Published at 09:36, Wednesday, 03 December 2008

Looking your best can be a tall order in winter. Workloads are heavier, time is short, stress levels mount faster than at any other time of the year – and still you’re supposed to turn out a fresh as a daisy and twice as glamorous face.

Marilyn Monroe

“And the problem is...?” asks Alan Pan.

He would say that – any man would. But as Estee Lauder’s international makeup artist, he is at least a man who does know how to use a trick or two for turning a winter-weary frown into a supermodel look.

“Beauty trends for winter are all about rich luxurious makeup,” he said. “Think old Hollywood glamour. Think vintage jewels. Think changing your makeup completely from everything you’ve felt safe with all year.

“I love it when Christmas is approaching. There are so many opportunities to get your glad-rags on and head out for a nice glass of wine after work.”

Which is precisely the point. He knows exactly what the problems are.

“I do,” he admits. “So many women who come to see me ask what my quick fixes are for day to evening makeup. We all know what it’s like to be faced with impromptu post-work drinks and I’ve got lots of tips on how to look bright and glamorous.”

The key, he says, is not to hang on to that summer face you presented to the world in August. Winter is a season with entirely different beauty demands.

“This season’s gorgeous look emphasises both the eyes and lips, so a flawless base is a must,” said Alan.

“Apply Double Wear Makeup with a foundation brush to give an airbrushed finish. Cheeks should be played down with a nude blush to subtly enhance the cheekbones.

“To create the perfect smoky eye use Lauder’s Signature Eyeshadow duo in Sapphire – a perfect combination of rich navy and silver blue. Start by sweeping the lighter shadow all over the eyelid with an eyeshadow brush. Next contour the eye using the navy shade in the socket line and along the lash line.

“Use your ring finger to blend the two shades. It doesn’t need to be perfect – the more smudged and smoky the better. Use Smoked Eye Pencil in Smoked Sapphire along the lash line. Finish with lashings of Sumptuous Mascara.”

For high impact lips, lip liner is a must to give a precise pout. Finish with a rich red such as Signature Lipstick in Ruby for lips fit for a screen siren.

“For a quick turnaround for drinks after work, save the time and hassle of fully reapplying your base by refreshing your foundation with Estee Lauder Spotlight Skin Tone Perfector: It’s a sheer highlighting lotion that puts the freshness back into your skin that a hard day’s work takes away,” said Alan.

“Using a foundation brush apply a dab of Spotlight on to cheekbones, the forehead and down the centre of the nose. It can also be applied to your décolletage for a sexy evening look!

“For areas that need a bit of extra attention, I use a creamy concealer to cover any redness. If you have any blemishes the secret is to use a concealer brush to gently dab the colour onto the spot. To finish your base I always like to use a pop of colour on the apples of the cheeks to give a healthy glow.”

The easy way to achieve a fast evening smoky eye look is to start with a dark, smoky, charcoal colour such as Estee Lauder DoubleWear Stay-in-Place Shadowstick in Black Pearl. Wash the colour straight onto your eyelids and use your finger to blend. Then simply choose a lighter shade and apply under the lower lashes. Top with a black kohl or liquid liner along the lash line and a volumising mascara to the lashes and you’re away.

“Make your lipstick last the day the old fashioned way,” advises Alan.

“Apply lip liner over the entire lip and then apply your chosen lipstick. Blot gently with tissue then apply a little bit of loose powder on top.

ou can then reapply your favourite lipstick and this will ensure it stays on for as long as possible. I often like to use a gloss in the centre of the lips to give a gorgeous full pout then you’re ready to go.

“I would always advise ladies to carry a few essentials in their bag for quick top ups throughout the evening. Blotting sheets, a great concealer and your favourite lippy will see you through the night.

“Now get out and enjoy yourselves!”

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk