It's easy to get stuck in a cosmetic rut, but Fiona Adams is on hand with expert tips from delilah's Rupert Kingston, to help you face spring with confidence
Fashions come and go, and like hemlines, collars and sleeves our hair and make-up should also enjoy the occasional update. I was quite partial to shoulder pads in the 1980s but there’s no way you’d catch me wearing them these days. Admittedly, though, I am still rather attached to emerald green eyeliner and a slick of lip-gloss.
If, like me, you too are stuck on a cosmetic carousel and would like to get off, there are a number of options. You could do a sweep of your local beauty counter (but be aware of costly panic buying) or you could consult a professional make-up artist, such as Rupert Kingston (right), co-founder with Hannah Nicholson and Juliet White of hot new range delilah.
Rupert is creative director of the brand and has numerous years’ experience working with stars of stage and screen. As luck would have it, he is leading two master classes over the coming weeks, where he will be offering one-to-one sessions. He will be in Richmond at stockist Balcony Spa (Cedars Health Club, Richmond) on May 12.
delilah has a quintessentially English feel with beautiful packaging (semi-precious Britannia metal, contrasted with rosy, crown gold accents and the pale pink delilah rose symbol, to signify a classic English rose) and the range includes primers, foundations and concealers, blushers, eye shadows, mascaras, liners, lipsticks, glosses (thank the Lord) as well as an extensive range of brushes.
In the meantime, why not read Rupert’s top tips on two key looks for spring and summer: the minimalist nude face and a seductive smokey eye. I may even ditch the emerald green eye liner…
delilah lipstick
One of the most prominent looks of the season was the effortless, ‘no make-up’ look
If you’re not as brave as the models at Marc Jacobs, who strutted down the catwalks completely make-up free, take note from Christopher Kane and Versace with just enough for a flawless, healthy glow.
First, create the perfect base with delilah Under Wear Future Resist Foundation Primer (£34). To even out skin tone, touch up imperfections with delilah Farewell Cream Concealer and Colour Correctors (£24). Then, apply delilah Colour Intense Eye Shadow in Flamingo (£20), to the eyelids for a subtle, flattering shimmer. To give cheeks a fresh flush, apply delilah Colour Blush in Lullaby (above, £26). Finish the look with a slick of delilah Ultimate Shine Lipgloss in Amalie (£22).
Smoulder all summer long with this unexpected trend that ruled the catwalks, from Diane Von Furstenburg to Versace
To get this smudgy, sultry look, first create the perfect base with a mid-tone shade, such as delilah Colour Intense Eye Shadow in Pewter (£20), and apply to the moving part of the eyelid. Then, using the delilah Eye Shadow Brush (£26) blend and soften the shadow by running the brush along the lash line. Next, use delilah Colour Intense Eye Shadow in Liquorice (£20) and apply to the outside corners of the eyes, sweeping along the lash-line and into the sockets.
Sweep a little under the lower lashes, starting at the outside corner, moving inwards. Gradually build up and continue to blend until you achieve the desired effect. The deep, intense pigment will provide a professional looking result that really lasts, with every pigment packed to offer maximum colour and minimal fall out.
If you like a more intense look, apply delilah Eye Line Long Wear Retractable Pencil in Coal (£20) inside the upper and lower lash line. This smudge and waterproof liner sets in seconds, making it perfect for the Summer. Finish with a coat of delilah Definitive Mascara (£24) on the upper and lower lashes to define and open up your eyes.
Interested in learning more? You can win two places - for you and a friend - at a makeup masterclass with Rupert Kingston, on May 12 at Cedars Health & Leisure Club
