Author: rosyjafragirl17@gmail.com

  • Working with Airbrush Makeup

    Catherine Zeta Jones wears it. So does Jennifer Lopez. Why? Airbrush makeup creates a flawless face – almost as if you took your picture and ran it through Photoshop.

    Here’s how it works. A tiny amount of specialized foundation makeup is mixed with a few drops of water, and then sprayed onto the face with a wand. The result is a sheer, yet full coverage. You end up wearing less foundation, but with a flawless finish. It even hides under eye circles and rosacea.

    Tools for At-Home Airbrush Application

    airbrush compressor

    airbrush wand (sometimes called a pen)

    hose (connects the wand and the compressor)

    makeup foundation

    bottled water

    First time users can get this equipment in a kit. After that, all you will need is the foundation. Expect to pay from $120 to $600 or more as your initial investment. Once you’ve purchased your kit, the only further cost is foundation, which can be about $20. Some companies are making smaller compressors, which are easier for home use and for travel.

    How to apply

    1. Place a few drops of foundation into the designated cup, along with a few drops of water. (Each brand will have its own instructions telling you specifically how many drops of each to use.)

    2. Hold the wand about 6 to 10 inches from your face, and spray the mixture in gentle circles over your face and neck. Never hold the wand in one place. Keep it moving. And don’t spray it into your eyes. Keep your eyes closed if you can.

    3. Let it dry. If you want, you can apply a second coat. After that’s dry, you’re good to go. No need for finishing or setting powder.

    What kind of foundation to buy?

    Airbrush makeup foundations come in two types: silicone-based and water-based. Many professionals recommend the silicone, saying that it creates a slightly more flawless look. You need to purchase dedicated airbrush makeup – you can’t use your regular foundation in these machines.

    Airbrush Pros

    Once airbrushed, you are good to go for up to 10 or 20 hours, with an average of around 16 hours. It won’t rub off on anything or disappear into your pores.

    If you’re sharing the makeup – at a wedding, for example – the airbrush system is sanitary, since it never actually touches the skin.

    Some of the kits and foundations can be used on legs, to conceal veins and discolorations. That means no panty-hose, ladies!

    Special effects, such as stencil tattoos, are easily applied.

    Airbrush Cons

    It’s expensive, especially at first.

    Applying the makeup is time consuming and requires the equipment, a power supply, a water source, and enough space.

    If you’re applying it on yourself and you’re alone, you’ve got to do at least parts of the application with your eyes closed. You don’t want to get the product in your eyes.

    You can’t throw it into your purse like you can with mineral makeup or regular foundation.

    If you use airbrush makeup a lot, you might consider some sort of face mask. No one has definitive information yet about how much of the product gets into your lungs.

    Still, that ultra flawless, pore-less even look is a very appealing idea. Some women even say the makeup hides some of their wrinkles. If you want that look, airbrush makeup is certainly worth a try.

  • How to Choose and Apply Lipstick

    Lipstick, in various forms, has been around for about 5000 years as it is the easiest way to add an instant splash of color and give focus to your face. The main problem though, is that there is no perfect color that suits everyone. There are no perfect shades, brands or formulas but these guidelines can help any woman to express her mood or personality as she chooses the lipstick that is right for her.

    Sheer lipsticks: are more universal than opaque lipsticks and are more flattering as they allow your own lip color to be seen underneath. They do not last as long as some other formulas although they are very moisturizing and easy to wear. A happy medium can be found in the cream lipsticks but as these are more opaque you will find yourself having to be more discerning when choosing your colors.

    Shimmer lipsticks: last for longer than sheer formulations and can flatter the wearer of any age, unlike the shimmery eye shadows or blushers. Due to the light reflecting qualities, lips will look fuller but be warned that shimmer formulations look ghastly on dry or chapped lips.

    Matte lipsticks: are the formulas that last for longer than any other and are a good selection to make bold statements with. The main problem with this type of lipstick is that they dry the lips out quite quickly and as such should not really be worn if you have dry or chapped lips already.

    Lip colors can be found in many styles of applicator but by far the most popular are the ones that come in a stick in bullet shaped holders. As lips are quite sensitive to the sun, the lipstick formulations that have built-in sunscreens are very useful. Lip-gloss can be used to add an attractive gleam to your lips when used on its own, or to catch the light if applied over your normal lipstick.

    If you want to mark an outline to your lips before applying lipstick then a lip liner is the best method (this also helps to stop ‘bleeding’) and is designed for just this purpose. For a darker matte effect just apply a lip liner over the whole of your lip area. A word of caution if you do decide to use this method though is that you may need to apply a lip salve over the top to avoid drying out your lips.

    Choosing a Color

    There are many traditions that help in the selection of lipstick colors. Some of these say that you should choose rich, deep colors such as burgundy or plum reds in winter and lighter, more pastel tones such as pinks or lavenders in spring. Summer months herald the need for sheer or glossy formulations and autumn is the time for brown-based earthy colors. All this said, lipsticks are used as an expression of yourself so you don’t have to follow tradition if you don’t want to – go ahead and experiment.

    Color Guidelines

    People with a fair complexion will find that a small amount of colour will go a long way. Over the top, bright colors will look a mess so stick to nudes, beige tones, light corals or light pinks. Sheer formulas prove to be the most flattering here.

    Complexions with medium colors are best suited to brown based mauves or sheer berry types of colored lipsticks in a cream formula.

    Reds, especially those with golden undertones rather than blue, are the best and most suited colors of lipstick for people with whitish complexions. Also, pink shimmers can look good too with both color schemes working well in almost any formula.

    The best colors to use for your lipstick if your complexion is darker are rich and deep shades such as burgundy, chocolate or plum which will look great in any formula.

    Lipstick Application

    Using a moisturizer over your lips before applying the lipstick will usually ensure that the best end result is achieved. The lip surface should then be primed with a foundation making sure that every tiny crack and crevice is covered. A make-up sponge is the best way to accomplish this.

    Then using your normal face powder, apply a light dusting on top of the foundation, which will help your lipstick stay in place for longer.

    Next, draw an outline around your lips using a lip pencil, which has been warmed slightly in the palm of your hand. You may find that steadying your hand by resting your elbow on a firm, flat surface helps when doing this.

    The Cupid’s bow on the upper lip should be your starting point when drawing your lip outline, followed by neatly outlining your lower lip.

    Finish off the edges of the outline on your upper lip and then fill in the outlined areas with lipstick, preferably using a lip brush for accuracy, as you will need to make sure that every tiny crevice is covered. Brush the color into the corners of your lips by opening your mouth, which will expose the corners for easy reach.

    To help your lipstick last longer and give your lips an attractive, semi-matte finish, you should blot over the surface gently with a tissue.

    If there is a difference in proportion or volume to your mouth, then the upper lip will normally appear to be thinner than the bottom one. The bottom lip is generally considered to be the point of reference when trying to make sure the contours of both lips are balanced therefore outlining of the upper lip must be done. With this in mind it should be said that when you pencil out the upper lip, make sure that it equals in proportion, from the pointed side of the Cupid’s bow to the center slit of the mouth, the width of the bottom lip. The shape you give to your Cupid’s bow is what expresses your mood or personality at the time. If you make it more rounded then you will give a fuller, more sensual smile while on the other hand a pointed, more angular one shows a confident, outgoing personality.

  • How to Wear Lipstick: 6 Lip Tips and Tricks

    You don’t have to be a makeup genius to know that lipstick can make a big impact on your looks. It can take your face from drab to dramatic or simple to sexy in mere seconds. The wrong color lipstick, heavy lip liner and lips that have been “drawn on” are common makeup mistakes that will ruin your overall look. Many women who are unsure of how to wear lipstick skip that step totally leaving makeup looking unbalanced. These brilliant tips will show you how to make lipstick look better, last longer and work harder.

    Tip 1: When applying foundation continue over the lips to provide a base for lip liner and lipstick.

    Tip 2: Keeping your mouth-closed trace a fine line around the lips with a sharp pencil. A blunt pencil will make blending more difficult. Start at the v of the top lip and move outward to lip corners by making short strokes (rest your hand on your chin for better control). After you have penciled in the top lip, begin from the middle of the bottom lip and move outward also. Follow the natural lip line.

    Tip 3: To make lips look larger follow the outer edge of the natural lip line making sure not to go over the natural lip line. To make lips look smaller follow the inside of the natural

    Tip 4: To give the illusion of two perfect peaks without using lip liner: Dab a small amount of concealer in the groove at the center of your upper lip and blend well

    Tip 5: Lipstick will stay on longer if the whole lip is filled in with lip liner before lipstick is applied. If you decide to use this technique, be aware that darker lip liner will darken the look of your lipstick. And, if you are going for a light look use a light lip liner.

    Tip 6: Now that lips are filled in, apply lipstick with a lipstick brush (using a lip brush will give you more control). When lipstick has been applied, with lips closed, lay a tissue across both lips to blot.

    You are ready to go, with perfect lips. Continue with touch ups during the day. If you are not used to wearing lipstick, it will probably take awhile to get used to having your lips done and not “eating” the lipstick. The plus to having nice lips, aside from the obvious, is you will never be plagued with dry lips again an over time they become softer. That’s certainly reason enough to take care of your lips.

  • How to Choose the Right Foundation Color

    Foundation creates a blank canvas on the face to which colors is added: eye shadow, blush & lipstick. It is also the setting agent. It is also the setting agent for these products acting as a barrier between the colour & the skin’s own natural oils, which would otherwise dissolve the make-up. But because it covers the largest area of the face, foundation needs to blend seamlessly with the skin.

    Makeup foundations for differing skin types

    Before buying new foundation there are two areas of concern that need to be addressed. Firstly, the foundation must complement your skin type.

    Oily skin: For oily skin that is prone to shine, an oil-free formulation will hinder the production of excess oil, and most contain extra powder particles to dry any oil produced.

    Normal skin: Normal skin can take pretty much any formulation, but a liquid will give ample coverage without looking caked or heavy. Dry skin needs make-up foundation with extra moisturizers to keep it supple, and to prevent the skin from drinking in the makeup. A cream make-up formulation will last longer and also hydrate.

    Foundation colors

    The best time to pick a color is when your skin is at its most natural shade. So, after your holidays or morning after self tanning applications are not the best time. The best place to try make-up is on the jaw line. Basically, foundation color falls into two categories:

    1. Foundation bases with yellow tones
    2. Foundation bases with pick tones

    The most common yellow-toned skin types are Asian, sallow and black skin, whereas fair skin has generally has pink tones. It is important to choose a foundation that matches your skin’s base, otherwise the make-up will not blend well, no matter how you apply it.

    Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer
    Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer

    Applying makeup foundations

    Oily skin: With oily skin, the application of oil-free formulas needs to be fast, as they dry speedily. Using clean fingers to apply small does to the areas most in need of coverage is the best way; simply do each area at a time until the face is complete.

    Normal skin: For normal skin, the choice of cream-to-powder liquid or powder foundation can change how much time you spend applying it. Cream-to-powder is best applied with a sponge, starting in the center of the face and working outwards; its done in a matter of moments. Liquid foundation looks more natural applied with a foundation brush. Again work the brush outwards, taking care to use less around the eye area. Powder or mineral make-up foundation should be applied with a large powder brush; while it will not give the same level of coverage as a liquid, it is a great makeup for those who are pressed for time.

    Dry skin: For dry skin, cream foundation moves well around the face, and a little goes a long way. Dry skin tends to have few blemishes, so concentrate on areas that need coverage, and leave clear areas bare: this is why getting the right color match is vital.

  • Makeup Techniques to Achieve a Natural Look

    If you want a look that is similarly like your favorite celebrity or movie star, but you don’t want to go to a professional makeup artist because they are expensive, then do it yourself. Sometimes, what it takes is not the skill of an artist, but the sense of style. If you don’t have the time and money to go regularly to the beauty salons to have your makeup done, then do it at home – with your hand and makeup gadgets. Don’t worry, you’ll achieve a great natural look if you imagine, blend, apply, and do it.

    Here are some makeup techniques that work – even when you are in the nick of time or with the limited makeup equipments you have. First, you have to visualize yourself on how you want to look – this is the most effective way to start your makeup. If you don’t know how you want to look or what you want to achieve, you’ll never go that far – even in life, this principle holds true. After visualizing, think of the facial features that need enhancing. Second, focus on your facial skin. Make it appear as clear, clean and flawless as your complexion would allow. Begin with the foundation – use products that can make your complexion look smooth and clear. Follow it by covering up blemishes and under eye circles using concealers that matches your skin color or foundation. Then, use loose powder with a large powder brush to remove any shine from your face. Third, add color to your cheeks by working on two tones for a natural-looking dimension on your face. The darker shade is brushed along the cheekbone – letting it fade as it approaches the side of your face – and the lighter shade is use on the apple of the cheek. Fourth, apply a classic-modern beauty eye makeup style for a natural effect that defines your eyes. Use earth tone shades for a neutral effect. Light shade as base, medium shade for the next, and a dark shade to emphasize the eye lash line. Dark-colored eyeliner must be used on the top eyelash line to make your eyelashes appear thick. Black or brown mascara must be applied so you would achieve naturally tapered eyelashes. Fifth, have a classic, clean, and polished lip color effect. Use a lip primer or base for lip moistening and protection, followed by a lip liner that has the same or close to your lip color, then a matte or sheer tone – apply a lip gloss for a last touch, if you desire.

    Remember, you don’t want to go around walking like a clown with those dark red circles on snow white-colored cheeks, so make sure that you still have that natural look. Use simple makeup techniques that will achieve great looks. Although professional makeup stylists have their own makeup techniques, you don’t really have to copy it, just learn the basics of makeup techniques, then you can start going.

  • Marvelous Makeup Tips for Dark Skin

    Makeup is essential in women life. It is must for every woman. The breed of women is of many types like short, tall, slim, fat or extra slim. Skin color also varies like white, whitish, toned or black. The variety list may go long but one thing is common and that is every woman needs makeup. So the question arises, do all the woman needs same type of make or something else. While application of makeup is concerned, it widely varies according to skin color and body type. So what type of make suits to a given skin color is a definite requirement to know.

    So come on black beauties and know how to do your makeup to be street smart and gorgeous. The secret of you black beauties lies in the selection of shades, so it is best advisable for you to know about undertone found in dark skin. You also will need well – hydrated skin to apply some makeup. Here goes the to make your skin beautiful and healthy.

    Any black object is a good absorber of light and radiation and hence the good reflector also. Since your skin is dark it will also behave in the similar manner, that’s why dark skin seems oily, even though it may not. Because of your skin color, you will need to avoid creamy foundations and choose from liquid foundations or water based foundation. You must choose the foundation, the shade of which is lighter than your skin tone. It would be better, if you will find the foundation color closer to the color of your skin. Apply foundation and powder lightly, because dark skin reveal the layers of makeup more than any other type of skin, say fair skin etc.

    You should blend the foundation well. To do blending properly add a drop of water to the foundation. Do mixing and then apply. Check for the effect in daytime. After applying the foundation, try on a little baby powder. This will give your skin the necessary luster. Do not use too much powder and always dust of the extra powder.

    Choose the colors like coral, rose, deep orange for your blush. Peachy shades and browns are a complete no – no for you. If you have extremely dark skin tone, rose pink color will make your day, however for nights, choose shades of bronze, plum and wine. To give luster to your skin tone, blend the blusher well over your cheekbones. A touch of golden color will make you dark skinned glamorous and gorgeous on special occasions. You can apply golden at your temples and corners of your eyebrows.

    If you want to use eyeshades, prefer soft brown with a darker brick brown. Say no to light colors and whites. For upper eyelids, use light brown. In the tuck of eyelid, use dark brown and drag it slightly outward. This will give depth to your eyes.

    If you want to try on more color, choose from dark blue, wine or purple eyeshades to line your eyes, closer to the eyelashes. You also can line the eyelids with dark blue, dark grey, wine or purple color. Do softening of the lines with a soggy brush or with a sponge tipped applicator. Outline the eyes with kaajal using kaajal pencil. Kaajal makes your eyes appealing and cool and this will extremely good on Asians and especially Indian women. You also can do Mascara to thicken the eyelashes. Mascara will give glamorous look to you.

    For your lipstick choose colors like copper, bronze, dark red, wine and burgundy. You can use a single color or a blend of two colors according to your skin color. For nighttime use darker colors. Do not use lipstick in excess. It will be good, if your lip color will match to your nail colors. Try to maintain a balance between your eyes and lip color so that one does not look heavy on other.

    Proper balance and color blending is important for color makeup. It is as equally important as your clothing.

    So that if you are a dark skinned beauty, tries on your makeup as discussed above. After all ‘brown is beautiful’.

  • How to use a Makeup Brush to Apply Foundation

    Learning how to use a foundation brush can mean the difference between a perfectly flawless face and an unpolished look. Foundation application can be tricky for everyone. Blending it into dry spots, sliding it over oily skin and trying to cover those spots and lines can be a difficult task but a foundation brush can make it easier.

    Blending

    A smooth finish is what is required if you really want to look your best. Using your fingers and the fingertips makes it very difficult to get this smooth finish, where as if you use a good quality shaped makeup brush you can.

    There are of course various oils in your fingers which can easily transfer to your face to make it look blotchy. This oil can also transfer itself to the makeup itself which can make it difficult to use in the future.

    I often see people out and about in pubs and clubs and can tell straight away whether they have used a brush or if they have just simply used their fingers. I know which person I find more attractive.

    Control

    It is far easier to control the amount of powder or other makeup you are using when you apply it with a makeup brush. If you use your finger tips it is very easy to use too much and your face can become plastered. This can look really horrible and is a huge turn off. I would be thinking, what are you trying to hide beneath all of that make up? It also shows a lack of self-esteem and confidence on the part of the wearer.

    This of course was not meant to happen and could have been avoided by using by a brush.

    Which type of brush?

    Most people believe that long handled brushes are by far the best for applying makeup, this is mainly due to balance.

    When looking to purchase these brushes you normally get what you pay for. I would certainly advise where possible to avoid the lower end of the market.

    When you look good, you feel good. It is a bit like wearing a new suit which you have spent a lot of money on. When you wear it for the first time to work or to a wedding, it gives you a bit of extra confidence as you know you are looking very smart.

    Good quality brushes should if used correctly last quite a long time, they need to be correctly maintained and cleaned however to keep to their maximum effect.

  • Foundation Makeup: Liquid vs Powder

    Foundation makeup is the key to whether your makeup will look good or bad. The application of a foundation will help to smooth out your skin tone, conceal blemishes and give you a more healthy glow. Applying makeup without a foundation base can actually enhance unsightly skin problems, rather than conceal them. But before you head out to the store, here are some basic rules that should be followed when making your product selection.

    How to choose a foundation makeup base

    First, you need to select the correct color for your skin tone. Often times, people choose foundations that are either too light – making them look pale and washed out – or too dark – which often leaves a line of makeup between the jaw and neck. Generally, you will look like you’re wearing a mask. The foundation color that you choose must blend in with your natural skin tone.

    Also keep in mind that your skin tone color will change with the seasons. In the summer, you will most likely need a slightly darker foundation color, as your skin will tan somewhat (even if you don’t purposely suntan – you still need to go outside sometimes.) In the winter your skin will lighten again back to its original tone and you should use your natural base color foundation makeup.

    Deciding between liquid and powder foundations

    The next decision is to determine whether you would prefer powder foundation or liquid foundation makeup. This tends to be more personal choice, although there are pros and cons to both types.

    Most women seem to prefer the liquid foundation base. It appears to be quicker and much easier to apply. As well, once blended into the skin, liquid foundation makeup appears more natural and lighter, giving the skin a smooth, even appearance. However, how it is applied can also make a difference. Applying too much will cause streaks and spots that look “heavier” then others on your skin. Using a makeup sponge rather than using a fingers can help a lot with creating a smooth, even appearance. Apply a small amount of liquid foundation at a time and blend in carefully.

    Another advantage of a liquid foundation is that it absorbs into the skin rather than sitting on top of it, so you get a more natural skin tone appearance. It also comes in a variety of bases to suit women with dry skin, normal skin, oily skin, combination skin, and sensitive skin types.

    Powder foundations are a less popular choice, but can work just as well as liquid foundation makeup. It’s easy to apply and there is less blending involved. They are also great for people that have very oily skin, as the powder will soak up the oil and prevent a greasy appearance. You can also carry a compact powder case with you on days when you need to do a slight touch up to your makeup or on days that are hot and humid, to rid your face of shine.

    A slight problem with powders, however, is that they can look like they are caked on your face if applied to heavily or after a couple of hours in warm weather. They also tend to rub off on clothes easier since the powder sits on top of your skin.

    Another choice: liquid-powder foundations

    Liquid-powder foundation combinations are another choice that is gaining in popularity. The foundation makeup comes in a compact, much like powder bases, but contains a somewhat creamy mixture. Application of this foundation gives a smooth appearance, like a liquid, with the absorption benefits of a powder. However, you have to be careful when applying this type of foundation, since a heavy hand will give you a caked appearance. Like liquids, the key is to apply it lightly and blend well. This combination is not the best for people with dry skin as it will also give you a patchy skin appearance. Choose this type of product if you have normal to oily skin.

    If this is the first time you are going to buy a foundation, you should visit a make-up counter that allows you to try out the various products or seek out a professional make-up artist to help you with your selection. For those that have problem skin, such as severe acne breakouts, you should visit a dermatologist first. They can help you with making a wiser choice on the type of foundation makeup would work best, plus provide you with other skin care options to help clear up underlying problems.

  • Celebrity Makeup Secrets

    Almost everyday, from movies to TV, we all see our favorite celebrities parading their glamorous beauties all over the small and big screens. Oftentimes, we wonder how they’ve looked so young, flawless, and gorgeous. Most young ladies would love to have the same smooth and clear beauty they have. One thing though that distinguishes them from the rest of the populace is that they have beauty consultants, experts, and professionals that help them. They invest in their looks because that’s what makes them stars – and celebrity makeup techniques and styles are their main capital to achieve the looks that their fans admire.

    For those who want to look as glamorous and as beauteous as these Hollywood stars, you may think it’s impossible to do so, right? Well, it is and it is not. If you want the celebrity makeup artists as your resource to get these looks, then you have to have a good amount of savings to pay for them. They are well experienced and the top of their industry, so if you want their advice, skills, and time, you have to pay their price – and it doesn’t come cheap. For celebrities, it is not a problem because being beautiful and looking good is their livelihood and they have the financial means to get that star image. This, however, shouldn’t be a hindrance to your achieving a good look. There are simple and less expensive celebrity makeup tips that the stars use and apply everyday to keep that quality look.

    Just choose the celebrity makeup style that makes you feel good and at the same time, lets you look glamorous. One thing to do is, pay attention to your favorite celebrity – someone you can relate to because of her personality or her style or her charisma that draws you to her – then make note of how she keeps that beautiful look that makes her glow. Get inspiration from them. All of them have secret celebrity makeup tips that they use daily – at home or on set – and these are usually beauty products available in the market. You can search the Internet or your local beauty shops for these items. Some may be a little expensive but it’s not just a one-time use, so you can still save compared to going to the professional celebrity makeup experts.

    Here are some celebrity makeup products that you may buy and apply regularly – like your favorite celebrities. Amanda Peet and Jennifer Love Hewitt patronize Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream – a calming, moisturizing cream for heavily dried skin. Heather Locklear and Christina Applegate enjoy the Crème de la Mer – a prized night cream but quite expensive. Rachel Leigh Cook, Charlize Theron, Ashley Judd, Liv Tyler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Naomi Campbell, and Heidi Klum love Mario Badescu’s skin care products. Elle McPherson, Vanessa Williams, Jessica Simpson, and Selma Blair support the Proactive Skin Care items. These are some of the celebrity makeup tips that they have for themselves – which you can use anytime – so pamper yourself.

  • How to Apply Eyeliner

    One stunning effect that can be achieved easily and a favorite of such well-known actresses from Marlene Dietrich and Marilyn Monroe to Gwyneth Paltrow, is rimming the eyes with either a white or beige eye pencil. This has the effect of enlarging the white of the eye to create a seductive, alluring look.

    To apply the eye pencil, pull your lid away from the eye very gently using one or two fingers and draw a line along the inner eye rims. Do the same with both the upper and lower lids. To make a sharpened pencil softer and easier to apply, you can draw a few lines first on the back of your hand. This will soften the tip and get the color flowing.

    Kohl can be applied in the same way with sensational effect. The use of kohl goes back to ancient Egyptian times and is characteristic of eye makeup in the Middle and Far East. Apply your kohl pencil as described above to both the upper and lower rims, from corner to corner. Then, using either a sponge-tipped applicator, eyeshadow brush, or even your fingertip, blend the color by smudging it to create a smoky effect.

    Once you are satisfied with the appearance, you will need to set it by using a light application of loose powder. For an even stronger, more intense effect, apply your preferred color around the eyes in either cream, liquid or powder form.

    If you want to use liquid eyeliner, once you’ve mastered the technique of applying it, this can be a quick method of achieving a stunning and sophisticated look. But applying liquid eyeliner can take a little practice.

    To begin, it’s best to be in front of a good magnifying mirror, so that your eyes are magnified sufficiently to see very clearly what you are about to do and ensure a smooth application of the liquid eyeliner. Then, using your free hand, start by pulling the eyelid taut. If you’re right-handed it’s probably easiest for you to start applying the liquid from left-to-right, as if you are writing, and vice versa if you are left-handed. Draw across in a single continuous fine line. If you want a thicker line then, at the end of the run, simply retrace.

    A tip when applying liquid eyeliner is to apply it as close as possible to the eyelashes, even running into the eyelashes. This will avoid you getting that annoying white line effect between the lashes and the liner when the two don’t meet.

    Applying liquid eyeliner does take some practice, so have a bottle of makeup remover to hand until you are confident in the technique. As they say: “practice makes perfect”, and with a little perseverance and a steady hand you’ll soon be achieving some great effects.