After applying foundation and concealer, it is a good idea to use a powder, which helps to ’set’ makeup, and gives a fresh, matt finish to the skin.

The two most common types of powder are ‘Loose’ and ‘Compressed’. As the name suggests, loose powder consists of a very fine powder normally contained in a pot, whereas compressed powder is a solid substance, typical of a compact.

Loose powder is most easily applied with a large soft makeup brush, or by using a powder puff. To apply, dip the brush or puff into the loose powder, and gently tap off any excess. Using light sweeping motions, dust the powder all over your face, also giving a light dusting to the eye lids. Not only will this brighten the appearance of the eyes, it also creates a good even base if you are later applying eye shadow.

Pressed powder is ideal to touch up your makeup during the day, and can really help to prevent shiny skin in problem areas such as the forehead. However, apply pressed powder sparingly, as otherwise it can appear ’streaky’.

Tips
* When using loose powder, choose a colour that closely matches your own skin tone, or to create a warmer glow, pick a powder that has a slightly pinky hue.

* For a dash of glamour, try using a powder with reflective pigments, giving you a subtle shimmery glow, perfect for nights out!

Use a good Makeup Brush and Magnifying Makeup Mirror

Careful application of concealer can help to disguise imperfections and even out skin tone – especially useful for under eye areas.  As with foundation, the best results are achieved by choosing the correct colour of concealer, and effective application of the product.  When selecting the right shade for your skin, it is best to use a product slightly lighter than your natural tone, and with yellow based pigments- these help counteract the redness of  blemishes and blotchy skin.

When applied properly, the concealer becomes virtually invisible, and greatly reduces the appearance of any imperfections, and to achieve this, follow the simple guide below:

* Don’t apply concealer straight from a tube or stick – this will leave too much product on the skin, and will lighten the whole area, rather than small areas, creating a patchy appearance.

* Use a fine tipped make up brush for precision application – particularly needed for spots, or alternatively use a concealer pencil.  After the area has been covered, blend the concealer around it using your fingertips.  Once this has been done, dust the area with a loose powder to keep it in place.

* To disguise dark under eye circles, use a thicker, creamy textured concealer, and ensure you blend it well. Be careful when applying to this area that you don’t press too hard, and avoid dragging concealer sticks in particular, as the skin here is very delicate!  Also don’t use too much loose powder on this area, as it can settle into the natural creases around the eye, making any fine lines appear larger.

* The best way to tackle scars is to use tricks of the light to your advantage. If getting rid of indents, use a lighter shade of concealer than your skin tone, but to most effectively disguise raised scars, use a concealer slightly darker than your natural colour.

* Most people tend to put concealer on before foundation, yet in reality it often gets wiped away whilst doing this.  Therefore don’t be afraid to apply concealer after foundation for most effective coverage, but only dust with loose powder after both the foundation and concealer are complete.

* If you rarely need concealer, but want to be prepared for that unexpected breakout, you needn’t buy a concealer. If you normally use a foundation with a cap, the slightly thicker residue found here can be effectively used as a good concealer substitute!  You also needn’t worry about trying to find the right shade, as this is a perfect colour match!

Use a good Makeup Brush Set and Magnifying Makeup Mirror

* If you have an uneven skin colour, or imperfections, you may wish to use a concealer after you have applied basic foundation. Try to use this sparingly, and for extra precision use a makeup brush.

* If your foundation has become thick or is getting old, it can be rejuvenated by mixing it with moisturiser before application.

* During the summer months, skin tends to need less coverage and so you may wish to only apply foundation to specific areas rather than an all over base, to even out colour. For a lighter base, try using a tinted moisturiser instead.

* To keep your foundation flawless and skin looking soft and fresh, finish with a dusting of transluscent loose powder on your forehead, nose and chin, using a large soft brush.

* For an added healthy glow, lightly dust cheekbones with bronzer or blusher in a sweeping motion.

Use a good Makeup Brush Set and Magnifying Makeup Mirror

To achieve the perfect flawless complexion, you need to choose a foundation that most accurately matches your skin tone. However, your colouration may be quite difficult to match precisely- if it is ‘in between’ tones available, don’t be afraid to buy two lots of foundation (one darker, one lighter than your natural shade) and blend them to create a closer match. This is also handy as your skin will naturally be darker in the summer months, so you can alter the ratio of the two foundations accordingly. If you can afford it, it will be a good investment to buy a foundation from a beauty counter, as colour experts can often tailor a foundation to most complement your skin, and so it’s a worthwhile purchase!

Preparation

Beautiful make up starts with beautiful skin! To keep your skin in the best condition, it is essential to cleanse properly and to keep it hydrated. Before applying foundation, it is a good idea to massage in a high quality moisturising cream. It is important that it is designed for the face – normal moisturisers can be too oily and the addition of foundation on top of this will tend to be messy and easily slide off. Equally, if your complexion tends to be oily, this is the stage where mattifying lotions should be applied to the problem zones. Leave moisturisers for a minute to be absorbed by the skin, then get to work with your foundation while your skin is still soft and supple, as this will create a smooth and even finish.

Application

One of the easiest and quickest ways to give a basic coverage is to use a makeup sponge. This can either be used as it is, or first dipped in warm water then squeezed out until it is just damp. However, increasing numbers of people are opting to use their finger tips as this slightly warms up the foundation before it reaches your skin, enabling a smoother application. Professionals also use a variety of makeup brushes as these can cover large areas quickly, but also enable precision application in delicate and difficult areas such as around the eyes, nose and mouth. Unlike natural bristles, synthetic brushes will not absorb the foundation, which is good as it enables even application and stops too much build-up on the brush.

To keep your sponge and brushes in good condition, it is advisable to wash them on a regular basis in warm soapy water to prevent build-up. Ensure you rinse thoroughly before use.

Technique

Before you start applying your foundation, find a well-lit area with plenty of natural light, and set up a mirror. It may be useful to use a mirror that has a magnifying side to check that you haven’t missed any areas, and that it is well blended.

If using a sponge for application, dot small amounts of foundation straight on to the skin, starting across the forehead, then on the cheeks and finally chin. If using your finger tips or a brush, then apply small amounts first to these, before transferring it to the skin. Use soft downward strokes working from the top half of your face, finishing at the jawline. Here, use light pressure to blend the colour down the start of the neck, to avoid a mask-like appearance. Check areas such as the hairline and jaw line, as unblended unsightly ‘tidelines’ may be left.

After an even coverage has been achieved, use fingertips to gently press over the makeup to help it sink in and stay put. Don’t forget to re-check your face in even, natural light!

* Apply moisturiser to your cuticles often, this will help stop them from lifting up and looking ragged.

* Apply cuticle removal cream to your cuticles at least every couple of days.

* Don’t cut live cuticle skin. Only remove dead cuticle tissue. The removal of cuticles should be painless.

* Hang nails can be removed with cuticle scissors, cuticles should be pushed back with a cuticle pusher.

Use a quality Leather Manicure Set