Tip 1: Use Primer
I had not applied primer before we started taping, because I had used a cream foundation. Ariane suggested that, instead of using a heavy foundation, I might consider using a lighter product and keeping it in place with a primer. She applied Ariane Poole Retexturizing Face Primer SPF20.
Tip 2: Use the Right Foundation
Ariane then applied a lightweight Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation SPF25 with an Ariane Poole Foundation Brush instead of my sponge. She explained that new light foundations are pigment rich and give better coverage and fresher look. Using a brush gives better coverage without creating a thick “caked” look. Ariane applied the foundation right up under my eyes, telling me that we would apply concealer next. This is one of her most important makeup tips for older women.
Tip 3: Understand Concealer
After applying primer and foundation, Ariane applied a slightly darker shade of Ariane Poole Mineral Illuminating Pen on the top of the cheek bone, not under my eyes. She explained that the concealer should be applied lower on the face so that the light from the concealer reflects back up and hides the dark circle.
Tip 4: Make Your Eyes Sparkle
This is where Ariane made some dramatic changes to my appearance. First she used a slightly lighter shade of eyebrow colour, Bobbi Brown Eye Pencil in Ash. Her technique involved brushing my eyebrows down, outlining them with the pencil and then brushing my eyebrows back up. It was amazing. I suggest that you watch the video to get the right technique because it made a big difference.
Ariane then used the Bobbi Brown Natural Brow Shaper & Hair Touch Up in Blonde to improve the shape of my brows.
For my eye shadow, she used exactly the same colour as I had used, but applied a cream to powder formula, Ariane Poole Eye Shine in Cosmic. By stopping the colour short from the end of my eye she achieved a lifted, wide eyed look. Ariane then used Ariane Poole Super Wear Pencil in Mystic, stopping before the end of the top eye lashes. She also highlighted my shadow with Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Amethyst just below the brow line.
For mascara, Ariane reminded me that we want lashes to look fat, full, and lush. She suggested that we avoid lengthening mascaras and focus on a thick full formula product like Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara in Black. She then curled my eyelashes after applying the mascara with the very unique Ariane Poole Heated Eye Lash Curler. Finally, she took a little Ariane Poole Concealer and added a tiny stripe on the outside of my eye to lift it.
Tip 5: Give Your Cheeks a Beautiful Glow
Ariane used my own Liz Earle Healthy Glow Cream Blush but did two very things differently. First she applied the blush with a brush and placed it on the apple of my cheek – much lower than I had applied mine. Ariane explains that this gives more emphasis to the eyes and less to the droopy jowls we develop as gravity does its work. These two small changes made all the difference.
Tip 6: Transform Your Lips
Ariane first applied YSL Touche Eclat above my lip, to highlight. Then she did one simple thing that transformed my lips. She applied Ariane Poole Teaberry Lip Pencil on the outer edge of my lip line instead of inside the lip line. This made my lips look naturally so much fuller. I then applied my own Giorgio Armani Rouge Sheer Lipstick.
After just a few minutes, one half of my face was transformed! The difference was remarkable, using just three simple principles. First use light and shadow to your advantage. Next, consider the new products that create a more natural softer look. Finally, apply products with the mind-set of a 60-year-old woman, not a teenager.