insideKENT Magazine Issue 24 - March 2014 | Page 82

FASHION+BEAUTY DATE NIGHT dos and don'ts WHEN ON A FIRST DATE IT IS IMPORTANT TO ACCENTUATE YOUR BEST ASSETS, BUT NOT ALLOW YOUR MAKEUP TO BE THE TALKING POINT FOR THE EVENING. WHILST YOU DON'T WANT TO LOOK UNKEMPT, YOU ALSO DON’T WANT TO APPEAR HIGH MAINTENANCE. FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT, RIGHT? SO MAKE YOURS COUNT FOR ALL OF THE RIGHT REASONS BY FOLLOWING OUR SIMPLE DOS AND DON'TS. REMEMBER, LESS IS DEFINITELY MORE. WORDS BY REBECCA HUGHES / PHOTOS BY LUKE YATES BEAUTY DOS AND DON'TS DO give the impression of luminous skin by using a satin finish foundation or tinted moisturiser, before adding a concealer and powder to set. DON'T apply inch-thick foundation and a heavy matte powder, particularly when you are trying to create an illusion of effortless beauty. DO make one feature the focal point of your look. Try a sultry smokey eye or luscious bold lip, but never both at the same time. One focal point means one thing to worry about maintaining. DON'T, as tempting as it is, go for bright red lips. Reds rarely stay put and whilst you would like to leave your mark on your man by the end of the night, this may not be what he had in mind. If you want to champion bold lips, go for a lip stain. DO over blend. If you are unlucky enough to be blighted with a dreaded spot or pimple, apply a liquid concealer and blend away. Under-blended concealer can actually draw attention to the blemish and after all you want the man of your dreams gazing into your eyes, not staring at your zit! DON'T – whilst we're on the subject of gazing into eyes – turn your lashes into spider's legs. Long, luscious lashes require curling with eyelash curlers and then one, thin coat of mascara. Only apply another coat when the first one has dried. You don't want your lashes looking like they have drowned in a bottle of mascara. DO apply blusher for that 'flush of love' look, but remember this is a fine line often crossed. Use a big blusher brush and always apply in a circular motion. Choose a colour close to your natural blushing colour, for example, a baby pink works well for those with fair skin. DON'T be tempted by the fake tan and definitely never apply it on the day of the date. Fake tans can be unpredictable when they develop, often causing orange stains and blotches which are very difficult to fix. The chemicals in fake tans can tend to linger long after they are applied, often making for a rather overpowering smell. If you really can't do without it then opt for a wash off formula as the colour can be removed if it is a disaster and the scent from these tend to be less pungent. 82 DO check your nails are manicured, opting for either a French polish or a daring red. Ensure polish is well applied with no chips or smudges. DON'T apply glue onto the nails or nail decoration if you have never used either before. These have a tendency to pop off or peel when you least expect it, and your date won't thank you if he ends up with one in his food. DO prepare yourself for the date by taking your makeup maintenance items with you. This could be blotting paper (you want to be the one shining, not your nose), concealer (talk to the face not the spot) and lipstick (well you never know!). Finally, DON'T ever be tempted to use these over the dinner table – effortless beauty is a closely guarded secret.