Applying make-up and using make-up accessories, tips and do's and dont's

	Mineral make-up a fad or here to stay? Mineral make-up has hit the fashion scene by storm and continues to grow at an exponential rate. But is it just another fad? Mineral make-up is completely natural (ought to be). Because of the completely natural components it is believed to be far better for your skin. It is, as the name suggests, made using minerals, these range, by product, from rock minerals, to vegetable sourced minerals. It is the combination of these finely powdered minerals and other naturally occurring pigments, which create the color varieties and different applications, from eye-shadow to mascara etc. Each mineral also adds to the beneficial properties of wearing the product. When compared to other types of make-up, this ‘natural composition’ should cause less irritation and less reactive on sensitive skin. The use of mineral make-up, dates back to Egyptian times. In the ‘70’s it was relaunched, (think henna etc.) and has caught the publics imagination more recently as there is an increased awareness of ‘natural’ in all areas of life has gained popular recognition. The individual minerals can aid with skin care, the oxides helping with firming and anti-ageing and other minerals providing weather block, vitamin nourishment and more, Many clinicians have endorsed some of the products available as hypoallergenic. It does feel lighter to wear and consequently doesn’t seem to clog pores so much, allowing the skin to breathe. Conversely it is more naturally water resistant, so stays on for longer than many of the more common types of make-up. As mineral make-ups are generally suitable for all skin types, it is a far easier product for which to shop. Just requiring color and product selection, rather than having to also consider skin type. When buying mineral make-up try to ensure you are not buying one with fillers, as the whole point of using mineral make-up is its natural properties. Ensure you test the make-up as you would with any other make-up. One common mistake made in selecting color, is to apply it to the back of the hand, for a tone match, this is not the best way to test, as face and hand skin tone are usually markedly different. Afterglow's mineral cosmetics a whole new level of natural beauty.
	Eye Make-up The eyes are perhaps the most difficult part of make-up as different eye shapes play a critical role in what to use and how to apply it, not to mention skin tone and eye color. Different times of day, also dictate colors and applications. The basic steps to eye make up are: Apply the highlight color to browbone and lid, apply a dab to the tear duct. Use a brush and start on the outer corner of the eye, sweeping the mid-tone into the crease of the eye. Go back and blend it with the highlight color. The shadow applied to this part of the eye, should be a shade or two darker than skin tone and is invariably a matte. The eye contour color is applied from the outer corner of the eye and applied about two thirds of the way along the lash line, blend this with the mid-tone. You are looking for a < shape, but well blended. Sweep across the bottom lashes, for a neutral look to the eyes. Finally apply an eye liner along the top lashes, together with mascara.
	Face make-up You should apply your face make-up in the following order: Foundation (if you use an under-eye concealer or similar product, apply this first), then face make-up products used for corrections and improvements, blushers and then powders. Do your eye makeup next, and then finish off your look with lip make up. Correcting bases are often the first type of product applied and is helpful to correct poor skin tones. The foundation should closely match your skin tone, and apply the foundation with a damp sponge, using even strokes. Using face cosmetics to improve appearance is based on the principle that products in pale shades lengthen, fill out and brighten your face, whilst face cosmetics in dark shades reduce, deepen and conceal. Blush is applied in the area created by the imaginary lines that extend outward from the corner of your eye, and from the bottom of your nose. Adding a touch of color to your forehead and across the chin will finish the look. If you are using a powder makeup, apply it with a brush, but use your fingertips to apply a cream. Powder is applied using a makeup puff. Press it firmly on the face, one area at a time., avoiding massaging in the puff. Then, using a thick, soft powder brush, take away the excess face powder using a downward movement.
	Lip color Application of lip color is the quickest way to update your look, glossy, pale, dark, matte all easy to achieve. Lip liners create definition and change shape of lips, they also keep the lipstick where it is wanted. If you find applying liner difficult, because your hands shake, dot each point of the upper lip brow, do the same immediately below on the lower lip. Use a dash method, applying dashes of liner, then connecting the strokes once you have dashed the outline shape. Look directly at the mirror, draw an imaginary line from the inner curve of the iris, to the lips, over the cheekbones. Any part of your lip which extend beyond this line, should not be filled in with color. Apply the color from the centre of the lip, working out to the corners. As skin ages, pink-based colors always work better. A shiny texture, creates fuller looking lips, natural colors look fuller. Matte textures make lips look smaller. If applying lipstick is problematical, due to peeling or chapped lips, use a toothbrush and water to gently exfoliate, prior to applying the lip products. For a more detailed discussion on lip color and care see the blog hot lips
	Intradermal pigmentation If you are looking for a more radical and state-of the art cosmetic application, then intradermal pigmentation may be the answer, it involves inserting natural pigments into the dermal layer of the skin and isused for a variety of permanent cosmetic enhancements, such as permanent eyebrows, eyeliner, eyelash enhancement and lip liner/color. • LIP LINER/COLOR: Not only will the procedure change the color, but also appear to change the shape and size of the lips. • EYEBROWS: Enhancing both the fullness and definition of the eybrow, by imitating the appearance of hair on the brow line • EYELASH ENHANCEMENT/EYELINER: By imitating tiny eyelashes, the eyelashes can be pigmented to enhance eye shape and define the whole eye area. DOES IT HURT? The use of local anesthetics minimize discomfort. DO I HAVE A CHOICE OF COLOR? The procedure is personalized to your requirements and this includes color pigmentation.. AFTERWARDS? A slight swelling and redness in the skin, which will subside quickly; you may resume normal activities immediately after the procedure. Complete healing takes one to six weeks while the pigmentation matures and reaches its final color. As with all cosmetic procedures, ensure your technician is certified and spend plenty of time making sure the questions you want answered are answered fully.