Tools of the Trade


Tools of the Trade
The correct makeup tools are as important in getting the look you desire as the actual makeup itself. Here are the basic tools every girl should have in her makeup bag:

VELOUR POWDER PUFF - To press on face powder and "lock" foundation in place. A good puff is worth the investment since it will create a smoother finish to the face.

SPONGE - Preferably wedge-shaped to smooth or blend in foundation.

SHADOW BRUSH - A short brush, cut full and square for a clean sweep of colour.

LINER BRUSH - A small, flat brush that is gently rounded to a point.

BLUSH BRUSH - A medium-full, round brush. It is tapered at the sides to allow for more controlled blending and usually has a long handle.

BROW BRUSH - Bristles are quite firm and are clipped at an angle to allow for clean, even application of shadow to the brows coarse hair.

TWEEZERS - Preferably metal ones that are angled at the end.

TRIX OF THE TRADE

To clean makeup brushes, use a mild household liquid soap. Use your hand as a cup for the warm, soapy water and swirl brushes in your palm until they are clean. Rinse well. Then gently squeeze excess water from the brush. Reshape the head of the brush. Air-dry the brush and then allow it to dry overnight.

BEAUTY BUSTERS!

Poker-straight lashes - the most obvious solution is to invest in an eyelash curler, as it really can make a difference to the way your eyes look. You will never know how effective they are until you try one for the first time. Take it from me ladies, once you try it, you'll never look back! Gently squeeze your lashes between their cushioned pad and voila - instant curly lashes! Curlier lashes make a huge difference to the way your lashes look and help open up the eyes.

Yellow nails - is usually caused by wearing dark-coloured nail polish without using a protective clear base coat. To avoid this problem from occurring, you can try wearing paler coloured polishes, as these contain lower levels of pigment that are less likely to stain your nails. To cure yellow nails, rub them with lemon juice to remove the stains, then massage your hands and nails with hand cream to replenish the moisture levels. Alternatively, you can try going polish free for one day a week. If the problem persists, consult your doctor to check that there is no underlying cause.

Bloodshot eyes - Red eyes are caused by the swelling of the tiny blood vessels on the eye surface, which can be attributed to many factors such as lack of sleep, excessive time in front of a computer or being enclosed in a smoky atmosphere. Take care to avoid the source of the problem in the future. On a temporary basis, eye drops are a good remedy to bring the sparkle back to your eyes. Eye drops are ideal as they contain ingredients which reduce the swelling in the blood vessels which in turn decrease redness and cut down on dryness and itching.

BEAUTY TIP OF THE MONTH!

Make powder eyeshadows last longer and stay crease-free by dusting eyelids with translucent powder first. It will absorb the oils from your skin and keep your makeup looking fresh.

- Annemarie Failla

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