Create your perfect base

 In the beginning…

Once upon a time, there was only panstick!  Now, there are as many foundations, bases and tinted moisturisers on the market as you can shake a foundation brush at and with advancing make-up technology better foundations are being created which are unrecognisable from those original thick, cakey pansticks.  It can also be mystifying which method of application you should use – “Is it ok to use my fingers?” “Do I have to use a brush?” “Do I wet the sponge?”  Well, here are a few tips and guidelines to help you on your way.

It’s all in the preparation…

*        In the same way as when you paint a wall, it really pays to prep your skin before you apply your make-up

*        Allow your moisturiser or primer to settle into the skin before you start 

*        If you are prone to dry or flaky areas, it is advisable to exfoliate regularly with a gentle product and ensure your moisturiser is the right one for you

A few application tips:

*        Although you can use your fingers to apply your base, you usually get a finer, more professional finish with a foundation brush or sponge and you use less product

*        Try not to overload your brush/sponge; you can add more as you need it, this way you apply a finer layer and get a more natural look, plus you don’t waste your make-up

*        With a liquid base, work off the back of your hand rather than direct from the container, to be able to control how much you pick up

*        Unlike skincare, it is best to apply your base in a downward motion, in the direction that hair on your face grows so they lay flat (be thankful you have that hair, as it holds your make-up on!)

*        You can avoid brush marks by dabbing the flat of the brush all over your face once you’ve spread it evenly around, to get a seamless finish

So much choice

We’ve expanded our selection of bases over the years and here are some tips to help you choose and apply the Helen É Cosmetics base that will best flatter your skin and give you that flawless canvas to create your make-up look upon.

Skin Smoother

This is the original “block” base I created to get round the headache of selecting the correct shade.  It is a Skin Smoother which means it meets between a tinted moisturiser and a foundation, giving coverage without heaviness.

*        The cream version benefits normal to dry skin types, giving a natural, soft finish.  It is very flattering on more mature skin types as it softens the appearance of any lines. Ideal for giving the skin a very natural look

*        The oil free Photo Finish format is suitable for all skin types, but particularly benefits combination to oily skin types and is great for bridal and studio situations.

*        Very easy to apply with a dry sponge or foundation brush and extremely lightweight on the skin.  You get best results starting in the centre of the face and working outwards, fading at the jaw and hair line. 

*        Take care not to knead the product into the skin as this just lifts the product off the skin and you could get a patchy result 

*        If a certain area needs more coverage, you can always add a little more, or use the right concealer to adjust the coverage

*        If you have redness you wish the cover, mix a little yellow concealer with the Skin Smoother to blend it into the background

Stage Liquid Foundation 

This is a full coverage foundation that can be built up as required.  It is of particular benefit to drier skin types as it is very creamy, yet lightweight.

*        With a liquid base, work your way around each area of the face rather than putting a dab on each section, as the product can start to dry while you are blending another area and you could end up with an uneven finish

*        If using a sponge, better used damp and with a slight kneading motion to work product into skin

Stage Matte Mousse

This is ideal for normal to combination skin types, like younger skin types and also has buildable coverage. Has a dry feel.

*        With a mousse, blend your way around each area of the face

*        Give the product time to warm to your skin to be able to get the most even finish.

I hope these tips will help simplify choosing and applying your base and increase your confidence in applying your make-up.

Keep looking fabulous.

Helen x

 http://www.helen-e.com 

 

Helen's Make-up Tips

Helen's Make-up Tips

Since creating Helen É Cosmetics, I've come face to face with thousands of women who've looked to us to help them simplify looking good.  Not everyone has a make-up artist at their beck and call! So, I thought I'd share some tips with you that my team and I have learned along the way, which hopefully will take the mystery out of make-up.

Concealers

One of the things we all want is to hide any imperfections and blemishes easily and effectively so our skin looks flawless.  There are so many types of concealers in the market place and it can be confusing knowing which to choose. There are colour correctors, skin illuminators and blemish concealers to select from and each has its own purpose.  For example, if you have minimal shadows under the eye area, then a skin illuminator such as Eyelights will work really well for you.  When we trialled this with our product panel, the positive feedback was overwhelming.  

Helen É Cosmetics Eyelights

If on the other hand you have very dark shadows or pigmentation under the eye area and flat marks such as age or sun spots, then the colour correcting Miracle Concealer would be ideal as it balances the blue in these areas.
We have had great results using this on Asian skin tones that find it difficult to balance pigmentation around the eye area and where normal concealers turn ashen or white. It can be used on any skin colour as it is to be used blended under your base, rather than on its own.

Helen É Cosmetics Chunky Twist Up Miracle Concealer

 

Before or after?

Once you've chosen your concealer, when is it best to apply your concealer?  Before or after your base?  Well, this is does depend on the type of base you use and there are no hard and fast rules.  If you use a liquid foundation, like the Helen É Cosmetics Stage Foundation, usually your concealer is applied beforehand.  If you use a compact base, such as the Helen É Cosmetics Skin Smoother, it is usually better to apply your concealer after the base because the action of applying a solid foundation product will remove any concealer you may have painstakingly applied.

Helen É Cosmetics Yellow Under Eye Concealer Stick

How to apply

Once you’ve chosen your concealer, use a small amount at a time and build up to the coverage you need, warming and blending the product with your brush or finger tip until it becomes one with the rest of your skin or base.  As with all make-up application, it’s up to you whether you use your fingers or a brush, however, if you are looking for long lasting, accurate coverage, a concealer brush, such as the Helen É Professional Concealer Brush, will always give you the best results.  

Helen É Cosmetics Professional Concealer Brush

Stay looking good!

Helen Elowe
Founder and CEO
Helen É Cosmetics 

www.helen-e.com