Debs/Prom Make-up

I remember my Debs* with great fondness, for my Debs was pretty much the first time that any of my friends/family/classmates had ever seen me wearing make-up, not to mind all dressed up in a fancy frock! (How things have changed eh!)

*For non-Irish Readers, ‘debs’ is short for Debutantes’ Ball, which is akin to one’s Prom Night in the US.

Fast forward 10 years and I now have the pleasure of sharing in many other debs’ transformations.

If you are heading to your debs over the next few weeks, here are some make-up considerations to bear in mind:

• Fake Tan: Don’t overdue it, no matter how much you are tempted. You do not want to look back at your photos in a few years time and see that you resembled a tangerine. Get it done 2 days before the debs and it will have faded to a lovely natural, even glow by the time the big day arrives.
• Foundation: If wearing fake tan, ensure that you opt for a slightly darker shade of foundation than you would normally. Otherwise there will be a stark contrast between your head and shoulders, especially on camera (flash photography makes your face look whiter).
• Powder: Prevent your face getting shiny by wearing plenty of powder over your foundation.
• Blush: Add a sweep of blush to the apples of your cheeks for a soft, feminine look. Blush also looks great on camera!
• Highighting products: Avoid wearing too many highlighting products as these can make you look shiny, even sweaty (heaven forbid!) on camera!
• Lips: Be sure to bring your lipstick/lipgloss in your bag with you. Avoid wearing lip gloss if you are wearing your hair down.
• False eyelashes: Nothing turns a look from glam to gorgeous quite like some false lashes. My favoutites are the Kimberly Walsh lashes by Eylure (followed by the Nicola Roberts lashes), which really open up the eyes, without looking or feeling heavy. (It’s best to cut them in half, as the full strip can look a little OTT.

Kimberly Walsh lashes for Eylure

Finally, and most importantly, be sure to enjoy every second of your Debs/Prom!

If you would like to find out more about Style By Caroline Make-up service for Debs and other occasions, click here.

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Video: Aug Hair Faves

In this video, I talk you through the haircare products that I have been using most this Summer.

VIDEO: SBC Hair – August 2010 Favourite Hair Products

FEATURED PRODUCTS

• Shampoo: Pureology Shampoo
• Conditioner: Vichi Dercos Conditioner
• Conditioner: Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave In Conditioner
• Dry Shampoo: Batiste Dry Shampoo
• Serum: John Frieda Frizz Ease Serum Finishing Spray
• Hair Accessories: Scünci No Slip Grips

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Video; Truth About Black

In the first of our “Truth or Myth” series, Caroline examines the age-old question of whether black is a slimming colour to wear.

VIDEO: SBC Style – Black is Slimming, Truth or Myth?

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Video: Style Classes

Find out more abut Style by Caroline Style Classes in this information video.

VIDEO: SBC Style – What to Expect at a Style Class

For more information or to book a place on an upcoming Style By Caroline Style Class, click here.

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Make-up: Blue Eyes

READER’S STYLEMMA

“Hi Caroline, I tend to use the same make-up every day – I’m not that adventurous when I come to it at all, because I often find I’m just wasting money on products that don’t really suit me. Plus I don’t like the feeling of wearing too much make-up; I like to keep it simple. In particular, I tend to go for the same eye-make up all the time, the eye shadow is always some sort of nude/taupe colour, and brown eyeliner and brown mascara because I find black too harsh. I’d love to wear something a bit different that would enhance the colour of my eyes, but at the same time is not too showy and not too time-consuming to apply. I’d like to be a bit more adventurous! Any tips perhaps on colours that would be suitable for daytime wear?”

- Galway Reader

CAROLINE’S SOLUTION

This is a really common dilemma. So many people speak of becoming ‘stuck in a rut’ with their make-up – which is entirely understandable. When you find a look that works for you, it can be a little scary to try something different, plus, as our reader rightly mentioned, the high cost of cosmetics is prohibitive to experimentation!

The Brief:

Our reader has blue eyes, porcelain skin and medium-brown hair, lashes and brows. She has beautiful, delicate features and enviable bones structure so the challenge for her is to find a looks and colours that will complement and enhance her features, without looking dramatic. Plus we want to keep it simple.

Blue-Eyed Beauties – What to Consider:

• Flattering colours: Generally, the most flattering eye-shadow colours for blue eyes are as follows: taupe, camel, browns, greys, khaki, golds, coppers, rusts and purples. L’Oréal do lovely eyeshadow trios, specifical designed for each eye colour; click here for my review.
• Intensity of colour: The rule of thumb is; the stronger your features, the deeper the colour you can take. However, if you have delicate features like our reader, you might be advised to go with softer or more muted tones.
• Pigmentation: In many cases you have to offset quality for price, so I do suggest where possible, to buy the best quality that you can afford. Do a swatch on your hand before you purchase to get an idea of the depth of the colour and the quality of coverage. If the colour is weak, or the pigmentation is lumpy or has loose particles that spill all over the place, then it’s best to leave it on the shelf.
• Have fun with Eye-liner: Eyeliner is one of the easiest and cheapest way of mixing up a look. Instead of using brown, why not try grey, navy, plum, teal or bronze, for a fun yet polished look. Bloom offers gorgeous Cream Shadow Liners in a myriad of colours, which are super-easy to apply.

Bloom Shadow Liners

Eye-Make-up – Easy Application:

Here is where the colours you choose really come into their own. For a natural daytime look, Sweep a neutral shade (e.g. MAC “Shroom”) all over the lid and brow bone using a clean fluffy brush (e.f. MAC 217). Then, using a blending brush (e.g. MAC 239), blend a small dab of a darker colour into the outer crease / socket (e.g. MAC “Patina” or MAC “Woodwinked”). Blend away any harsh lines using the 217 brush. Finish the look with a sweep of eyeliner and a lick of mascara.

Try a New Look, without Spending a Fortune:

• Substitute shopping with swapping: Instead of splashing out on new products every time you want to experiment with a new look, why not organise a make-up swapping party with a few friends, where you can trade unwanted products with your mates. Alternatively there are a number of trustworthy Irish websites that run swapshops, such as Swapsies by MakeUpAndBeauty.ie or Swap Siopa by Beaut.ie.
• Store Makeover: Go to a make-up store that offers a wide range of make-up brands. Browse the colours and textures on offer and ask the resident make-up artists to try out a few looks on you. I suggest that you try Blush Make-up Boutique in Galway or Brown Thomas Galway.
• Model: As you live in Galway, why not enquire about being a model at a beauty school, such as The School of Make-up Artistry. They regularly have top Irish make-up artists such as Derrick Carberry and Natalie Kinsella running masterclasses. So, not only will you discover new make-up looks, you will also get expert tips for free!

Thanks a million for taking the time to email me with your query and I hope this information helps!

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Wobbly Tummy Solutions

Want to your tummy to look slimmer, without setting foot near a treadmill? Here are my top ‘tummy tuck’ styling techniques!

• Colour: Dark colours are slimming. Wear darker shades on any area that you are conscious of. Dark panels along the sides of your torso are also very slimming.
• Pattern: Busy patterns confuse the eye! Wearing a small, busy print is a sure-fire way of concealing any wobbly areas.
• Gathered Fabric: Wear gently gathered, draped or ruched fabric over the tummy area, which again, will confuse the eye of the beholder into thinking that you have a smooth tummy underneath the fabric.
• High waistband: A high, thick waistband in a skirt or trousers will offer great support to the tummy area.
• Underwear: Choose knickers with a high waistband, again, to offer support to the tummy area. There is a wealth of ‘control pants’ on the market if you want extra support.
• Draw attention elsewhere: Avoid drawing attention to the tummy area. Instead, draw the eye upwards towards your decollete and face e.g. with a pretty necklace, scarf, beading, pattern, frills etc.

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Style Class, 11th Sept

Style by Caroline, will be hosting a Ladies’ Style Workshop at Woodlands House Hotel, Adare, Co. Limerick on Saturday, 11^th September 2010 (10am – 1.30pm). The class will be hosted by Style Coach® Caroline Ryan, and will incorporate tuition and demonstrations on dressing for your body shape, choosing colours that flatter wardrobe maintenance and shopping skills, plus skincare and make-up.

Booking Details: Class costs €50 per person (including tuition, course materials and refreshments). Click here to book on-line or contact Caroline directly on 087-8365230. Booking is essential.