How To: Contouring For The Clueless

Bienvenue! Welcome back! I can tell you it feels fabulous to be bringing you the best in beauty once again. Let's jump straight into it - today, I'm going to delve into the art of contouring.

I’m crazy for contouring and its truly epic power to instantly add drama, depth and length to your face.

We’ve all tried our hand at it, but chiseling those cheekbones can prove tricky even for the skilled.

But this beauty is not just for the make-up artists and those armed with a plethora of brushes, creams and powders.

Use these steps to fast-track your way to flawlessly finessed features.



Dolce & Gabbana Fall 11

Get your cheekbones seriously sculpted with these steps:

Step 1: Prep and prime your face with a foundation like Revlon Photo Ready Compact Make-up in Medium Beige, $34.95 that mimics your natural skin tone.

Step 2: Imagine a line from the top of your ear to the corner of your lip and then find a powder or bronzer two shades darker than your natural skin colour like Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder, $105. Stick to this line and shade an inch-and-a-half width inwards under the cheekbone and right in to the hollows to create a subtle shadow.

Step 3: To really bring out the structure; highlight and blend the top of the cheekbone and underneath your shading with an illuminator or highlighting palette. We love Napoleon Perdis Mosaic Gleamer, $60.

Step 4: Finish off by sweeping blush from the apple of your cheek up to the highest end of your cheekbone. Try Rimmel London Mono Blush in Santa Rose, $9.95.

What We've Learnt: Ponytails

Long lengths are well and truly back with perfected ponytails a hit on the runway for Fall 2011.

Guido Palau worked a flawless mid-height pony for Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton while Luigi Murenu contrasted sleek with a teased tail at Gucci.


Marc Jacobs from Style.com

Louis Vuitton from Style.com

Gucci from Style.com

Low-slung and simple emanated from Ralph Lauren while Prada's heights and wispy sides kept the look soft and innocent.


Ralph Lauren from Style.com

Prada from Style.com

My absolute favourite was Valentino with their headbands and slight height oozing darling prep.


Valentino from Style.com


HOW-TO RE-CREATE VALENTINO'S LOOK

The Transcribery caught up with upcoming fashion and hair stylist Alicia Edwards who gave us the low down on how to re-create Valenitno's look.

Step One. Start by parting your hair down the centre or on the side. Follow by straightening your lengths to create a sleek finish.

Step Two. Using a comb, tie your hair back bump-free leaving a small section of hair out either side of the face.

Step Three. With everything in place, take a section of hair from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around the base using bobby pins to secure.

Step Four. Lightly run a straightener through the side sections by the face using a turning motion to create a soft wave.

Step Five. Pop a ribbon or headband around your head and secure.

Step Six. Finish with hairspray and a touch of shine mist.


Alicia recommends Sebastian Halo Mist, $37

Trends: Summer Nail Colour

As winter wanes, be daring and add some heat to your nails this summer. Freshly-lacquered nails, in red shades from berry to deep crimson or gold to green, can instantly add the right amount of pop to your ensemble. Keep them maintained and chip-free to achieve utmost sophistication.


BRIGHTS
Brights are a must-have for this season. Bold, fresh colour and smooth coverage make OPI's new Texas Lone Star Collection the ideal choice.


OPI Texas Lone Star Collection in Guy Meets Galveston, $19.95


My Personal Favourite:
OPI Texas Lone Star Collection in Do You Think I'm Tex-Y, $19.95

PASTELS
Think opaque shades of Tiffany & Co. blue, mint green and the dainty and delicate peach and pink. For a look that showcases femininity, pastels are perfect.


ORLY Manicure Miniatures in Lollipop, $7.95


Bloom Nail Polish in Kitty, $19.95


CLASSIC
Rich and traditional nail colour will do wonders to add contrast to dull hues. Try sharp shades of red, maroon and dark purple for a truly timeless and sexy addition to your look.


Chanel Le Vernis in Dragon, $39


OPI La Collection de France in Bastille My Heart, $19.95


NATURAL
Toned down natural shades of cream, blush, mushroom and nude are cropping up everywhere in the fashion world from shoes and underwear to dresses and nail varnish. This is a great choice for those who prefer sheer, low-maintenance nail colour as it’s far easier to keep up with its less-visible chips and crack.


OPI Beyond Chic in Makes Men Blush, $19.95


Manicare French Pink, $13.50


FOIL
Add a new dimension to your look with foil nails which famously featured in Alexander McQueen’s SS 11 show thanks to UK nail artist Marian Newman. By simply pressing the strips onto the nail and filing to fit, these metallic pieces will create texture that will last up to two weeks.


Blixz Liquid Gold, $17.50


The McQueen mani from Style.com