Your Sussex Wedding - February / March 2021 (Issue 89)

ASK THE EXPERTS 89 Local professionals offer their tips on looking your big-day best CONTACT OUR EXPERTS Alison J. Smith , www.bridalbeauty.co.uk | B ecky Flynn , www.makeupbybeckyflynn.com Toni Todd , www.tonitoddhairandmakeup.co.uk Q&A Beauty IT’S HIGH TIME My dress has a high neckline with lots of lace. How would you suggest I wear my hair to complement it? Toni says: I always recommend having a professional consultation with your wedding hair stylist after you’ve chosen your gown. They’ll possess the expert knowledge and can advise you of the perfect style to complement your gown, frame and bone structure. Think about elongating the neck, slimming the jawline, and showing off the collar bone. This can all be done with the right do, so choose wisely. High-neck dresses come in so many forms from halter neck and bateau to collared. For you, I’d want to create a very elegant and simple style where the neckline and detail of the dress can be perfectly flaunted. CUT TO THE CHASE What’s a cut crease and how do I achieve this look? Becky says: A cut crease is a technique used to define the crease with contrasting eyeshadow colours and little blending. This gives definition by extending it slightly above where it naturally lies, lifting and opening your eyes. It can create depth, dimension and definition all at the same time. To achieve the look, start with a primer all over to ensure your products stay in place and don’t blend together. Keeping your eyes open, start applying your chosen colour above the crease and close to the brow bone. Go back and forth keeping this section nice and blended. To ‘cut’ the crease, you will need a foundation or concealer. Apply this across your eyelid with a flat concealer brush, then set in place with either a light colour eyeshadow, for a more natural look, or glitter for a bold, glamorous look. Make sure this is only applied to your eyelid on top of the concealer keeping the eyeshadow above the crease glitter-free. PERFECT POUT My lips are quite thin, but I’d love to give the impression of a fuller pout. How can I achieve this naturally? Ali says: Taking care of your lips is a good place to start as you’ll need a good base for your lipstick. Exfoliate using a lip scrub or by gently brushing in a circular motion with a toothbrush. I love Lip Scrubtious by MAC, which smoothes, softens and hydrates. Drinking plenty of water will also help, as will regularly applying a hydrating lip balm. Peppermint oil is a natural circulation enhancer bringing more blood flow to the lips, so it’s a bonus if your lip balm contains it. Now for the make-up: take your foundation or concealer over your lips and buff in with a foundation brush before dotting a touch of highlighter just above the Cupid’s bow. Next add a soft, thin line of contour underneath the bottom lip. Steer clear of dark colours if you have thin lips as they will make them appear flatter. It’s best to opt for natural colours, especially while mastering the technique. Choose a lip liner a shade or two darker than your lipstick and overline your lips. Use small feathering strokes slightly outside your natural lip line and blend back. Then if your lipstick wears off, you won’t be left with just a line! Next apply your lipstick using a lip brush, blot and apply a second coat. Finish with a touch of gloss in the centre for that full-on light reflecting pout. You could also try a plumping product like Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath.