The correct way to apply make-up

Many women wear make-up on a daily basis and by the end of the day they find that their make-up is either running or has come off completely.

Below are some tips to correctly apply make-up to ensure a lasting effect.

Start by cleansing your face and applying moisturiser and allowing it to soak in.

Next, apply a foundation that matches the skin on the neck and lightly apply; you want to enhance your skin not hide it.

Brush a loose translucent powder over the face. This sets the make-up and ensures a longer lasting finish. Touch ups can be done through the day.

Comb eyebrows and fill in with a pencil a shade lighter than your own eyebrows, you just want to fill in the gaps and define the eyebrow.

Brush a light colour over the entire eyelid, following a darker colour in the crease. Use your finger or brush and lightly blend the dark colour. Brown matt eye shadow works the best for everyday application as it looks natural and enhances the eye.

Apply eyeliner pencil to a quarter of the eyelid top and bottom, soften with a brush. You can use brown or black.

Now apply a coat of mascara on the top lashes. Start from the roots and wiggle the brush up. Apply a coat on the bottom lashes to open up the eyes. You can apply a second coat on the top lashes if you want a fuller effect.

Look into the mirror and smile. Apply blush on the apples of the cheeks sweeping it towards the ears, underneath the cheekbone. Blend with a large powder brush. Highlighter can be applied on the cheekbone to enhance it.

For the lips, use a toothbrush or soft cloth and remove the dead skin. Apply a lip balm, leave on for a bit and wipe off.

Use a lip pencil only a bit darker than your own natural lip colour and softly fill in the entire lip. This will make your lipstick last longer. Steady your hand on a table if you are afraid of going over the lines.

Apply a colour that matches your blush. For example, if you are wearing a reddish blush, use a natural red lipstick. Your lips must compliment the make-up. Apply lipstick with a brush to be more precise, or use your little finger for a more stained effect.

Apply a gloss to finish the look. Remember less is more. Make-up is there to enhance your natural beauty not to hide it.

• Information courtesy of The Hydro International College