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We’re letting you in on all the secrets and top tips of make-up artists, models and stylists. Here’s your ultimate toolbox for an instant new look...
It’s the day of the big date. You only have a few hours, and there is a lot to do to get ready. The pressure is on and nothing short of a transformation will do. Despair not, an instant whole body make over is entirely possible — and we have just the tricks to show you how…
YOUR HAIR
TIP Go for a soft, shiny, sexy and feminine look, and above all, make sure its touchable. This is not the time to layer on heaps of product, says Shaelene Shaer from Tanaz Hair, Body & Nails in Illovo, Johannesburg. Choose a style that is soft and loose, or catch your hair in a soft top knot with loose tendrils framing your face, then clip in some fresh flowers. Leave the up-do’s for another occasion.
TRICKS To make sure your hair is shiny, always point the nozzle of the hairdryer in one direction, down the hair shaft. Shine in a bottle is a sure thing: try a silicone-based serum for the final touch. Spray your favourite fragrance into the air and walk through it so some of it settles like a subtle veil over you and makes your hair smell totally divine.
TOOLS Have a conditioning treatment the week before to infuse moisture and shine, protein and strength into hair, says Shaer.
YOUR SKIN
TIP Flawless, smooth and radiant is what you are aiming for. If you can, do a head- to-toe self-tan session at a salon, so that your face and body are the same colour, otherwise fake it. Your best option is a bronzer that can be dusted on cheekbones, above the temples, the bridge of the nose and on the chin and forehead to create a sun-kissed look. Choose a bronzer that is no more than two shades darker than your skin tone. If you don’t have time for a full facial at a salon, treat yourself to a mini facial of gentle exfoliation and a moisturising mask for soft, radiant skin.
TRICKS To banish a red, glowing blemish, try this model trick: soak an ear bud in anti-redness eye drops and press it gently against the blemish for about a minute. Use a concealer brush and dab a very light layer of concealer over the blemish, blending it at the edges. Pat with translucent loose powder and voila, blemish gone.
YOUR EYES
TIP This is one night when you’ll want to flutter those lashes. Eyelash extensions are the latest trend, and they’re great if you have three hours available. A quicker alternative are false lashes.
TRICKS False eyelashes should be applied after foundation and before eyeshadow, liner and mascara. Curl your own eyelashes to blend with the false ones. Apply glue to the false eyelashes, and start sticking it to the eyelid at the outer corner — a toothpick can help you to be more precise in handling the lashes. Apply a liquid liner to make sure the false and natural lashes blend. When the lashes are set, apply mascara and eyeshadow.
YOUR LIPS
TIP Mesmerise your man with your delectable, dewy lips. Pumping up your pout with a good lip plumper in a flattering colour that whispers “kiss me”.
TRICKS Exfoliate gently and moisturise lips before applying make-up — it will stimulate blood flow to the lips and naturally enhance colour and volume. Dab on a drop of highlighter for an irresistible shimmer.
YOUR NECK
TIP From the hot throbbing hollow of your throat to the cool nape of your neck, must be nuzzle-worthy. It is, after all, one of your erogenous zones! Slather moisturiser liberally. A gentle exfoliator (try an enzyme exfoliator rather than a rough, grainy one) will get rid of any dead skin cells that cause dullness and will soften the appearance of any lines.
TRICKS Use a soft, pearly primer to even out skin tone of the throat area so it appears soft and velvety. A very subtle smudge of highlighter along the jawbone makes your jawline look firm and youthful. If your skin here is not as firm as it used to be, fake it with some darker foundation or contouring powder under the jawline and blend very well.
YOUR CLEAVAGE
TIP A good lift and push-up bra will do wonders! Enhance your cleavage by using bronzing powder in the cleavage itself, and some shimmer lotion at the top of the breasts.
TRICKS “Chicken fillets” or silicone breast enhancers. If Mother Nature has been miserly with the curves she endowed you with, use a model’s secret weapon: enhance your assets with a silicone “chicken fillet” in the bra. They are self-adhesive with a hook in front to help you control the size of your cleavage.
YOUR DERRIÈRE
TIP If Mother Nature has, on the other hand, been overly generous in the department of your derrière, there are ways to make it look pert and proud.
TRICK Disguise visible panty lines.
YOUR LEGS AND ARMS
TIP Spaghetti straps, off the shoulder tops and flirty short dresses draw attention to your limbs. Beautify them with a good self-tanner for a superb sun-kissed look. (Be careful of overdoing your elbows and knees — to undo the damage, bleach discoloured skin by rubbing on fresh halved lemons and drench in nourishing body oil.)
TRICKS A soft shimmer along the collarbone and top of the shoulders is incredibly sensuous, and a bit of shine along the shins makes your legs look longer and slimmer.
YOUR HANDS AND FEET
TIP You can do your own manicure and pedicure, beginning with a good exfoliation session – white sugar or salt in almond oil works a treat and leaves hands and feet softer than a baby’s bottom.
TRICKS Slather Vaseline or Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream on the night before your hot date, cover with thick cotton socks and gloves overnight and you’ll emerge with the softest hands and feet imaginable the next morning.
YOUR NAILS
TIP A French manicure is modern, sexy and stylish, and most men adore it, because it makes you look expensively groomed (and is less threatening than bright, red talons).
TRICKS Practise makes perfect when it comes to French tips. There are great home products available to achieve the look with a minimum of fuss. To make the look last, always end with a good quality sealing top coat, says Erna Campher, owner of the superb French Nail Studio in Parkhurst, Johannesburg.
AND FINALLY… YOUR SCENT
TIP The right fragrance is a must for romantic occasions. Layering will give your fragrance maximum impact. Start with a bath or shower gel/oil, then apply the matching deodorant (if it isn’t available in your favourite scent, opt for unscented). Lastly, slather your whole body in similarly perfumed body lotion. Finally spritz on your fragrance sparingly — you have created a solid fragrant foundation. You don’t need to overwhelm your man with a dense, cloying tidal wave of perfume, rather entice him to get closer to get another whiff every now and then.
TRICKS Coco Chanel advised that you should apply perfume wherever you expect to be kissed… so over to you!
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