Fashion

If you’ve spent the first month of the year actually sticking to your New Year’s Resolutions and have been eating healthily/ exercising more/ drinking less or if you took any of the skincare advice from my previous blog post, chances are you are looking lovely and your skin is glowing. Make the most of this by being inspired by one of the sweetest, freshest looks on the S/S12 catwalks- Doll-like prettiness, seen on the catwalk on Louis Vuitton, Dolce and Gabbana, Viktor and Rolf and Chanel.

This feminine, simple look relies heavily on flawless, dewy skin- a beauty essential this season. On many of my recent jobs, including the Belfast Fashion Week campaign and a Northern Woman magazine shoot,  the make-up artists have focussed on complexion, and spent time building up a beautiful foundation, to create a perfect finish.  A staple of many make-up artists’ kits is Clinique Superbalance foundation- it’s ratio of oil to water means it is easy to apply, but also long-lasting. Liquid foundation should be set with loose powder from the same range- try Clinique Blended Face Powder.

Girly, flushed cheeks will perk up your face no end, especially in the current dull grey light. I love Benefit’s Hervana blush- it’s four complimentary shades blend together to suit most skin tones and it’s transparent formulation means you can build up to the intensity you require- enough to give a pretty glow, not so much that people call you Aunt Sally…  Apply to the apples of the cheeks (smile and apply to the fullest part of your cheeks) and sweep up across your cheekbones.

To achieve big doll-like eyes, fluttering lashes are a must. Falsies are fairly de rigueur these days, I  have been a lash addict for years. However, recently I did come across a mascara that would persuade me to part with my lash glue…They’re Real! Mascara from Benefit. The special brush and  formula makes the most of even sparse lashes and it’s claims that it 'lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts, and separate lashes for a spectacular "out-to-here" look'  are completely spot-on! Two coats will give you a gorgeous doe-eyed effect.

Finish off with a smudge of pale colour- pink or peach- on your lips- something moist but not too glossy- Dior’s Lip Glow will give a fresh effect. (All products available at Medicare Forestside).