Cosmetic Make-up's

Preparation

Having a professional make-up will enhance your natural features whilst the subtle technique of shading and contouring can minimize any areas you'd rather not draw attention to.
Working in natural light is always preferable for good results so invest in a daylight bulb to use in a lamp where make-up is to be applied.
Starting with a clean base is imperative but the use of soap or detergent is not recommended as an over zealous cleansing routine can have a negative effect on the delicate facial skin as most soaps contain caustic soda which whilst totally degreasing the skin's surface in an effort to remove bacteria and dirt also weakens the skin's natural protective powers.
This breaking down of the skin's 'acid mantle'  can leave skin feeling  dry, blotchy and inflamed. Make-up would then look blotchy and uneven whilst having little lasting ability.
A cooling, gentle cleanser containing natural ingredients is therefore always used prior to make-up followed by a light gel moisturiser.

Primer

Primer is a valuable multi-tasking product which fills in fine wrinkles, smooths skin tone, helps any make-up base/foundation  used to glide on flawlessly and most importantly helps your make-up to stay put in any heat and humidity. Give this a try if your make-up seems to wear off too quickly.

 

Foundation

For a make-up base that covers your imperfections but gives the look of beautiful healthy skin use a powder made of only pure minerals, no chemical additives or fillers. These innovative dry foundations are applied with a soft bristled brush  to provide a silky smooth, even coverage with a soft luminosity. They contain no preservatives oil or fragrance and are recommended by doctors and dermatologists.

Bare mineral make-up provides natural sun protection factor 15 broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Once the foundation has been applied, skin appears even and smooth textured. A perfect canvas to apply the rest of your make-up to.

Concealer

There are two groups of concealers for different jobs. The first is the more pigmented one usually in a stick form. This conceals age spots, and pimples very effectively, it is applied using a small brush, which must be washed regularly. The second type is usually a thinner cream or liquid which contains light reflective pigments and is very good at concealing dark, shadowy areas around the eye area.

Shading / Sculpting

The next step is to subtly correct any irregularities by the clever use of delicate shading and highlighting, using a mineral powder make up. A shade is used just slightly darker than your foundation to gradually build up a shadow effect which appears to slim down a wide nose or create a more angular look on a rounded jawline. It's amazing how a facial shape can appear to change using this technique.

Blusher/Bronzer

A little blush is now applied to the apple of the cheekbone, gently building colour, if powder is used final brushstrokes should be in a downward direction to avoid making the tiny vellus hairs of the cheek show.

Eyes                                      

Start with defining eyebrows as these appear to frame the eye, pluck any stray hairs remembering to work gradually, too thin a brow is ageing. Use a cotton pad soaked in hot water before tweezing, then witch hazel or aloe vera applied soon afterwards to soothe and reduce any redness, try a professional wax if you aren't sure of what shape looks best then just tweeze the odd hair that grows in.

Apply a pale shade over the complete eyelid area, this ensures any thin, dark skin doesn't deepen any eye colour used. Apply your chosen colour to accentuate the eye socket remembering to blend away the edges smoothly. Natural browns and greys really work to show off green or blue eyes best. Use a liner sparingly, heavily outlined eyes appear sunken when photographed. Mascara is essential to make the eyes appear to open more. Try using an eyelash curler, they make a great difference, there are heated ones on the market now too, these are used once mascara has been applied. Experiment with your eye make up,  you can always wipe it off and start again!

A Perfect Pout                        

Generally you can go for a strong colour on either the eyes or the lips but don't do both. Foundation or concealer should have been taken over the lipline onto the edge of the lips, pencil or felt pen type liner is now used to create an even lipline. Keep the liner to a matching colour to your lipstick. Have a shade that you like from the warm palette of colours to wear with reds, oranges, brown and cream colours and a shade from the cooler palette to look good when wearing blues, cool greens, grey or teal. Toning colours give a well groomed, smart appearance. Lipstick or stain is now applied, blotted and applied once more. Lip gloss can now be used if required.

 Remember makeup is fun and should make the best of your assetts, don't get stressed, work in a good light, try a magnifying mirror and ask someone you trust if you suit a shade you're not sure about!