Makeup Q&A - How to Make My Lip Colour Last Longer
Q. I'm going to be a bridesmaid for my cousin's Wedding next week and want to look good in all the pictures through the day (and through the meals). In case I forget to touch up, is there any way I can make my lip colour last for long hours?
A. The easiest way is to get a fade-proof lipstick. There are more and more such products in the market these days. However, it's not always easy to find the exact shade that you like. In addition, they all tend to be dry, and you do have to touch up with the enclosed lip gloss pretty much through the day.
The following 5 easy steps will enable you to turn your regular lipstick into a fade-proof one:
1) Remove dry skin on your lips carefully. Pad on a generous amount of lip balm. Let sit for 5
minutes, then blot the lips gently with a tissue.
2) Choose a lip pencil with a colour close to you desired lipstick. Outline both upper and lower lips, Then colour all over inside the outlines with the lip pencil.
3) Use a lip brush to apply the base coat of lipstick colour. Blot gently with a tissue.
4) Use a lip brush to apply the second coat of lipstick colour. Blot gently with a tissue.
5) Use a lip brush to apply the final coat of lipstick colour.
Congratulations... It's done!
You can put a little gloss around the centre of the upper and lower lips for more oomph.
Extra tips:
- Drink with a straw throughout the day
- Eat your food in small cut pieces during the meals
- Restrain from pressing/pumping your lips, as that will dry up the lipstick faster than it should
Michelle Wong
Professional Makeup Artist - Vancouver, BC http://www.michellemakeup.com
Makeup Tips from the Pro - How to Choose the Best Foundation for My Skin
To choose the perfect foundation, it is important to consider the type and conditions of your complexion. Moisturizing liquid foundation, or a creme-based (cake or stick) foundation generally work well for Dry Skin. Oil-free liquid foundation or two-way foundation powder are both great for Oily Skin. If you have combination skin, applying a shine-control base on the oily areas (e.g. T-zone) will enable the foundation to last better.
To find the best colour of foundation for your face, try the product on your face! Choose a few colours that are close to your skintone, put a bit of each on each finger and swipe across one side of your lower jaw. Look into the mirror and see if any of them disappears and blends perfectly. Voila! That's your colour. Apply that colour on the rest of your face, and feel free to walk around under different lighting (indoor, outdoor) to make sure that it looks natural on you. Some cheaper cosmetics might change colour after a few hours of wear, so don't rush.
If you tan easily, it will be a good idea to keep two shades of foundation for different times of the year. Though a heavier initial investment, it will pay off in the long run.
If you wish to apply your foundation evenly for a perfect finish, it is better to use tools. Makeup sponges work well, but they absorb a lot of products. I prefer a foundation brush. Either way, use light and even downstrokes over your face. Always apply a light layer and add more only if needed. Finish with translucent powder (N.B. Translucent powder will not change the colour of your foundation, and gives you a more sheer and skin-like natural look).Remember to discard the makeup sponge, or clean your brush after every use and lay flat to dry.
For a light wear on a daily basis, I like to mix half of my liquid foundation with my sunscreen day cream - and it becomes my homemade tinted moisturizer. Adjust the amount of each to achieve your desired level of coverage, and just apply with your fingers.
Michelle Wong Makeup Artist - Vancouver, BC, Canada
http://www.michellemakeup.com
Perfect Look for Wedding Day - Hair Up or Hair Down?
This is one of the most common questions that Brides ask. As a Bridal Hairstylist, I can usually recommend a style that, in my opinion, would suit the Bride's physical appearance and disposition. Whether the hair is up or down, there is always little things that we can do to enhance the face shape and neckline.
A more important factor is whether the Bride would LIKE to have her neck covered or not. Some Brides prefer a clean look and feel and would much rather that she doesn't need to tuck or fix any bit of hair for photos through the Wedding day, while others would feel very bare without the comfort of curls around the shoulder. Half-up-half-down is a very popular compromise.
My advice for Bridal clients is to bring one or two big jaw clips and elastics to the gown-fitting session. While having the gown on, try to twist or bunch up the hair at the back and see what kind of silhouette looks best with the overall image. This would also be helpful in deciding the shape and length of the veil.
Please feel free to visit my Bridal Makeup and Hair Portfolio.
Michelle Wong
Bridal Makeup Artist and Hairstylist - Vancouver, BC, Canada
www.michellemakeup.com January 18, 2007
Skin Care for Wedding Day
One thing that I always emphasize to Bridal clients is that Make-up can conceal and enhance, but nothing, really, can beat the beauty of well-hydrated and well-nourished skin.
Wedding planning is both exciting and stressful. Brides must take care of their body in order to feel and look good on the most important, most noticed and most photographed day of their life! While trying to keep yourself slim for the gorgeous Wedding dress, please remember NUTRITION. Keep a balanced diet, a good fluid intake (it's not a lie that 8 glasses of water a day can improve the conditions of your skin!), and don't forget about fibre. Good digestion means that the toxins and wastes don't have to accumulate in the body and show through your pores.
Keep a good cleansing routine for your face every morning and evening, and apply an appropriate moisturizer afterwards. Wear sunscreen during the day (minimum SPF15 and preferably higher if you will be exposed to sunlight consistently). Beware of how tanlines might be visible with your Wedding dress on. I've also worked with Brides who end up with different skin tones between the face and the body. While Make-up can help even out the colour, this is not ideal, and should best be prevented in the first place.
I normally do not recommend that Brides change their skin care products within 6 months prior to the Wedding date. Some allergic reactions can last for months and you wouldn't want to add stress during this period. If you've already got severe or visible skin problems, do visit your dermatologist or esthetician far in advance to allow sufficient time for treatment.
Please visit my website for more information on my Bridal Makeup and Hair service. January 18, 2007
