preparing your skin
Before you apply make-up your skin needs to be in good condition; cleansed, exfoliated and moisturised. There is nothing worse than make-up set on flaky skin. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and dry flakes, which makes your skin brighter! Allow at least five minutes for your moisturiser to set before applying foundation.
primer
In the past few years counter consultants have been pushing primer as a necessity in your make-up bags. The truth is it’s not necessary! Primer is just another form of moisturiser! Save your dollars and invest in a good quality moisturiser to wear under your make-up. I recommend Dermalogica or Ultraceutical moisturisers.
foundation
Foundation comes in many forms, but I prefer liquid foundation because it doesn't cake on the skin and is easy to blend. Counter consultants will tell you that you need to buy brushes or sponges to apply. This is not true. Although sponges give a great finish, for your personal makeup your fingers are just as good and they won't soak up your product! What's more, the body heat from your fingers allow the product to 'soak' into your skin.
powder
A must for setting make-up, especially the T-zone. Powder can also be used to contour your face. For those that don't like to use powder over foundation, or don't like to use foundation at all, try MAC's blotting powder, its light and perfect for stopping oil shine.
concealer
I love concealer, it can be used with or without foundation and disguises all sorts of flaws. Many of us have dark circles under our eyes. Using your finger or a brush, dab concealer under your eyes for an instant eye lift! I recommend using concealer after the foundation. Concealer should be one to two shades light than your foundation.
eyes
People often ask me how they can stop their eyeliner running or their eye shadow from creasing throughout the day. Your eyes are the focus of your face, you want them to be perfect...panda eyes are never pretty (unless you have the smokey eye down pat!). Over the day, skin around your eyes produces natural oils which causes these beauty faux pas. A simple remedy is to put a little powder, base or neutral eyeshadow on your eyelids so that the eye shadow and liner have something to cling to.
eyebrows
Beautifully shaped eyebrows are one of the most useful make-up tricks! Many women either overlook their eyebrows, or worse, over pluck them. Eyebrows frame the eye and give the face a polished look. It is well worth making the effort to get the eyebrows looking right. The most elegant brow is elongated, clean and simple. Never pluck above your brow line and if possible, try not to cut your brow hairs with scissors.
lashes
Imagine eyes without eyelashes. Not too appealing! Long or short, curly or straight, eyelashes have the power to make your eyes pop! But clumpy mascara is never attract. Never apply extra coats to already dry mascara! This will clump them. Apply one coat to one eye and then move to the next eye. Then go back to the other eye and so forth, so that you are painting each one before they are dry. Two coats is usually all that is necessary and always comb them afterwards (unless you are using BLINC mascara). My favourite mascara is Christian Dior's DiorShow.
blush
Blush should never be too harsh and should always be blended so that it appears natural. The correct place for your blush is on the apples of your cheeks, with a little contouring along the cheek bone. To find the correct place to apply your blush, place your thumb where your ear meets your temple then run your index finger along your cheek bone until you reach the area under your iris. Apply blush in a tear drop shape, the narrow part of the teardrop toward your ear. Always be light handed in application...it is easier to add more but much harder to tone down! Should you apply too much, use powder on your large powder brush and blend over the top.
lips
The skin on your lips is very delicate and requires lots of nourishment. I love Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment. Slather it on when you go to bed or use it to condition your lips before you apply lipstick (just remember to wipe it off). Some high pigment or matte lipsticks can dry your lips out, so use a little ointment over the top for a glossier look. Younger lips don't always require lining, but older lips do due to lines that form as we age. Always make sure your lipliner matches your lipstick and colour your lips in with the liner...as lipstick wears off, you don't want to be left with harsh lined lips!
brushes
Clean your brushes! Personal brushes should be cleaned at least once a month but more often if you have sensitive skin. I recommend baby shampoo because it's gentle enough not to ruin your expensive brushes. Apply the shampoo to the palm of your hand and sweep the hairs back and forth. Run under water until rinsing is clear. Softly squeeze a towel over the hair and lay down, overhanging on a bench to dry overnight.