Make-Up Tips & Beauty Advice

KAREN AGUIAR asked:

Mix and match lip colors

You can create your unique color combinations by mixing lipstick colors on your lips to define your mouth, add color to your face and manage your overall look. That way you can customize your lip color to create the effect you want and to match different clothes.

So, with so many options there is no need to restrict yourself to wearing the same lipstick colors all the time. Your lip colors can range from natural looking pinks and beiges, to oranges, to dramatic and elegant reds. And, as a finishing touch, your lipstick should go well with blusher.

Pigment is the leader

The main ingredient in lipstick is pigment, which gives the color. Pigment involves oils to moisturize your lips and wax to keep its shape. The ratios of these ingredients may vary but the more pigment it has, the more it dries your lips. Lipstick is available in stick, cream and frosted formulas, and in a wide range of colors. Some lipsticks offer high solid coverage, while others are sheer and natural. And quality does not depend on price, you can find good quality lipstick at cheap prices.

Choose lipstick colors

While selecting a lipstick you need to consider the clothing that you are wearing. Your lipstick color should complement your outfit, not clash with it.

The occasion and dress style (casual or formal) are also important factors. If its a casual wear natural colors would be more appropriate while deeper colors such as dark reds would suit for a party or formal events.

After you have decided on a color, try it on your lips and test the color in natural light. Here are listed the different types of lipsticks.

Sheer

Looks naturally, wet and shiny, and it is not long lasting since it contains little pigment. Includes lip glosses (stains and tints), and offer little coverage. If you color in the lips with a light color pencil first your lipstick will last longer.

Shimmer

Metallic shimmers contain small pieces of mica to reflect the light but this quality looks more subtle after applied to the lips. Shimmers draw attention to the lips and can make them appear fuller.

Cream

Moisturizing lipstick containing oils and conditioners (like a lip balm), that makes them lighter and smoother than heavy mattes. Cream lipsticks are available in long lasting formulas.

Matte

Longest lasting formula containing the most pigment (which can dry your lips) provides deep opaque colors. Lighter mattes are known as semi matte. With a matte or semi-matte lip color you can create a warm, natural effect and they can also make the lips look thinner.

Long-lasting

This deep, creamy, time-release (semi-permanent) formula uses the heat from your lips to stimulate continuous release of color that does not fade and can last up to eight hours.

Nisar Ali asked:

If you have tried visiting your local pharmacy to purchase make-up, you must have discovered must have figured out how mind boggling it can be to decide. Instead of just visiting the pharmacy and buying items that you will dislike later, you could first think about the look you desire and then get the appropriate items for that look. Armed with this list your trip to a beauty counter will be more successful and generally lesscumbersome. Since you aren’t annoyed you are more likely to get all the products you require and in the appropriate shades.

Lip liner is your very own artist’s wand. It is very helpful to give you a poised look and prevent the lipstick from bleeding outside your lips. With appropriate usage you can experiment with any number of looks and rectify any characteristics about your mouth you don’t care for. Never purchase a lip liner alone always purchase it with the lipstick. The lip liner should only be one shade darker than your lipstick.

Although outlining the lips is what you normally envision, the another application is fill in the surface of the lips withliner before putting on lipstick or gloss. Theliner will function as a base coat and elongate the life of your lip stick application. As the lip stick fades away you will have a reliable liner carrying you through until you get an opportunity to freshen up. To Keep your lips smooth you can put on a lip balm containing Vitamin E and amino acids as the first coat before putting on the lip liner. No amount of cosmetic products can make-up for smooth lips. They willprovide thebest canvas for any lip color.

You can either use the lip liner first or the lipstick. Give both ways a shot. Many ladies say they cannot follow the natural shape of theirmouth after lipstick is filled in some others find it more convenient to do. Actually that order does not create a variance there aresome hintsL tips you want to follow. When youuse the lipliner to create the outline always start at the centre of your mouth so theV of the upper lips and then the lowest point of the bottom lips finish at the corners of your mouth. You can then extend these lines to draw the entire contour of your lips.

A lip liner make miracles happen for you; if you are aware of how to use it, it will make smaller lips look bigger, bigger lips look smaller, and irregularly shaped lips look distinct; it is also effective to balance the shape of the lips and the color as well. Never work on the entire area at one go start with one section of the mouth make the corrections and then move on to the next area till the complete mouth is done.

If you want to make corrections remember what kind of lip stick you will be using. you can also make your lips look thicker or thinner depending on the type of shade that you use, a matte lipstick will make your lips look thinner while a wet look lipstick will make them appear thicker. Try not to make the tacky mistake of putting on a dark liner with a light gloss or lipstick.

Susan Christy asked:

Use of the proper applicators is most essential as far as make-up is

concerned. This section gives a clear insight of the same.

Brushes. These constitute the most important section of your

make-up kit

(a) Face powder brush : This is the largest brush as it covers the

largest brush as it covers the largest area and is not

restricted to defining shape.

(b) Blusher brush : This is used to apply blush powder to the

cheekbones

(c) Contour brush : This is used to apply contour powder

underneath the heekbones.

(d) Eyebrow brush : This is used to apply shape and colour to the

eyebrows.

(e) Eyeliner brush : This is used to apply liquid eyeliner or blend

powder eyeliner along the rim of the eye.

(f) Eyeshadow brush : This is used to apply and blend powder eye

shadow.

(g) Lip brush: This is used to apply lipstick.

Powder Puff: This is used to apply loose face powder.

Sponge-Tipped Applicator: This is used to apply and blend

loose and powder eye-shadow. Make-up sponges: This is used to blend foundation on the skin. Cotton Buds: These are very useful for removing traces of

make-up in awkward areas. Tissues: These are used to press lips after application of

lipstick and to pat over face to remove excess moisture. Eyebrow Tweezers: These are used to tidy-up eyebrows. Section Clips: These are used to keep hair away from the face.

Barbara Harrington asked:

EyeBrows: Creating the Frame of the Eye

The key purpose for eyebrows is to prevent moisture (such as perspiration or rain) from going into the eye. The shape of the eyebrow and the direction which the eyebrow hairs point make sure that this moisture flows sideways around the eye to help protect the eye. Plus, the protruding brow ridge and the eyebrows also help shade the eyes from sunlight.

Eyebrows create a frame for the eye. Our eyebrows are linked to our expressions in amazement, surprise or anger.

So….It is important to discover what the best shape for your eyebrows is without sacrificing their natural appearance.

To create the best shape, and have maximum control, tweezing is best. However, that is not say you can’t have your eyebrows waxed, but you lose on the control aspect.

Eyebrows – Basics 101

The beginning of the brow should align with the center of the nostril.

The arch of the brow should fall at the back third of the eye.

The eyebrow should follow the length of the eye but it shouldn’t extend into the temple area. The basic rule is that the front part of the brow should never drop below the back part of the brow.

Tips To Thicken Thin Eyebrows:

Eyebrow should begin parallel to inner corner of eye and end just beyond eye.

Eyebrow is fullest at Nose Bridge, gently arches and softly tapers at the end.

Start at the bridge of the nose with EyeBrow; apply color over entire eyebrow area in short hair-like strokes.

Tips for Full Eyebrows::

The beginning of the eyebrow should be in line with inner corner of the eye and end just beyond eye.

Use a feather-touch stroke with brow color to fill in any areas with sparse hair.

Blend with eyebrow brush.

Brow Tips: To Tweeze or Not to Tweeze…That is the question

Most of us need to tweeze (at least a little bit), to allow the brow to suggest a more finished look to the face. Besides the general rule of using a very good tweezer, it’s a good idea to go to a reputable eyebrow professional at least once. It’s worth the $12.00 to $15.00 to have her decide what’s right for your face and establish the line for you. You can take over from there.

The reason for going to a professional is so that you know which hairs you need to tweeze, and which ones to leave alone. Knowing which ones to tweeze really makes all the all the difference in an attractive brow vs. one that isn’t.

If you don’t do this professionally, try different shapes over your brow first to get the right one for you first. And follow the stenciled shape the best you can.

To help you really see what you are doing, use a good magnifying mirror (at least with 5x magnification).

Go Slow – Check your work.

Your brow should align with the center of the nostril.

Eyebrows should follow the length of the eye, and not extend into the temple area.

Avoid over tweezing!

Don’t tweeze a thin line thinking it will make your eyes look larger…because it won’t and it wall be not easy to correct.

To make it less painful, tweeze immediately after showering.

By the way, don’t tweeze too often. Once or twice a week should suffice, as the idea is to control the new growth so the brows don’t lose their shape too quickly.

And Ladies…Please never, Never, NEVER shave or EVER bring a razor near the delicate eye area! Shaving eyebrows can cause skin discolorations and your brows never grow back the same.

Barbara Harrington asked:

Many of my clients ask me, well…how do you create a flawless finish on my face? What we want to do is enhance one’s own beauty in applying makeup, but to do this…it begins with having good skin. You see, your skin is like a canvas. And the first place to start is with is foundation, the building blocks to a beautiful face.

I know, I know…Foundation….Yeah, Right?!

Many women skip this step altogether or simply use the wrong shade or type of foundation. But what we’re all forgetting here; to get that clean, fresh start…we need to start with a great canvas to support our master piece.

Ok…I think you are getting the picture.

Here are some of my best tips for enhancing your own beauty personality Style in creating your best face forward. And it’s not as hard as you think.

One of the biggest questions I get from my clients is this: Do I Really Need Foundation???

And …let’s say you have great skin….I’d say. You are one lucky person. Then…all you need is first to apply a good moisturizer (SeneGence SeneDerm) Day Time Moisturizer, which has been tested to be an SPF equivalent of 15). Next, you need is a little concealer and blush. Now…if you are bit red, or pale, has uneven tone, large pores, or acne, etc., then you need to cover your skin with foundation (perhaps mix the moisturizer with the foundation to a tinted moisturizer really) to create that flawless finish.

How does that sound?

Most of the complaints I hear….it is so hard in choosing the right shade of foundation. What is interesting with the SeneGence’s MakeSense Foundation is that it does a color correction within your family of colors. But again….to really do your face justice and choose the right color for you, what I need to know to help you is …your color tone – warm or cool and to pin point the tone of foundation, what you skin looks like…is it pale, medium or darker shades. Then, the idea is to really blend with your own coloring, because it is very hard to exactly match. What I do next is choose three colors and see which one basically disappears into the jar line area…so that I can see if it is appropriate for you neckline as well. What you don’t want is a demarcation between you neck and you face. The next step is to see how it looks on your skin. Please know that I have many clients I have never met, and what I do is ask a series of questions, a talk about color so that I can choose the best color for you.

Make Sense?

Most women don’t think about this, but a wonderful aspect about wearing foundation, is its ability to fight the elements like sun, wind and cold, harsh winter air. Even a foundation, even without the SPF still provides a good barrier, especially against sun damage. With SeneGence’s Foundation, it does have an SPF equivalent of 15 and couple that with the moisturizer, and it has been rated as an SPF equivalent of 30 by independent laboratory testing Then truly, you will never regret saving your skin. It’s all about beautiful skin.

To Blush or Not to Blush…..Now that is great question:

Please know that by only applying foundation or base, you have that look that is flat in my opinion. It is kind of a dead look. To put your best face forward, you really want to create a three-dimensional face— one that provides warmth, and enhances skin and bone structure. In order to give your face that depth….one of the things you need to do is add some blush to highlight the “structures” of your face.

A real common question – can I sleep in this make up? . No….If you are going to sleep for the night, it is best to wash your face. Yes…Mom was right.

Ok….many of us are guilty of sleeping with our make up on. So understand, it really isn’t good for your skin. So..it is essential in having an easy, simple routine. Make sure you have a good cleanser and skin protector steps…since these are essential. And the same for your morning routine.

I know when I sleep in my makeup….my skin doesn’t feel its best and when I sleep with eyeliner or mascara, oh…I know that I didn’t give my eyes or my skin a chance to relax as well.

Senegence’s Anti-Aging Skin Care is great for waking up to refreshed skin. At night, your first remove the color technology with Foops! And then, your wash your face with a 3-in-1 cleaner that cleans, exfoliates, and tones. Next apply an eye crème, SeneGence’s feels so silky and smooth and melts like butter, and finally apply the night cream. It feels so luxurious.

SeneGence’s Skin Care System (Day, Night, Eye Crème, and Cleanser) costs $135 (plus handling/shipping) and my clients all admit it’s worth the investment.

In the morning, you will repeat, with the 3 – in – cleanser, moisturizer with a lighter moisturizer for day, and then apply your makeup steps.

Remember, whatever you do, treat you skin with TLC (tender loving care), because it is never too late improve the canvas you were born with.

Barb’s Basic Foundation Tips

1. Tips in Selecting Foundation

a. Select a foundation that matches your underlying skin tone exactly.

b. Experiment with three shades on your face that you think will work…and see which one disappears.

2. Application Tips

a. Apply Foundation with a brush, a slightly damp sponge or on the tips of your fingers. If you want our foundation to last, don’t use fingers.

b. Start at the top of the face and work in a downward motion.

c. Blend well along the hairline

3. More Tips

a. Foundation application can be heavy or light; Fast application – mix foundation with day time moisturizer

b. More dewy look – use alittle of the night time moisturizer mixed in your foundation as well.

Sharon Bell asked:

How far would you go to stay beautiful? The answer depends on where you live and society’s definition of beauty. Before women “tortured” themselves with plastic surgery, Botox, and other painful cosmetic procedures, they had to endure more barbaric beauty rituals to look good.

“Adhering to the modern American standard of beauty is no small task. It demands time, money, and effort. We, as a culture, subject ourselves to invasive surgical procedures and food deprivation in the name of aesthetics. But bizarre beauty rituals are certainly not new phenomena. Since the beginning of civilization, people have altered their bodies in strange and uncomfortable ways to fit cultural perceptions of beauty. These standards are constantly evolving and regressing based on the culture that sets them,” said Cecilia Estriech in VersusMag.Org.

Cosmetics were first used by the Egyptians in 4,000 B.C. although history shows that the ancient Greeks and Romans were also concerned about their appearance. A pale appearance was prized in those days and mercury, lead, and chalk were worn to achieve this effect.

This trend continued until the Middle Ages among European women where paleness was associated with wealth. Having a tan in those days meant you were a laborer who worked in the fields so the rich used make-up to emphasize their paleness and affluence. Sixth-century women achieved this effect by bleeding themselves using leeches or by cupping (drawing blood by heating air in a glass cup). However, those who used cosmetics were no better since this caused deformities, blindness, and even death.

“From the 1400s onwards whitening the face was one of the most common cosmetic practices. This was still popular in the 1800s. A mixture composed of carbonate, hydroxide, and lead oxide was commonly used. This could lead to muscle paralysis or death when used repeatedly,” according to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

“During the Italian Renaissance, women wore lead paint on their faces. The damage inflicted by the lead was unintentional – but arsenic face powder wasn’t. Aqua Toffana, named for creator Signora Toffana, was a face powder designed for women from rich families. The container directed women to visit the signora for proper usage instructions. During the visit, women would be instructed never to ingest the makeup, but to apply it to their cheeks when their husbands were around. Six hundred dead husbands (and many wealthy widows) later, Toffana was executed,” added Autumn Madrano in “A Colorful History.”

In New Zealand, men of the Maori tribe would make themselves handsome by decorating their faces, thighs, and buttocks with intricate tribal patterns. The tattoos were carved into the skin with a chisel and the wounds were filled with ink. This painful procedure caused extreme swelling.

Today, women continue to pursue unrealistic beauty standards, sometimes mangling and maiming themselves in the name of vanity. They continue to equate perfect looks with a perfect life. But this is an illusion at best that only leads to unhappiness, confusion, and insecurity.

Being beautiful inside and out need not be expensive nor do you have to torture yourself in the process. All it takes is to believe in yourself, accept your limitations, and live life to the fullest. And if you need help with wrinkles, try the Rejuvinol AM/PM Botox Alternative Age-Defying System. It’s the only system that combines the nourishing effects of the Rejuvinol morning moisturizer and the muscle-relaxing Rejuvox night cream. Check out http://www.rejuvinol.com for details.

Roberto Sedycias asked:

The world today is moving like a fast and furious car race and so are we! In order to match our pace with the world, sometimes we become completely negligent of our own well-being. However, the world today requires much more than talent and the looks of a person plays a significant role in his/her success story. The bitter truth though remains, that every person has not been bestowed with the gift of beauty. Still, it is a proud fact that, today science has developed to such an extent that application of proper face makeup can actually make a huge difference to your face.

The face makeup can be applied in various different ways to suit your requirements. There are separate ways for enhancing, concealing or simply shading certain features of the face. Face makeup plays a magical role in transforming the looks of a person. It is nothing but magic when you see a dreary and dull looking person, change into a dramatic and lively one. Every person however, does not apply face makeup for a look change; some even apply it just to enhance the natural beauty of their faces.

There are several products used for face makeup and each one has its own significance. Foundation, for instance is nothing but a moisturizer, to which a coloured pigment has been added to give a different colour tone to your face. Most of the times, the foundation contains an added sunscreen to provide protection to the skin. People generally pick the foundation of their choice by selecting either the matte finish look or the shimmering look.

Other than the foundation, there is something called the concealer that is more of a camouflage for areas with blemishes, discolorations, bruises, skin irregularities, surface flaws and scars. All these areas require special attention and concealers are simply great at hiding these flaws. Concealers are quite similar to foundations but they are heavier, water resistant and with a higher dose of pigmentation for a better camouflage.

Then we have the blush-on or the more popularly called rouge. It is used to add shade, colour and contour to the face. The blush is available both as cream and powder and can be selected based on our skin type. For example, people with oily and acne prone skin should prefer powder based rouge and not the thick cream based one.

Eye shadow, eye liner and mascara are the three main products used for the beautification of the eye. It may sound weird but a proper eye make up plays a vital role in transforming the entire look of the face. The eye shadow is generally used on the upper eye lid and it gives the required shade and highlighting to the eye. Just like the blush on, it is available both as powder and cream and can be chosen as per requirement.

The eye liner is used to define the eye area and can be specifically used to make the eye look smaller or larger. For the daily face makeup, people generally prefer the black, brown and gray eye liner, though; several different colours like blue and green are also available. Mascara plays a significant role in polishing the eye lashes. They are available as coloured mascaras, thickening mascaras, lengthening mascaras and even water proof mascaras.

Finally, the most effective look to the face make up happens when you apply the lipstick, lip gloss and the lip liner to your lips. The lipstick and the lip gloss give the shine and fragrance to the lips while the lip liner defines the lips in a most accurate way giving the most appealing shape to your lips.

So whether you want to give a new look to your face or just want to enhance your existing looks, apply the right kind of face makeup and you can get what you want!

Roberto S asked:

Mascara is one of the essential parts of eye makeup usually used after the application of eye shadow and eyeliner. You can apply it on the eyelashes to make them look fuller and more pronounced. Mascara should be applied with a lot of expertise or else all your efforts of looking good will go down the drain. If you are already quite conversant with applying eye makeup, then you can apply it from one end to the other of the eyelashes. If you are only beginning to learn the tricks of the trade, then apply it to only two-thirds of the lashes.

All That You Need To Know:

There are many things which you should keep in mind before setting out to learn the art of applying mascara.

1 – You should remember never to allow your mascara to become thick. It should always be thin enough to spread evenly on the lashes. This means that you should not use old mascara. You should always keep a comparatively new one with you.

2 – Most women prefer to coat their lashes with 2-3 coatings so that the lashes look more emphasized and lend beauty to the face.

3 – You should be very careful to see that not even a bit of mascara enters the eyes. It is very harmful for the eyes and in case of any problem; you should immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly.

4 – Four months is a very long time for one pack of mascara to last. You should always replace the old pack with a new one every 4 months.

5 – Never use the old pack in case you get hold of any eye disease. The infection will return to your eyes through the wand of the tube.

6 – Because of this fear of spreading the eye infection, mascara should not be shared with anyone either.

7 – Keep a mirror handy while applying it.

8 – More applications in the lashes will make you an expert in the art.

9 – Always remember to wash the makeup before going to bed. It is imperative to wash all the makeup from the face before sleeping.

The Application Procedure:

It is important to learn the correct ways of applying the product so that your eyes look beautiful and highlighted. Let us learn the procedure in steps.

1 – It is advisable to apply mascara with a curved brush. Use this brush to evenly apply mascara on the underside of your upper lashes. Start from the roots and move slowly towards the tips. Wiggle the lashes to keep them separate.

2 – Remove any clumps by closing the eyes, placing the wand at the roots and sweeping through.

3 – After applying the first coat, let dry and apply the next coat. In this way, you can apply 3-4 coats for best effects.

4 – An eyelash comb will help keep the lashes separate. A tissue can also be used to remove the clumps from the lashes.

5 – You must remember to hold the wand parallel to the eyelid while applying mascara to the upper lashes and vertical for the lower lashes.

6 – The amount of mascara used for the lower lashes must be much less. You can repeat the same procedure by starting at the roots and moving downward.

7 – If you find any extra mascara around the eyes, you can remove it with a cotton swab dipped in eye makeup remover.

Many types and colors of mascara are available in the market. There are many waterproof formulas and also thickening, lengthening, conditioning and long-wearing ones. You might use different products for different times of the day and also for different occasions. The color also adds glamour to your face. Brown shade will suit a blonde skin whereas black can be used for dramatic effect. If you want a funky look, then you can choose green and blue too. Learn how to use mascara effectively and you can look very sophisticated.

Sarah Gray asked:

Planning your wedding is the most exciting time. But I hear through my work that one issue brides to be can “stress” about most is their wedding make-up. How can you avoid this stress?

 

 Having got married myself earlier in 2008, I understand how brides could let the issue of their wedding make-up become a real head-ache. We all want to look like a princess but at the same time still look like ourselves. Well, I did achieve both! How? Well, as an Image Consultant, I know the key considerations for wedding make-up and knew that if I applied them to myself, I could be a stress free bride!

 

 In this article, I am assuming that you have chosen your dress colour and style to suit your colourings and body shape. I am also assuming that you have taken advice on your colour scheme to ensure that you have chosen a colour which will suit all your bridesmaids. And so with all this in place, we pick up on how to ensure your make-up is the look you are after;

 

 Trial

 

 It is essential that you attend a trial make-up session with your Image Consultant. At this trial, you will need to take a swatch of your dress fabric, a swatch of your Bridesmaids dress and details of your flowers and the Groom’s outfit. With all this information to hand, your Consultant will be able to deliver a make-up look which will compliment you and your colour scheme.

 

 At your trial, your Consultant will keep a note of all the products she used and how/where she used them. Make sure you are completely happy with the look as this will be the look recreated on the day.

 

 Ensure you purchase at least; the lip pencil, lipstick, loose powder. You will need these to touch up your look later on, on your big day.

 

 Make-Up Tips

 

 Your make-up may feel different to that which you do normally. This is because it has to last all day and must look natural in the photographs.

 

 Ensure your skin is well moisturised and you have completed your skincare routine at least 30 minutes prior to seeing your consultant.

 

 Use a skin adjuster to even out the skin tone on the face. A neutral skin adjuster will also hide any flushing of the cheeks due to emotion or alcohol!

 

 Your foundation should be suited to your skin tone and you should see no distinction between the foundation and the natural skin of your neck.

 

 Apply a concealer under the eye area to hide any dark shadows – particularly if you don’t sleep much the night before your wedding!

 

 The best way to keep your make-up in place for long periods of time is to apply powder, powder and more powder! You may think your Consultant is making you into a flour bag but it is all necessary and eventually, the excess powder will be brushed away. The last thing you want is to look shiny in the photos!

 

 It is important to ensure your eye make-up is simple and natural. Apply an eye base to ensure your eye shadows stay put! Use a natural coloured eye pencil suitable for your colourings and if you are prone to a tear, apply eyeshadow over the top. Use a little accent colour as needed and avoid shiny eye shadows as they will be picked out by cameras. Use mascara and apply maximum amount to the outer edges of the lashes to achieve beautiful full lashes. Ensure your eyebrows are brushed and pencil used if required.

 

 Be careful applying too much blusher as it is likely you may get flushed during the wedding day.

 

 Lip definition is essential and is achieved by use of a lip pencil applied all over the lips. Apply lipstick blotting between applications. If required, add a touch of gloss.

 

 You might like to lightly brush a bronzing powder over the entire make-up.

 

 Make sure you are completely satisfied with the look that has been created for you. Tell your Consultant now, anything that you wish to change.

 

 You can now relax, knowing that your consultant will provide you with the look you want for your big day.

 

 To find out more, contact your local Style Consultant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kacy Carr asked:

Why is it so important to have access to makeup and cosmetic advice before use? An honest answer is because some women haven’t got a clue how to apply makeup properly to create the perfect finish. Every beauty product will be tried and tested to an extent where it is given the okay after reaching the final stage to prove that it will do the job for which it was purposely developed. If these products are not used accordingly – then heaven forbid on the result.

Come on girls be honest, have you never joked at another’s expense because of their lipstick shade or to how it was applied. We have more women walking round like Coco the Clown than that of a natural beauty. There is a technique to applying cosmetics and to buying them. Yes; it all begins at the shop counter. Use the wrong beauty product can only result in a wrong you. Ideal beauty products for your skin type and hair colouring are vital.

The first step to being beautiful is to ask yourself, do you really need cosmetics. Natural beauty comes from within. If you feel naked with out lipstick then you owe it to yourself to find out the tricks of the trade.

Useful tips below.

Aloe Vera – Resembling the cactus, it is a plant belonging to the Lily family. Some varieties have valuable medicinal purposes. Much of the plant is water, but the outer leaf contains sap which is included in lotions and gels. Aloe Vera is rich in vitamins/minerals and is also a fabulous source for skin care. It is used for skin conditions like eczema, mild burns and scrapes.

Mascara – If you want to maximise volume then simply buy mascara designed for volume. They are clearly marked. Ask chemist assistant if unsure. More volume in mascara means the more solid in-depth look to your eyes

Nail Polish – Apply clear base coat before using coloured polish. Basecoat is important as it helps prevent nail polish staining the nails; it also gives a smooth even finish on which to apply the colour. Best technique for applying nail varnish is to do it in three strokes: one down the center and one down each side. Keep cotton wool pads and polish remover easily to hand for fear of a slip up. Toenails can be awkward to cover. Sit comfortably resting one foot on a stool in front of you and separate each toe with separators. Use cotton wool or rolled up rags if you have no toe separators. Save time because you don’t have to wait for the first coat to dry before second application. The first coat will wet again as soon as the solvent from the second comes in contact. Two thin coats will dry quicker than one thick layer of which can appear unsightly. Wait until this dries and apply top coat to seal.

Some women disagree to the three stroke method. If you have large nails paint the whole nail, if you have short/small nails paint the same. If you have short fingers only apply polish to the centre of the nail. Use pale shades for short stubby hands and dark shades for the delicate look.

Foundation – Make sure you have removed every trace of makeup from the day before fresh foundation is applied. Makeup should be cleansed off every night. New foundation layered over leftover debris looks unattractive? Never rush any beauty pact with the face as it can have disastrous results. When you apply foundation have the room nice and bright. Dim lighting will promote the colour in a different tone.

Perfume – Choosing Scent is not really quite straight forward. Remember the smell of scent on another person may not be the same on you. Spicy musk is said to arouse sexual emotions and vanilla is believed to be an aphrodisiac. Floral scents are seen as fresh and calming.

Skin types react differently to perfume so bear this in mind when testing.

Never rely on sniffing perfume from the bottle, Spray or dab onto the skin. Leave to settle for 5 minutes. Do not sample more than 4-5 perfumes at once, this will only confuse your judgement. Apply scent to pulse point on the wrist or in the crook of the elbow. Flowery fragrances are more ideal in hot months. Perfume is best applied to pulse points: the inner wrists, behind the ears, and lower neck

Lip-liner -There is a knack to applying this beauty asset, one is not to rush and to have a steady hand. Lip-liner should be near to same shade as your lipstick, Ensure your pencil is sharp to get a good line. A blunt lip-liner pencil is a no go.

Draw along the lips, beginning at the center and working towards the edges, both sides from the middle each time; this gives the best shape and smoothest line. Do not rush. Lip-liner should be applied before lipstick. It makes sense i.e. smudging. Not recommended to cut corners initiating this task.

 

Blusher -To get the best affect from blusher is to find one most natural to your skin colouring. The primary object is to choose a colour that matches your cheeks natural colour.

Use a lighter colour during the day and darker for the evening

Powder – Apply face powder on the lips, it is said to make lipstick last longer and prevent ‘bleeding’.

A regular mistake made with eyeliner is to draw a thick black line across the lid, rather than working the pigment into the lash roots. The ideal way is to warm the pencil on the back of your hand first and lining the upper lid, look upwards, and apply from below the lashes to get a subtle blended line. If your eyes are small or deep-set, line the lower lashes, too, applying a dark shadow with a blunt brush for a softer effect. Black is poplar and suits everyone, however teach yourself to compliment

Accentuate blue eyes using warm-toned eye shadows; deep purple and blues work just as well as gold and copper shades, provided a warm undertone is retained. Never be tempted to over add as it can spoil the look altogether. Hazel eyes look fabulous with soft plum, brown and forest greens, while brown eyes just about suit any colour or shade of eye shadow.

Laughter lines – All you need to hide laughter lines is a concealer pencil. Draw a few small lines next to the edges of the mouth with pencil, not to much. Use a sponge to blend in to the corner of the mouth – and hey presto you crack a smile without the cracks.