Beauty tips from the experts

If foundation makes you look grey, the shade's too light

SUZANNE Wangmann shares the best beauty secrets she has
collected from experts.

One of the great things about my job is the number of
experts you meet all in the name of beauty. Here are some
of their best tips plus a few I’ve collected along the way.

>> Mascara magic

Make-up artist and director of his own successful make-up
and skincare range, Napoleon Perdis:
"Every makeup look requires the magic of mascara. It's
the single most important makeup tool for instant glamour.
 I recommend 3 applications: right after primer, after eye shadow, and then right after applying lipstick at the end. Think of it as a cup of coffee [the wakeup call] to the complexion. Plus, it frames and maps your eyes."

>> Lipstick that lasts

Pat McGrath is arguably the best make-up artist in the world. She designs the looks for the most prestigious fashion shows around the world including Dior, Balenciaga and Stella McCartney but she is also the creative director for make-up at Max Factor and CoverGirl.


“This is how to make your lipstick last. Use foundation on your lips first, and then I would add a bit of a lip stain or, if you don’t have that, pencil all around the edges and over the whole then put you; lip, all over, then put on the lipstick. Apply two or three layers, tissuing off, putting a powder on, between each layer, then you’ll get long-lasting colour. That’s a wonderful way of keeping on those red lips that are going to be so big for autumn. It won’t move.”
>> Eating to save your skin

Dr Nicholas Perricone is an American dermatologist, author, makes his own eponymous range of skincare products but is probably best known for his healthy food approach to beauty including his famous salmon diet for youthful-looking skin.
“My decades of research have shown that low levels of chronic inflammation is the single greatest precipitator of aging and age-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, certain forms of cancer, and wrinkled, sagging skin.
“The best way to decrease inflammation for radiant skin and vibrant health is to avoid sugary, starchy foods, which rapidly rob you of your beauty and youth. Best bets are high quality protein such as fresh fish (salmon is wonderful), healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil, and lots of fresh fruits and veggies.”

>> Colour conditioning

International hairdressing star Sam McKnight looks after the hair of major models and movie stars and is also an ambassador for Pantene. For Australian women he stresses the importance of protecting hair colour from chlorine damage.
“Apply conditioner before you go to the pool and shampoo and recondition when you get out. It will help prevent minerals depositing in the hair.”

>> Prevent hair loss

David Salinger is one of the world’s leading trichologists - or hair and scalp specialists - and is director of the International Association of Trichologists.
“There is conclusive proof that stress can cause excessive hair loss. One substance that can have an adverse effect on hair in times of stress is the neuropeptide Substance P, or SP for short. An increase in SP leads to inflammation of nerves around the hair follicle which, in turn, leads to excessive hair loss.
We can counteract the effects of SP with Vitamin D, the vitamin that many Australians, conscious of skin cancer, are deficient in.
Fortunately, we don’t have to spend a long time in the sun, we can also obtain Vitamin D from foods such as fish, eggs and liver and trichologists place these foods high on their list of recommendations. Maintaining your Vitamin D levels helps to protect your hair from the effects of stress.

“I make no secret of the fact that when it comes to skincare, I’m an organic devotee. Pure, potent and independently endorsed, organic products are healthier for your skin, your body and, of course, the earth.
“If you want to reduce your everyday exposure to chemicals and toxins but don’t want to overhaul your entire beauty routine, try replacing the products you use the most often, and over the greatest surface area of your body, with organic versions, such as organic lip balm and body wash.
-Natalie Bloom, Bloom Cosmetics

>> Resort to nature

Chiva Som, in Thailand, is one of the most famous spa and health resorts in the world. The spa shares two recipes you can make at home.

>> AloeVera Hair care

This is a deep conditioning treatment that promotes hair growth. All you need to do is mix fresh aloe vera juice with your regular hair conditioner and do as follows:
First, wash your hair with shampoo (if you have an aloe vera-based shampoo, all the better). Towel-dry your hair then apply the aloe-conditioning treatment and wrap with a dry towel for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and style as usual.

>> Aromatic Coffee Body polish

This is part of our Signature Product Range and highly effective for exfoliation and detoxification. The Aromatic Coffee body polish contains coarse coffee Arabica, spices which include cardamom, coriander seed, nutmeg, shea butter, evening primrose oil and mandarin oil.

You could make a coffee scrub at home: choose your favourite coffee and blend, filter pot ground coffee with 3 drops of pure mandarin essential oil, a pinch of the spices you like; cinnamon, nutmeg seed, etcetera, and then blend with coconut oil or a cream cleanser Use twice a week to pamper your skin.


THE  BEST TIPS I EVER HEARD

If foundation makes your skin look a little grey it’s a sure sign the shade is too light.

Dark lipsticks don’t work on thin lips or thick, only on medium-sized.

When you’ve smudged wet mascara let it dry then use a little spit on a cotton bud to dab it off. Who knows why spit works so well but it does.

When you can’t smell your own perfume don’t immediately layer on more. Our noses very often simply switch off to our own perfume while others around can still smell it.

Lanolin is brilliant on dry feet and hands. Buy at the chemist – it’s cheap – and smooth over hands and feet before bed.

Inexpensive overnight hair treatments work wonders on coloured or long hair helping prevent dryness and split ends.

If the light isn’t fabulous in your bathroom, take your tweezers into your car to pluck your eyebrows. Look into your rear vision mirror and pluck away - the light is brilliant.

Always wash your nails with warm soapy water before applying nail enamel (even if you’ve just used acetone) – your nail polish will last days longer.