IN PARTNERSHIP WITH L’ORÉAL PARIS
Preparation is key
Skin that is dehydrated, hasn’t been exfoliated recently or hasn’t been cleansed thoroughly isn’t going to get the same result as a fully prepared face. Think of your face as a canvas – the more prep work you put in, the better the end result is going to be.
If you have the time, a serum is a way to nourish and prepare the skin. The latest Revitalift Filler 1.5% HA Anti-Wrinkle Serum from L’Oréal Paris contains hyaluronic acid, which works wonders on our skin. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in our skin to help keep it plump and hydrated. Unfortunately, as we age, our natural supplies of hyaluronic acid start to diminish from around the age of 20. But, now we can have it back – thanks to the skincare science in this remarkable new serum. It is a humectant, which means it holds water. In fact, hyaluronic acid holds ten times its weight in water. Think of how much more effective your moisturiser and foundation will be when you add this to your routine.
Follow up with a moisturiser
We’ve always known this skincare essential is the holy grail of makeup prep. A dehydrated complexion is never going to provide the smooth canvas that we need to sit under our makeup – applying foundation straight over dehydrated, unmoisturised skin can leave foundation unevenly distributed, and looking patchy.
Because the New Zealand sun can wreak havoc on our skin no matter what the season is, a moisturiser or foundation with an added SPF for daywear is a must. L’Oréal Paris’ Revitalift Hydrating Cream includes SPF 30, which protects from the sun, and includes Pro-Retinol to help smooth and firm skin.
Time to prime
If you want your makeup to last the distance, don’t skip this step. When it comes to primer, there are many options to pick from including illuminating formulas (L’Oréal Paris Infallible Luminizing Primer), hydrating primers (L’Oréal Paris Infallible Magic Essence Drops), and even mattifying formulas (L’Oréal Paris Infallible Mattifying Primer). Select the right one for your skin, according to your skin requirements, and try to apply it mostly to the centre of your face. There is no need to add primer in areas such as the jaw bone unless you are particularly oily there. Use illuminating primers on high points – upper cheekbones for example – to add extra glow, before and after your makeup application.
The perfect foundation
Finding the right foundation for your skin isn’t always easy, but with L’Oréal Paris True Match Foundation, there is a shade for every skin tone. With 36 shades to choose from, it covers the spectrum from the darkest, deepest skin tone to the lightest ivory.
Getting the right shade comes down to firstly recognising whether you are a cool/rosy (pinkish undertone), a deep/warm (a yellow or golden undertone), or a neutral tone (somewhere in the middle). Once you’ve determined which undertone you are, it is simply a matter of using the number system to find your match (0.5-12 – lightest to darkest).
Once you’ve found your perfect shade, L’Oréal Paris True Match Foundation is easy to apply. True Match is a beautiful medium-coverage foundation that can be applied sheerly on for light coverage, or built up to full coverage – the choice is yours. The foundation can be applied using a brush or a sponge (or even your fingers); what’s important is where you place it on your face. Start in the centre and work your way out. Try to avoid placing too much product near the hairline, and remember to blend down onto your neck. Don’t stop at the jaw! L’Oréal Paris True Match Foundation is infused with hyaluronic acid too, so this foundation resurfaces, re-densifies, and corrects wrinkles at the same time as giving you an even base – what more could you ask for?
The final touches
No base is complete without undereye concealer which can help to brighten and rejuvenate this area. The under-eye is a particularly sensitive area, and all of the L’Oréal Paris True Match Concealers are gentle enough to be used in the delicate eye area. If dark under-eye circles are not a concern, you most likely can choose the same shade as your foundation for your concealer. For most of us, our under-eye area has a grey/blue tone that requires a different undertone to colour correct. This will likely mean opting for a rosier or more neutral tone than your foundation. Dark spots can be covered in the same way, but pimples or red spots need to be corrected the opposite way – with a yellow/warm-based concealer.
Once you have perfected your base, here’s how to ensure it stays in place all day long. Choose from the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Powder – for a creamy, flawless finish (also great for blotting any shine throughout the day) or a loose L’Oréal Paris True Match Minerals Powder (coloured or translucent) for a lighter finish. I always start with a small and fluffy brush to apply powder under the eye, and on the eyelid. Under the eye is always the first to shift, so set this first. Don’t forget to tap the brush before you apply, ensuring you don’t go in heavy-handed with too much product. Secondly, apply to the eyelid: eyelids are oily things and if you provide no setting powder here, you’ll find your eyeshadow slides its way into your crease in 5-seconds flat. Once these small delicate areas have been taken care of, grab a large fluffy brush and apply the powder over your T-Zone. Only apply powder to your whole face and neck if you need it.
No face is complete without a pop of blush. This is my favourite makeup item, and if I had just one item to take with me to a desert island, this would be it. L’Oréal Paris True Match Blushers are softly pigmented so they blend seamlessly into the face, giving you that gorgeous glow. Peach colours are glorious on most lighter skin tones, and I’m yet to meet a face that doesn’t suit ‘Sandalwood Pink’ shade.
Once you have achieved this flawless base, you can go ahead and apply your brow, eyeshadow, mascara and lipstick, as you wish. Most importantly – experiment! Make-up is supposed to be fun!
Find out how to find your perfect shade of L’Oréal Paris True Match foundation right here.
