Sue Devitt's expert make-up tips

Always on the look out for beauty tips and advice, we caught up with Sue Devitt to find out more about her range of cosmetics.

Sue is an experienced make-up artist who looks to create make-up essentials with added skincare benefits. Her innovative products are well known to a host of red carpet starlets, including Eva Longoria, Sarah Jessica Parker and Elle Macpherson.

For more advice from Sue, tune in to Sue Devitt Studio on Friday 23rd January at 4pm.

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When I started out, it became clear to me that women were beginning to understand the need for beauty to be 'more than skin deep.' Having grown up in Australia with such incredible natural resources at my fingertips, it occurred to me to 'bottle' that experience as much as possible and deliver it to women all around the world.

How does someone choose the right shade of foundation?
 
 - Begin by selecting three shades that are most similar to your skin tone. 

 - Take a cotton bud and swipe each shade onto your jaw line, beginning with the lightest and progressing to the deepest. It's best in natural lighting, as opposed to articifial lighting which may alter its true colour.

 - Then, blend each shade into the skin with your fingertips – be sure not to mix the foundations.
 
The foundation that blends the easiest and most effortlessly into your skin is the correct shade. If you cannot find a shade that perfectly blends into your complexion, I would suggest blending the two shades most similar to your skin tone to create a custom shade.

Also keep in mind that the colour of your skin tone changes with the seasons. So it may be useful to have two different shades of foundation on hand.

What essentials do you carry in your make-up bag? 

My favourites would have to be (my list is long!):

 - Microquatic Luminous Finishing Mist, which immediately hydrates the skin while helping to promote circulation.

 - Triple C-Weed Whipped Foundation - it gives my skin a gorgeous finish while helping to keep it thoroughly hydrated.

 - I like to apply Microquatic Lip Enhancing Gloss for a sheer wash of colour - it makes my lips look smooth and full.

 - I use Microquatic Gel to Powder Blush to add an instant hint of colour to my cheeks. Plus, it's easy to apply and blend.

 - To lengthen the look of my lashes, I always keep Amplifying Mascara in my handbag. I also use the Eye Intensifier Pencil - it's quick and easy to use and is great for creating a dramatic finish with deep shades in rich, velvety textures.

What are the hottest make-up looks for 2009?

On the runways and in reality, spring 2009 is all about naturally radiant skin. To achieve this look, try a rich and hydrating foundation, like Triple C-Weed Whipped foundation. Follow by loosely dusting with powder, such as Triple C-Weed Pressed Powder.
 
Also, smoky eyes aren’t as dark as the shades of previous seasons – a more natural smoky eye is the new trend. Use eyeliner and eyeshadow in shades that are complementary to your natural eye colour. This will intensify your eyes, making them your focus feature. 

Give me three of your top make-up application tips

1. My top tip is to keep it simple and easy. Apply foundation with your fingertips rather than a brush, and smooth it out with a sponge if necessary. Skin-on-skin contact is the best form of foundation application, since it warms your foundation to help it go on smoother for a more natural look. Not only do you have more precision with your fingertips, you also end up using less product. 

2. A good skincare regime is essential, even if you have great skin – foundation and make-up will always look better. Applying an eye cream and a moisturiser will help the skin to look its best.

3. Always apply a primer prior to foundation, such as Fortifying Primer. It makes foundation application smoother while hydrating the skin for a healthy, glowing look. Primers also help the longevity of your foundation, reducing the need for touch-ups.

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For more expert beauty advice, check out Alison Young's Beauty Bible