TWO NEW LOOKS

I created these looks for Lisa Eldridge's excellent competition on Facebook, to win a course at the DFMA in London. I wanted to show what make-up means to me, and it means two very contrasting things. The first? I can use it like I use paint, charcoal, pastels or pencils: to create abstract works on the face and body. I can sit with every colour of the rainbow, Google 'paint splatter' and 'dripping paint' and get to work with the teeniest of brushes.

The second? I use it to create something that's wearable, but different. Something that will make strangers stop me in the street and talk about make-up, or colour, or fashion. A cheeky nod to a different era, but with a twist. This is a sixties look, traditionally done with black and white. I used purple and yellow- two contrasting colours - to make each other 'pop'.  And the petals? They represent the 'drawn-on' bottom lashes that Twiggy famously sported, and Marina Diamandis reinvented for her 'Primadonna' video. They're dandelion and bluebell petals, picked from the garden and attached with eyelash glue. Not the easiest thing I've done with make-up, but extremely satisfying.

The thing I'm most proud of is the fact that I've managed to make my skin look good. Spots and acne scars aren't so visible, the skin looks even, but there isn't a heavy blanket of coverage.
(These images are taken with a brilliant camera that I borrowed, they are unedited, the colours have not been changed. It's me, in my bedroom, with the sunlight streaming through an open window.)

Funky brows

I had better start by saying that I love a good brow. For my everyday make-up, I tidy mine up by plucking, brush through with a clear brow gel and use a pencil (or powder and slanted brush) to define them. They've got to be symmetrical and I prefer it when hairs are visible, not just a block of colour.

This black & white photo shows my natural brow shape quite well. The outer ends of mine aren't very well defined, so that's where most of my attention is focussed. I create a point rather than letting them fade out like they do naturally.

If you're a fan of editorial and fashion make-up, you've most probably realised that brows are often a pivotal point in shoots. Yes, they frame your face and create expressions, but in a high-fashion make-up shot they can be used to support a brilliant idea. Artists like Alex Box add beads and 'extras' to the brows and oftentimes they are the first feature that is sketched out.

A simple way to dip your toe into slightly more adventurous brows is by adding colour. I've got teal hair, so a bright brow doesn't seem too crazy. You could darken yours, or use Illamasqua sealing gel and a colourful eyeshadow to define them. Here I used bright colours to create an ombre effect. I wore it with a simple flicky eye, but (to be honest) if you're pushing the boat out you may as well go the whole hog and wear a bright shadow too.

Next, glitter. I used Bobbi Brown eyeshadow in Navy (a great staple) which is fully matte and pretty dark. Using a slanted brush and not much product left me with very defined, straight brows. Then, using Collection 2000's cheap liquid eyeliner in gold I painted little sections of hair, following the natural direction of its growth. Next I sprinkled gold glitter over the top, creating an encrusted brow.

And finally, SEQUINS. Simply sequins from the craft shop, eyelash glue and a mohawk. Done.