Tips for make-up application

Skin preparation
They key to a gorgeous complexion and perfectly natural make-up is to begin with clean, well-moistured skin. Your make will then also last longer.

Foundation
For flawless skin that will photograph well, apply a non oil-based foundation (oil based products can makeyou appear shiny) in a colour that matches your skin tone. The correct colour will blend well and you will not detect it at the jaw line. If you don't like to wear a base, mix a litle with your moisturiser. Warm on the back of your hand before appling. Apply a little at a time blending as you go. If you apply it too thickly foundation can streak.


All-over glow
Use a little bronzer on forhead, nose and chin to give you a healthy glow, but use very lightly to avoid a shine.

Shine
To avoid shine and be powder free, try using an all-in-one foundation and powder. Alternatively, with a brush, apply a small sweep of translucent reflective powder over the base. Do not use a shimmer which will make you look shiny, and do not pile the powder on. Sweep in a downward motion over cheeks, nose and chin, and across the forehead. Do not use a powder puff. Take a small powder compact in your ba to blot and shine later in the day, or a sachet of shine control papers.

Dark circles
Be careful not to overdo it with the concealer on dark circles. A light dab starting from the inner corner of the eye is enough. Light-reflecting powder is also an excellent way to reduce darkness. Apply with a sweep of a brush under the eye.

Breakouts
Don't panic, don't pop it, just cover it! Apply a little antiseptic cream to any spots and pat them dry. Or a tiny, tiny amount of toothpaste will instantly dry up a spot. Apply a dab of light concealer or a cover-up stick, blend with foundation and fiish with a dash of powder. But do not over cover blemishes, because that's when you draw attention to them.

Eyeliner
To create different colours line the rim of the nearest the lashes with a thin line of black or brown. Then apply your eye shadow.

Eye shadow
For long-lasting eyes apply a colour-free lid foundation. Dab loose powder around the lashes and on cheek bones so that you can brush away any residue that falls from the lids as you apply your eye make-up. Apply a small amount of light reflecting powder to the eye sockets, nearest to the nose, to open your eyes and make them appear brighter. Then blendand apply your colour, beginning with a natural shade on the lid. You can build up-and-out slightly deeper shades, finishing with the darkest shade at the outer edge of the eye socket. The secret is to build gradually and blend as you go.

Lashes
Vaseline on the lashes last thing at night will condition them by morning leaving them soft and perfect for a sweep of mascara. Use an eyelash curler first. To avoid 'clumping' wipe the wand first to remove any excess. Take the mascara brush deep to the root, both above and below the top lashes, and give a little wiggle from side to side.

Blusher
Apply using a large brush and with a sweep to each cheak, the temples and forehead. Do not apply to your nose or chin.

Lips
Don't forget your lips in your skin care regime, especially if they are dry. Apply vaseline or a lip balsem night and morning. Once a week exfoliate by applying a generous amount of vaseline with a toothbrush, wipe and soothe with lip balsem. There are some great 'lip lump' products available to promote a pout, but asure to test them well in advance of the big day.

Lip colour
Before applying colour, line the lips with a dap of foundation. This fixes the colour. Use a lipstick shade similar to your blusher to avoid amultitude of colours. To keep lipstick long-lasting apply a natural lip liner (not a coloured one, but a shade similar to your lips) and then fill in with your lipstick using a lip brush. Blot with a tisue and apply a second coat. For sensual, luscious, kissable lips finish with a coat of gloss. However, if wearing a nude gloss or sheen do not use a lip liner.

Eyebrows
Don't forget them, they really do frame the face. Reshape a month before the wedding and keep them in shape. No plucking on the wedding day, because it causes redness. Finish with a brow comb after your make-up has been applied.