Counter Intelligence: Your Makeup Dilemmas Solved
From covering blemishes to mask-proofing your makeup, our experts have resolved your conundrums.
Nars
Soft Matte Complete Concealer, £27.00
The Problem: My skin’s breaking out and I want to disguise blemishes without making them worse…
Our Solution: “A non-drying, oil-free, long lasting concealer is what you need,” says Niamh Butler, our Head of Education, who recommends this specific formula. “Apply it directly onto the blemish and use your index finger to blend around the edges for a seamless finish. Try to avoid blending on the blemish itself to prevent losing coverage,” she adds.
Charlotte Tilbury
Legendary Brows, £11.10
The Problem: I overplucked my brows when I was younger and they’re thin and sparse…
Our Solution: “You can fill them in naturally using a tinted brow gel, such as Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows,” says Emma Hollingworth, Store Manager at Space NK Bath. “Brush the hairs in the opposite direction of how they grow, and then brush upwards. This will coat the hairs on both sides and create a fuller, textured finish. You can then fill in any gaps using Hourglass Arch Micro Sculpting Pencil, which creates the illusion of life-like hairs.”
Hourglass
Veil Translucent Setting Powder, £48.00
The Problem: My makeup keeps smudging onto my face mask…
Our Solution: “Invest in a good finishing powder to set your makeup and stop it from rubbing off on your mask,” says Renee Efthymiou, our Colour Trainer. “The trick is to press and roll the powder onto your skin rather than sweep it on. I also recommend focusing on your T-zone and along your jaw line where your mask sits for extra insurance.”
Laura Mercier
Caviar Stick Eye Color, £7.00
The Problem: When I try to do a smoky eye, I always end up looking like a panda…
Our Solution: “A common mistake is to go in too heavy and dark with your eyeshadows. For fool-proof application and a softer finish, you need one of these brilliant sticks,” says Niamh. “Simply swipe on the upper lid and underneath the lower lashes and smudge out edges with your ring finger. [Add more dimension with a darker colour caviar stick, or a soft pencil liner. at the base of the lashes]
Fresh
Sugar Wonder Drops Lip Primer, £13.98
The Problem: My lips are dry and it’s making my lipstick look patchy…
Our Solution: “You need to exfoliate your lips and create a smooth base. You can do this with a spare, dry toothbrush or for the best results use your finger to massage Fresh’s AHA-infused formula across lips,” says Leann Ford, the Store Manager at Space NK Cribbs Causewa, Bristol. “One drop is enough to gently slough away dryness and leave your lips soft, hydrated and ready for some colour.”
Kevyn Aucoin
The Eyelash Curler, £22.00
The Problem: I want my lashes to look longer and thicker…
Our Solution: “A lot of people use mascara for this but curling your lashes beforehand will have a much more powerful effect,” says Renee. “Pump the curler three times at the root and then press up along the lashes until you reach the tip to create a lovely curve. If you want to go one step further, apply a dark eyeliner along the root of your upper lashes.”
Image Credits: Emma Palmer
