Forget Facetune, beauty experts share the top 11 products to contour your face
PARTY season is upon us, which means those late-night selfies will reveal some harsh truths in the cold light of day.
Many of you will have enhanced your photos with the Facetune app, but wouldn’t it be better to iron out those niggles in real life?
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We asked the experts how we could get closer to the perfect picture.
IF YOU… USE THE WHITENING TOOL
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Spotlight Ultra Teeth Whitening Strips, from £24.95
There’s nothing like a grinning selfie to highlight not-so-pearly whites. The most effective solution is a dental whitening kit.
Try celeb dentist Dr.’s professional whitening service Teki Sowdani, £395in his practice, Teeth by Teki, including a consultation, custom-made molds and a three-week supply of whitening gel.
Can’t afford that? ‘Floss first. It helps eliminate stains between teeth, making them look whiter overall,” says Dr. Sowdani.
“Whitening strips also work well. They are really effective for removing small stains.” We love Spotlight Ultra teeth whitening strips, from £24.95.
The selfie camera also never lies when it comes to bloodshot eyes. Once an eye test has ruled out any underlying problems, you can combat redness by building an eye barrier, says Nicola Alexander-Cross, optometrist and co-founder of Peep Club.
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Peep Club Instant Relief Eye Spray, £15
“Most of us have dry eyes, which means we have a weak protective tear film – a major cause of mild redness. Boost it with a preservative-free eye drop or spray, such as Peep Club Instant Relief Eye Spray, £15is enough to help most people achieve whiter eyes.”
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Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Liner in Nude, £4.99
Finally, cheat brightness à la Victoria Beckham, who swears by flesh-colored kohl along the waterline.
“Apply gentle pressure to prevent it from settling into the lash roots, which is very obvious,” says A-list MUA Hannah Martin, author of Makeup: A Masterclass In Beauty.
“Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Liner in Nude, £4.99, is a good budget buy.”
TIP: Beware of excessive use of eye whitening drops. While this is fine as a one-off use, Nicola warns: “Regular use can cause ‘back-lash hyperaemia’, a persistent redness that is extremely difficult to remove.”
IF YOU USE… THE LUMINOUS TOOL
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Seoulista Super Hydration Instant Facial, £7.99
To soften the look of lines IRL, A-list facialist Natasha Clancy recommends products with hyaluronic acid. She says, “It draws moisture into the skin, instantly plumping it.”
Hannah agrees, adding: “I was using Seoulista Super Hydration Instant Facial, £7.99, and was asked if I’d had Botox! That is now my go-to when a client is feeling tired.”
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RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum, £39.99
Try the new RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat serum, £39.99, for long-lasting benefits of hyaluronic acid combined with retinol. After a month, 100% of testers saw smoother wrinkles. Hannah also suggests using primers such as Trinny London Miracle Blur, £26.
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Trinny London Miracle Blur, £26
“These products contain small particles of silica, which give a temporary illusion of smoother skin,” she says. Soft-focus make-up, such as ELF Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter, £15, and Beauty Pie Wonderfilter Magic Blurring Loose Powder, £16 for members, work similar wonders.
IF YOU USE… THE CHANGE TOOL
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Hero Mighty Patch, £7.99
Spots must love a party because they always appear as our plus-one. Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling, then treat the spot with a sulfur or salicylic acid treatment, plus hydrocolloid spot patches, advises GP and skin specialist Dr Sonia Khorana.
“Use a product like Hero Mighty Patch, £7.99, to avoid touching and create an environment that speeds healing. Use sulfur/salicylic acid at night. Applying it under a patch can work very well, although it can irritate sensitive skin.”
We review Murad Rapid Relief Blemish Spot Treatment, £24.
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Murad Blemish Control Fast Relief Blemish Treatment, £24
To camouflage blemishes with makeup, Hannah suggests gently applying a matte concealer over the blemishes and then setting with blending powder.
“Use cleaned brushes and make sure the concealer is the same color as your base, otherwise you can draw attention to the spot.
Sculpted By Aimee Complete Cover Up Concealer, £15, has a great, skin-like texture for covering blemishes and pigment spots.
TIP: It’s best not to squeeze, but if you must, make sure your hands are clean. “Never try a spot without a head,” says Dr. Khorana. “Don’t put toothpaste on any spot. It can cause inflammation and burning.” If it’s an emergency, see a dermatologist for a steroid injection to shrink a pimple quickly.
IF YOU USE… THE LIGHTING TOOL
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Kichi Forever Oil, from £35
Facial oil and a circulation-boosting massage brighten lackluster skin, says Natasha, whose own treatment is Kichi Forever Oil, from £35has been named by Sienna Miller as her “youthful glow” must-have.
Skin care with vitamin C or niacinamide also boosts shine. Try Olay Super Serum, £39.99, which contains both actives and has a pearlescent finish.
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Olay Super Serum, £39.99
Brightening dark under eyes will instantly refresh the face, advises celebrity MUA Adeola Gboyega.
“Use a luminescent concealer that is slightly lighter than your base. Makeup Revolution Eye Bright Illuminating Concealer, £8, is the perfect pick-me-up.”
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L’Oréal Paris Paradise Lumi Glotion, £11.99
To fake a lit-from-within filter, Hannah likes L’Oréal Paris Paradise Lumi Glotion, £11.99. She says: “Apply it everywhere and skip foundation because the light reflection is so flattering. And nothing brings skin to life like cream blush – try Doll Beauty Pretty Fly Cream Melt, £16.”
