1. SCULPT DON'T CUT
The technique of contouring has toned down and the best look to sport now is one that is more sculpted than cut. Apply a creamy foundation along the hollow of the cheek - just below the apple of the cheek - and blend in a 3-shape; up the temple and down along the jaw line using a fluffy brush for a velvety, blended finish.
Beauty buy to try: GOSH Foundation Plus+ Creamy Compact High Coverage in 006 Honey, R258.
2. POWDERS ARE YOUR FRIEND
If you don't have the time to perfectly blend or layer cream formulas, try powders instead. Use a power foundation or bronzer that is one shade darker than your complexion. Lightly dust in the hollow of the cheeks, temples and across the centre of the face to create a lived-in warmth on the skin.
Beauty buy to try: Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Everyday Perfection Bouncy Makeup in 12 Warm Pecan, R485.3. SUBTLE HIGHLIGHTING IS BEST
Avoid an obviously highlighted look to the skin by creating a subtle luminosity that is multi-dimensional. Use a highlighter shade that is the closest to your skin complexion on the high planes of the face to achieve a toasty radiance rather than a metallic high shine.
Beauty buy to try: Urban Decay Shapeshifter Contour Brush, R460.
4. DON'T FORGET THE EYES
The eyes always act as the finishing touch to coverage and can make your face look washed out or fresh depending on how you dress them up. For a natural, melted-in hue, use a cream foundation in brown or beige over the eyelids. For a more sculpted look to the eye, blend the foundation only in the crease to add depth.
Beauty buy to try: Elias Faas Highlighter in Glow Up, R380, available exclusively at Skins Cosmetics, Sandton City.
5. GOOD TOOLS ARE ALL IMPORTANT
The tools used to apply your product also affect the finish and wear you will get. For a lighter, sheer finish, use a broad fluffy brush. You can also use a sponge to melt product into the skin and avoid having product sit on the top of the skin for a longer-wearing finish...