Health and Beauty - A touch of glamour with Armand
Beauty Tips
A touch of glamour with Armand Beauty Tips
BEAUTY PRESENTER AND INTERNATIONAL MAKEUP ARTIST
X-Mas Factor
The party season is here and so the pressure is on to look fabulous. Most companies have launched specific Christmas collections, while others have just added a couple of limited edition items to their autumn/winter range.
A strong theme at the moment is “metallics”, which seems to have proven popular throughout the year. A good way to incorporate this theme into your look is to use Estee Lauder’s Limited Edition Signature Shimmer Powder in Gold Pearl, which used lightly all over the face and body can create a sophisticated, shimmering glow.
Bobbi Brown’s Midnight Metallics is a sparkling palm-sized palette of three shadows incorporating this season’s must-have shade – Midnight Blue. Fans of Bobbi’s brushes will be thrilled at their limited edition Pink Quartz Mini Brush Set, which features face blender, eye shadow and ultra fine eyeliner brushes housed in a neat pink travel case.
Clinique’s colour trend this festive season is inspired by their seductive fragrance Aromatics Elixir. Touches of Golden Elixir offers a sultry and exotic look with hues of gold and amber. Try the Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad Allspice, which contains four shades with varying levels of pearl for sheen and luminosity. With these shadows you can create a smouldering look without the eyes looking tired and heavy.
Even though the trend at the moment is to cover the entire eye all the way up to the brow, I would stick to the moveable part of the eye, while using the darker shades as close to the top and bottom lashes as possible.
(Top tip: Apply a generous amount of loose powder under the eye to catch any excess shadow which may fall during application.)
Christmas wouldn’t be the same without sparkle, so this year be prepared to be dazzled by French Couture giants Givenchy. They have launched Prisme Solitare, an ultra shimmering white powder which is presented in a luxurious black box lined with satin; while its separate brush is protected by a velvety suede cloth.
Top tip: for application, use lightly on cheekbones for sculpted effect or wet the powder and then press onto the eyelids for intense iridescence and drama.)
Givenchy continue their diamond-inspired theme with Limited Edition Lash Sparkles. This lightweight gel contains a high concentration of sparkly silver glitter, which looks stunning on the tips of the lashes.
(Top tip: I use this on Channels Four’s How To Look Good Naked, over the top of eye shadows for a dazzling effect.)
If you are a sparkle addict then Urban Decay’s Heavymetal Liners and Gels could be just what you want. My favourite shade is Rock Star, a silvery purple gel which can be used in a thin line across the root of the lashes for a subtle effect. If subtlety is not your strong point then build up the colour on the entire lid while creating a winged effect at the outer edge of the eye to vamp it up. Contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes beware, as these glitter particles are quite big so apply and remove gently with a specific eye makeup remover.
Yves Saint Laurent’s Multi Usage Makeup Palette is perfect for the glam girl on the go. Shimmering shadows with satin lip colours nestle alongside a cute pink blusher in the shape of a heart. Stylish, exclusive yet practical... very YSL!
Red lipstick is always popular at this time of year; however, the trend this year is toward matt lips. Mac have launched Mattene lipstick, which has a silky feel but intense colour that lasts for hours. My favourite is Classic Dame − a stunning blood red that is seriously sexy. Just think of Gwen Stefanie.
If you’re looking for a present for the man in your life then try the sophisticated new fragrance Kiton Black. I’ve been wearing the original Kiton for 10 years now, so I was thrilled to hear that this classic Italian designer has launched a scent. Kiton Black incorporates the elegance of Cardamom and Vetiver with the sensual yet masculine notes of leather to create a unique creation just like Kiton’s bespoke handmade suits.
