1. Always, always, always moisturize! Sometimes i ditch the primer when I am in a rush but it is very important to moisturize before applying any makeup on your face. Whether your skin is oily or flaky dry, ensure you are using the right moisturizer for your skin before any application of makeup. This will ensure your skin looks hydrated and smooth hence a more flawless base.
2. I always apply a hydrating lip balm on and slightly around the area of my lips before applying any lipstick. This will hydrate your lips and create the the look of more fuller and plump lips. It will also make the application of the lipstick more smooth and crease free!
3. If you have dry lips be sure to always exfoliate! A quick and easy way to exfoliate is using a disposable lip wand to exfoliate your lips after evenly applying lip balm. You can also use a lip scrub and a lip serum on a regular basis to help smooth and soften your lips and minimize the appearance of fine lines.
4. If you are looking to maintain a beautiful and youthful appearance ensure you moisturize day and night and use an SPF 30+ every morning before leaving the house. If you work outdoors use an SPF 50+ and reapply throughout the day. The sun is very harsh towards our skin and if we do not protect it we will be left with ageing skin and possible pigmentation.
5. Applying false eye lashes can be quite tricky, no doubt! To make this easier make sure you are allowing enough time for the glue to become dry and tacky before applying the lash! I like to wait about 60 seconds.
6. Before applying translucent powder to set your under eye area and smile lines, commonly known as ''baking'' ensure you are smoothing out the creases first with your finger! If not, you will be setting the powder into your lines which in the future may lead to more harsh looking fine lines.
7. When choosing a serum or a moisturizer, choose one that contains hyaluronic acid! Hyaluronic acid (HA) can attract up to 1000x its weight in water. Hyaluronic acid is proven to improve skin hydration and collagen production (Collagen is the body's most abundant protein that forms a scaffold to provide strength and structure). It also helps fight free radicals (Caused by the body's immune system, metabolism, environmental factors, pollution, cigarette smoke and radiation) and maintain skin elasticity. 8. Always remember to set your makeup with a setting spray. Setting your makeup will ensure your makeup is long-lasting. You can also use setting spray as a quick pick-me-up during the day to refresh your makeup. Some setting sprays also contain skin benefits. My personal favorites are Mac Prep + Prime Fix + (To set my makeup or to create more pigmented eye shadow looks), Mario Badescu Aloe, herbs & rosewater facial spray (for a pick-me-up during the day) and Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist (for a pick-me-up or to tone your face after cleansing). Currently price points vary between $10-$100 AUD with the Mario spray being the lowest price and Omorovicza the highest.
9. When attempting to colour match your foundation; choose the colour you believe you will be, then also choose one shade lighter and one shade darker. Apply all colours next to each other starting with the lightest on either side of your face underneath your cheek bones. Apply the colours in a vertical line. Blend the end of each line of foundation into your skin. Choose the colour that disappears the most into your skin and is the least visible...And that's it! Now you can foundation match yourself! I learnt this trick while working at Mecca Cosmetica as a colour specialist.
10. On your big day or if you are going to be professionally photographed make sure you advise your Makeup Artist to avoid using any products with SPF as this may cause flashback (A white cast that appears on the skin in photos)! Ditch the sunscreen and avoid the sun to prevent sun damage. Also remember to avoid setting powders that contain light-reflecting ingredients. The Laura Mercier translucent loose setting powder is a great option.