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Melinda Hollis
Mobile make-up artist and hairstylist |
Melinda Hollis answers all your Make-up and hair styling related questions |
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Natural-looking lashes
Q. My eyelashes are quite short, and applying several coats of mascara does not really make much difference. On my wedding day, I'm thinking of wearing false eyelashes but want them to look natural.
I noticed there are different types available, but I'm not sure which ones would look best on me. Can you give me some advice?
A. Melinda Hollis says: False eyelashes are your best option. If you choose the right ones, they can really finish off your look, but get it wrong and you can end up looking like a drag queen. There are three different types of fake eyelashes:
Strip lashes: These are literally strips of eyelashes that you wear just for an occasion. They are fairly easy to apply but it takes a bit of practice. Strip eyelashes are the most noticeable type, so if you're looking for a more natural look, they may not be for you.
Individual lashes: These are tiny hairs attached together in little clusters. They are quite tricky to apply, so it?s best to seek the help of a make-up professional. These look much more natural and you can have as many or as few as you like. They can last a couple of days and come off by themselves, or you can have them removed professionally.
Eyelash extensions: Individual hairs are used to add length nd volume to the natural lashes. Because so many individual hairs are used, this treatment takes up to two hours initially to complete and should be done by a trained professional. Eyelash extensions last much longer than the other types, but owing to the time it takes to attach each eyelash, they are quite costly.
You will also need to go back for a monthly top up to keep them looking even. The advantage is that you will have a very natural look which will last through the honeymoon. |
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Bright-eyed and wonderful
Q. I suffer from bags under my eyes, and I'm wondering if there is anything I can do to minimise or cover them up before my big day?
A. Melinda Hollis says: The first thing I would recommend is that you ensure you are getting enough sleep on a regular basis. You might also want to try sleeping with your head raised slightly by adding an extra pillow; this will help drain any fluid from around the eyes.
For a quick fix on the morning of the wedding, place a cold tea bag on each eye to reduce the puffiness. Caffeinated tea bags work best for this.
Cucumber has also been known to help. Apply a concealer one or two shades darker than your foundation on the bags around the eyes. Then use a brush to apply a thin layer of light-reflective concealer in the crease below the eye bag and below the inner eye area. This should help disguise them all day. |
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Foundation primers
Q. I have heard women talk about 'primers' and wondered what they do and how to use them. Will it help my make-up last longer on my wedding day?
A. Melinda Hollis says: Primers for eyes and lips have been on the market for a little while now, but more recently, primers for the whole face have become more popular.
Primers are used to create a smooth and even complexion by minimising the appearance of fine lines and pores. They absorb oil, therefore reducing shine and can help retain moisture if you have dry skin. They also help protect the skin from pollution and prevent make-up from getting into the pores of your skin.
Primers are easy to apply. Firstly, use your normal moisturiser and let it soak in, then apply a small amount of silky primer all over the face including the eyes. You are now ready to apply your foundation and will find that your make-up will last much longer, which is perfect for the big day.
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Dark eyelids
Q. As we are on a tight budget, I have decided to do my own make-up. I have naturally dark eyelids and sometimes I don't think my eyes look very bright. How can I ensure my eyes sparkle on my big day?
A. Melinda Hollis says: Bright, radiant eyes can be achieved by applying make-up to disguise dark eyelids. You may like to start with an eye shadow primer as a base over dark areas. Then apply foundation, followed by powder to set the area. If there's not much improvement, use a lighter colour foundation or concealer for more coverage.
Apply a base eye shadow in a lighter shade than your eyelid colour such as nude or cream. This will counteract the darkness and create a lighter canvas on which to apply your eye shadow, making your eyes appear bigger and brighter, and the colours as they should be.
To add extra brightness, use a white eyeliner on the inside rim on the lower lid. If you're planning on using an eyeliner, make the line fairly precise so it looks neat and doesn't smudge into the eyelid. If you also suffer with darkness under the eyes, try using a highlighter ? you may need to try different shades to see which one blends perfectly with your skin tone.
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Radiant skin
Q. My skin looks a little dull and rough at the moment. Can you suggest wways I can make it look more vibrant, smoother and healthy-looking for my wedding day?
A. Melinda Hollis says: Look after your skin on a daily basis by using a cleanser, toner and moisturiser, and use a face mask and exfoliating product like a facial scrub once or twice a week. Choose a mask that's suitable for your skin type - there are many different ones on the marke and some are easier to apply and remove than others.
A mask will help to remoce impurities and refine the appearance of pores to help your skin look more radiant, while a facial scrub will also help your complexion look brighter by removing dead skin cells and softening your skin. If you feel you need advice choosing a suitable product, I recommend that you ask a beautician either in a salon or at a beauty counter. Start incorporating these products into your skincare routine as soon as possible to ensure your skin looks healthy and youthful on your wedding day. |
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