Finnish-born, Riku is an international skincare expert, makeup artist, and beauty director but has worked as a makeup artist since 1988 and has lived in the United States since 2003.
His work has been featured in major fashion and beauty magazines and ad campaigns for L’Oreal, Neiman Marcus, Saks, Smashbox, Guess, and others, and he has worked with some of Hollywood’s most renowned actresses.
Riku is passionate about showing the beauty of many different women by highlighting their own personal style. Instead of following strict rules, he believes in using makeup to bring out joy and confidence.
Right, so that's his official bio out of the way and setting the scene for what we reallly want to discuss, Riku's brand new book about creating amazing day and night make up looks for women over forty.
Riku's PR got him a spread in the Daily Mail, which is where I came across his book before I rushed off to Amazon to purchase (yes, I bought it myself as per our self-imposed guidelines that we don't accept freebies). In recent years I'm pretty sure that this is the only make up book written for us and I wanted a copy.
It didn't disappoint.
First, Riku doesn't recommend any brands, which I love. I can't bear it when make up artists (MUA's, is what we call them in the world of beauty) only recommend the products that they are gifted by brands, particularly as if you are a very highly sought after MUA (like Riku) those brands are going to be Chanel, Dior et al which don't suit everyone's budget.
Second, he covers all skin types and all ages over forty years old - something for all of us.
Third, most looks don't need more than six products, which is perfect for those of us who want to look pretty good but don't want to spend hours in front of the mirror.
In short, it's a winner.
Riku was kind enough to give me a video tutorial on how to do my own make up (watch HERE) but the key findings are as follows:
The looks are perfect for those of us over forty and he totally made me re-evaluate how I do my make up. The result, I think, is fantastic.
I would absolutely recommend the book if you feel stuck in a rut with your look, or feel that it's no longer working for you and at £20.00 see if you can't get someone to buy you one for Christmas, it's a lot more fun than oven gloves.
Riku Campo "I Am Beauty"
£21.40 (at time of writing)
Purchase on Amazon HERE
My podcast with Riku is HERE
Comments will be approved before showing up.
