More Drama Please!

Who said that black eyeshadow and big lashes were just for supermodels and goth girls? It is possible to make even the darkest colours wearable by simply choosing a complimentary shape for your eyes and adding a highlight to the inner corner so the eyes don't appear too small!

When working with a solid colour, especially a dark one, you have to work to get some dimension in there. I chose the shimmery approach. The glitter makes the black look less dead and more like a star filled sky. The lashes add the cherry on top of an already dramatic look!

Just remember to have fun with it, and if it doesn't work then wash it off! Another fun way to use black is to do a gradient from black to grey to silver! So add a bit of dark mystique and glamour to that red summer dress next time you go out, and dare to wear black!

Saoirse xx

Make-Up Tips for Beginners

If you want to make the eyes appear larger and further apart then apply the lightest colour closest to the nose and the darkest colour at the outer part of the eye. Reverse this if you want the eyes to look smaller and closer together (good for wideset eyes)

If you want to add intensity to a look then apply a dark eyeliner to the inner rim of the eyes, this is called the waterline. If you add a dark colour to the upper waterline it is called tightlining and makes the lashes appear fuller.

To test foundation you should apply it on the jaw line, not the back of your hand. Look at it beneath artificial AND natural light to ensure a perfect match.

To add depth and shape to your face you should deepen the hollows of your cheeks and your temples with a bronzer or contour shade that compliments the skin tone. You can also apply it to the jawline, but only if you wish to emphasize the shape (it will draw attention to stronger jawlines) The opposite of contouring is highlighting. Adding a shimmer, complimentary shade to the length of the nose, cheekbones, cupids bow and a little on the chin and forehead. This draws out these facial features.

Try to invest in some make-up brushes. These make make-up application easier and look better. I always say to invest in a good primer (a base for your eyeshadows), foundation and brushes. That way you can afford to buy cheaper products and still have them perform well.

Brand wise: If you are just starting and want to practise then try ELF (eyes lips face) you can order online and they have a whole range of products at only a dollar (1.50 GBP) so you can get to grips with make-up without spending a fortune. When you are ready to move on to more expensive make-up then be sure to check them out online. Search for dupes and reviews so you know you are getting your money's worth. Wet n Wild do some palettes with pretty good MAC dupes, and are a fraction of the price!

Be sure to watch tutorials and videos on youtube for inspiration and technique. You can learn a lot from doing this. It will also give you inspiration for products to buy and how to use some of the more obscure make-up products.

And finally, sorry for long rambling post, make-up washes off. Have fun and be creative and if it all goes wrong then wash it off and try again! We ALL end up looking like clowns a few times in the process of learning. Make-up application is like any other skill, it needs to be developed and honed.

Saoirse. xx