We all need a bit of professional help from time to time so I was delighted to be invited by Make Up Artist Alicja Krupa to try to enjoy a makeover and to ask her professional advice on a series of questions given to me by fellow Bloggers. Alicja is highly qualified and has assisted the award-winning Sonara Parker on weddings, photo shoots and commercial events. She is very well known within the Lancashire area for her work so I was über excited to be asked to meet up with her. While Alicja did my make up I asked the questions……

• Why does my foundation always look flaky and dry? (I use the primer and a moisture based foundation!) Rose O’Keefe  BellandBear – Usually foundation will look dry or flaky if skin isn’t hydrated enough. What kind of moisturiser are you using? There are some creams that, even though they are moisturising, contain active ingredients that micro-exfoliate. That might show as little dry patches when a foundation is on.  If that is not the case, then try to use a moisturiser instead of a primer first and let it absorb for a few minutes before applying foundation. See how it goes.  I would also check your foundation and primer contents. Some primers can be tricky sometimes (i.e. smoothing ones that have silicone in them) the rule is that if your foundation is water based then so should the primer so that both will “stick together” better. Let me know how you are getting on.

• What is your MUST have products for an everyday mama look for covering those bags? – Nicole Davies The Little Darlings –  A corrector is great. They come in a few colours and each has a different role. A corrector will counteract the colour underneath it. If your dark circles have a blueish tone, then you should find a corrector with a peachy/orange tone. You can then apply foundation. I would choose a yellow based concealer for purple “bags” and a lilac corrector for sallow under eye circles. In essence, you are counteracting the colour of your circles by using one that is opposite on a colour wheel. I recommend the Bobbi Brown range if you visit the stand in a department store or larger pharmacy, the consultants will advise you on the right product.   Corrector pallets are usually quite colourful and look like that: (picture BB and corrector) Remember when trying to cover the under eye area to apply only a little to avoid creasing.

• If you could pick one product to use for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? Ashleigh Day  All About Ashleigh – I am torn between a brow powder and a blusher… On balance, I think I would go for blusher. It enhances the appearance of vitality. 😉

• What’s your top tip for doing a winged eyeliner? Joy Jackson Pinkoddy – You should mark where the wing has to end with a darker eyeshadow. Check that it is even before going over it with liner. Also use small overlapping brush strokes along the lash line instead of a single stroke. Alternatively, make short intermittent strokes along the lash line, then carefully connect them.

• I have  dry skin so use moisturiser but no matter which one I use, even if I use primer afterwards, once I’ve done my make up my face then looks oily/shiny. What am I doing wrong? Becky Roberts HecticDiabectic – I suggest that you complete your make up by applying a little loose powder to set it. Don’t use too much – just in the “T” area (forehead, nose and chin).  Another suggestion is to pat your face with a tissue after you have applied moisturiser to remove excess product. My preferred moisturiser is a hydrating cream which has a very light texture. They are easily absorbed with no greasy residue.

• What are ‘rules’ for which colour eye shadow to use depending on your eye colour? Is it a myth that you shouldn’t match your shadow to your eye colour? Emma Phoenix Kelly AmeliasMum – Nowadays you can wear pretty much any colour you like. However, if you like the traditional look, blue eyes are complemented by browns, oranges and peaches. Green eyes will look great in deep reds, burgundy and purple. Brown or hazel eyes suit blue, green and purple. Natural earthy shades and pink peach suit all eye colours as well as skin tones. If you have green eyes and want to use green eyeshadow why not, I would blend it with some deep brown or purple to really accentuate them. I have blue eyes and, occasionally love to have a  silvery look with some blue, finished with a darker shadow along the lash line or eyeliner to frame the eye.

• What is your top 5 essential makeup brushes? Becci  – The UnNatural Mother – Brow brush,Powder brush,Blush/bronzer brush,Eyeshadow fluffy brush,Detail brush (for eyeliner or to darken outer corners of the eye)

• Have you ever done a client’s makeup exactly as they wanted it and felt awkward/awful because it didn’t suit them? Sam Bresnahan TestingTimeBlog – Once I was making up a young girl for a wedding, who insisted on a dramatic look. As her parents were happy for me to do this, I gave her the look she wanted.  If someone asks for something I am not comfortable with, I explain my reservations but, ultimately, it is up to the client.

• What’s the best setting spray she’s found on the market? Lara Joanna Jarvis AdventuresOfaMum – Skindinavia range or Urban Decay All Nighter also made by Skindinavia.

• What is the best brow product available at the minute, that is also affordable for mums on a budget? I’ve been using a Rimmel pencil and Rimmel brow kit and they never look right! Gina Potter  SkintMomma -The Rimmel pencil and brow kit are fine. You could invest in a brow brush, which has a longer handle, giving you a softer stroke. Follow your brow shape with the powder and remember that the brow is darkest where it’s thinnest; that’s the only place I apply wax.

• As a mum with very little time (and money!) on my hands, what’s the best all rounder multi-use a product you recommend? Laura Dove FiveLittleDoves – Depending on your colouring, I suggest either a blusher/bronzer or a multi-use palette. I have an Illamasqua multi-face palette, which contains a blusher, highlighter, brow powder and eyeshadows. Being a busy new mum, I love the convenience and simplicity of this product. For a quick evening look, try applying a dark eyeshadow along the lash line and the outer corners of your eyes to create a smoky look. Or, if you have more time, use eyeliner.

I loved having my makeup done and I hope you have learned a few hints & tips from Alicja’s Q&A post today. If you would like to contact Alicja about having your makeup done for a special occasion or Christmas party then check out her website KrupaMakeUp or Facebook KrupaMakeUp. Prices start from £25 but any bookings made in November or December will receive a 20% discount when you quote – The UnNatural Mother.

Leave a comment below if you have any makeup questions you would like Alicja to answer for you and I will send you the answer back by e-mail.

Becci 

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