Want to know how to apply make up perfectly every time? Nicola Conville chats to a top make-up artist to find out how it's done.
When applying make-up, the first thing to think about is moisturiser. We all know how important moisturiser is for hydrating skin, and it also provides a smooth base for foundation. But don't apply foundation straight after putting on your moisturiser, says Lucy Primrose, make-up artist for Gorgeous Cosmetics.
"After you shower in the morning, pop on your moisturiser and wait at least 20 minutes to allow it to absorb properly before applying foundation," she advises. And if you're applying eye cream, avoid the sensitive under-eye area. "Just pat the eye cream gently around the top of your cheekbone," she says. "The skin will naturally absorb it, just like hair soaks up water."
Ace your base
When choosing foundation, Primrose says you should always apply some to the face and jawline when testing, never on the back of the hand. A foundation that suits your skin tone should blend lightly into your neck, leaving no trace of a tell-tale line.
When it comes to application, try using a foundation brush. It allows you to apply make-up evenly and feels wonderfully silky on the skin. "I like to use a brush to apply foundation because it's more economical and hygienic, but you need to make sure you wash the brush at least once a week," says Primrose.
She recommends building up your foundation a little at a time and applying concealer afterwards. "If you're lucky enough to have clear, even-toned skin and you only need a little coverage, just use concealer on its own," she adds.
Eyes right
The first step you should take before putting on eye make-up is to apply a primer. "This not only gives your eye make-up better staying power, you'll also get a better colour," says Primrose.
When putting on eye shadow, build colour up slowly, as it's easier to apply more than to remove any excess. "Apply a subtle, neutral base colour from the lash line to the brow, put a stronger second colour over the eyelid, and the third - and strongest - colour along the crease, from one corner to the other," says Primrose. Also, don't do one complete eye and then move onto the next.
Instead, apply washes of colour to both eyes at the same time. If you spill any eye shadow on your cheeks, lightly press the area with a foundation brush to pick up the colour.
If you have a shaky hand, a gel liner is a good investment, says Primrose. "Gel liners are great because they're smudge-proof. Use an angled brush for easy application."
Lastly, apply a coat of mascara by looking down and rolling your brush up through the lashes from base to tip. If you want to apply a second coat, do it quickly - don't wait for the first coat to dry as it will result in clogged, clumpy-looking lashes.
If your eyebrows are looking a bit untidy, use a brow brush to groom them lightly or fill them in with a brow pencil. Don't go too heavy with the pencil, though. "Just apply a small amount of colour to even your brows up and fill them in if necessary," Primrose says.
Give it some lip
For a pout with staying power, Primrose advises lining your lips with a good-quality lip pencil, using light, feathery strokes and working from the corners of the mouth to the centre. "Don't fill in the middle of your lips, just outline them," she says. "Then use a lip brush to apply lipstick over the entire lip."
Illuminate me
To give your look a great glow, add a little bit of illuminiser. "You can mix this in with your foundation or moisturiser for an all-over glow or just apply it to strategic areas," Primrose explains. "Apply it to areas where the sun would hit naturally, such as the tip of the nose, the chin and the forehead."
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