Back to Basics: Make-up
ELLE goes back to basics with these top tips that dispel, once and for all, the make-up myths out there
'This is a hard one as I genuinely use a mix of finger and brush application. However if I had to choose I would opt for brush. I love using my fingers for things like cream shadows, smoothing over creases in the face - really being able to feel the products but there is nothing that can replace the precision work a brush allows.'
Make-up Artist Gucci Westman
'When working with dark eyeshadows apply these before your foundation so any fallen pigment won't ruin the base. Also, apply your mascara before your base as this can also knock excess pigments onto your base. Remove all fallen pigments with a cotton bud dipped in a cleansing water, and then apply your base.'
Make-up Artist, Florrie White
'When choosing the right shade of foundation, it is important to match your chest to your face. You should aim to match the two otherwise your face will be one shade and chest another. If your chest has caught the sun and has more colour then warm the skin on your face with a little bronzer applied to where the sun naturally hits to give a natural glow.'
Cassie Lomas, Make-up Artist and Bourjois Spokesperson
'To get started you need just three make-up brushes – a smallish rounded dense eyeshadow brush that you can use to apply and blend your eye shadow. A medium sized flat blusher brush to apply your blusher and bronzer. And a larger fluffier brush to apply or remove excess powder.'
David Scheffen at NARS
'Concealer used for the eye area should have more of a creamy texture with enough slip to make it blend effectively and be sure to use an eye cream in conjunction with the application of your concealer so that it does not look dry or cakey. Concealer used to cover scars or blemishes should be a little heavier and have a slightly drier feel to them. This will ensure longevity on the skin and provide the right texture for that specific area.'
Laura Mercier
'When applying a light-reflecting under-eye concealer apply in a triangle instead of a semi circle to avoid a panda eye affect! Start from the inner corner of the eye and brush the concealer down to the middle of the cheek and back up to the outer corner. Next, blend the product within the triangle shape to conceal shadows. The effect will be more natural and will not look like you have concealed anything.'
Cassie Lomas, Make-up Artist and Bourjois Spokesperson
'The trick is to look for a creamy formula that doesn’t tug on skin. To apply, gently pull your lid taut and begin lining from the inner corner, continuing along the entire lash line to the outermost corner. Never stop lining halfway, it’ll just make your eyes look small. My trick to making eyes look bigger is to line both upper and lower lash lines.'
Bobbi Brown
'Always curl your lashes to maximise mascara application- use a good quality lash curler and blast it with the hair dryer for a few seconds before to make the curl last all day and for a fast result; also make sure to curl 3 times for each eye. First at the lash base, then half way up and finally curl the tip – this will give you a very natural and smooth curl- nothing opens up the eyes and elongates lashes better. If you have (like me) straight lashes- always use waterproof mascara- they hold the curl and lift the lashes much better than non waterproof (for Asian lashes this is the only thing that works).'
Petra Strand, founder of Pixi
'With highlighter the key is to go two shades lighter than your skin tone. Look for one with a hint of gold or pale pink if you have olive skin. If you are pale go for pearly white or white gold for maximum allure. Apply under your eyebrows, across the top of your cheekbones, on your cupid’s bow and a touch at the very inner corner of your eyes to brighten.'
Petra Strand, founder of Pixi
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