La Mode

By Sophia Maxwell
Besides clothing, makeup plays a
very important role in making you
look perfect when you are going
out to a restaurant or a night club.
Even non-professional makeup can
transform you, if it is skilfully done.
You may think it strange, but the
best way to begin your makeup is
with a relaxing bath or shower, to
wash away the traces of fatigue
from the long workday which are
most visible on the face. So if you
have 20 minutes to spare use them
in relaxation. A bath with pine
extract or essential oils can work
wonders in removing traces of
fatigue and there is hardly anything
more refreshing than a shower
alternating hot and cool water
(which must end with cool water).
After you dry up, you can treat your
skin with aromatherapy oil.
If you do not have the time or
inclination for bathing and
showering, you can still relax using
extra-quick nourishing masks. The
mask will refresh your face and
make it more youthful. Don’t forget
that one of the rules for properly
working with facial masks is that
while the mask is on your face, you
have to relax, even if it is only for a
few minutes. Lie down and think
pleasant thoughts. This will make
the mask more effective.
The facial is an almost miraculous
procedure which also soothes the
muscles responsible for
expressions. At home you can use a
variety of nourishing masks, either
store-bought products of the
cosmetic industry, or homemade
using only natural products. Spread
the mask on face and neck area, lie
down and listen to some relaxing
music. In 10 minutes you can wash
the mask away, together with the
fatigue and grievances of the day.
Now you can begin your makeup.
In order to create an exquisite
makeup that compliments you, you
have to abide by a few simple rules.
- When you are applying makeup,
the lighting has to fall on your face,
not the mirror. Make sure you can
see your whole face in the mirror,
not just a part of it.
- Evening makeup is heavier than
day makeup. Begin with the
application of foundation products.
Also, when using foundation, take
into consideration your complexion
and skin type. Foundation products
help hide small blemishes and
defects, such as spots or dark
circles under the eyes.
According to the latest fashion, you
can use sparkling particles with
your foundation product, to make
the face sparkle or to give it a
pearly glow. When choosing
foundation, make sure it is the
same colour as your skin. Only
then will you look natural and
avoid a sharp transition line. Begin
application around the eyes, patting
with your fingers. For a thinner
layer use a brush. Dab any excess
foundation away with a sponge. Do
not use too much, for this will
make you look and feel as
if you are wearing a mask.
If you have circles under your eyes,
use a concealer. Apply it under
your eyes with a flat brush and
afterwards rub it in gently with
your fingertips until the difference
in color has blended. Powder the
face with an even layer of face
powder.
- Before applying lipstick, trace the
lips with lip-liner of a similar
colour and not a contrasting one.
In creating evening makeup, it is ok
to visually enlarge the lips by
tracing their outer line, but don’t
overdo it. Add a touch of shine
and you’re done.
Mistake #1: Using Too Much Foundation
A foundation that's too thick will settle into fine lines and sap the
luminosity from your skin. "Only use foundation where you need
it to even out discoloration,You don't have to cover every inch of
your skin." When buying a foundation, avoid those described as
"matte," "velvet," and "long-wearing"; look for sheer liquid
formulas with light-diffusing pigments. If you have dry skin,
foundation can look patchy and accentuate discoloration, so
exfoliate two to three times a week and always apply a moisturizer
after cleansing.
Mistake #2: Over-Concealing Your Under-Eye Circles
A thick concealer that comes in a stick or pot will eradicate the
shadows under your eyes, but it will also draw attention to the
crepiness and fine lines that usually show up in that area first
(because the skin there is thin). A better option: A brush-on
highlighter pen that uses illuminating particles, not opaque color,
to camouflage dark circles. Apply it only near the inner corners
of your under-eye area, where shadows are most prominent (and
lines least).
Mistake #3: Wearing Deep, Dark Lip Colours
A dark colour makes any surface look smaller - a welcome illusion
perhaps on your hips but not your lips. To make your mouth look
fuller, choose bright lipsticks and glosses (peaches, pinks, vibrant
reds) over deep shades (burgundies, wines, browns). Makeup
artists use another trick to create the illusion of luscious lips.
Mistake #4: Finishing with Powder
Youthful skin reflects light. Powders prevent light reflection and
tend to magnify lines in the skin. Here's a three-step program:
First, switch to a very sheer translucent powder; then start using it
only on your nose and chin. Finally, trade the powder for a packet
of blotting tissues--use one, only on the T-zone (nose, chin, and
forehead), if you're shiny midday.
Mistake #5: Wearing Black Eyeliner
Don't skip eyeliner altogether – it’s a great way to make your eyes
look more open – but choose brown over black, which can be
harsh; and keep the colour diffuse. You want to define the eyes
with softness and blending, not strict lines. A thick liner can leave
the upper lids looking heavier than they are. The best technique:
Trace a brown pencil liner along the upper lash line (into the
roots of the lashes), focusing on the outer corners; smudge it
with a Q-tip (cotton bud).