Master the basics: A flawless complexion

Why wear makeup?
It was the Roman dramatist Plautus who wrote, “A woman without makeup is like food without salt”. You do not need makeup to be beautiful. Makeup helps those of us who wish our cheekbones were higher, our skin more evenly toned, or our jaws more prominent. Makeup is also a way to celebrate features we love and want to draw attention to. From an unusual shade of eyeliner and long, flirty eyelashes, to a brighter lipstick and a bit of sparkle across the cheekbones — make up is the grown-up equivalent of dressing-up.
Colour can be separated into two categories.
1. Skin tone
lStays the same unless you become tanner or paler.
lSkin tone is enhanced by foundation, base, concealer, powder, Shading or contouring.
2. Accessories
-Change with your wardrobe and include eye shadow, mascara, blush and lip colour.
A commonly asked question is, “What colour should I wear?”
-Colour is an accessory. If you are wearing a red shirt, find something with a red tone. If you are wearing purple, you’ll wan t to find something with a mauve tone. 
-Try to avoid wearing the same shade as the colour of your eyes, e.g. if you have blue eyes avoid wearing blue eye shadow or eye liner.
Master the basics
To prepare a smooth canvas for your makeup, always start off with clean, moisturised skin. You’ll find that your makeup glides on and blends more easily.
1. Keep your skin free of buildup by using a gentle cleanser in the morning and at night. When cleansing your face, do so gently in upward motion strokes — do not tug, pull or scrub too hard to prevent irritation.
2. Freshen up your skin with a toner containing ingredients that suit your skin type.
3. Indulge your skin and keep it hydrated with a moisturizer that is compatible with your skin type. Make sure your daytime moisturiser contains SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
4. Treat yourself to an at-home-facial once a week. Use a mild cleanser, exfoliate and apply a facial mask. Rinse off thoroughly and get a good night’s sleep!
Tip: Even when you’re steering clear of the sun, or it appears to be a cloudy day, always be sure your makeup foundation or moisturizer contains SPF 15 or higher.
How do I select the proper foundation shade for my skin?
The best place to test match your skin tone is on the chin and lower jaw area.  To test a colour, apply a small amount of foundation and feather out the blend. If the shade isn’t quite right select the next shade up or down in tone. Expect that the foundation chosen in mid-summer may be too dark in mid-winter.
The objective of foundation is to smooth and blend skin tone and colour differences to a natural healthy look of natural skin. If it looks like a mask, (or feels that way) than too much has been applied. If you see no difference, you have applied too little. Remember foundation should help you look simply beautiful. 
Secret to a natural, flawless look
1. Apply foundation to your cheeks, forehead, and chin using a foundation brush, sponge, or clean fingertips. Blend the foundation all the way to your natural hairline with long, light strokes.
2. Continue blending over the jaw line and onto your neck to achieve a natural, seamless look. Check your face and neck in natural light to make sure the foundation is completely blended in all areas.
(To be continued next week)
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