**Hot trend
**Often the trends that emerge at fashion shows don’t work so well in everyday life. Recently I caught up with Amber D, the senior artist for MAC Cosmetics. Amber works at international fashion shows and has identified one key trend that will definitely be crossing over – dewy, sporty skin. It’s a natural look that’s far more flattering than matte skin. She has some great tips on how to achieve it.
**No age limits
**Everyone wants to look fresh and beautiful, of course – it’s just about making the right product choices for your skin type. While in the past we may have avoided shiny products, there are now some amazing high-tech formulas that will illuminate your skin but won’t look heavy or draw attention to unwanted lines or pores on your face.
**Essential steps
**First you need to prepare and hydrate the skin before applying makeup. Spray a hydrating mist over clean skin, then massage in a mineral moisture gel to get your skin looking fresh and luminous. Applying a skin base primer through the centre of the face with a soft brush will refine the appearance of skin and minimise the amount of foundation you will need.
Lightly polish foundation or concealer over just the areas that need a little coverage, then use a highlighter to accentuate the highest points of the face – the bridge of the nose, the cheekbones and the bow of the lip.
Use powder only to set the areas you don’t want looking too shiny, followed by a cream highlighter to give your skin a dewy glow.
What to avoid
When highlighting the face, avoid anything that’s too grainy. Look for products that are finely milled so they create a sheen, rather than big glittery sparkles.
**More tips
**For the sporty look: Keep the rest of your makeup clean. A pop of glossy colour on the lips with natural brows and a soft eye look work well with glowy skin.
If using blusher or bronzer: Go for a cream. Steer clear of powders, as they tend to mattify the skin.
**MY BEAUTY SECRETS
**Actress Esther Stephens (25) plays Olivia on TV2’s Go Girls.
My beauty philosophy is… Listen to your body, it’s often right!
The skincare products I can’t live without are… Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream for day, Trilogy Rosehip Oil at night, and a good high-SPF sunscreen, as I’m an ivory lass!
My hair care secret is… It’s always easier to style when it’s dirty! Also a good pair of straightening irons – I love my GHDs. Not just for straight hair but also for creating waves and curls.
The products I always have in my makeup bag are… A few MAC lippies, The Body Shop Facial Blotting Tissues, a hand mirror, mints, tissues and Lucas Papaw Ointment.
My favourite beauty treat is… Morrocanoil Intense Hydrating Mask. If I have time, I wrap my hair in a heated towel and sit in the sun to really get the product working well. It leaves you with fabulously shiny, beautiful smelling locks.
My biggest beauty sin is… Dehydration – too much red wine and forgetting to drink eight glasses of water a day. Staying hydrated definitely makes me feel great inside and out.
The best thing my mother taught me about beauty was… Don’t overdo the products and choose natural ones when you can.
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