Going the Distance

Style – 1 October 2013

Let’s face it, a day at the races is an endurance event – so make sure your beauty regime is as well prepared as you are. There’s nothing worse than streaky fake tan and a blotchy face by 4pm. Here are some tips on how you can avoid the mid-afternoon make-up melt.

1. Face Primer

As the name suggests, this is the first step, as it’s best to ‘prime’ your face before make-up application. Many make-up artists swear by this invisible product saying it evens out the skin tone and allows make-up to last longer. Basically, a primer creates the perfect canvas for foundation application.

Try Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, a Sephora and InStyle Best Beauty Buys awards winner.

2. Eye Primer

Just like a face primer, an eye primer is an essential beauty item, as your eyes are the oiliest part of your face and therefore are more prone to streaking and make-up movement. An eye primer works to ensure your concealer and eye shadow stays put and you don’t have any ‘creasing’.

Try Benefit Stay Don’t Stray eye primer, it works 360-degrees around the eye so you can apply it to the upper and lower lid areas.

3. Foundation

Firstly, go for a matte foundation rather than a dewy, water-based foundation – which will only look good for a short amount of time. Choose a foundation that has extra stay factor (just like a good man), to ensure your face remains flawless. Another great tip is to make sure you apply your foundation with a make-up brush rather than with the tips of your fingers – fingers only add more oil to your face and encourage foundation slip.

Try Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Make-up SPF10. This magical bottle of foundation has a matte finish and a strong staying power of 15 hours. Perfect for all those hours trackside.

4. Waterproof Mascara

Naturally, anything waterproof will be pretty heavy duty. You never know what circumstance you may find yourself in at the races, so it’s best to be prepared for anything – especially sweltering heat. Ensure your make-up will hold up against the temperamental elements and opt for waterproof mascara.

Try, Georgio Armani Eyes to Kill Waterproof Mascara. The name says it all really.

5. Finishing Powder

As the name suggests, a finishing powder is the last step in your beauty regime and will conceal, mattify and set your make-up expertly and precisely. It’s also great to keep in your handbag to touch-up anytime, anywhere.

Try Napoleon Camera Finish Powder. This 3-in-1 compact has light absorbing technology to ensure that the light does not reflect off the skin, which can wash the face out in photos. Very hi-tech.

6. Fake Tan

No doubt, some ladies will want to look beach bronzed at the races, but there’s a fine line between a Mediterranean glow and orange Oompa Loompa. Invest in a professional tan – it will last longer, give you an even golden complexion and won’t streak. I find Tuscan Tan is the best option as it produces the most authentic looking tan from lightly sun-kissed to a deep, dark tan. It’s also non-sticky and completely odourless, so no one has to know your secret.

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