Do you idolise that perfect Hollywood glow and never seem to get it right? Well, we caught up with makeup artist to the stars, Fiona Corrigan-Robertson, to get the low-down on how to achieve those celebrity looks and guess what? It's all about the brushes! Here's our guide to making up with the right tools and techniques!
We all want those gorgeous smoky, smouldering looks that are so hot right now but 9/10 when you make the attempt you end up looking more scary Goth than uber glamour. Well girls, thanks to Fiona we now know it's all about the brush. And, not just any old brush but the finest brushes and the right brushes.
Inspired by her knowledge and know-how about all things make-up and having made up some of the world's most famous faces, from Nicole Kidman and Naomi Campbell to Liv Tyler and Clare Danes, Fiona has created the ultimate girls makeup brush kit, complete with instruction booklet and vid. So, who better to take us through the brush basics than the expert!
1. Smudge Hide Me is the tool to use to not only apply foundation but make it look flawless and boost its staying power.
Fiona says: "Lightly dab the tip of the brush into your foundation and press gently onto the narrow areas of your face around your nose, eyes and mouth, blending well as you go. Apply broad smooth strokes to the larger areas using the flat side of the brush."
2. Fiona uses Smudge Fade Me, using the point of the brush, lightly pressing concealer onto any imperfections, and pressing the flat side of the brush under eyes to cover dark circles.
3. Smudge Define Me is the multi-purpose brush that can deliver all this with a flourish.
- For a dewy glow, Fiona suggests you smile and sweep the blush across the apples of your cheeks.
- For contouring, Fiona applies the blush in a gentle back and forth motion to the hollows of cheeks.
- For shimmer, she advises you use the brush in upward strokes, sweeping shimmer along cheekbones and across temples.
- For reducing shine, tap excess powder from the brush before sweeping it across your face; Start at the T Zone.
Fiona says the effect you are looking to create for eyes will be massively dependent on the brush you use.
Smudge makeup artist Fiona, glamourising
Sonia Kruger for the 2008 TV Week Logie
awards in Melbourne.
4. Smudge Shade Me is the brush you use to apply your base eye colour. Fiona suggests swirling the brush over your eye shadow and tapping off excess. Place the brush as near to your lash line as possible and start blending upwards towards the crease, sweeping colour over your entire eye socket.
5. Next, use Smudge Soften Me by swirling the brush over a mid-toned shade and tapping off excess. Place the brush in the crease of the eye (the soft tapered edges are designed to fit perfectly), blend well with back and forth sweeping motions.
6. Use Smudge Line Me to define your eye line. Start at the centre of your eye, push and dab wet or dry eyeliner into and along your upper lash line following the natural shape of your eyes (at the outer corner extend the brush slightly upwards). When using "Line me", note the direction of the bristles, as they have been placed in a straight line so you can position the brush with precision into and along your lash line.
7. For a sexy smokey look, Smudge Me is your brush of choice. Swirl the brush over a deep hued eye shadow, tap off excess and apply in outward mini-strokes over the top of your eyeliner and along the lower lash line. To enhance and define your eyes, smudge colour into the outer crease of your eyes before blending with "Soften Me".
