IN THE NEWS: FOUNDATION /BASE BRUSH

FOUNDATION/BASE BRUSH:

This brush is made from synthetic hair and suitable for use with the majority of cream/liquid based cosmetic products as it is easy to clean afterwards. For hygiene reasons this brush should be cleaned after every use as foundation for example will 'go off' on the brush overnight. Use a shampoo and warm water or a professional brush cleaner, after you have cleaned the brush leave it to air dry on the edge of a surface so that air is able to circulate the entire brush head.

Apply foundation to the tip of the brush only, there is no need to apply foundation to the entire brush head. Begin by applying foundation to the centre of the face nose, forehead and chin using the brush to blend the product outwards evenly towards the hairline, you generally need a little more coverage in the central parts of the face. I mostly opt for a dampended brush to apply foundation as it makes the brush easier to control.

Use the brush to blend the foundation until you can see no visible strips of colour. When applying product to the brush do not rub the brush into the product, apply a minimal amount of make-up to the brush tip and apply a little to the face at a time. Keep adding more product and blending until you achieve the desired coverage you are looking for. This is great because you can achieve a very natural coverage or a heavy duty coverage depending on how you use the brush to control the product. When applying the make-up use a firm yet gentle pressure to control the application. If the end result appears to thick and heavy, you have either applied to much product to the brush or simply added too much not knowing when to finish. Use only the tiniest amount of foundation at a time to see a difference, less really is more!

A foundation or base brush as they are sometimes known can also be used to apply other cream and liquid products as well as simply foundation. I often use them to apply cream or liquid blushers as well as liquid bronzers and highlighters. This brush is also ideal for applying body make-up, perhaps a highlighter across the decolletage or concealing a scar or tattoo with cover-up make-up.

Foundation brushes may not always be convenient to everybody for every day use in our often hectic and busy lifestyles, however they are certainly worth using for a great night out or a special occasion. Using a brush to apply foundation results in a flawless and an ultra long-lasting finish to your make-up. As with all make-up brushes invest in one and look after it and it will last you a very long time.

Beauty Tips: Bridal Make-up

Beauty Tips-Bridal Make-up:

Create a “timeless” look with your bridal make-up. Ideally it should be a little stronger than you are used to wearing. You still want to look like ‘you’ although you want to look at your absolute best and have wonderful photographs to prove it.
Whether you have opted to hire a Professional Make-up Artist for the day or have chosen to apply your own make-up it is worth having a trial run at least one month before the wedding. This gives you plenty of time to make sure you are happy. If you are looking for a Make-up Artist, it is often good to go on recommendation from a friend or search the internet and choose after seeing the artists work and previous experience.

Product tips:
Invest in a primer. It keeps make-up in place all day. A silicone-based primer will even smooth out fine lines and open pores to achieve a flawless look. A great example of this is Daniel Sandler Retexturising face primer £20, Urban Retreat Harrods.
Use waterproof mascara to avoid any smudges or mascara running disasters. I recommend MAC Splash-proof mascara £10.50.www.maccosmetics.com
Opt for an eye-base before applying eye-colour, it will keep eye-shadow fresh all day and prevent colour creasing. I like Laura Mercier Eye Basics £18.00 Space N.K
Powder using a translucent compact, this will set the make-up. Translucent will not change the colour of your chosen foundation. Keep a compact with you during the day for touch-ups and to remain shine-free in your important photographs.
Choose waterproof/long-wear products wherever possible to ensure your make-up lasts well into the evening.

Make-up tips:
Choose a lip colour one or two shades deeper than your natural lip-colour to show in your photographs.
Always try the make-up in good light, natural daylight is best and try to wear light clothing similar to that of your dress to reflect the make-up at its best.
When applying eye make-up use a lighter colour on the majority of the lid and a deeper shade in the socket line to define and open the eyes. I would experiment with shades of taupe and brown.
To brighten eyes use a dot of highlighter at the inner and outer corner as well as under the arch of the brow, to make the eyes look bigger add a white eyeliner to the inside rim of the eye.

See Niki’s Bridal Make-up examples at www.nikimakeup.co.uk