There’s no point in using beautiful cosmetics if your skin is tired and rough.  To achieve a flawless make-up look, your skin should be in optimum shape first.  Avoid nasty foundation clumping and shine (the bad kind) with a few easy pre-application tips.

1.  The Baking Paper Test.

Your age, skin type, beauty regime and body clock can all affect where and how much oil comes to your skin’s surface.  Before you start applying your make-up, try this handy tip for testing your skin’s trouble zones.  Cut several small squares of baking paper (also known as grease proof paper).  Press squares firmly to your forehead, nose, chin and cheeks. If the squares come away clean, you should have no problems with clumping foundation.  If they come away oily, you will need to take steps to fix that before you start applying your make-up.

2. Oil Ain’t So Slick!

Your grandmother may tell you to use plenty of soap and warm water.  This is the last thing you should do as your body will rush more oil to the surface to replace anything you wash away.  Instead, wash your face with a good quality, alcohol free cleanser and then use a cotton bud dabbed with a light diaper cream.  This is not the thick white gunk used to keep baby bottoms dry, it’s a cream cleanser used to remove oily deposits after a nappy change.  Ask for it at your local baby, pharmacy or grocery store as it is a wonderful moisturizer and is specifically designed to remove stubborn oil without drying the skin. Take a few squares of baking paper in your purse when going out and dab your trouble areas throughout the day or night to keep oil under control without ruining your look.

3.  Bags Are For Over The Shoulder, Not Under The Eyes!

OK, this genius little tip may make you cringe at first but it is the greatest secret weapon of make up artists everywhere.  Get great results and the hardest thing about it is, asking your local pharmacist for – ready – hemorrhoid cream.  Hemorrhoid cream is designed to sooth delicate skin while tightening it up.  You will probably feel and see a difference immediately.  But, the eye area skin is extremely delicate so this one is only for special occasions and only after seeking advice from your preferred medical professional.

4.  The Real Secret To Younger Looking Skin (Part 1)

For all the claims about younger looking skin made by cosmetic companies, there are actually skin creams that are medically proven to improve the appearance of skin.  These have been developed in labs by pharmaceutical companies, not cosmetic companies.  They have been proven beyond a doubt to improve the appearance of damaged skin.  How do you know if an anti-aging product REALLY REALLY works?  You need a prescription from your doctor or dermatologist to get it.  Usually these products are used to treat skin disorders or burns but some pharmaceutical companies are now creating versions that simply help skin repair itself from damage caused by aging and sun damage.  These products are available on prescription at your doctor’s discretion in many countries.

5.  The Real Secret To Younger Looking Skin (Part 2)

In a study done by a large, non-commercial British Broadcaster, skin biopsies were taken from volunteers using different methods of skin care.  No brand names were given (prices however, were), and as the broadcaster does not accept advertisements, the trial was shown to be impartial.  A few of the very very expensive creams contained active ingredients that improved skin quality moderately however, there was one active ingredient that stood out and out performed every other cream by a long, long way.  The best news is, it’s cheap, easy to get hold of and it becomes even more effective when taken orally – it’s good old, garden variety vitamin C.  It would seem that an apple a day keeps the doctor away but an orange a day keeps the surgeon away!

Following a few easy methods, you can provide your cosmetics the perfect canvas to create a perfect work of art for your next big night out or day at the office.

Thanks,  Brisbane Civil Celebrant!