ARTIST TIP | Avoiding Shimmer Overkill

Shimmer is a gorgeous way to add dimension to your everyday look, but how much is too much shimmer? Some questions that I've heard are:

• Can I wear shimmery make-up all over the eyelid and up to the browbone?
• If I have shimmer on my eyes, can I wear it on my cheeks and lips too?

I find shimmer flatters the features best when it's not applied all over one area and all over the face at the same time. Wearing too much shimmer can definitely border overkill and leave you looking like a disco queen (which is fine if that's the look you're aiming for!).

To avoid shimmer overkill, combine and play up the use of different make-up textures. On the eyes, use both matte and shimmer eyeshadow formulas. Use shimmery make-up on the eyes, but then use gloss or a stain on the lips. You can still highlight the cheeks and the inner corner - just try to use a subtle highlighter with tiny light reflecting particles rather than a bold frosty highlighter. When shimmer has been applied everywhere, the viewing eye doesn't know where to set focus on. Just a hint of shimmer strategically applied is enough to make sure the attention is properly drawn in!

To get Mel's balanced shimmer look:
1. Use a shimmery eyeshadow on the eyelid and blend harsh edges into the crease. Choose a neutral shade that is at least 2 shades darker than the skin to add contrast. I used bronze on Mel below. Play around and try different colours on the lid.
2. Use a pale matte highlighting eyeshadow atop the browbone. I used a light peach matte eyeshadow on Mel, as white would have been too much contrast against her skin tone.
3. Apply eyeliner. I applied a turqoise pencil and then a black liquid liner tight to the lashes for something different, but use any colour your heart desires.
4. Apply a creme lipstick lightly on the lips.
5. Lightly dab a gloss starting from the middle of the lips and working your way outwards.

To see more of Melanie's different make-up look, click here.