From early make-up experiments to coping with pigmentation and dry skin as we age, bh has the answers to your cosmetics quandaries. Check out our guide below to the solving some of the most pressing make-up mysteries. Enjoy!
Q) I have pigmentation I’d like to tone down but when I wear make-up it makes my wrinkles stand out more and my face looks so dry. What make-up would you recommend?
– Cathrene, VICA) Starting with smooth, hydrated skin should help right away. Try exfoliating with Avene Gentle Exfoliating Scrub and applying moisturiser for mature skin such as Mary Kay Botanical Customized Skin Care Formula 1 for Dry Skin – Moisturizer. Next, use a nourishing foundation. Ella Bache Sunbase 30+ Foundation contains lanolin to guard against water loss and a high SPF to prevent further environmental damage. Skip using powder as this can settle in fine lines, making them more obvious.
Q) How do I apply eyeliner to the top eyelid? I know how to apply it to the bottom but would like a bit of a change.
– Jani, QLDA) First up, a soft pencil is easier to use than liquid liner. Bloom Shadow Liner is great for beginners because it has an angled tip. Warm it up a little by drawing a few light lines on the back of your hand. Then hold the upper lid taught by gently pulling the top outside corner of the eye towards the ears.
Starting at the outer corner, rest the pencil on top of the lashes. Try drawing a series of tiny, short lines with the aim of working the colour into, rather than above, the lashes, as you move towards the inner corner. Then draw a final connecting line over the top to smooth the tiny lines into one and apply mascara.
Note: it helps to do this up close to a mirror while resting both elbows for steadiness. And remember dry cotton tips are useful for wiping away errors without disturbing the rest of your make-up.
Q) I’m 14 and don’t want to wear a lot of make-up but I still want to look pretty and improve my complexion a bit. What make-up should I wear that’s low-fuss and looks very natural?
– Brittany, SAA) It sounds like you’re on the right track already. To give your skin a more even look, try a tinted moisturiser such as Nivea Visage Be Beautiful! Tinted Moisturiser or Juice Organics Light Tint Moisturizer with SunscreenNatio Young Tinted Spot Cream to help heal and disguise any pimples. As far as colour goes, you don’t need to wear much to create a fresh, pretty effect. Look for two-in-one products to give your lips and cheeks a cute pop without being OTT. BECCA Beach Tint and Rimmel London Soft Cream Blush will both do the trick. Happy shopping!
Q) What kind of mascara doesn’t give you panda eyes during the day or night?
– Tracy, VICA) Waterproof mascara is great for avoiding smudges because once it’s on, it’s on. Rimmel 100% Waterproof Mascara is long-lasting and natural-looking. Maybelline Full ‘n Soft Waterproof Mascara delivers lush volume and Mavala Eyelight Waterproof Mascara is great for lengthening. Always remember to use a special remover such as L’Oreal Paris Gentle Make-up Remover for Eyes and Lips to cleanse your lashes at the end of the day as ongoing product build up may cause them to fall out. Seriously.
Q) What are the best tips and tricks to get the smoky eye effect without it looking like a black eye?
– Dani, NSWA) Smoky eyes don’t have to be black. In fact, they’re best in bronze, copper and charcoal. Once you’ve decided on a shade. Try using a powder liner such as Revlon Bedroom Eyes™ Powder Liner or a thick, creamy liner such as MAC Shadestick to follow the lash line top and bottom. They’re much easier to work than traditional eyeshadow. If you like more colour on your lids, blend it up towards, but not beyond, the crease. Finish with a dab of light, shimmering powder or cream in the corner, very close to the nose, extending towards the middle of the bottom lashes if you fancy. This can also be done on the top. Be sure to blend the two shades with a soft brush. Finally, apply lashings of mascara and you’ll be smokin’ hot.
Lots of great recommendations