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Why bother?
A lot of emphasis goes in to deciding which materials or dress styles are in fashion and the same sort of things happen in beauty departments across the world every season. For those of us who are avid supporters of the base, mascara, lip-gloss combination the idea of branching out and trying something new can be a daunting prospect.
Just look at the Autumn/Winter 09/10 collections of some of the most famous designers. Although the clothes are the focus of the show, the models have been rigorously preened to perfection by backstage hair and make-up artists. It is all about creating an image and a mood. Whether happy, flirtatious or gothic all of this can be achieved from the neck up. Personally I favour the slow and steady approach to make-up and hair dressing. Never slap on the bright blue without testing a little bit first to see if you like it. You can build up strong colours with lipstick easily so don’t smear on a dark red without considering it first. For me hair and make-up is more important than clothes and in today’s fashion focused market this may be a controversial view point. Poorly applied make-up can be spotted straight away but how many people instantly notice your cheap Primark t-shirt or leggings?
Foundation first
In my opinion the most important make-up product any girl should own is a decent foundation. Unless you literally have flawless skin semi matte complexion foundation can provide a neutral base that covers all sorts of problem areas. If you have an oily complexion try a rich mousse foundation with some light mineral powder over the top. For combination skin don’t be afraid to use a mixture of products. I mix a small amount of moisturiser with a liquid foundation to use on my cheeks, chin and neck, then I use a thicker mousse foundation on my nose and forehead. For girls with really dry skin the golden rules are to never use powder and always prepare your base with a good layer of moisturiser. So many of us forget that foundation does not just blend naturally into the neck area. Never just stop at the jaw line or by the ears, you will get a horrible foundation line that makes you look like you got ready in the dark.
Lipstick and liner
Some people are afraid of lipstick. It really isn’t that tricky to apply well, but the important thing is to do it well. Smudged or blotchy lipstick can look cheap or completely over the top. First thing to do is buy a decent lip brush from somewhere like Benefit, Mac or even Boots own brand and find a soft lip-liner in one shade darker than your lipstick. None of us want to look like Vicky Pollard so be sparing with the lip liner. Use it on the very edges of your lips focusing on the bow at the top and the sides. Use the lip brush to blend this in so the line is not too pronounced. Lipstick requires layers in order for it to stay on all day/night. Apply one layer with the brush then blot with a tissue and repeat this until the colour is vibrant. I promise this will not come off for at least 6 hours even with food and drink.
Eye make-up
For the Christmas party season it is important to most of us to look and feel nice. Experiment with all the possibilities that make-up has to offer to get the perfect festive look. For those who do not like too much colour in their look, focus on the lash area. Using mascara pull the outer lashes down and out to create a more feline style, then finish with eyeliner wings for added effect. Go for subtle glitter effects using shimmer eye shadows remembering to go all the way up to the brow bone and by the tear ducts. If you have blue eyes try deep brown and copper colours on the eye lids with brown instead of black mascara. For brown eyes use deep purples and greens with lots of black mascara and eyeliner, this will add depth. If you wear glasses don’t think you cant go to town on your eye make-up. Use lighter shades to really open the eye area, a good trick is to use white eyeliner on the lash line and on the brow bone to create the illusion of larger sparkling eyes.
Hair “do’s” and “don’ts”
Hairstyles are more tricky and I have been known to get it very very wrong. I have had my hair red, ginger, black, brown and bleach blonde and I have finally come to the conclusion that natural is best. Get a cut that suits your face shape and I would always recommend some kind of fringe. Don’t be fooled by the millions of products out there on the shelves. For most fancy styles and up-do’s you only need two things; GHD straightners and a can of hairspray. With a good pair of hair irons you can curl, wave and crimp your hair without having to fill it with curling serums that do not work. Overall I would suggest the simpler the better. A loose pony tail can look glamorous with a neatly styled fringe and a pretty clip or headband. Loose braids and plaits can be used to pull unruly curls out of the way and they don’t have to look perfectly neat to look great.
Who wants to look perfect anyway? In this article I am trying to suggest that we should all consider other ways to dress up for a night out or Christmas bash. Wear the same dress you did last year but experiment with new make-up and hairstyles. Get inspiration from the catwalk and use the 1920’s and 30’s for old Hollywood glamour. You don’t have to spend more money on new products, use what you already have but in a new way. The possibilities are endless.
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