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Winter Beauty

Winter can be dark and gloomy and it is very tempting to not bother with make-up and beauty. Don’t let the cold get you down this year though and follow this season’s latest trends to make over your look and help you keep positive all season long!

The Trend: Bare Faced Chic

A clear, flawless complexion is the new bronze this season and can make you look young, fresh and glowing this winter. A carefully placed highlighting cream and a little white liner in the inner rims of your eyes can transform your face and make you look brighter and fresher no matter how late you were out till last night!

Top Tips

• Opt for an illuminating or tinted moisturiser rather than a highlighting stick or heavy foundation as it is more subtle and creates more of a natural look.
• If you can’t be parted from your foundation though there are many light reflective products on the market now that can help you create a dewy look without being too heavy on the skin.
• White liner instantly makes eyes look brighter and wide awake. Don’t allow the liner to look too heavy though as a barely there is just enough.
• If you chose to use white liner on the inner corner of your eyes use a brown liner on your top lid as a black may look too harsh.
•  Brown mascara is best on blondes for a fresh-faced look it is less dramatic than black but still makes lashes look full.
• Brunettes can use black but try and opt for a lengthening version rather that volumising – the more natural the better remember!
• Concealer in those not so perfect areas like chin and nose and under the eye will help you to create the perfect flawless look and again there are now great products on the market with light reflecting qualities.

The Trend: Eyeliner

Liner is going to be drawn everywhere this season, so the more creative you are, the better! Try thin, thick, black, winged and experiment with colours such as blue, purple or gold. You can also create different textures by using different types of pencils and liquid. 

Top Tips

• Practise makes perfect when it comes to creating the perfect line and resting your elbow on a flat surface is often the best way of getting a steady hand.
• Start your line from the inner corner of your eye and don’t be afraid to take a break if you need to. No one will notice you haven’t done one full stroke of colour and it is much better than making a mess and having to start again!
• No one said liner was just for the top lid and make-up artists often chose to line just the bottom lid which looks really effective and modern. If you are going for this look – go for a brown pencil rather than black for a softer look.
• Eyes can be made sexier with a wing at the end – if it works for Angelina Jolie it can work for us!! Create this by making a tick with your liner at the outer corner – this look often works best with liquid liner rather than pencil.
• Making your eyeliner a bit smoky by smudging with a cotton bud can also look sexy – team with grey eye shadow for the ultimate in smouldering glamour.

The Trend: Luscious Red Lips

Red lipstick never really lives the catwalk but this season it was there with a vengeance. Many people shy aware from red lipsticks as they are unable to find the right shade or are worried that they will look too garish. Read my tips below though and remove the fear associated with going red this winter!

Top Tips

• If you are going to be using lipstick on your lips you have to ensure that your lips are in tip top condition to begin with – invest in a good lip balm or lip protector and always apply 5 minutes before applying lipstick or gloss.
• If you do not feel ready to go straight to red – try a lip-gloss or a lip stain with red undertones. Glosses are a great way to experiment with colour and can give you a hint of the colour you want without looking too overdone.
• Visit your local beauty emporium and have a look at some of the shades of red on offer – never test the products on your lips however instead try them on the back on your hand. Before you make a decision on which product to buy however leave the store and have a look at your hand in the natural light – you’ll be amazed at the differences in colour in the light of day!
• Younger women will look better with a matte look – but matter lipsticks should be avoided if you have very dry lips to begin with.
• You may think it old fashioned but a lip liner is essential when using red lipstick especially the deep shades as it will stop the colour spreading across your face!
• If you find that your lipstick colour is brighter than you expected use a darker gloss over the top tone down the shade.

O'Leary's Links
Boots - Great products to help you get perfect eyes this winter
Superdrug - Check out the great range of red lipsticks and gloss
Body Shop - Have a specal line of face products to make you glow!