Foolproof Fixes For Common Make-Up Problems

 “This can be caused by your eye cream, in which case I’d recommend leaving it to absorb for 15 minutes before starting your make-up. Some people do just have naturally oilier lids and to combat this you need to use an eyeshadow primer. Not only will it keep eyeshadow in place but it will also help the pigment of your eyeshadow stand out. My favourites are the M·A·C Paint Pots, which comes in lots of fun colours, or Laura Mercier’s Eye Basic Primer – great for natural shades.” – Julia Wren, make-up artist 

 “If you ever find that your make-up balls up into flakes on the surface of the skin, it’s usually because a gel or silicone-based product hasn’t had time to settle. When you apply another product over the top, it creates a rubber-like consistency and pills. Try to use products that are more liquid-y in their texture. Otherwise, if you want to stick to gel or silicone formulas, wait for the first layer to settle before applying the next and try using a pressing motion with a beautyblender rather than rubbing and disturbing the product underneath.” – Julia 

 “This is a problem I hear about all the time. My answer is always the same – use eye cream both morning and night, apply your concealer very sparingly and set it with a light dusting of Laura Mercier’s Secret Brightening Powder. My absolute favourite concealer for under the eyes is the Radiant Creamy Concealer by NARS.” – Julia 

 “The key lies in the application. Use a primer and allow it to set before applying your foundation with a beautyblender. My best tip is to use a pressing and rolling motion with your sponge to get a seamless finish.” – Julia

 “A dedicated colour corrector will make all the difference. It goes on first before concealer, working to neutralise dark undertones and make your skin tone appear more even. Both M·A·C and Bobbi Brown have great shade ranges.” – Julia

 “I’d advise dabbing a little moisturiser onto a cotton bud for a small area like the lips or eyes, or for the face, a little on a buffing brush. It’s not as drastic as starting over with a cleanser and it’ll help to tone down the mistake.” – Julia 

 “A strong, long-lasting gel like Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze is truly the best product for stubborn brows. It’s also clear, so you don’t get that horrible white residue unlike a lot of other gels on the market.” – Saskia Wright, make-up artist 

 “You need to start with well-exfoliated, hydrated lips. Don’t waste money on a lip scrub, just use a hydrating lip balm, pop some into the palm of your hand and mix it with a pinch of sugar. Scrub this over the lips to slough away all the dead skin cells. Slather them in lip balm (Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask is amazing) before bed. Sometimes, lipstick isn’t for everyone and you may be more suited to a tinted balm – for instance, Fresh’s Sugar Lip Treatment doesn’t change the lip texture like a lipstick does.” – Saskia 

 “There are many different types of liner (liquid, felt tip, gel, pencil, eyeshadow with a brush) and which one you use comes down to personal preference. If you’re struggling with a liquid format, switch to an angled brush with an eyeshadow or kohl pencil – it’s much easier to use. Deposit the product at the end of the lash line and then use a clean angled brush to drag through the product and pull it across into a wing, following the shape of the lower lash line.” – Saskia 

 “This could be down to a couple of reasons. Sometimes it’s because you’re not setting the concealer under your eyes with a powder. Sometimes it’s because your eye cream is too rich. If you’ve ruled out these possibilities, try switching your current mascara for a more long-lasting formula. I love Clé de Peau’s Perfect Lash Mascara – it doesn’t budge.” – Saskia 

 “Flashback is commonly caused by SPF containing titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide. Know that a lot of foundations also contain SPF and may have these ingredients listed. Also, be careful not to use concealer that is too light for you and avoid any setting powder with a white cast. Huda Beauty and Charlotte Tilbury’s powders are my trusted go-tos for red carpets, weddings and other occasions where there is likely to be flash photography.” – Saskia 

 “If your foundation looks patchy, your skin is likely either dry or dehydrated. Dry skin (lacking oil) will look and feel dry and flaky, whereas dehydrated skin (lacking water) will look dull and feel tight, but still produce oils and even potentially be prone to breakouts. To combat water loss, strengthen the skin barrier with ceramides and fatty acids. I also recommend avoiding foaming cleansers or harsh products which can strip the skin of its natural oils.” – Saskia 

Follow @_SASKIAMAKEUP & @JULIAWRENMAKEUP on Instagram

For more make-up advice, join in the discussion at the SL COMMUNITY