The holidays may seem like a distant memory already, but you needn’t lose your holiday glow yet! With a few clever make-up tricks, you can keep your summer sheen going throughout the year.
The first thing to remember is that healthy-looking skin is hydrated skin. Treat your skin to a moisturising mask once a week; and be sure to exfoliate regularly too, as this will help your products penetrate better.
The perfect natural looks starts with the perfect base. Apply your day cream, and allow it to absorb for a few minutes. Then apply a light layer of foundation. Use a formula which is best suited to your skin type: oiler skin can use drier formulas like compact powder foundations, while drier skin will need something more liquid. If you’re using a liquid or cream foundation, apply it using a foundation brush, as this will give the most even finish. For good foundations, try Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Foundation (275) or Catrice PhotoFinish Liquid Foundation, (R79.59) available at Dischem.
Once you’ve done this, have a look at which areas need extra coverage. Again, make sure you choose the correct type of concealer for your skin type. If you are unsure, ask a consultant at your favourite make-up counter for some advice. We would recommend Essence Forget It! 3-in-1 Concealer (R29.95) available at Clicks. You can apply it with either a concealer brush, which is great for precision work; or with your fingers, which is great for around the eye area, as the heat from your fingertips will help the concealer melt into your skin.
Next is bronzer. As a general rule, lighter is better than darker – you want a light glow, not a neon orange glare! Apply it using a soft bronzing brush in a big ‘3’ motion over your face. (Starting at the temples, sweep the brush over the apples of your cheeks, and then back towards your ears, and down along your jawline). Avoid the areas close to your eyes and nose, as this will make you look tired and old. We would recommend Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Pressed Bronzer, (R195.00) available at Dischem.
If you want to use a highlighter as well, only apply to the areas which would naturally catch the light. Temples to cheek bones and along your t-zone is all you need do. We’d suggest Benefit Watts Up? Soft Highlighter for Face, (R295.00) available at Woolworths.
Keep the rest of your make-up simple and minimal. Because you’ve created beautiful skin, you won’t need anything more than a sweep of mascara and a slick of gloss to get you looking in the manner of Giselle…well maybe not, but nearly!
Emmy is the daughter of a sailor, animal loving, coffee addicted, beauty product junkie editor of Beautopia.co.za
