The Complete Make-Up and Beauty Book. Leigh Toselli
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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Catwalk and fashion editorials are meant to inspire and innovate, but very often fashion statements can be taken to extremes – from following whatever the magazines portray, to holding onto looks that are long out of date. Finding a balance between fashion, comfort and personal style is the most logical solution.
Thibault Vabre, an international make-up artist for Clarins, maintains, “If a woman’s make-up is successful, you don’t see it, you see the person”. Learn to make the most of your features and find out what make-up looks compliment you – after all, big noses, full lips, gappy teeth and moles have all been turned into beauty trademarks over the years. Decide what suits you – you are the expert! So whether you’ve never worn make-up at all, whether you are pretty adept at doing your own face or whether you are stuck in a rut, this book will help alleviate any nervousness you might have about make-up application and will provide you with lots of inspiration, tips and ideas to help you attain exciting new looks.
Instead of looking in a mirror and asking “What’s wrong with me?”, use make-up to highlight your uniqueness, not to hide and correct. Just remember to keep it simple – when you try too hard it looks complicated and unnatural. Find your own basic make-up essentials to create a radiant-looking complexion, and experiment with different products and tools to accentuate your best features. Improving your appearance will boost your confidence and self-esteem. Ultimately, it’s not about what rules to follow, but about learning how to adapt the various techniques to best suit your own unique style. Experimentation is fun, and besides, you can always wash it off!
SKIN
As humans, you come packaged in material that’s light, tough, elastic and waterproof. Your skin protects your body against the world. It also plays a large part in how people respond to you. Depending on the state of your skin, you may be met with snap judgements on your health and sexual attractiveness. So it’s no wonder that a multimillion-dollar industry has grown up around skin sensitivities.
Weighing about 4kg (6.6lb), the skin is the largest organ in the body. It covers roughly 2m2 (6.6 sq ft) and consists of 3 layers. Like no other material, it grows with you, repairs itself and processes sensory information about the environment. It acts as a barrier against pollution, radiation, the elements, harmful micro-organisms and physical trauma.
Smooth, poreless and free from lines, a flawless complexion has long been considered a mark of youthfulness and good looks. No part of our body receives as much attention as our skin; we slather it with creams, conceal it with make-up, and examine every change, line and blemish.
“For some, achieving perfect skin seems impossible, but good skin is achievable. It simply takes work! With a bit of knowledge, your skin will look better – and be healthier – than you ever thought possible ...”
YOUR SKIN TYPE
The term ‘skin type’ refers to two things: how much sebum your skin produces, and where this sebum is most heavily produced. But our skin changes – greasy one day and dry the next. It’s under constant attack from internal factors like fluctuating hormones and poor diet, which lead to oiliness and spots, and from external factors like the sun and the wind, which cause premature wrinkles.
Factors such as stress and the changing seasons can also take their toll, making skin look dull, flaky and lifeless. To combat these enemies, skin needs to be properly cared for throughout your life. Examine your skin first thing in the morning to identify your skin type and discover which products to use and which to avoid.
Dry skin
Avoid
• sun exposure, which aggravates the condition; excessive lubrication; and products containing alcohol and fragrance.
Look for
• products containing sealants to prevent moisture loss such as silicone or collagen; daytime protective moisturizers; nourishing and hydrating masks; products containing vitamin E, avocado oil, hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Oily skin
Avoid
• harsh strippers with a high alcohol content; foundations with a ‘glossy’ or ‘satin finish’; harsh alcohol-based toners; soap and water; oil-based moisturizers; and finally, touching your face too much.
Look for
• ‘oil-free’ foundations and moisturizers; products labelled non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic; antibacterial essential oils such as tea tree and grapefruit; and cleansing oils, rather than rich creams and lotions.
Dry skin
Most people try to combat dry skin by saturating it with oil – not the best plan when you realize that dry skin is actually thirsty skin. What you need is a regular