Beauty: Ace your base!
As life resumes and people start returning to the office, celebrity make-up artist Caroline Barnes shares her top tips for perfecting your complexion
SHOP YOUR SHADE
What’s the trick to finding the perfect match? Caroline explains that when shopping for a new foundation, “You should always test foundation on your face in natural light. Make sure the colour matches your body too, so the overall effect looks natural.” If purchasing online, “There are two great sites called Findation and Il Makiage. They have great comparisons with other foundation brand shades and finishes so that you can match your existing foundation to another.”
SMOOTH WITH A PRIMER
How necessary is a primer to our routine? Caroline advises, “Although a primer isn’t essential, it can help smooth out the appearance of pores, give longevity to makeup, or provide extra hydration if needed.”
TOOL UP
What’s the difference between applying foundation with fingers or make-up brushes? Caroline explains, “A sponge gives a lighter application, whereas brushes are ideal for a more precise application. A foundation like Max
Factor Facefinity All Day Flawless allows you to build the level of coverage you need while offering a long-lasting finish. Top up with concealer where it’s needed. Either dab with a finger, or dot onto the skin with a fine brush – a brush allows product to sit in the pores and cover what is required.”
USE THE CORRECT CONCEALER
How can we best conceal skin imperfections like a pro?
Caroline reveals that we should always use different concealers for spots and under eyes, “Under-eye concealer contains reflective pigments – this is not suitable for spots as it will simply highlight the area. Use an opaque concealer without light-reflective pigment for blemishes, and a more hydrating concealer for under eyes for a smooth finish. Concealer should be the same shade as skin when covering blemishes and imperfections, but choose a slightly lighter shade for around the eyes to illuminate.”