In praise of: My Smashbox Master Class

I thought I knew a whole lot about make up prior to my visit to my local Smashbox store in Ponsonby, but after a 90 minute long Master Class with the devastatingly handsome Grayson, it was clear that I had plenty to learn! One of the best beauty-related experiences I have had in a long time, the lesson covered the “six steps to a perfect canvas” as well as my perfect day look, and how that can translate in to night. Grayson would work on one side of my face with each step, and then I’d copy on the other – with varying degrees of success. I found out I was doing pretty good when it came to priming, foundation and concealer, but was akin to the village idiot when it came to appplying more than a very basic eye. I also learnt a plethora of tips to try and remember next time I’m hard at work on my face, many of which I’d never tried before but that made a world of difference to looking polished, enhanced and just that little bit better than my usual efforts.
The main ones I’m going to try and make a regular part of my routine are:
1. When applying primer, concentrate most on lines, large pores and creases, to prevent the foundation applied on top sinking in and making a hatchet job of the rest of your efforts.
2. When applying the aformentioned foundation, dab it on using a brush in short, stippled strokes, before buffing in. This way you can control where it goes, adding more or less depending on your flaws.
3. Remember to take your under eye concealer to the inner and the outer corner of the eye, and blend upward so that the delicate skin in that area isn’t dragged and/or damaged.
4. Powder should always be buffed down, not up. This stops any fine hairs sticking out and looking waaaaaaaay more obvious than you’d like them.
5. If you press eye shadow in before blending you will minimise fall out, and the risk of smooshing the foundation under the eye and on top of the cheeks.
6. The best way to see what you’re doing when smudging your lower lashline is to tilt your head down, and look up into the mirror. You’ll look ridiculous, but it really works.
There was plenty more I learnt in my short time with Grayson, and I highly recommend a Master Class if you’re looking for a new make up for Summer, or just want a reminder about what you should have been doing all along. I also was amazed at the difference a good brush makes, so invest if you can. A Master Class at Smashbox in Ponsonby Road is a steal at $70.00, and definitely dosh well spent!