images of Beno and I by Zurina Bryant. This is JUST post cut with Issac sans makeup. (Love my hair!)
Beno Lim, Singapore's senior artist with the MAC Cosmetics global team, whom I have collaborated with for Vulture magazine took the time to doll me up for my InSing Vanity Project. Beno flooded me with so many fab tips for readers that just like Issac /Toni &Guy, I had to edit him - happens to the best of us - here are his great tips along with MAC's latest collection Après Chic that Beno walked me through.
Jumping in brows first:
Beno Tip (BT): Eye brows are key so take the time to do a quick tidy and grooming.
Andrea claire’s 2 cents (ac) - Ladies: this does NOT mean take your tweezers out daily. You know who you are... little sperms are not an attractive brow shape
BT: For those with stubborn hard to curl lashes, curl lashes first after a very thin coat of mascara as it helps to hold the curl. Continue with the rest of your makeup.
I had to use this image somewhere. Thanks Zurina! lol
ac - I love this tip for the humid climate of Singapore where my lashes flatten out from the moisture in the air. I still find this method clumps the lashes together a little so take care when curling after your mascara and make sure the mascara is combed and dry before curling to minimize lashes sticking together.
BT- Using the 195 brush apply your concealer using minimal product then blend out with your finger to warm up product for better blendability.
ac: I have to reiterate that minimal concealer is required. When you apply too much you get the opposite of panda eyes. I think the biggest issue is women compare their final makeup with retouched and perfectly lit models – allow a little human to shine through vs trying to have alien-like appeal. We don’t all walk around with a bounce card and a wind machine. *cough - JLo*
Dear Beno, I say this out of love. I need to introduce you to Shadow Shields. xo Andrea Claire.
"Our new Après Chic collection is very effortless, every woman can wear it - the colours are natural and not very intimidating." Beno
BT - Mineralize shadows are buildable for a gradual change, can be used wet or dry (use Fix+) great for day to night. Hold your brush at the end of the handle for a flawless blending so you won't get hard lines - you aren't handwriting.
ac - Ditto! I've given this tip often too - I don't think I've heard another makeup artist give it before... great tip (if I do say so myself)!
BT: Blend liner downwards with 266 brush to avoid gaps and skin spaces without colour
ac - or for a liner look that isn't smudged do a tight line by applying liner with a flat liner brush going up under the lashes pressing firmly.
BT: apply mascara thicker at the roots by dabbing and pressing wand at the lashes to make them appear thicker and longer
ac - yes, and also: by applying your mascara too heavy handed at the tips will cause them to flatten and look heavy.
BT: use MAC Fast Response Eye Cream as a makeup eraser vs correcting with liquid eye makeup oils which will breakdown your makeup
Veluxe Brow Liner $19.50 USD at M·A·C
BT: Always work the brow so the pencil doesn't look too drawn with short, feathery strokes.
ac - duh! Just kidding - but yes – I don’t know a makeup artist who uses long, heavy strokes and neither should you.
Porcelain Pink Mineralize Skinfinish $29.00 USD at M·A·C
BT: Buff Skinfinish for best results. On me Beno used Porcelain Pink (an amber glow blush) applied with the 187 brush
BT: Dip your lip pencil into MAC's lip conditioner for a smoother lip line application without the tugging and the bonus of hydrating the lips
ac - this is a full on new one for me. Kudos Beno!! You can teach an old dawg new tricks. ;) [I would however like to roadtest this one more to see if this trick makes the lippy bleed]
photography: Alvin Tang hair & makeup: Andrea Claire
Always fade in your lip liner so you don’t end up with the ring around the lip… unless it’s intentional like I did here for an editorial with Alexis magazine.
"Makeup is always a fun process so you don't have to take it too seriously. Unlike new hair that may need to grow - a new makeup look can be toned down" Beno wasn’t suggesting he didn’t like my haircut – he was generalizing.
ac- The cool thing with hair is that it grows... unless you were my sister's Barbies. [Sorry Samantha - I was 5 - time to move on...]
Beno’s makeup must dos
1. Keep your foundation lightweight
2. Everyone should curl lashes for a fresh look and toss mascara 2-3 months
3. Moisturize lips prior to start of makeup so when you get to your lips they are soft and luscious ready for lip colour.
ac - proper skincare and sunscreen should always be a part of your daily makeup.
Want to try on a new look? Come into any MAC store with a bare face. Appointment required.
I super love this: "Before you buy a new look try on your face"
A little behind the scenes. That's Zurina to the right sneaking out from her usual spot behind the lens.
*You can click on the images for a closer look of what hair and makeup products I used, plus a few tips.
*You can click on the images for a closer look of what hair and makeup products I used, plus a few tips.
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