Beauty at Home

MAKE-UP LESSON AT HOME BY ANNABEL BIRTLES

As Spring begins, we enter into an unknown era for our world, one most of us have never experienced before. But with so much once unimaginable change and fear, there has also been so many acts of kindness to celebrate: the incredible work from everyone in the NHS, neighbours becoming neighbours again, communities pulling together to support the vulnerable, people enjoying the little things in life again and our world finally beginning to heal itself. I wish you all health and happiness, and just know we really are in this together.

Whilst you’re staying home and keeping our communities safe, I have prepared this article for you to enjoy and brush up on your makeup skills. When it comes to how to apply makeup properly, there is definitely a general order to follow to ensure you achieve the most beautiful finish. Not sure if its concealer or foundation first? Keep reading for your new “makeup bible” which includes the best product recommendations, along with a step-by-step application guide.

PREP Before any makeup application session, it is unbelievably important to prep your skin and work through a skin care routine. It is always best to apply makeup to fresh, clean skin.

STEP 1: FACIAL CLEANSE The first step in your skin care routine should be washing and cleansing your face. My secret weapon at the moment is Vitage’s essential cleansing balm. This product is suitable for all skin types and leaves skin feeling fresh, clean and hydrated. Cleanser should be applied by massaging a small amount directly onto the face and neck until a liquid consistency is formed, usually around 1-2 minutes. Remove with a warm dampened cleansing cloth and pat dry.

STEP 2: TONE Once cleansed, it is important to tone your face with a targeted treatment. Try Tropic Skincare serums and oils range. A vegan and cruelty-free based brand, Tropic works with plant-based products for the best results. Tropic Rainforest Dew Hydration Serum works well for dehydrated skin to give it a youthful bounce, whereas, Pure Lagoon targets blemishes which helps to sooth and balance your skin. Place drops around your face, neck and gently rub into the surface. STEP 3: MOISTURISE Apply moisturiser to the surface of your face and neck to put the hydration back into your skin and give yourself a smooth base for your makeup application. Allow between 20-30 minutes for your moisturiser to sink into your skin before beginning your makeup to avoid rubbing the cream off. Try Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream for long-lasting hydration.

MAKEUP APPLICATION FOR BASE Let’s take the guesswork out of your makeup routine…

STEP 1: PRIMER Using a primer is the best thing you can do when applying makeup. Primer like Benefit’s Porefessional evens out fine lines and gives you a smooth surface to work with. Choose a primer with a glowing finish if you have dry skin or a primer with a matte finish if you have oily skin. Apply all over face or to targeted areas, depending on your skin’s specific concerns. If you are after the ultimate glow, try the Iconic Illuminating drops on the base of your makeup.

STEP 2: FOUNDATION/TINTED MOISTURISER Foundation before concealer – don’t even try to argue with me on this one. There are so many foundations, so it is important to choose one that suits your skins needs. If you have oily skin, try a matte (non-shiny) finish foundation, like Estee Lauders Double wear. On the other end of the scale if you have a drier base, a radiant finish foundation like NARS Sheer Glow Foundation might be the best option for you. For application you should invest in a good foundation brush like Zoeva 104/Buffer and gently massage in a circular motion until blended properly.

STEP 3: CONCEALER Once you have finished with your foundation, use concealer that is 2-3 shades lighter than your natural skin tone and apply under your eyes and to your T-zone to eliminate dark circles and enhance your features. For blemishes, take a flesh-toned concealer and gently pat over the affected area to cover. Try NARS Creamy Concealer for the best coverage.

STEP 4: BRONZER – BLUSH – HIGHLIGHT I’ve added these areas together as I find some people prefer just to pick one or two from the list. As far as bronzer and highlighter

go, apply to areas where the sun would naturally hit your face (forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin). The bronzer will help to sharpen your cheekbones whilst the highlighter accentuates. When it comes to blush, apply a small amount to the apple of your cheeks – remembering to avoid rosy cheek syndrome – and blend neatly into your skin. Try MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder in a darker shade for bronzer, Doll Beauty’s Shine Bright Highlighter, and Glossier Cloud Paint Cream Blush.

MAKEUP APPLICATION FOR EYES STEP 1: EYEBROWS Okay everyone… eyebrows are THE dealbreaker. They will make or break you; I promise. I always like to think I was well ahead of my time, in school during the lunch time top up (the hairspray had worn off) I would pull out my purpose bought toothbrush and comb my brows. The girls would always look at me with their confused expressions but who’s laughing now? Since the toothbrush era I have upgraded my tools and one I just cannot live without is (hear me out) Collection’s Colour Lash clear mascara. Use the wand and brush your brows into shape and I promise you they will not move all day. Game changer. Once you have done this it is time to fill in your brows. Disclaimer: please avoid the ‘scouse brow’. Grab your Anastasia Beverley Hills Dipbrow Pomade and 7B Brush and gently shape and fill to strengthen the brow.

STEP 2: EYE SHADOW When applying eye shadow, you should dust the colour onto your lid and blend outwards, follow up with a crease colour, and finally, place a dab of highlighter along your brow bone for that extra pop! For the everyday natural look, use Naked 2 basics palette and work with shades ‘skimp’ and ‘stark’. For a glitzy night time change try the Charlotte Tilbury, Charlotte Darling palette.

STEP 3: EYELINER Now, eyeliner is not essential but if you are after some cat eye vibes then it is always best to apply after eyeshadow. I find most eyeliners I have worked with tend not to be too variant with results but, my go-to is always YSL’s ‘Shocking’ black eyeliner. It comes in pen form which makes for very easy application so is completely beginner proof. Start by outlining your wing and working your way inward for the best/easiest technique.

STEP 4: MASCARA The final step for our eye makeup is always mascara! Whether your looking for a natural enhancement or the Russian lash effect, I have you covered. Apply your mascara with the wand provided and brush your lashes upwards for no more than 2-3 strokes, otherwise, your lashes will become clumped and in the words of Chandler Bing – who likes mascara glup? Ew! Use Glossier’s Lash Stick for a natural “baby extension” or go big or go home with Benefits Roller Lash.

MAKEUP APPLICATION FOR LIPS Time to pucker up and show your lips some love!

STEP 1: LIP LINER Before any lipstick/lip gloss is applied you should really think about lining your lips – this helps to prevent colour from bleeding out. Be sure to use a lip liner that is the same shade as your lipstick and slowly outline the natural curve of your lips to emphasise your allimportant pout. For a natural shade try Nude Pink Pencil by NYX – I love this pencil shade as it fits with most nude/pink/natural sticks&gloss – perfect for the day-to-night look.

STEP 2: LIPSTICK/LIPGLOSS Once prepped with liner, your lips are ready for the grand finale! Choose the shade of your choice and gently rub over your lips (keeping within the lines of course), applying as many coats as you desire for the look you have in mind. With countless shades to choose from, the possibilities are endless. Try my favourite gloss, Gloss Bomb from Fenty Beauty for a touch of diamond-like sparkle, or my favourite nude lipstick K.I.S.S.I.N.G by Charlotte Tilbury.

SETTING YOUR MAKEUP Hooray! You’ve completed your makeup routine! Now, to avoid the infamous lunch time top-up, help set your look by following to two final simple steps below.

STEP 1: SETTING POWDER Grab your Laura Mercier translucent setting powder (the holy grail) and use over your makeup by applying under your eyes, below your cheek bones and T-section. Gently pat the powder into your skin until it is no longer visible.

STEP 2: SPRITZ Finally, you can spritz on your setting spray to complete your look. I highly recommend Urban Decay All Nighter, I promise you, your makeup will look as fresh 10 hours into your days as it did at the start. To use, shake well and hold bottle a reasonable distance away from your face. Close your eyes and spray enough times to cover the surface of your face. Voila!

MAKEUP REMOVAL As Elle Woods so brilliantly reminded us of the No.1 hair care rule, I am here to remind you that THE No.1 makeup rule is removal! Do not go to sleep in your makeup. Sleeping in your makeup will not only leave a stain on your sheets but will lead to clogged pores – and clogged pores lead to breakouts – and breakouts lead to well… disaster. Make life a little easier and keep a bottle of micellar water next to your nightstand (makeup wipes are a no-go – just trust me on this one). Pour some onto a cotton pad and work it around your face, this will take the majority of your makeup off.

To ensure you avoid clogged pores, I would 100% recommend repeating your original “prep” routine after using micellar water. I religiously cleanse, tone and moisturise morning and night to ensure my face is sparkling clean and to avoid breakouts.

As an additional skincare tip for you all, give your face a deep clean 2-3 times a week using SDS Rejuvenate Exfoliator after your cleanser. This product works brilliantly for all skin types. The glycolic acid and quartz work together to stimulate, condition and polish your skin, improving your complexion and leaving you with younger, smoother and fresher looking skin with that all-important glow. Use by gently massaging into your skin for 2-3 minutes.

For the cherry on top of your skincare routine, I strongly suggest investing in Garnier’s Skin Active Moisture Bomb tissue mask. Use the mask once a week for instant hydration and apply to your face for 15 minutes. 1 mask = 1 week of hydrating action. I promise you this mask will be your solution to revitalising and rehydrating the radiance of your skin.