The Beauty Insider: Lisa Potter Dixon’s Beauty Rules
Tantour
This is one of my favourite time-saving tricks. Celebrity tanner Amanda Harrington taught me the joy of tantour. Basically, the night before your party – or even the morning of – contour with your fake tan using a bronzing brush. Spray the brush with your tan and apply it in a figure of ‘3’ either side of the face, down the nose, neck and décolletage. Not only will this give you a healthy glow; it gives you a long-wear, contoured make-up look, so you will need to apply less product at 5pm in the loo. It also makes your face look naturally sculpted, which is excellent if – like me – cheeseboards feature in your daily December meal plan.
Lipstick
Nothing changes your look like a good red lip. In my opinion, if red lipstick were a woman, she’d rule the world. If you’re unsure what look to do, chuck on a bright lipstick to transform your look from day to night. If you don’t want a full-on lip, use your finger to pat the product on. This will give a soft, stained vibe. Don’t be afraid to use your lipstick as your blush too. Less is more when it comes to reds on the cheeks – pat in with your fingers or buff in with a blusher brush.
Smokey liner
It’s 5.30pm. You’re meeting in the bar at 6pm, but you are still on that long, drawn-out conference call with the person that obviously doesn’t understand what month it is. A full-on smokey eye is the last thing you want to be trying to achieve in between the ‘uh huhs’ and ‘yep totally agrees’. Instead, go for a smokey liner look. This is simple and chic. All you need is an eyeliner pencil in whatever colour you fancy. Draw a line along the top lash line – it doesn’t have to be perfect – then buff backwards and forwards with the blender on the other end. Layer if you want a deeper depth of colour, then finish with a ton of black mascara. Simple.
Lashes
False lashes can be tricky, but I have two solutions…
One, apply fresh mascara over the top of your morning mascara to vamp up the lash. If you use a waterproof product, don’t do this as the formulas don’t like to be layered once dry. Instead, rub a small amount of Vaseline into your lashes to give them a fresh, glossy finish.
Two, try magnetic lashes. Yep, they are a thing. I’ve tried and tested a few and have been pretty impressed. They come with a special eyeliner that you apply first, then the lash just sits on top. I actually couldn’t quite believe how easy they were to use. Just make sure you follow the instructions as the layering of the eyeliner is key to longevity.
Glitter
You didn’t think I’d finish this column without mentioning my favourite thing, did you? Glitter is the queen of Christmas. This time of year gives you the perfect excuse to add a touch of sparkle. Glitter doesn’t have to be messy. There are some amazing formulas out there that can be worn alone or over the top of eyeshadow.
For a metallic, foil-like finish, you can’t beat Stila’s Magnificent Metals. These liquid glitters glide over the eye and add immediate impact. Start in the centre of the lid and then buff out with a fluffy eyeshadow.
For a wash of sparkle, try a pressed pigment glitter. Marc Jacobs See-quins are stunning. Press on with your fingers or a flat eyeshadow brush. My favourite shade is Star Dust.
For a glitter that adds serious dimension, try Glossier Play Glitter Gelées. These little pots of joy include different sizes of glitter particles. The gel formula means they stick directly to the eye with no hassle.
Now all that’s left to be said is, have fun and be merry!
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