Before You Start

Before applying your make up it is so important to make sure your face is clean and fresh.

Try not to use soap as it is inclined to remove natural skin oils leaving the face vulnerable to flaking skin and the earlier onset of lines and wrinkles and the increased risk of other skin disorders such as acne. However, some people don't feel clean unless they've washed with soap and water. If you are one of those people, there are now many brands on the market which claim to be non-drying. It is best to use a mild non -drying cleanser as a first step in preparing to apply make up.

Whether or not you have oily skin do not be tempted to miss out on moisturizing, also known as hydrating or conditioning, your facial skin. Find a product that has a sun protection factor of 15 or more and your skin will remain free from flaking and retain the smoothness and condition essential for successfully applying make up, even though you may have to spend time outdoors exposed to the elements. Our aim is to have you looking your best 24/7 wherever you are.

As the skin around the eyes tends to be dryer then elsewhere on the face and is consequently more delicate, special care must be taken to prepare this area before applying eye make up. Fine lines around the eyes are the first signs of ageing skin; they are an advance warning so it is important to keep them at bay. Whether they have appeared or not, follow this routine. Applying eye cream or lotion first thing in the morning and last thing at night will keep the skin receptive to the make up you will apply to make the best of one of your most noticeable facial features.

Starting your make up

So what instruments will you need to give you that professional beauty parlour look? Simple really, just your fingers, brushes and sponges. Buy the best brushes you can afford, the softer the better. A good retailer will advise you, but you will need a powder brush, a colour brush for your cheeks, eye shadow brushes, a lip brush (possibly a pencil, which I prefer) and an eyebrow brush. Sponges for applying eye cream or smoothing foundation are better if disposable.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness! Wash your hands before applying make up, wash and clean your brushes regularly and rinse out the sponges.

Think about the lighting at your dressing table or make up area. You need to see the flaws clearly to better cover them up and to emphasize your best features.

The final step is to select the right products and colours to suit your complexion. If possible book an appointment with a professional make up artist, otherwise visit a department store and if lucky you will get a free make up session, otherwise ask to try samples, note the ones you like and just watch and learn from the demonstrators.

Insider Model Tip no. 1 - After cleansing, spray your face with mineral water. One quick blast will do.You can buy aerosol spray cans at most chemists. This will help to retain moiture.

Then apply moisturiser onto a damp face. After the moisturizer has been on for about 10 minutes ( I never can wait this long)begin to apply your foundation by preferably using a sponge, otherwise fingertips, in a gentle upward and outward motion and smooth out the edges into the hairline.

Insider Model Tip no 2. - I was told by a make up artist, on a shoot, that the best way to apply foundation cream, with your fingers, is to simply pat it onto your skin. This way you will not pull at the delicate structure of the skin and you may prevent premature sagging. Also do not put too much foundation cream on at once. It is preferable to build it up in layers.

Insider Model Tip no. 3. - apply concealor lightly after foundation.This will prevent the concealer from being rubbed off.

Insider Model Tip no 4. - Dot a tiny blob of concealor on the outer edge of each eye and this will, or should, give you a wide awake look.

Next and using the same motion, apply your blush emphasizing your cheekbones and gently blending in with the surrounding area.

Insider Model Tip no 5. - In the 60's and 70's we were encouraged to put a big brown streak along our cheekbones. Although the fashion has changed, it is better if you just put a slightly darker and maybe more skin toned shade of blusher than your foundation which will blend with, rather than stand out. Afte all the idea is to emphasise not exagerate. Deadly sin

Now for your eyes, start applying mascara to your upper lashes followed by the lower eyelashes, then eyebrows followed by eyeliner using the appropriate brushes and pencils.

Time to finish off with your lips, preferably with a soft pencil of natural shade. Out line either the ouside or the inside of your lips, depending on how large they are. Then in-fill with the pencil and finish off with a dab of gloss.

Insider Model Tip no 6. Put your index finger into your mouth, close you lips and pull out slowly. This will take off residue gloss or lipstick color and you will not have lipstick on your teeth. Deadly sin.





Jaylo Lloydy is a professional author who writes articles on a number of specialist subjects, including womens issues.
www.natural-beauty.org.uk