Skinspiration… Make-up confidence

*Disclaimer; All work produced in this skinspiration blog is owned by Nicole Webb, with copyrights to La Beauté Ltd.  

I work with makeup every day, I know how much it can change a woman’s face and give her a boost in her confidence. I also know that as we age; the style changes; new products become available; it can be scary for some women and their confidence to apply or wear makeup changes, so naturally they just do what they have always done or even worst they give up wearing it at all.

The world of makeup is forever changing; product houses keep renaming their foundation with fancy names like B.B or C.C to confuse you; magazines give you all this advice on how to contour perfectly yet you don’t even know how to apply your foundation; youtube and facebook show videos on ‘how to get the perfect look’ but they use so much technical jargon you soon decide that it is just too hard.

Although changes occur or advice is given it is often not essential, all you really need is the key skills to apply makeup, the vital tips (that actually help you) and for you to have the confidence to know that what you are doing works for you, your age and what you are wanting to achieve.

Below are 5 of my key pointers to consider when working with make up.

You have to have the tools
Many peoples application tools consist of a few odd bits and pieces that they normally don’t use, instead replacing them for their beloved fingers.
The first step towards getting any make up application to look right is to have the right tools! Using your fingers to apply make up is one of the biggest mistakes many make, you are never going to get a nice even application of foundation with your finger!
You don’t need a huge amount of brushes to get any make up look, but some key ones that you MUST have are;
Foundation Brush; this is essential, it not only gives an even, blended finish to your foundation, it also makes your foundation go further. I can always tell when foundation is applied with fingers as not only is the finish uneven but there is often finger tip marks left on the face. I swear this brush is a MUST!
Powder Brush; this is used for applying bronzers/ blushes, it enables you to get a controlled coverage dependant on the product being applied
Eyeshadow Brush; you don’t need heaps of brushes for eyeshadow just one or two regardless of the look but again fingers are not an option!

Start with the basics and know the key daily steps
Magazines, youtube, Facebook etc often demonstrate in-depth, complex make up applications that go beyond most peoples skill set or give a look that is unrealistic for every day wear . Yes these looks may look incredible but they often put you off even trying.
Make up is meant to be simple and often quick, so by sticking to the basics and knowing the key daily steps you will always ensure that your make up is suited for every day wear – yet a complete look.
My full daily make up application takes me around about 6 minutes, I know many may struggle to find 6 minutes but the lift that it gives you is worth it!

What worked for you at 18 will not work for you at 40
(or beyond)
I hate to burst your bubble but I am sorry what worked for you at 18 will not work at 40!
As you age and your face naturally changes you have to change your make up habits. Continuing to do what you have always done is often a mistake many of us make, instead be open to change and find new habits that work for your age, style, stage of life and ability.
In saying that, whatever you do don’t stop wearing make up just because you are no longer 18. Make up is a wonderful modality that can give you a huge confidence boost, enhance you natural features and hide unwanted skin changes.

Work against gravity
Naturally gravity has a downwards pull on the face, so make sure that you always angle you make up upwards. It will counteract and often hide the gravity pull.
Blusher/bronzer should be angled from the apple of the cheek upward along the cheek bone to lift the whole facial structure and eyeshadow should be blended on a upwards angle to lift the skin above the eye socket.
Each time you add a colour to the face (eyes, lips. cheeks) by aware of the angle that you apply it.

If it works for you go with it
There are many various ways of applying mascara and in part most of them are true yet you will also have your own way of applying it that works for you so if it works then go with it. This rule applies for all steps in your make up regime.
Make up is individual and everyones desired look is personal, if you find a way that gives you the desired look in a easy manner then go with that way!!

If you find the whole aspect of make up daunting; have lost your confidence or feel you want to learn the key steps to achieving a gorgeous everyday make up then we can help.
I offer lessons in both a group class or one-on-one environment where I show you in a hands on setting the key steps required for everyday make up application. In both options you leave with all the tools (brushes) you need, along with the skills to ensure you can embrace and have confidence with your make up.