WHEN New ­Zealand's Lorde appears on stage at Glasgow Green in the Radio 1 Big Weekend tomorrow, it will be one of the first times fans on these shores have had a chance to see her in the flesh.

The singer's meteoric rise to stardom in the past 12 months has seen her pick up two Grammys and a Brit Award with debut single Royals topping the charts across Europe and Northern America.

The teenager has also ­collaborated with MAC to produce a limited edition make-up ­collection, featuring her trademark deep plum lipstick and black eyeliner.

That isn't her only link with the cult brand.

Lorde works closely with MAC make-up artist Amber Dreadon, a fellow Kiwi, who is currently on tour with her around the world doing her make-up for shoots and live appearances.

Ahead of the Glasgow Green gig this weekend, Amber reveals some of the secrets to Lorde's look.

"It changes slightly most days on the tour but the focus is always on maintaining a fresh, youthful glow that doesn't look too heavy," she says.

"For shows we tend to always go for a deep lip, usually it is a deep plum or purple but every now and then we go red.

"MAC Retro Matte lipsticks and the new Amplified shade Pure Heroine are must-haves for performing as they stay on the whole show."

Creating Lorde's look is carefully set out with the singer, according to Amber, who has worked backstage on the international catwalks.

She enjoys collaborating with Lorde because the singer is always keen to try out new ideas.

"I think what I have been able to bring to her look so far is a fresh glowing base which I think is always the best way to begin a make-up look. If you have a good foundation to build on then everything else is easy."

It is vitally important to find out as much as possible about a client before working with them to understand what they have worn before, says Amber.

"It's important to understand what they are comfortable with and to work from there.

"Both being from New Zealand gives us a common understanding of the NZ style - everyone wears lots of black."

Lorde's full brows need very little work, just a touch up with a MAC Brow Set.

For the rest of the face, Amber uses a fairly sheer base and adds cream blush and highlights in peachy pink shades so that Lorde's fair skin tone looks healthy but not overdone.

"We almost always use MAC So Sweet So Easy Crèmeblend Blush as it provides the lightest kiss of colour to the cheeks."

For eyes, Amber uses a lot of neutral beige and gold shades over the lids and a pop in the corner of the eyes to emphasise Lorde's wide-set eyes.

"I always have MAC Groundwork Pro Longwear Paint Pot and All that Glitters Eye Shadow close by - they are the fail-safe eyeshades for everyday.

"And of course the MAC Penultimate Eyeliner for a thin line along the upper lash line, the best trick for making eyelashes appear longer.

"Lorde always looks amazing in a statement lip so I keep shades like MAC Heroine, Ruby Woo, Cyber and Smoked Purple close by as well."

If you want to recreate Lorde's look, Amber says to make sure your primers and foundation match your skin shade and skin type to keep skin looking fresh.

"The addition of a bold lip is also a way to keep looking modern, either by wearing a bold matte shade or giving those shades a try by using the lipstick as a stain - pressed on with the fingertips.

"Pure Heroine is the perfect shade to try both techniques."

Follow Amber D on Twitter @MAC_Amber_D

angela.mcmanus@eveningtimes.co.uk