Archive for the ‘Makeup Application’ Category

Rock out in red lips this festive season!

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Perfect red lipstick

“My favorite look of the season is a red lip paired with a nude face, as seen on the runway in the Yves Saint Laurent and House of Holland shows. To get the look, team groomed brows with a wash of light-brown matte eyeshadow and a slick of black mascara. Add a touch of beige to the cheekbones, and to create a bold lip, paint on a rich creamy red lipstick.”

Crimson lips scream Christmas!

To achieve perfect red smackers:

1). Start by exfoliating your lips to remove any dry, flaky skin.

Makeup artist tip: Want a quick and easy exfoliation technique? Rub a dry, soft-bristled baby’s toothbrush over your lips.

2). To hydrate your lips, apply a good lip balm (I love The Lip Balm by Crème De La Mer and the Carmex range).

Makeup artist tip: Ensure you tissue off any excess lip balm before you apply your lipliner. If you don’t, your lipliner is likely to smear everywhere! (more…)

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Photoshoot Preview: Exotic Beauty

Sunday, September 27th, 2009

Before makeup

Before makeup.

 

Want to recreate this look?

Step-by-step instructions and video tutorial coming soon.

Watch this space!

 

 

After makeup

After makeup.

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The secret to applying liquid eyeliner

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

Winged liquid eyeliner

Is applying liquid eyeliner the bane of your beauty routine? Not anymore!

I am launching my “How to apply liquid eyeliner” tutorial very soon.

Want a pre-launch preview? Check out the photos below.

 

Powder eyeliner

Draw a line with powder first.

Liquid eyeliner

Then paint over the powder line with liquid.

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How to Apply Concealer

Friday, July 24th, 2009

… the master of disguise!

How to apply concealer

We’ve all got something to hide! Whether you are troubled by dark under-eye circles, lines and wrinkles, spots, blemishes, scars, pigmentation, freckles, moles, birthmarks, tattoos, broken capillaries, veins or rosacea (among other conditions), a concealer should be the number one item in your cosmetic arsenal.

Concealers are available in a variety of textures (i.e. cream, liquid or powder) and come packaged in many different ways (i.e. pots, tubes, pencils, palettes and sticks). Most concealers do more than simply camouflage; they also offer users additional benefits. Some are infused with anti-bacterial ingredients to treat spots and blemishes, while others are enriched with antioxidants (i.e. vitamins A and D) to help fight premature aging. Waterproof and silica-rich formulations are popular, long-wearing, shine-free options in humid environments. The best concealer(s) for you will depend on a number of factors, including your skin type, the preferred finish, and the specific area being treated. (more…)

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How to Apply Makeup for Non-professional Photographs

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

(i.e. those being taken with a standard point-and-shoot camera and flash, without any set lighting.)

Do you have a special occasion to attend, or a big night out coming up? Wanna look great in person and on film? It can be done!

Ready! Steady! Shoot!

1. Start by creating a camera-friendly canvas! Exfoliate the face to remove any dry, flaky skin; then, tone and moisturize to create a smooth base for foundation application.

2. Opt for a foundation with no SPF (Sun Protection Factor).

Zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide are common ingredients in foundations that have an SPF rating, and are added to protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Both are white pigments which reflect light and, when combined with the camera flash, can cause the complexion to appear pasty and ghost-like. This doesn’t make for hot shots, unless it’s Halloween! (more…)

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How to Apply Blush

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

… and contour and highlight your cheekbones to supermodel proportions!

The latest from London Fashion Week …

In the recent autumn/winter 09/10 shows, there was a clear message in the makeup: “More is more” and “Everything in excess”! The ’80s are back with a vengeance.  So to be bang on trend, play up your cheek zone!

For the ultimate in chiseled cheekbones, follow these three steps:

1) Contour: shade the underside of the cheekbone.

2) Color: apply blush to the apple of the cheek and on the cheekbone.

3) Highlight: illuminate the area above the cheekbone.

No blush

Without blush the face can look flat and lack dimension.

Not blessed with prominent bone structure? The three-step technique outlined above, which is based on the principles of light and shade, will allow you to define your facial contours and alter your perceived face shape. Basically, light shades are applied to features you want to highlight, maximize or bring forward, and dark shades are applied to those you wish to play down, minimize or push back. These principles not only apply to the cheekbones, they can be used all over the face. For example, if you want to make your eyes pop, create depth by using a dark shadow along the crease of the eyelid; and for a fuller-looking pout, add a lighter shade of lipstick or gloss to the middle of the bottom lip.

Where to start.

After applying foundation, concealer, eye and brow makeup, and loose powder, familiarize yourself with your facial structure. Using your fingertips, press over, under and along your cheekbones to determine the areas you will need to contour, color and highlight. (more…)

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How to Apply Mascara

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

There are a multitude of mascaras on the market today, promising an array of lash-enhancing qualities. Whether you seek extreme length, maximum volume, intense curl, or a combination of these things, there is a smorgasbord of choice. Most mascaras are available in a variety of shades too, and many companies also offer waterproof versions.

As important as the mascara formulation itself, is the wand that it is applied with. Recent advances in technology have given rise to innovative wand designs, with features such as in-built battery-powered vibration, curved brushes, and perfectly slanted and spaced bristles. The latest generation mascaras boast 360° lash-by-lash coverage, and promise to provide users with the ultimate application experience.

For hygiene reasons, mascara is one of the most difficult products to trial properly before purchase. Disposable mascara wands often accompany testers, but if they are not an exact replica of the original brush, many of the benefits of the complete package may go unnoticed. (more…)

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