Passant Al-Sawaf talks to make-up artist Howaida Nassar about tips that will help every woman shine like a diamond this winter Many women eagerly follow the latest fashion trends, hoping to acquire the most recent looks. Howaida Nassar, the Lebanese make-up artist reveals the secrets and latest trends of the make-up world for those who are dedicated to fashion and dream of being unique. "Wearing make-up is an art," says Nassar. You have to be aware of your facial lines, since we are all created differently. "God put beauty in every face. With just a few touches, you can bring out that beauty and let it shine." The traditional late-1950s look, or the Marilyn Monroe look, is the latest look this winter, Nassar says. "The whole eye should be shaded in light colours, like white or silver, whereas the ends of the eye should be darkened with black or dark grey to give a charismatic look." As for lipstick, this season's fashion is matte. "To get the Marilyn look, don't forget the red lipstick that shows the real beauty of the lips." Earth colours are perfect for fair skin during the morning, Nassar says, adding that "shades of brown should be lightened gradually till they reach a Champagne colour, worn with beige matte lipstick." In the evening, shades of rose and purple can be used in graduated fashion for fairer skin, worn with dark pink matte lipstick. Nassar recommends artificial eye lashes to give the ideal look to evening make-up. For brunettes, she suggests something more natural for day-time wear. "Pistache eye shadow with gradual shades of Simon till you reach the Champagne colour, together with Simon matte lipstick," she explains. For something more glamorous for late evening wear, Nassar advises electric-blue eye shadow, together with fucia matte lipstick, or a combination of green and orange eye shadow with orange matte lipstick. "Shades of colour should be worn according to skin type and colour, and they should be blended with other colours to give that final tremendous look," she says. This brings out the eye's natural beauty, making it shine like a jewel. Nassar says that one of the most important trends this season is the diamond look, in which new cosmetic products are applied to the mascara at the very end of the eyelashes to give an icy, diamond look. "It looks as if there are little crystals on the lashes, giving them a diamond-like, glinting look," Nassar says. Glitter eye shadow is no longer in fashion, as most celebrities now use sparkle eye shadow instead. The latest lip gloss has diamond-like elements in it. "Spread on the lips, it gives an amazing diamond lips look." Regarding skin care, Nassar recommends that all women take the time to do this correctly before putting on make- up. "The perfect solution now is the gold mask treatment, the mask being made of extracts of gold and collagen to help wrinkled skin recover and to treat any black circles surrounding the eyes. The mask softens and stretches the skin, giving the face a younger, fresher look, as if it is glowing." A suitable foundation should be used, depending on skin type. Liquid foundation should be used for dry skin, while cake foundation is good for oily skin. For normal skin, a mixture of both should be used. Nassar draws attention to the eye brows, since these are "the frame of the face. They should be perfectly drawn to match the face, thick at the beginning and a little bit thinner at the end above the eye brow bone." Anyone getting married this season is in for a special treat. "I use special materials for brides, so that the make-up will be more long lasting and make her appear natural, simple and photogenic on that special day," Nassar explains. For Nassar, it is important that a bride look as natural as possible. To appear with perfect skin with just a touch of make-up that emphasises her inner beauty, Nassar advises brides to visit a make-up artist at least two months early to prepare the skin for the big day. This winter, women will have the chance to add the pixie dust to step into the fairy tale and be a star. Let the light be focussed on you this winter, and don't stop shining. The perfect look on a late night out: To achieve a perfect, lasting look on an evening out, Howaida Nassar gives the following tips: - To keep lipstick more long lasting, fill the whole lips, not only the borders, with lip liner before applying lipstick. - To avoid fading and a messy look, pass kohl eye liner through a flame for a second or so. This will make the liner softer and more consistent. - To give your eyelashes a fabulous thick look with the volume you desire, apply one coat of mascara and then use an eyelash brush to apply powder before adding another coat of mascara.
