The six steps to a perfect base

POSTED 11.05.2010 @ 13:46 (0) Comments

Thought flawless skin was something only genetically-favoured models were blessed with? Think again. Smashbox’s global make-up artist, Robin Flanagan tells us the trick is simply applying the right base to help your make-up glide on effortlessly.

What is Smashbox?
Smashbox was started by make-up legend Max Factor’s great-grandsons Dean and Davis Factor. In 1991, Davis – a leading celebrity and fashion photographer – and Dean – a business guru with a MBA – created Smashbox Photo Studios and frequently dealt with starlets asking them to create a make-up that met the demanding needs of a photoshoot. In 1996, Smashbox Cosmetics was born. As one of Sephora’s best-selling brands, the Factor brothers believe in sharing their extensive knowledge with their customers and strive to create beautiful photo-finish make-up products that are good for the skin at the same time.

What kind of ingredients does Smashbox products contain?
We use good-for-skin ingredients in all of our products, including antioxidants, vitamins, Goji berries and peptides.

How can we achieve a ‘perfect canvas’?
There are six simple (and quick) steps that every woman should follow before applying make-up every day.
1. Apply the Photo Finish Foundation Primer, $52.95 with your finger under the eyes and nose. The primer will fill in any fine lines and wrinkles, so you will have a smooth base to work with.
2. Next, Camera Ready Full Coverage Foundation, $55.95. I prefer to use a brush to apply foundation. I find when you use a sponge, most of your foundation is absorbed and you only end up with about half the foundation on your face. Also don’t apply the foundation all over your face so you won’t have that horrible problem where your colour stops around your jawline.
3. To brighten dark circles under your eyes use the Photo Op Under Eye Brightener, $28.95. This handy little guy comes with a brush applicator and instantly makes you look younger and refreshed.
4. If your eyeshadow always ends up in the creases of your lids by about lunchtime, you need to apply a primer to help the make-up stick. A tiny touch of the Photo Finish Lid Primer, $29.95 will smooth out those little lid lines so your shadow will have something to grip for the ultimate staying power.
5. Now for the Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder, $84.95. This amazing powder not only seals your base, but it also miraculously reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just 10 minutes.
6. Your eyebrows actually get shorter the older you get, so it’s important to always colour in your brows. Using the Brow Tech Brush, simply follow your natural line and fill in any blank spots. You’ll look younger in seconds, seriously!

What are your best-sellers?
The Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Halo Hydrating Power, Photo Opt Under Eye Brightener and O Glow always do extremely well. The O Glow is an amazing little product. It’s a gel cheek colour that comes out clear, but as soon as you dab it on it turns to your own perfect shade of pink.

What are your tips for autumn/winter make-up?
For fall (autumn) we are seeing gold shadows like our Oyster with a Brazilian Bronze crease and a dark brown lashline – try Jet Set Eyeliner in Dark Brown.

What’s new for Smashbox?
We are launching our Limitless Eyeliner Pencils in July in Australia which features five colours that have a pencil sharpener built into the lid and are waterproof.

Smashbox is available exclusively at Kit Cosmetics stores nationally and online at kitcosmetics.com.