We get the beauty pros to show us how to break free from your make-up malaise & start saying yes to new
When it comes to beauty, it’s easy to stay stuck in your lane. But trying a new look, investing in a different scent, or revisiting a trend you haven’t worn for years can feel incredibly empowering. Not sure where to start? Then you’re in luck as we get the beauty pros to give us the lowdown on how you can shake things up and make new work for you.
The red lip
Red lips suit everyone, but it’s about finding the colour and texture for you. “If the undertones of your skin are warm, opt for a red that has more of an orangey tone, and if your skin has cool undertones, look for a red with blue tones,” says Claire Mulleady, lead make-up artist at Givenchy.
“Another good idea if you’re feeling nervous is to start by using your lipstick as a ‘stain’, pressing it into your lips using your fingers.” This gives a softer, blurred finish. Claire also recommends lip balm before you start your make-up, blotting away before applying lipstick, plus liner to give a crisp edge and prevent feathering.
3 red lip essentials
Givenchy Le Rouge Interdit Intense Silk No 337
• Semi-matte finish
• Available in 16 shades
Infused with hyaluronic acid for comfort and hydration, No 337 is known for its ability to suit a wide range of skin tones.
Fancy new fragrance
There’s nothing wrong with having a classic go-to scent, but mixing things up can help boost your mood and change your perspective. “Wearing a new fragrance can be associated with a new step in your life. Maybe your previous fragrance doesn’t reflect who you are today,” says Sonia Constant, senior perfumer at Givaudan, who creates scents for Tom Ford, among others.
But this doesn’t mean you have to steer clear of what you like. “Define the olfactory family you prefer (ie, woody, citrus, floral etc) by thinking about your favourite scents. Sample on skin before making a decision – wear it all day long, so you can evaluate how it reacts with the pH of your skin,” adds Sonia.
3 fresh scents to try
If you like the idea of smokey eyes, opt for bronze or quartz-coloured shades
Bold eye make-up
If your current eye make-up consists of a slick of mascara, then adding liner and colour might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. “If you like the idea of smokey eyes, opt for bronze or quartz-coloured shades,” recommends make-up artist Aarti P. “Or if adding eyeliner for the first time, choose a gel and blend along the lash line to make it appear softer.”
And when it comes to make-up as you get older, don’t minimise, says MAC national artist, Carly Utting. “Just alter the shapes and textures. Satin finishes and shimmers are my go-tos, because they add radiance in all the right places,” she says. Carly also suggests complementary colours. “Gold and peachy colours make blue eyes pop and plum or burgundy shades make hazel or green eyes look greener.”
3 bold eye make-up must-haves
Full-on glamour
“A full face of make-up means different things for different people,” says Carly. If you want to ease yourself in, pair things together and focus on one area. If it’s the eyes, add a pop of glitter or metallic in the inner corner and some false lashes. If you want to try eyes, lips and cheeks, use the same tones across all three – peaches, bronzes and pinks work well. A feline eyeliner flick, contoured cheeks and red lip is another great way to take it up a notch.
Full-on glamour boosters
Eylure Fluttery Light 008 False Lashes
• ¾ length
• Reusable up to five wears
• Cruelty-free
False lashes can sometimes feel daunting but these light ones add fullness to the outer edges of eyes without fuss.
Clever contouring
A technique that can cause confusion, but that’s constantly splashed over social media, contouring uses darker and lighter shades to accentuate your features. “When you contour, you ‘push’ an area back using a darker shade, such as bronzer, and complement this by bringing an area ‘forward’ using a lighter shade, such as a highlighter,” explains Carly.
“Use a shade two to three times darker than your natural colouring first to create sharper shapes under your cheekbones or jawline. Then, look at where you want to highlight areas of the face, such as across your cheekbones.”
But do you go cream or powder? “I always recommend powder as you have much more control when you’re new to contouring,” advises Aarti P.
For more top tips and tricks, watch our tutorial on how to contour like a pro.
