Unlike many celebrities would like to have you think, there are very few people who have "perfect" skin. But like many celebrities, you can use make-up to fake a clear, radiant glow. Here's how.
Foundation
Regardless of the type, formula or texture you choose, foundation's number one function is to even out skin tone.
- Pick one that gives you the minimum coverage you need (very important) and make sure it's the right colour (match to your jaw line if using all over).
- Apply it by putting small blobs on clean skin to your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin, and blend outwards with your fingers. Don't forget to blend around your jaw.
- Try: Clinique Perfectly Real Makeup.
Concealer
Concealer should never, ever, ever be detectable. If you can see it once it's applied, what's the point of wearing it?
- Use a light, creamy foundation for under eyes. Thicker formulas (that you apply with a brush) are best for spots and blemishes.
- Make sure it matches your foundation exactly. A shade a smidgen lighter is okay for around the eye area.
- Less is best: build up coverage with your brush in light layers.
- Powder is essential if you want your concealer to stay put. Apply sparingly (and skip cheeks if using a cream blush). If not using translucent, go for one that matches your foundation exactly.
- Try: YSL Touche Eclat (for under eyes) and Kryolan Dermacolour concealer palettes (for blemishes).
Blush
Blush is key to a healthy-looking flush. Cream blush "melts" into your skin, for a natural look, while powder is much longer lasting and better suited to oily skin.
- Gently pinch your cheeks and take note of what colour they turn: this is the blush colour for you!
- Start from the apples of your cheeks and blend up and out. Don't go lower than the imaginary line you'd have if you drew a line from your nostrils to your ears.
Luminiser
Use luminisers and highlighters to make your skin look radiant.
- Go easy: you're not a Las Vegas showgirl. Use sparingly on brow and cheek bones, and opt for warm-toned shades.
- Skip if you have problematic skin or large pores — light-reflecting make-up will only emphasise them.
- Liquid luminisers and highlighters should be applied before powder.
- Try: i.d BareMinerals Cultured Pearl
Eyes and lips
You're not creating a make-up look to go clubbing with, so simple and natural is all that's needed.
- Lips: go for a thin layer of gloss in a soft, sheer colour that makes the most of your cheeks.
- Eyes: A neutral shade lightly dusted across the lids, and a little brown mascara is more than enough.
- Try: Covergirl Lash Exact mascara.
