting lipsticks and my go-to L’Oréal eye pencils—staples in my kit.

Final Thoughts – A Day to Remember

Attending this L’Oréal Paris Masterclass was an unforgettable experience. Seeing Val Garland bring her creative vision to life, learning about 2025’s biggest makeup trends, and getting my hands on some of the best L’Oréal products made it a truly enriching day.

For any makeup artist, events like these are more than just learning experiences—they’re moments that reignite passion, fuel creativity, and remind us why we fell in love with this industry in the first place.

I walked away not just with incredible products but with new techniques, fresh inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the art of makeup.