The Models Makeup Bible

It’s a blessing and worthy investment to have a makeup artist for your photo shoots, (and a burden if they are no good), but what if the purse strings are tight or you were cancelled on? Then you need a makeup backup plan.

PART 1 - Swimwear & Lingerie

Natural makeup is a complete yawn if you’re going to get into a gorgeous bikini or lingerie set so I recommend going for a glamourous look.

• Emphasize the eyes by applying deep smoky eyeshadow colours that have a little shimmer
• Strip false lashes will open your eyes right up and will give a very sultry look
• Pencil the gaps in your brows for added definition and blend with a brush so it appears softer
• Lips should be nude or natural with a little gloss. 
• You should use a waterproof foundation in-case you have to get a little wet, (oil stick foundation is waterproof)
• Use a body moisturizer that contains shimmer, the reflections give an even sheen to the skin in flash photography
• Don’t apply shimmer bronzer to your cheeks, it doesn't look natural and will make you look like you had a bad spray tan. Opt for matte apricots or dusty pinks instead

(Click image for larger detail)

Age Trickery Tips

It's actually what you ARE doing that's giving a wrinkle illusion. (And we don't want that). There are 5 main culprits on the chopping block if you are finding that you appear older or tired after you've applied your makeup.

1. LIPSTICK IS TOO DARK

Did you know dark lipstick will make you look so much older than you actually are? Vampy lips are passable in your teens & 20’s, but if you’re creeping up to the “three oh” go for gloss, naturals and brights.

2. WRONG FOUNDATION COLOUR
This can make even the most prettiest, young face appear like a hungover clubber after a hard night. Make sure you buy two great foundations - one a few shades lighter for the winter months (or when you can't be bothered to get a spray tan), and one a few shades darker when you get the aforementioned spray tan. Now mix!

3. WRONG COLOURS

If you are fair skinned with a pink/beige undertone never wear "warm colours" (orange, bronze, apricots) as these will make you look ill. Instead opt for pinks, violets & plums. The reverse applied to darker & tanned skins.

The right colours & tones will always take years away

4. UNCURLED LASHES

Really, what is 60 seconds out of your day for an instant face lift? Curl those lashes! They will open your eyes right up. Hint: Slightly warm a metal lash curler with your hair drier and press to curl, this will accelerate the curl time and will hold better. Make sure it's not hot! Just a little warm.

5. BAD BLUSH CHOICE

Don't go overboard, just choose a colour that is the same as you would naturally flush to. Unsure about this? Exercise for 15mins and voilà! There it is!

UGLY Makeup Facts

Your skin absorbs 2.2kg of makeup (and its toxins) each year! Hasn’t hit home? Alright, is two thousand two hundred grams more intimidating?

Formaldehyde is found in shampoos, hairsprays, mouth wash and makeup remover and this stuff is not only banned in Europe, but used to preserve dead things. If you don’t believe me, look up the work of Damien Hirst – a definite shock value artist.

Think it’s cool to try out random products from foreign countries to save some coin? Chances are it contains lead, especially lipsticks, especially in China.

This is not a scare factor, it's the reality. Take it or leave it.