I am one that believes although true beauty comes from within, we could all use a little make-up as a confidence booster.  Do bear in mind that the scary and thrashy look is not “IN” and never will be. Today we teach you how to solve your beauty problems with makeup tricks and tips of application that can help make the most of your features.

How do I find my perfect foundation?

The first step is to determine if your skin’s natural undertones are yellow (warm) or pink (cool).Most ladies have yellow undertones, but many make the mistake of picking out a too-pink foundation. Also don’t try to perk up your complexion with a brighter or darker shade (leave that to the make-up pros please) which will just make you look mask-like. The right shade will disappear into your skin when you blend the edges with a sponge or q-tip. Test swatches on your cheeks, just above the jawline-not on you neck which may be paler, or on your nose which may be ruddier. Make sure you have a natural light source, even if it means running outside the store. If you don’t trust your own eye, ask make-up consultant or shop with an honest and sincere friend.

How do I find a natural-looking blush?

Go for a colour that most closely resembles the shade of your cheeks after exercising. If you have yellow undertones, wear yellow-based colours (peaches and corals); if you have pink undertones, stick to cool shades (pinks, plums, roses).If you intend to use a powder blush, look for a colour with has a little brown in it; these dirty shades tend to look very natural. Apply colour sparingly and blend well, so you get a healthy glow rather than two obvious stripes. New blush formulas are sheer so you can keep adding colour until you get the intensity that you want. Gel blushers and powdered ones work well on oily skin while creams are better for dry skin. Never forget that most shades look completely different in the package under store lights than they do in actual use on your skin.

My make-up disappears by the end of the day. How can I prevent this?

The oil in your skin is the probable culprit; it breaks down your make-up, which then slides right off. The solution is to use an oil-free foundation and don’t forget to lock in with loose or translucent powder.Your safest bet on blush to last longer is to use a powdered formula. If you do use others, layer on with the same coloured powder blush to make the colour stay put.Prime lips for colour with a moisturising lip balm then coat your lips with a layer of concealer or foundation and you’ll be amazed how long your lippie will last. You can also colour in your whole mouth in a shade nearest to your skintone then slick on lipstick for more intensity.

My mascara leaves dark circles under my eyes. Will anything keep it in place?

Try not to apply mascara to lower lashes, which are thinner and don’t hold pigment well. Oil from your moisturiser or foundation can also cause mascara to slide, so use a concealer topped with powder on lids and under eyes instead of foundation.The problem may also lie in your lash shape: straight lashes don’t hold mascara as well as curly ones, so curl your lashes first, then apply two coats of mascara, letting them dry in between.

What is the best way to hide undereye circles?

The most common mistake is to cover the entire undereye area: that gives you light circles where the dark ones were. Instead, dot concealer just on the darkest part of the circles (nearest your nose).Blend with your finger or a concealer brush and set with powder if you have oily skin.The right concealer shade: one that’s a tiny bit lighter than your skin. Stay away from pink-based shades, which look unnatural; yellow-based shades work well on most skintones.

Do you have any beauty dilemmas that need to be answered? Ask us!

Credits to: Glamour, Allure

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