12 Beauty Tips The SL Team Want You To Know

“Rosewater is often used backstage at fashion shows and has been recommended to me by countless make-up artists. It’s one of the best ingredients for refreshing your make-up, and it also gently tightens your skin for a smoother-looking complexion. It can act like a setting spray, but without any of that tell-tale stickiness – it’s cheaper, too. Experts often recommend the Heritage Store Rosewater & Glycerin Mist which is lightweight and refreshing.” – Rebecca Hull, senior beauty editor

“This technique is one of the best for defining your eyes. Simply work your liner along the upper waterline of your eyes – between your lashes and eyes. It immediately creates the illusion of fuller lashes, giving them a denser and more voluminous appearance. It’s also a more natural way to apply eyeliner – the traditional method we all know can be quite harsh and ageing.” – Adeola Gboyega, make-up artist & SL beauty contributor 

“I’ve been told by several make-up artists that this is the way to keep your brows looking natural. Trying to achieve flawless symmetry has the opposite effect, so bear this in mind when shaping and plucking them, and when you use make-up to define them. Don’t try to over perfect here, just fill them in only where you need to and always work in the direction of your brow’s natural hair growth.” – Sapna Rao, junior fashion & beauty writer

“For a naturally plumper pout, instead of lining from the cupid’s bow down to the corners, start at the corners and gently glide the pencil up to the cupid’s bow. Going in this direction is much easier to get the hang of and, because the way pencil naturally glides outside your natural lip line, it’ll give the effect of a more rounded, fuller shape. Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Liner in Shade 01 is perfect for this.” – Georgia Day, SL beauty columnist

“Trust me, red eyeliner suits all eye colours and instantly enhances them. I recommend running a deeper-toned red along your waterline for a quick, brightening fix. The key is creating some balance – always wear this with a neutral lip and concealer under the eye to maintain the focus. I recommend trying Chanel’s Eros Waterproof Liner. Failing that, try a deep, reddish brown. It’s not only chic, it’s also sophisticated and guaranteed to earn you compliments.” – Zoë Taylor, make-up artist & SL beauty contributor

“The best piece of beauty advice I’ve ever received came from my dermatologist. She told me the trick to naturally bright-looking skin underneath your eyes – you need to apply SPF like an eye cream. Why? While some cases of dark circles are hereditary, the majority are caused by sun exposure. This area is so thin, you should never neglect it and always ensure you wear SPF50 – no lower. Any facial SPF will do, but pay particular attention to this area and layer up for maximum protection.” – Rafeeka Khan, skincare & beauty expert & SL contributor

“Over the years, I’ve learnt that technique is paramount when it comes to applying foundation. One tip that has stuck with me is to use a ‘buffing’ motion when applying foundation – you never want to ‘paint’ your base on. You want everything to melt into the skin, rather than just sweeping it on top, otherwise all your products will just sit on the surface and start pilling. I’ve also been told by many professionals that brushes still reign supreme. Use ones with a flat base and fluffy hairs to really work in your foundation, taking a dabbing motion as you go to really press it into the skin.” – Rebecca 

“They may seem a bit old-school, but most industry pros still love blotting papers. You can use them all over your face, but I recommend using them on the eyelids – especially if they’re oily. Use them to prep your lids for any make-up – mascara and eyeshadow are far less likely to smudge throughout the day if you’ve mopped up any surplus grease beforehand. Another tip is to use cigarette papers in a pinch – they’re brilliant at soaking up oiliness and take up zero space in your bag.” – Zoë

“If you don’t have time to straighten, curl or style your hair in the morning, do it the night before and then sleep on a silk pillowcase. When you wake up, your hair will be as shiny and sleek as it was when you went to bed, only a little bit less stiff and more lived-in, which always looks cool. I love Slip pillowcases.” – Georgia

“I still see people shade matching their foundation by testing it on their jawline. For the best results, you need to be swatching it against your neck and forehead too. It’s the only way to get the most realistic and believable shade. You wouldn’t want it to work perfectly on your face, but then look completely different to your neck.” – Adeola 

 “It may seem strange, but make-up artists often apply highlighter before foundation – and it works. Whether you use a liquid or highlighting balm, run it over the areas where you want some extra luminosity, then apply your foundation over the top. Doing it in this order allows you to get more of that ethereal, natural radiance – that ‘I-just-had-a-facial’ effect.” – Sapna

“A great tip is to add just two or three gradual tanning drops to your foundation or primer to build a gradual glow throughout the day. Apply the mixture all in one go, using a brush to blend everything in, right up into the hairline. As the hours go by, the colour will build, delivering greater luminosity and a healthier-looking complexion over time.” – Rebecca