People are often shocked when I tell them how much time I spend applying my makeup.
“Five minutes? That must be because you do makeup for a living,” they say. They’re partly right.
Working in the beauty business my entire adult life has certainly given me ample opportunity to hone my skills. However, it’s less about being particularly deft with my hands, and more about knowing the makeup products and techniques that make a difference and require the least amount of time.
SKIN
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to apply foundation all over your face to look as though you have perfect skin. Instead, spot-apply foundation on the parts of your face that are uneven, blotchy or dark. If your skin looks a little ruddy, use a bronzing powder. The brown tones in the bronzer are a sure-fire way to counteract any redness.
EYES
Wake tired-looking eyes with eyeliner. Start with a thin line at the inner corner and gradually thicken the line as you work outwards.
Eyes instantly look brighter with a touch of highlighter. Rub your finger in white or off-white eye shadow and apply it to your brow bone (the area just below the most arched portion of your brow).
Comb your brows. Simply brush brow hairs into place with a brow groomer or old mascara wand.
CHEEKS
Make your blush pop. After applying your regular neutral blush, dust a brighter shade on the apple of your cheeks. For example, if you use tawny as your base blush, use soft pink as your “pop” colour.
I love it when people say to me, “You’re glowing.” If they only knew my secret: after applying all your make-up, warm some balm between your palms and gently pat it on your cheeks.
LIPS
I love the versatility of white lip gloss. Wear it alone to add a little oomph to the natural colouring of your lips or layer it over any lipstick shade to transform it into a lighter, pastel shade. Lip pencils can do a lot to plump up thin lips. Line the very outer edge of your mouth with a pencil that matches the shade of your lips, then apply your regular lipstick or gloss.
After applying lipstick, take a generous dab of clear gloss and place it in the middle of both your top and bottom lips. Your lips will instantly look fuller, and who doesn’t love that?