Party Make Up
Some ideas for party make up, focusing on everything but eyes:
Serum - this isn't essential, but you know I love a serum! Why not try one of these lovely products, and nourish your skin?
Primer - last month we talked about eye specific primers, this time it's all about face primers. As you probably know, there are a huge variety to choose from, so you need to think about what you want - if you have more oily skin and/or don't want any shine, then choose a mattifying product - try Mac Prep + Prime Skin Prep Visage. If you like a more dewy look then go for a product that enhances - try Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. If you're worried about large pores, or want to soften some areas, go for one that does that job - try Benefit Porefessional. Applying primer is important as it will help your make up stay in tact - nothing like getting all hot and bothered over the turkey, or on the dance floor, to help your make up melt off!
Foundation - again, this is horses for courses. It depends on whether you like a full coverage, light coverage, matt or dewy finish as to which product to use. Think about how long the foundation needs to last as this can help your choice. Full coverage foundation tends to last the longest. You can layer some foundations, so start with a little and build up to get the look you want. How you apply it is personal preference - fingers work, there are great make up sponges now that look like a cut tear drop with good shapes for getting around tricky areas like the nose. I squeeze some foundation on the back of my hand and use a round foundation brush, so you could try that too.
Powder - reduce shine, and set your make up using powder. Choose loose if you don't mind a bit of mess (do this before putting on your outfit!), or pressed. And don't forget to pop pressed powder in your bag, for a quick top up during the evening.
Highlighter - there are some really gorgeous options out there in terms of highlighters - sweep over brow bones, tops of cheeks, even down the centre of your nose, and just above the cupid's bow of your lips. This will make these areas more prominent. And why not go shimmery, or full on glitter - after all it is the festive season!
Blush - go for more depth than you would use for your normal daytime look - try layering the colour or be bold and try something different.
Lips - anything goes, but this is the time of year where I feel you can throw the idea of bold eyes/nude lips, or deep lips/light eyes out of the window. More is more! Go with classic red, one of the on trend berry shades, or just pink it up! Now, the secret to lips looking gorgeous is all about the prep... make sure they are super smooth by regularly using lip balm during the day. If you still have problems, then use a lip scrub to remove any flaky bits. At our age we need to line lips to keep a sharp line - try an invisible/clear liner if you don't like to see a dark line. Use a lip brush to apply your lipstick then blot with a tissue. Powder your lips, blot again, then reapply your lipstick. If you want more sheen than your chosen lip colour gives you, add a touch of gloss to the centre of the lips. And yes, I know this sounds like hard work, but it does help your lip colour last.
Set it - if you have problems with your makeup not lasting, try one of the make up setting sprays, like Urban Decay - All Nighter Setting Spray.
Need more help? How about booking in for a make-up lesson? Please contact me to book an appointment.