| Sponge bag essentials |
|
| [1] |
Tinted moisturiser |
| Have a healthy shaving routine. Always shave in the same direction as your beard will almost start to grow in that direction and shave with the same strokes each time you shave. Don't skip from an electric to a wet shave. |
| [2] |
Cover-up |
| No one's perfect so covering-up blemishes, broken veins and redness is essential. Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclait with its light reflecting properties is a favourite with make-up artists and its brush applicator makes it easy to apply. Alternatively, Boots Blemish Concealer will also give you a helping hand. Apply by dotting it onto the areas which need coverage, then let the product warm to your skin temperature for 5 minutes before lightly smoothing over. |
| [3] |
Foundation |
| If you want to go the foundation route make sure you have shaved and moisturised before applying. Choose a shade as close to your own skin tone as possible, blending into the jaw line. |
| [4] |
Blusher |
| Dust a minimal amount over the apple of your cheek and gently rub into your skin. Try not to use blushers which sparkle and when choosing a colour, it's best to pick one which is the same tone as your skin when it's naturally flushed. |
| [5] |
Eyeliner |
| Very gently use an eyeliner pencil to circle around the eye. Whether you draw a faint line on the inner or outer rim of your eyelid depends on you, but be warned that it can create a really dramatic look. If it's your first time wearing make-up, your eyes might get a little tearful during early applications. |
| [6] |
Mascara |
| Apply in gentle, thin strokes to upper lashes and a quick, short stroke on lower lashes. Take your time because it can be very tricky to use at first. Above all, be careful not to apply a splodge in one go which can result in eyelashes that look like burnt match sticks. Never use anybody else's mascara, as eye infections are very easy to catch. |
| [7] |
An eyelash dye kit |
| If you're fair, stick to brown lashes but if you're very dark then opt for black. When using the kit, make sure you apply plenty of Vaseline around your eyelashes to prevent the surrounding skin from being dyed as well. The panda eye look is best left to Goths. |
| [8] |
Lips |
| A lip balm is an essential item to have around your person at all times but applying too much several times a day can have a reverse effect so go easy and don't use it unless you need to. A pocket-sized pot of Carmex or tin of Vaseline is enough. For a touch of extra definition try a light coating of lip gloss such as Boots No 7 Lip Gloss. |
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