Beauty Tips - Question & Answer

QUESTION :

I have naturally dark lips and their colour always shows through when i wear pale lipsticks. Any suggestions?

ANSWER :

Beauty insiders usually recommend dabbing some foundation on lips so that your lippy has a light-coloured canvas to go onto.

But unless you are posing for a fashion shoot, this method's a bit drastic. Besides, who wants to ingest foundation all day?

An easier way : Fill in lips using a nude-coloured lip pencil first.

With their intense pigments, pencils do a better job of hiding or lightning your natural lip colour than most sheer balms and lip bases.

They also stay put longer - no worries about looking like you've got bruised lips after lunch.

QUESTION :

Every foundation I buy makes me look either too tanned or too pale. Even when I mix them, I just cant't get the colour right. Help!

ANSWER :

Blame the store's lighting when you're make-up shopping.

Sure, the incandescent glow makes the place look inviting. But its yellow tone distorts skin and foundation colours.

Next time you're at the counter, pick three of the most suitable shades and blend a little of each on your chin.

Then step out to see which one matches your skin tone in the daylight - best to do this in the morning or afternoon when there's ample sunlight.

Also, do you have oily skin? Excess sebum can cause foundation to oxidize and turn a darker shade. If you do, try an oil-free foundation or go for a slightly lighter shade.

Make-up bases can also help form a veil between skin and make-up.

QUESTION :

I'm avoiding heavy make-up as it dries out my skin. But I end up looking pale and sickly instead! Any other way I can perk up my appearance?

ANSWER :

It's hard to avoid using a wee bit of make-up, especially if you want an instant fix for dull or pale complexion.

Easiest way around it is to skip foundation and apply concealer on problem areas like spots or dark circles.

Then blend a little cream blush onto the apples of your cheeks for a natural-looking flush. Finish off with a light dusting of loose powder.

But if you're set against make-up, try a tinted moisturizer, which has soothing properties for dry, irritated skin and provides light coverage so you don't feel so naked.

CELLULITE, the bane of nine out of 10 women, is fat that looks like dimpled skin on thighs, hips and buttocks.

Research into this problem continues to reveal that the best way to prevent and eradicate cellulite is by stimulating blood circulation to purge fat cells of toxins.

Sadly, no miracle cure has been discovered but the use of new generation massage creams appear to make a difference.

Massaging gets the blood going, while the diuretic effect of these creams rush the toxins out of your system.

To prevent new additions, cut back on carbs, fat and salt and increase fibre intake. Start exercising.

Cardiovascular exercises in particular get the blood pumping.

Other factors that can exacerbate cellulite include smoking, tight clothes, high heeled shoes and sitting or standing in one position for long periods.

When applying blush, smile into a mirror to reveal the 'apple' of your cheeks.

Apply blush from the middle of the cheek apple and stroke upwards, trailing your cheekbone towards the direction of your hairline.

Rating : 9/10


Rating : 9/10


Rating : 7/10