BEAUTY BAZAAR:EXPERTS IN THE beauty industry each have their own tips and tricks, which is why I love to get the chance to benefit from an insider's experience. Jane Richardson is one such person. She has been a make-up artist for 14 years, working on television, runway shows and fashion editorials for Vogue, Elleand the like.
In 2000 she became a European training manager for NARS cosmetics, which is one of the most respected names in the industry due to the artistic vision of its founder, François Nars. Nars lives on his own island, gives exotic names to the colour palette, and uses uber cool, ergonomic matt black packaging, which all adds up to something rather special.
Top 10 tips from Jane Richardson
1. Experiment and have fun with make-up.Embrace who you are, and more importantly the features that make you unique. Never be afraid to try something new, and if it makes you smile . . . wear it.
2. Good make-up starts with good skin.I recommend double cleansing (and a white towel); with the first cleanse getting rid of the city, and the second deep-cleansing the pores. Use Gentle Cream Cleanser for soothed, softened skin. The white towel will show instantly if you are not cleansing properly.
3. Protect your skin.Use a product such as Essential Vitamin Serum, with vitamins E and C that is designed to go over your moisturiser. It will protect your skin, and also activates and boosts your own collagen.
4. Always colour match your foundation to your skin.Remember that you may change depending on the season. Use the foundation only where you need it (usually the centre panel of the face).
5. Loose powder is a must.NARS powders are triple milled for the lightest finish. Powder sets foundation, smooths skin and fills in pores. Use a powder puff to "push and roll" the product into the skin, and a brush to buff the skin.
6. Want to make up your eyes in minutes?Use a cream shadow as a base. Apply over the lid with your fingers and then push the eye shadow powder into the cream (the cream acts like a magnet, sucking the powder towards it, and the powder sets the cream). Always use a sturdy, less flexible brush (the best starter brush is the NARS #3 eye shader). Pick up your pigment and tap off onto your hand before application.
7. Blend eye make-up.Most women don't blend their eye make-up high enough, leaving colour just on the lid, which can leave the eyes looking small. Apply colour on the lid, then place some pigment on the tip of the brush. Stare straight ahead into a mirror and place the brush just above your crease. Raise your chin and look down into the mirror. You will see a gap, fill it in and see your eyes widen.
8. Can't line your eyes?Invest in a push liner brush. Using a dark cream, such as Zardoz, or shadow (wet or dry) hold the brush at the ferrule (where the metal meets the handle). Use your little finger balanced on your cheek, and push forward to the roots and wiggle. You will get a tight line at the lashline. With practice you will be able to make the line bigger, eventually using the brush to get a flick.
9. Use more blush.So many women are scared of blusher. It can be like a facelift, and can give the skin a youthful glow. Try Taos powder blush or Cactus Flower cream blush and see the compliments flood in.
10. You know best.Friends can be great for advice, but remember when purchasing a new lipstick, or shadow, most end up suggesting the colours that they wear. You are an individual, so if youlike it, buy it. pclarke@irishtimes.com
The NARS range is available at Brown Thomas, Dublin and spacenk at Harvey Nichols, Dundrum, Dublin 14.