From frumpy to fabulous via X Factor
THE best kind of makeover is the one that makes you look like you — only after a good night’s sleep and a threeweek holiday in the Maldives. One that accentuates the positive while disguising the negative, without taking you out of your comfort zone.
Oddly for a show as crass and emotionally manipulative as the X Factor, the transformation of team Sharon finalist Sam Bailey, a prison officer from Leicester, is a masterclass in the fine art of the makeover. By just changing a few key elements of her look, Bailey has gone from frumpy to fabulous.
Firstly, brows. Never underestimate the benefits of a good brow shape. In Bailey’s audition, they were thin and shapeless. Now they’re a touch bolder, emphasising her pretty eyes.
Threading, not plucking, is the quickest, most painless and safest way to shape brows. I get mine done at Blink ( blinkbrowbar.com), which has threading chairs nationwide.
The hair is key. In her audition, Bailey’s locks looked dull and overstyled. Now her curls are much softer, but also there’s more volume. John Frieda’s Touchably Full shampoo and conditioner is ideal for restoring volume to fine hair that’s prone to frizz.
Bailey’s skin is less ruddy, and they’ve got her shine under control, giving her a good, even base t hat accentuates her features.
Clinique’s Super Primer Face primers (£20, clinique. co.uk) come in a range of formulas to suit all skins, including one to tone down redness.
The rest of her make-up is straightforward: a pretty, rosy blush on cheeks, a neutral single shade eyeshadow, a soft pencil on the eye. You can achieve all three with Pur Minerals’ great value Go Nude Eye and Cheek Palette (£20,
marksandspencer.com).