THE BEAUTY COLUMN: BEAUTY DO’S AND DON’TS
Let’s take a minute to cast our minds back to the distant memories of our hilariously embarrassing beauty fails. We’ve all done it – slicked our hair to our heads with two strands hanging shamelessly either side, gone a little clown crazy with the blusher and tried to rock patchwork eyes without the aid of blending. Beauty fails still have a habit of sneaking up on us now and again, so here’s a guide on how to avoid them.
DON’T colour in your eyebrows. Fill them in by all means, but if you’re heavy handed then concentrate on lightly filling in sparse areas. The slug effect isn’t sexy. You’re not going to get them entirely symmetrical so remember – they’re sisters, not twins.
DO match your foundation to your skin tone. There’s nothing worse than wearing a foundation that is simply too dark for your complexion. Orange lines round your chin and hairline aren’t pretty and nobody digs the oompa loompah look.
DON’T plaster foundation on your lips. It’s very drying and looks super silly. Instead, apply a nourishing lip balm to get them in the best possible condition and apply a nude or pop of colour.
DO ensure there’s no stray lippy on your teeth. It’s happened to the best of us, but it’s totally embarrassing. Make sure your girls are on guard if your lipstick budges and keep a mirror in your bag just in case.
DON’T treat eyeliner like paint. Although inky liner is very in this season, there’s a difference between painting it on willy nilly and applying it effectively. Think of it as colour by numbers, not a free-for-all blank canvas.
DO take your makeup off every night. I know it can be a chore when you get in at 3am and want to collapse into bed, but you’ll regret it in the morning. The longer your makeup is on your face, the more damage it’ll do.
DON’T use makeup wipes. They’re pesky little things and won’t do your skin any favours. Try a micellar water or cleansing balm instead. Wipes may be convenient, but they’re soaked in chemicals to keep them moist for a long period of time.
DO your makeup in natural light. Bad lighting can easily catch you out so make sure you find a spot with the most natural light and stick to it. You might think you look perfectly fine, but it could be a whole different story when you step outside.
DON’T get carried away with glitter and shine. Granted, it’s nice to give yourself a little glow or add some shine sometimes, but apply in moderation. You don’t want to be walking around like a living, breathing disco ball.
DO wear colours that suit you. Not everything suits everyone; it’s just a way of life. There’s nothing wrong with experimenting, but if you know pastel pink lipstick washes you out, don’t wear it just because it’s on trend.
Find more from Nicole on her blog www.lifeofatraineejournalist.com