A celebrity makeup artist just told us the one product that will transform your face.

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When it comes Australian makeup artists, Max May is up there with the best of the best.

The Sydney-based artist has done it all, from creating looks for red carpets and digital campaigns, to high fashion editorials for the likes of Vogue and Harper's BAZAAR, and working with high-profile clients including Trinny Woodall, Mel B, Drew Barrymore, Jodie Gordon, Elle Ferguson, and Bec Judd.

Recently, May sat down with Kelly McCarren on You Beauty to discuss his tricks for flawless makeup, why skin prep is just as important as your makeup, and his favourite ride-or-die products.

But there was one tip in particular that blew our minds… it has to do with the one product every woman should own.

Watch: Max May on You Beauty podcast. Post continues below.

While some people woulddn't leave the house without mascara or concealer, May believes there's another product that is so transformative and vital, it'd be a mistake not to use it in your daily makeup routine.

That product? Blush.

"Blush is for everybody… it fixes so many things! People are quite scared of blush because it can go wrong. But I think our formulations have changed so much, there's a lot of flexibility in it now," he said.

"It de-ages us. It brightens our skin. It brightens our under eyes. It helps contrast against under-eye darkness if you're tired, if you feel very sallow, if you feel a bit pale and you need some colour. It brightens up your eye colour, it volumises your face. It does so many things."

Some of May's STUNNING blush work. Image: Instagram/@maxmade

To apply blush like a makeup artist and get it to last, May said it's all about technique, layering and placement.

On the technique: "Rather than dabbing it straight onto the cheeks, tap the blush cream on the back of your hand, then work it into your brush, then put it onto your face. You'll get a softer, nicer effect."

On layering your blush: "Blush evaporates! I love to layer a cream formula with a powder. I'll put a bright colour down first in a cream, and then I'll dust [a powder blush] over the top to set that cream."

On placement: "I'll just dab a little bit of the brighter cream that I originally laid down on the highest point [of the cheek], or maybe I'll dab it in the centre of the cheek, depending on my blush style. Just to give me that three-dimensional layering effect."

OK great, but which blushes are we using? Here are May's current top three blushes.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, $45.

Image: Sephora

Nudestix Nudies Matte All Over Face Color Blush, $63.

Image: Sephora

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Stick, $79.

Image: Dior

Another vital makeup step most people miss.

Other than blush, May said his flawless finish on professional shoots is all down to the step that most people miss or don't focus on.

"Skincare's a major part of what I do. It changes everything, the way it applies, the way it blends, the way it lasts, the finish."

"When I watch people do their skincare before makeup, and they're using too many products, it's completely unnecessary. Simplicity is the key pre-makeup: exfoliate, apply a serum, moisturiser, or an SPF slash moisturiser, and just keep it really light."

When it comes to primers, Max is selective. "I don't like primers unless it has a pore-refining silicone, which I'll use a lot around the nose and larger pore areas," he explained.

He only applies primer in patches where needed, stating, "I believe in skincare. I believe in good skin prep as the foundation for great makeup application."

A makeup artist's ride-or-die products.

Throughout the You Beauty episode, Kelly was able to uncover the exact products May uses, as well as the 'ride or die' essentials that are non-negotiable in his professional makeup kit.

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $54.

Image: Paula's Choice

One Size Secure The Blur Makeup Magnet Primer, $64.

Image: Sephora

Smashbox x Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector, $72.

Image: Mecca

Tarte shape tape™ concealer, $50.

Image: Tarte Cosmetics

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $120.

Image: Giorgio Armani

Dermalogica Circular Hydration, $108.

Image: David Jones.

Naked Sundays Primer, (SPF) $58.

Image: Mecca

NARS Laguna Bronzing Cream, $72.

Image: Mecca

Make Up For Ever Outlining Pencils, $37.

Image: Sephora.

YSL Lash Clash Mascara in Brown, $70.

Image: YSL

For more tried and tested beauty recommendations, listen to the You Beauty podcast or watch You Beauty on YouTube.

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Feature Image: Instagram @maxmade.