Day 16...A formal party makeup

There are a few types of makeup looks that depend on the event you are going to. For a formal event the best look is understated but classy. Here is how to achieve that:

• Start with freshly cleansed and moisturized skin. If you have the time use a face mask to brighten and lift the skin, giving it even more of a glow. I like ARCONA Wine Hydrating Mask, Replenish AM/PM 2 oz (59 g) which leaves skin so soft you may not even need moisturizer.
• Next prep skin with a primer. This fills in fine lines, evens skin texture and enables your base to last longer. A good one is  Alison Raffaele Face Forward Primer, Age Response, 1-Ounce Bottle. This is especially for aging skins, they also do a great one for blemished skin. Blend the primer as you would a moisturizer and leave for a minute to settle before applying base.
• Using a foundation brush or a clean sponge, dot foundation on your forehead, nose, chin and cheeks and blend outwards and downwards. This technique concentrates foundation on the T-zone where most people need help and feathers it out towards the edges of the face so you are not left with a mask like effect or any in your hairline. My favorite foundation and the one I use on my clients is Veil Fluid Makeup, 4
• Apply a creamy concealer where needed under the eyes and blend with your ring finger using a patting motion. To conceal blemishes I prefer to use a small brush and just a little concealer on top of the actual spot. Set the whole face with a light dusting of face powder Mineral Essence "Magic Finish (Net Wt. 9 grams)" is exceptionally fine and natural looking, concentrating on the oilier areas. If you like cream blusher, use this before powder. Put a dime sized amout on the apples of your cheeks and blend both inwards and out over the cheekbone for a natural looking flush. I find pinks, reds and peaches work best. If using red, just use a tiny amount or you'll look sunburnt instead of Snow White ish! The colors in the Kevyn Aucoin range work particularly well  Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Moist Glow Cheek Color, Pravella (Soft Pink) .14 oz (4 g)
• For the eyes, keep it simple but add drama with a liquid liner. I start by using a matte cream or bone colored powder shadow all over the lid and up to the crease. Add depth by brushing a soft brown or taupe matte powder shadow in the crease and blend it until it's just a hint of a shadow. Now line the upper lid with a true black liquid liner Maybelline Lash Stiletto with Line Stiletto - Black is a good one. Holding the edge of the eyelid, pull it taut and then draw a thin line from the inner corner to the outer, slightly winging it out and up at the ends. Let dry then go over it with a thin brush and black powder eyeshadow, this will set it and also blur any slightly wobbly lines.
• Add two coats of volumizing mascara Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Lash Mascara is ideal, to the top eyelashes only to complete the cat eye look. Leaving the bottom lash line without makeup makes the effect more dramatic.
• If using powder blush, dip a medium fluffy brush in to your desired shade and swirl it over the apples of the cheeks. One with a slight sheen gives the illusion of high cheekbones and brightens the whole face. I use Urban Decay Afterglow Blush QUICKIEon myself, which is a gorgeous pink shade with a satin finish.
• Now the focal point of the look is the lips. First line with a nude liner and fill in the whole of the lips. This ensures you don't end up with just a line around your lips at the end of the night. Next fill in with a red gloss or lipstick. Hourglass Cosmetics Siren lipgloss is an amazing metallic red shade and gives your look an immediate wow factor Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss Siren
• Complete your look with simple hair. just straight and shiny or up in an elegant chignon. This whole look is very elegant but will definitely make you stand out from the crowd.

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