Napoleon Perdis

Backstage with Napoleon Perdis at Camilla SS12-13 Collection at MBFWA

Rescu Team — Tue, 01 May 2012 20:20:29 GMT

Backstage with Napoleon Perdis at Camilla Franks SS12-13 Collection Show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia. RESCU TV Guest Editor Tali Shine speaks to Napoleon Perdis about the Makeup looks behind the Camilla Runway Show at MBFWA.

Napoleon Perdis Shares His Top 3 Beauty Inspirations from 2012 Oscars

Rescu Team — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 10:10:17 GMT

RESCU Beauty and makeup expert, Napoleon Perdis, shares his top three beauty inspirations from the 84th Academy Awards and how you can achieve these looks at home!

Napoleon Perdis Backstage at David Jones Autumn/Winter 2012 Fashion Launch Talks to Rescu

Rescu Team — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:20:30 GMT

Napoleon Perdis chats to RESCU backstage at the David Jones Autumn/Winter 2012 Fashion Launch

Napoleon Perdis reveals the David Jones Beauty Runway Looks for Autumn/ Winter Show

Rescu Team — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:15:55 GMT

RESCU's resident celebrity make up Maestro, Napoleon Perdis jetsetted in from LA to create the make up looks for this year's David Jones Autumn/Winter show. Super model Miranda Kerr, Australian model Samantha Harris and ANTM winner Montana Cox were no doubt the inspiration behind these gorgeous looks. We've got the expert tips and face charts to show you how to re-create the looks at home!

Napoleon Perdis Shows Us How to Get the Victoria's Secret Look

Rescu Team — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:13:45 GMT

By Napoleon Perdis www.napoleonperdis.com

Change was in the air at this year's Victoria's Secret extravaganza; everything from the hair, the tans and the lashes (or lack thereof!) seemed to be more pared back than in the past. While the focus was on the individuality of each girl, the beauty theme was beautifully flawless skin but executed in a very natural, understated way.

Napoleon Perdis Shares the Top Three Ways to Look Hot this Summer and Avoid Makeup Meltdown

Super User — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:13:00 GMT

By Napoleon Perdis
www.napoleonperdis.com

This season, I'm all about no-fuss looks that go the distance and hold up against heat and humidity.

1. One of my favourite Summer beauty looks: brighter-than-bold lip colours. Coral, fuchsia and raspberry-red hues are an on-trend way to introduce some colour into your world - not to mention an instant image upgrade . Bright is right, right now! With bold lips you need to ensure your skin looks fresh but flawless (employ camouflage tactics!) and that your lips are balanced with a little eye attention. I always use an eye primer as a great neutral base to make your eye colour pop and of course, lashings of mascara to open and define the eyes. If you're busting out a bold lip for day, make it matte. You can then glam it up with a slick of gloss for evening or for a bit of fun, add a little disco by pressing an ultra fine glitter into your lipstick.

2. A faux lash is a great way to get a party look started; it's instant glamification with minimum time and effort. Whether you choose some subtly defined individual lashes added to the outer corners or a more eye-catching statement, faux lashes help to make eyes look even more alluring. Always apply mascara before you apply any type of false lash. This will not only help you to choose the right size and length (depending on the mascara you use, your lashes can gain considerable length and volume), but gives support and more precise placement. You may need to trim your new lashes to fit to your eye size. The easiest application tip: run the tip of the glue along the base of the lash, allowing a few seconds for it to get tacky before applying to the eye. You should then get a quick and easy fit with great hold.

3. I also love the return of bronzed skin. Just remember to always practise safe sun; faking it is the skin-smart option. For the most natural looking effect, make sure that you bronze only the areas of the face where the sun would hit naturally: the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose and around the top of the forehead. In high Summer I recommend using a bronzing powder instead of a cream bronzer which can be less stable on the skin. However, highlighting your features with cream textures not only gives you the loveliest, light-reflecting finish, but also helps to create flattering contours and shape into the face. It's a great option for an evening look. Oilier complexions should reach for a luminizing powder as too many extra creams or liquids on the skin will only up your oil count.

HOW TO AVOID MAKEUP MELTDOWN
Skin prep is key to avoiding makeup meltdown. If your base is not well-prepped your foundation will be sliding down your face by the afternoon. Which is where primer comes in; there are a variety of primers to choose from. Hydrating primers are great for drier or more mature skins and you can mix a little in with your foundation for a fresher, lighter base. Pore-minimizing or mattifying primers are ideal for oily types to help your foundation last the distance and keep your natural oil in check, while radiance-boosting primers help to revive dull, drab skin. Finding the right base is key; choose a semi-matte or satin finish formula that's lightweight in texture as overly dewy foundations don't tend to work too well in the heat and humidity. Keep it on the light side; anything too heavy will just make you sweat. A light hydrating mist can be a great way to cool down but also to revive your foundation and keep it looking fresh.

The other key to keeping your makeup looking fresh and fabulous during Summer is in finding the middle ground between sheen and shiny. Which really comes down to knowing how to mattify what I call 'hotspots': the nose, chin, between the brows and the centre of the forehead. Areas to highlight include the top of the cheekbones, cupids bow, bridge of the nose and brow bone to catch and reflect the light. If you can master the art of highlighting it really can take years - and kilos - off the face, trust me. Invest in a good contouring palette that incorporates a blush, bronzer, and highlighter.

MY THREE SUMMER MUST HAVES:

1. A mattifying mineral primer to correct an uneven skin tone, keep shine at bay, and help foundation last through the day, minimizing makeup meltdown.

2. A good luminizer to add some radiance to the skin and some definition to the features. It's a great beach-to-bar product that makes a subtle but definite difference. Apply to the cheekbones, the brow bones, the decolletage, even a stripe down each calf to accent your legs.

3. A bold lip colour to keep you on trend and up your glam count in an instant. Apply with a lip brush for a more polished pay off. If you don't want to make such a strong statement you can still toe dip the trend by pressing a little into your lips with your fingers.

More From Napoleon Perdis...

1. The Best Make Up to Pair with your Party Outfit
2. Create Mila Kunis' Signature Smokey Eye
3. How to Wear Red Lipstick

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Napoleon Perdis On The Best Makeup To Pair With Your Party Outfit

Super User — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:13:00 GMT

By Napoleon Perdis
www.napoleonperdis.com

Spring has sprung which means party season is just around the corner. Once your search for the perfect outfit is over, you need to master your makeup look. Let’s take a look at planet celebrity: the Best-Dressed list at the recent Emmy Awards was a lesson in winning makeup choices. Best in show: Glee’s Lea Michele’s red Marchesa dress and her glamorous yet pared-back makeup. Here, some how-tos on working your makeup with your party wear:

BRIGHT ON THE NIGHT
Summer calls for bright, look-at-you hues like turquoise, coral, a rainbow of neon, and technicolour prints. As far as your makeup goes, keep your eyewear neutral with a hint of feature-flattering shimmer. Start with not one but three coats of mascara applied in a zig-zag motion to open up the eyes (remember my rule: mascara first!). Then blend a shimmering caramel shade of eye shadow from your lash line to your brow with a soft eye shadow brush.

Don’t go anywhere without a glow; use a matte bronzer applied with a large powder brush and sweep light strokes on the apples of the cheek, across the forehead, under the jaw line and down into the decolletage. Balance a bright dress with a hint of colour on the lips. A sheer red lipstick gives a sensual stain of colour without the commitment of a matte texture.

THE LBD
You just can’t go wrong with a black dress. It’s a wardrobe essential. From A-line to maxi, a black dress can work wonders on any shape, for any occasion. Team it with a statement-making red, orange or fuschia lip, skin as flawless as you can get it, and keep the rest of your makeup basic. All you need to do is work a softly defined socket with a taupe eye shadow and carefully applied winged eyeliner. Use an angled brush when applying liner and end with a subtle, upward flick. Perfection.

MAKE IT METALLIC
We’ve seen it in the fashion capitals and peppered through Awards season; metallics are definitely shining on and off the runway. Whether you wear shimmer as a subtle accent or a knock-out focus, adding a little heavy or soft metal to your makeup will have you right on trend. Try a creamy eye shadow teamed with a smudge of copper liner. Smudge the liner onto the inner rim and lower lash line and apply two coats of mascara to the top lashes only. Go with a glossy pink lip as the finishing touch.

STAY NEUTRAL
Nude is totally now. It’s fresh, modern and utterly elegant. The neutral hue looks amazing when paired with gold, navy and pastels. Line your top and bottom lash line with a navy blue eye pencil and smudge with a cotton bud or brush for a smouldering effect. You can also add a couple of individual lashes to further define the eyes and add that special-occasion wow factor. On your lips opt for a creamy pastel pink lipstick. Finish with what I consider to be a party essential: some clever contouring on the cheeks.

More From Napoleon Perdis:

1. Napoleon Perdis On How To Create Mila Kunis's Signature Smokey Eye
2. Napoleon Perdis Shares With Us How To Achieve Lady Gaga's Perfect Red Lip
3. Napoleon Perdis Tells Us How To Wear Red Lipstick

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Napoleon Perdis On How To Create Mila Kunis’s Signature Smoky Eye

Super User — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:14:00 GMT

By Napoleon Perdis
www.napoleonperdis.com

There’s something about Mila. The Friends With Benefits star has come a long way since her days on That 70s Show. Part of her on-screen/red-carpet charm can be attributed to her D-vine, doll-like eyes. Not everyone is born with a gaze that rivals a Disney character but once you have the right tools and a little application know-how it’s easier to work than you think. Try these five simple steps to make like Mila.

STEP 1:
Prep the eyes with an eye primer or a little cream concealer patted from the lash line over the lid and up to the brow. Creating a smooth canvas is a non-negotiable with every eye shadow look. It negates the risk of creasing, keeps pigment colour true and will help your eye makeup go the distance.

STEP 2:
Mascara is a must for any eye-focused look – or just any look, for that matter! Make sure you master an even coating all the way from the roots to the tips. To do that you need a light touch, a little patience, and a mascara with a precision wand that eases application. A great wand is one that allows you to access the lashes on the inner eye; the comb/brush hybrids are great for this. Up your batting average with some individual lashes to the outer corners to create that coquettish kick. Fluttery will get you everywhere!

STEP 3:
Commit the following to memory: Liner provides the structure for the perfect smoky eye. Apply a black or kohl liner directly on to the waterline of the eye and then smudge it into the lashes to soften it. It needs to look dramatic, but not harsh. Make sure the top and bottom lines meet in the outer corner. If your eyes aren’t as naturally large as Mila’s, experiment with a white liner on the inner eye rim instead.

STEP 4:
Mila is a fan of a softer smoky eye; she tends to focus on an eye palette of metallic earth tones. Blend a dark bronze shadow across the lid and sweep a light bronze shade through the socket. Then try a champagne shade in the inner corners and on the brow bone for a brightening effect. To keep it pretty, choose a matte or pearl highlighter.

STEP 5:
Add another coat of mascara and keep the rest of your makeup soft and flattering. Make sure your brows are groomed and in shape. Apply a peachy blush onto the apples of the cheeks for colour and sweep back into the hairline to create some contours in the face. For the lips, try a fleshy pink hue in either lipstick or gloss.

More From Napoleon Perdis:

1. Napoleon Perdis Shares With Us How To Achieve Lady Gaga's Perfect Red Lip
2. Napoleon Perdis Tells Us How To Wear Red Lipstick
3. Kim Kardashian's Wedding Look: The Verdict By Napoleon Perdis

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Napoleon Perdis Tells Us How To Wear Red Lipstick

Super User — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:14:00 GMT

From Lady Gaga to Scarlett Johansson, the red lip is the must-wear trend for the coming season and will have you standing out in the crowd and looking glamorous. To help us with this classically chic look, Napoleon has shared with us some of his tops tips for working the red lip for any and every occasion!

Napoleon Perdis: “Many women shy away from red but they’re missing out, wearing a red lip is the fastest way to upgrade your image; it’s face-brightening, teeth-whitening, and mood altering.”

We recently spoke to Napoleon about the red lip, how to wear it and what shade is best for which skin tone.

Napoleon Perdis: “Just leave it for 12 minutes,” says Napoleon. “You need to let your eye adjust to a strong statement color like red.”

The collection is made up of 5 different luscious lippies:

1. Double Agent Rouge ($33 AUD)

An innovative lip palette, the semi-matte lipstick is enriched with Vitamin E and Carnauba Wax to ensure a smooth application, while the pressed lip powder helps to contain colour and give an on-trend mattifying look.

Napoleon’s Tip: First load a lip brush with the lipstick then brush over the lips. Build colour for intensity. Next pat and smooth powder with the sponge to set colour for a totally matte lip look.

2. Undercover Red Lip Gloss ($30 AUD)

Upon contact with the lips, this clear, self-adjusting jelly gloss morphs into your very own shade of red. Thanks to extraordinary pH-sensitive pigments, Undercover Red’s final colour pay off is shade that complements your skin tone.

Napoleon’s Tip: Apply to bare lips for a gorgeous glossy red pout – and a red like no other. Layer over DeVine Goddess Lipstick in Aphrodite or Anna.

3. Front Row Red Lip Gloss ($30 AUD)

Combining the benefits of lipstick and gloss, the creamy, high-pigment texture lasts up to 10 hours and includes ingredients such as organic Brazil Nut Seed Oil and Peach Extract, which hydrate and nourish.

Napoleon’s Tip: Start in the middle, and work the applicator all the way into the corners of the mouth. Gently press lips together to evenly distribute colour. Line after application for added definition.

4. Lady In Red Lip Gloss ($30 AUD)

Make a statement with this high-impact, high-shine lip fluid. The clever fusion of Argan Oil and Cherry Extract nourishes, protects and restores the lips. Lady In Red goes on like a gloss, but with the finish of a lipstick and colour stays on for up to 6 hours.

5. DeVine Goddess Lipsticks in Anna, Xenia and Aphrodite ($33 AUD)

These luxurious lipsticks are enriched with natural oils to protect your pout. Each shade glides on smooth and provides long-lasting color for undeniably glamorous lips.

Napoleon’s Tip: Apply liner after – not before – lipstick to create a more natural and defined lip look.

Watch our video with Napoleon Perdis to hear some tips for red-lip-beginners and find out more about how to wear the red lip and which shade compliments your skin tone.

More From Napoleon Perdis:

1. Napoleon Perdis' Eye Make Up Tips
2. Napoleon Perdis' Make Up Tips For Ladies Who Wear Glasses
3. Napoleon Perdis' Foundation 101: How To Ace Your Foundation Base

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Napoleon Perdis Shares With Us How To Achieve Lady Gaga's Perfect Red Lip

Super User — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 14:14:00 GMT

By Napoleon Perdis
www.napoleonperdis.com

Leave it to Gaga to rock a picture-perfect red lip. Her Ladyship has done more for the sale of lipstick than Miranda Kerr has done for the post-baby bounce back. To work your own strong lip statement – a key Summer trend BTW – remember these four essential steps.

1. NATURAL SELECTION
Finding the perfect red is the Holy Grail for many women and one of the most common questions I’m asked. The key lies in recognising which undertones work well with your complexion, and by complexion I mean your true skin tone, not what you’d like to think it is! If you're fair, choose a red with blue undertones. If your skin is olive, try a scarlet red with a pink base. For darker tones, look for a cranberry red. One shade that’s always works well for most skin tones is a blue-based red.

2. ESSENTIAL PREP:
Before you make a strong lip statement a prep step is required: super-smooth, hydrated lips are a non-negotiable. Why put your lips in the spotlight if they’re not in perfect condition? For a quick lip fix, mix some sugar in with a little lip balm for an efficient exfoliant. Massage into the lips and then use a soft towel or a makeup wipe to gently remove. Not only will your lipstick glide on for a perfect finish but you’ll notice that the colour will cling onto the lips for longer.

3. ARTFUL APPLICATION:
Unless you’re going for a low-fi lip look, I find that you get the best results when you apply lipstick with a lip brush. [Using your fingers to press a little colour into the lips is a great way to ease into wearing a bold bright.] Load up your brush with a decent amount of lipstick and glide across the lips, being careful to stay within your natural lip line. To create a flattering, balanced shape on the top lip, I like to work from the outside in and then use a lip liner after lipstick to keep the colour contained and prevent bleeding. I read a great Jerry Seinfeld quote once that went something like this:

“Where lipstick is concerned, the most important thing is not colour but to accept God’s final word on where your lips end.” Amen!

4. THE ALL-IMPORTANT UPKEEP:
Keeping your red fresh is the burden of wearing a bold lip colour. It’s definitely the most high-maintenance shade but the latest lipstick and liquid formulations cleverly combine long-wear properties with a far more comfortable feel than formulations of old. To keep your favourite red looking fab, reapply the colour to the centre of the lips which is where it’s most likely to wear first. And try this backstage trick: pat a little eye shadow (in a shade as close to your lipstick as possible) into the centre of the lip to help hold.

Image Credit: Zimbio

More From Napoleon Perdis:

1. Napoleon Perdis Tells Us How To Wear Red Lipstick
2. Kim Kardashian's Wedding Look: The Verdict By Napoleon Perdis
3. Napoleon Perdis' Guide To Wedding Day Glamification

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Kim Kardashian Wedding Look: The Verdict By Napoleon Perdis

Super User — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:14:00 GMT

Forget Wills and Kate, the wedding of the year was most definitely Kim Kardashian to Kris Humphries! We asked our resident expert, celebrity makeup artist Napoleon Perdis, who is based in Hollywood, to share with us what he thought about the look and how it can be recreated for your own red carpet moment.

Napoleon Perdis: Beautifully simple, stunning bridal makeup. Kim could have gone either way but I love that she kept it pared back. Basically she ticked all the Bridal dos: flawless skin, the perfect layered, Liz-Taylor lashes, subtly sculpted cheeks with a flush of blush and a groom-friendly nude lip. Kim looked truly amazing; Future brides take note!

How To Get Kim's Wedding Look:

1. Auto Pilot Pre Foundation Skin Primer $50

2. Boudoir Mist Spray Foundation $69 (left)

3. Ultimate Contour Palette - out Sept 5th $45 (left)

4. Mesmereyes Mascara $35

5. China Doll Gel Eyeliner in Equinox $32

6. Color Disc in Chocolate Ganache $29

7. Lash Patrol in 747m $15

8. Luminous Lip Veil in In the Flesh $27 (left)

Image Credit: E! Online

More From Napoleon Perdis:

1. Napoleon Perdis' Guide To Wedding Day Glamification
2. Napoleon Perdis Tells Us How To Wear Red Lipstick
3. Napoleon Perdis' Eye Make Up Tips

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Napoleon Perdis' Eye Make Up Tips

Super User — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:14:00 GMT

By Napoleon Perdis
www.napoleonperdis.com

Forget about that same-old black liquid liner look. I’m loving something a little off-kilter when it comes to this makeup bag essential. Upgrading a classic to something a little bit edgier is what experimentation is all about. Now is the time to try an eyeliner that strays beyond the lash line.

Try taking some cues from the runways: think understated yet still dramatic angles at Louis Vuitton or that extended winged out liner that I did at Carl Kapp this past Fashion Week. As for the rest of the look, keep it minimal with flawlessly primed and concealed skin, mascara and a creamy or glossy, nude-colored lip. Here are my top two eye-catching graphic eye trends worth style jacking.

The Louis Vuitton Eye:

The models had a cool slick of eyeliner at the edges of the top and bottom lashes to give eyes a super modern cat-eye. Recreate this edgy eye look by lining the upper and lower lash line with a black pencil. Then sharpen the lines close to the lash for more strength with a liquid liner.

For the upper lash line, draw your line to the entire length of the eye right from the inner corner to the outer corner. As you approach the outer corner of the eye, lengthen your line about a centimeter beyond the natural lash line in an upward and outward motion.

With the lower lash line, start half way across and work your way out. When applying, your liner should be angled almost in a straight line to meet the point where your upper liner ends, instead of following the curve of the lower lash line. This will create an extended triangle on the outer corner of the eye. Using an angled brush will keep it accurate and easy to achieve.

To get the boomerang shape on the inner corner of the eye, draw a slightly angled curve with a sharp black pencil and then intensify the centre of your curve with a liquid liner and a fine brush.

Degree of difficulty: 8

The Carl Kapp Eye

When compared to the Louis Vuitton eye, the major difference with this eye statement is that the upper and lower lines meet at the very outer corner of the eye where the lashes stop, and the line is extended out from there. Try lining your lower lash line first and keep extending your angle from there as the eye naturally sweeps up - then line the upper lash line. This will be easier as your angle has already been created. Accent the area of the eye (half way between the lashes and the brow) with a gold metallic liner in the same shape as above to give it a little lift. Finish with a couple of coats of black mascara on the upper lashes and strengthen the brow through the arch with a brow pencil in a matching shade to your natural brow.

Degree of difficulty: 6

More From Napoleon Perdis:

1. Napoleon Perdis' Make Up Tips For Ladies Who Wear Glasses
2. Napoleon Perdis' Foundation 101: How To Ace Your Foundation Base
3. Napoleon Perdis Tells Us How To Get Olivia Palermo's Look

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Napoleon Perdis' Make Up Tips For Ladies Who Wear Glasses

Super User — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:14:00 GMT

Napoleon Perdis has recently paired up with SpecSavers and given us some great tips on how to match our makeup to our eyewear!

RETRO GLAMOUR

Work the fashion flashback trend with soft yet polished frames a la Mad Men. Keep your make up look fresh and understated and show off your skin. Add a soft wash of colour to the eye, such as an ideal bronze/tan shade, which complements all coloured frames. Finish your look by adding a soft coloured lip-gloss for a kissable rose pout. Try:

Osiris Frames

NP Set Eye Palette Cairo

CLASSIC CHIC

Frames with ultra feminine shapes in deep jet black make for a sophisticated ‘‘Femme Fatale’’ look and reference classic screen sirens. Strike the balance between polished and sexy by creating an alluring eye look by applying eyeliner on the top and lower eye line and blend for a soft finish. Next, add three coats of mascara for statement eyelashes. Finish your look with the quintessential nude lip. Try:

Sabina Frames

NP Set Lip Gloss Mauritius

IT'S A BLING THING

Gold and silver tones are a subtle way to bring a little sparkle to your eyewear. If you’re channeling bling, then make bronzing your thing. Begin by applying a blusher to the apples of the cheek for a subtle glow. Team with a flirtatious pink pout and finish with an all over sweep of shimmering powder for a look that is California cool. Try:

NP Set Baked Powder Peach Set

EXPRESS YOURSELF

Make a statement with animal print or brightly coloured frames and enhance it even more with a bold lip colour. Reds are perfect as they suit all skin tones. Try:

Red or Dead Frames

NP Set Lipstick Rio

All Napoleon Perdis make up is available at the NP Set Makeup Bar Merrylands, NSW, Target and David Jones stores nationally and selected stockists throughout Australia.

For SpecSaver frames visit www.specsavers.com.au

Image Credit: Zimbio

More From Napoleon Perdis:

1. Napoleon Perdis' Foundation 101: How To Ace Your Foundation Base
2. Napoleon Perdis Tells Us How To Get Olivia Palermo's Look
3. Napoleon Perdis’ Guide To Wedding Day Glamification

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Napoleon Perdis' Foundation 101: How to Ace Your Foundation Base

Super User — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:14:00 GMT

By Napoleon Perdis
www.napoleonperdis.com

'What foundation should I be wearing?' definitely ranks as one of the questions I get asked most often. The best benchmark to remember when choosing a foundation is that it’s great for the skin, and looks great on the skin. I’m talking about a natural, subtle radiance that results in a Birkin bag full of compliments about how healthy you look - and some pressure from your friends to reveal your skin care secret. But if someone comments on your foundation, then it’s not the one for you. My top three tricks to ace your base:

1. Look at your skin’s depth of pigment (is it light or dark?) and your skin’s underlying hue (is it peach or pink, yellow of beige?). If you have uneven skin, match your foundation to your forearm since this sees as much natural sun light as the face, unlike your neck or wrist.

2. Application is everything. My foolproof technique: start in the feature focus area (the triangle of features that is the eyes, nose, and cheeks) with a brush; always, always with a brush - and blend outwards from there. Use a sporadic patting motion - I call it ‘stippling’ - to ensure foundation is consistent with the natural texture of the skin. Make sure to steer very clear of the hairline and brows as foundation has a tendency to grab to those areas.

3. One of the biggest beauty crimes? A visible difference in colour between your neck and your face. If you want to dial your natural skin tone up a notch or two, don’t do it with a warmer shade of foundation. Add colour to the skin with a bronzer or some clever contouring with a flesh-toned blush.

For some skinspiration, reference a few of my favourite, age-amazing celebs.

LOVELY MISS LIVELY
When you’re in your 20s, you can get away with a lot. But in order to maintain that enviable youth and set up your skin for life, you need to be diligent about sun-protection and a stellar skin care regime so your complexion stays ah-mazing. Don’t leave the house without sunscreen – formulas are so advanced and lightweight there’s really no excuse. Then apply a little liquid foundation wherever you need some tonal attention. If you’re prone to oily skin, try a semi-matte finish and powder the sides of the nose with a small powder brush, tapping gently across the skin (don’t sweep!) to keep shine in check.

YUMMY MUMMY
Whether you’re a mum, a career corporate type, or both, your 30s is the time to refine your makeup look. To keep skin in top condition and to ease foundation application, start with a skin-perfecting treatment serum. Leave it on for 10 minutes to absorb and then follow with a hydrating primer to help keep your base looking fresh for longer. Concealer should be part of your daily diligence by now, but you may need to consider a cream concealer for greater coverage. The trick is to keep your base as fresh as possible and let your concealer do the work only where it’s needed – and the same goes for foundation.

AMERICAN BEAUTY
Scan any glossy and you’ll see that forty is definitely the new thirty. Many stars have admitted to going under the knife – or needle - at this age. But before you pop out for a quick Botox sesh, take Julia’s lead and try using a little makeup magic to take the edge off any lines or wrinkles and reshape your face. Choose a foundation with light-diffusing qualities to give off a youthful radiance, and then try a little careful contouring: one of my faithful age-reversing tricks. Use a concealer two shades lighter than your natural skin tone, and with a medium synthetic brush, press it onto areas such as the brow bone, the cheek bones and the bridge of the nose to give a little gravity-cheating lift.

AGELESS GRACE
You never want to look overdone, but rather sophisticated and elegant. Ensuring that your skin is well nourished is key, so lather on that primer and use a hydrating cream foundation that’s laced with skin-supporters like antioxidants. As a finishing touch, pat a little powder foundation into the skin to keep it dewy, and remember: less is more.

Image Credits: Zimbio

More From Napoleon Perdis:

1. Napoleon Perdis Tells Us How To Get Olivia Palermo's Look
2. Napoleon Perdis’ Guide To Wedding Day Glamification
3. Napoleon Perdis Rocks New York Fashion Week For Walter

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Napoleon Perdis Tells Us How To Get Olivia Palermo's Look

Super User — Sat, 28 May 2011 14:14:00 GMT

By Napoleon Perdis
www.napoleonperdis.com

Reality TV star and style pin up Olivia Palermo takes out the title for Flawless Makeup 365 days a year. Whether its front row at Fashion Week or taking a stroll around town with her model beau, the New York socialite always looks primped and polished. The City star is able to work any hair colour; being blessed with amazing bone structure and Bambi eyes helps of course, but how does she do it? Is it her frequent visits to a roll call of A-list hair colourists? Or is it her skill with a blush brush that helps her transition from dark brown to blonde and back again? I know she’s keen to start her own fashion line, but I think the girl’s got real potential in the cosmetic biz. Give me a call, Olivia!

HER HAIR
When it comes to matters of hair, Olivia is a true style setter. She knows the need for customising your makeup to your hair colour. If she’s working those blonde highlights, she simply lines the inner rim of her eyes with black eyeliner. But when her tresses are darker caramel, she keeps it all very fresh with just mascara on the bottom lashes and a hint of gold eyeliner on the bottom lash line.

HER GLOW
Her fresh and flawless skin reminds me of Audrey Hepburn. She’s your classic, high maintenance New Yorker who prioritises her skin with a face-faithful regime and expert attention from the finest facialists and dermatologists. It looks like she’s an avid user of a serum, a primer and a semi-matte foundation. A great recipe for skin success!

HER EYES
Olivia never goes overboard with her eye makeup and just focuses on her lashes and a crisp black liner. To steal her style, start with a coat of mascara to frame the eyes and then apply a black eyeliner pen as close to the lash line as possible. Start from the inner corner of the eye and as you approach the outer corner of the eye, angle your liner up and out. Always end with a tapered point for the most flattering feline look.

HER CHEEKS
Olivia’s skin always looks warm and healthy, no matter what hair colour she’s working. For an Olivia-esque blush effect, I suggest a dual-purpose blush/bronzer like my new Blush Patrol. Sweep on with a large blush brush directly on to the peaks of the cheekbones, and smile like you mean it for that au naturel glow. Olivia is clearly meticulous about blending since her glow always appears authentic. So take a note from her beauty book and make sure to really blend out towards the temples and check for any obvious heavy handedness.

THE LIPS
Olivia tends to play it safe when it comes to colour. For day, she relies on a quick slick of nude gloss. For an evening uptown at a fashion event, she’ll layer on a soft rose lipstick. Being a fan of colour, I wish she’d experiment a little more and bust out a punchy pout once in a while. Note to self: FedEx Miss Olivia a bright lip like my DeVine Goddess Lipstick in Hara.

More From Napoleon Perdis:

1. Napoleon Perdis’ Guide To Wedding Day Glamification
2. Napoleon Perdis Rocks New York Fashion Week For Walter
3. Napoleon Perdis Rocks New York Fashion Week For Kaelen

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Image Credit: Zimbio

Napoleon Perdis And Alex Perry Talk Kate Middleton And The Royal Wedding

Super User — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:14:00 GMT

Napoleon Perdis’ Guide To Wedding Day Glamification

Super User — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 14:14:00 GMT

By Napoleon Perdis
www.napoleonperdis.com

We all know where we’ll be on Friday April 29: glued to the flat screen, gazing at the Couple Of The Moment in all their royal, nuptial glory. While the media turns itself inside out trying to predict Kate Middleton’s choice of designer, I’m far more keen to see the hair and makeup look for her big day.

Clearly it’s going to be a take on classic, a Royal bride is never going to rock a trend – paging Princess Mary! Kate is beauty blessed with flawless English skin and great bone structure, but with a bazillion pairs of eyes on her she’ll need to step up her Sloane Ranger look and wear enough makeup to exaggerate her features for HDTV. If I had the chance to be in her ear, I’d give her the same advice I’d give any bride. My Top 10 tips for bridal makeup are:

1. Your skin needs to be flawless to weather the endless photo ops. Don’t assume that the glow comes naturally! Start dermal due diligence at least 4-6 weeks in advance, making exfoliation and hydrating treatments a key focus. If only I’d Fedex’d Kate some of my Napoleon Complex Skin Renewal Serum a few weeks ago. Opportunity lost!

2. Skinvest in a primer to give your skin the best start before makeup and to allow your foundation to go the distance and minimize the need for touch ups. You need to be in the moment, not in the bathroom checking yourself in the mirror every hour. My Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer is all-skins appropriate and helps maintain moisture levels, keeping your foundation looking fresh and fabulous. If you have oily or combination skin, choose a mattifying formula like my Auto Pilot Pore Minimizer & Mattifier.

3. Even if you normally just get by with a tinted moisturizer, your wedding day is definitely the time to commit to a fully-fledged foundation, no exceptions! You can keep application light but you do need your skin to look as perfect as it has ever been. Choose a true match to your skin tone, not the colour you’d like it to be, and make sure it’s well blended into the neck and décolletage. There should be no colour changes from face to neck. You can always add colour with some blush and bronzing powder.

We sell a lot of Boudoir Mist Spray Foundation to brides as it boasts great staying power but still looks fresh and natural and you can layer it to the level you want.

4. A compact powder is a must, especially if you have an oily skin that’s prone to shine. Make sure your powder doesn’t contain SPF as it will reflect the flash of the camera and can make your face appear lighter in photos than it actually is. Set your base with my Camera Finish Powder Foundation, (and then hand it to your bridesmaid for mid-reception touch ups, especially if you’ve been hitting the dance floor).

5. Remember that your eyes are the main focus of a bridal look. Some colours that work best on the eyes are soft browns, golds, peaches, pinks and greys. If you want more definition, go for a brown or black eyeliner around the lash line to really define the eyes and eye colour. The safest bet: a soft, muted shadow palette, like my Prismatic Eye Shadow Quad 4 which gives just the right amount of definition, warmth and contour to the eyes. Start by blending the beige color all over the lids for an even base. Add the brown color to the lid area, then using the darker brown, shade the outer corners of the eye for structure and depth. Take the peach shade and wash this through the socket to add warmth to the eyes.

6. No matter how lo-fi you claim to be, every bride looks better with some extra lashes. While I am a believer in the-bigger-the-lash-look-the-better, most brides look best with a small strip of lashes or individual lashes affixed to the outer corner of the eye. Eyelash extensions are very popular right now but they’re expensive and application is just another time commitment a busy bride-to-be can do without. Instead, make sure your makeup artist packs his/her kit with a good wardrobe of lashes for you to choose from. Instant glamification!

7. When you have a sea of eyes staring at you, you need your features to look their finest. Contouring is key. For supermodel cheekbones sweep Cheek To Chic Blush Duo 3 onto the cheekbones, and for some added highlighting, apply Light Patrol Gold to the tops of the cheekbones.

8. Your lips are another key focal point. If you want a can’t-go-wrong nude, try DeVine Goddess Hess. For a stronger lip statement, try DeVine Goddess Anna. To up ‘staying power’, first apply some foundation to the lips as a base, then lipstick, and finish with a matching lip liner for added definition.

9. Don’t stray too far from the woman you are. Your wedding day is not a time for experimentation.

10. Refer to Kate Middleton on April 29, I’m sure she’ll get it right.

Napoleon Perdis rocks New York Fashion Week for Walter

Super User — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 14:14:00 GMT

By Marja Rönty

Napoleon Perdis, the global make-up brand and a personality to be reckoned with, has seen his career go from strength to strength, with his NP Set make-up collection soaring worldwide since its inception in 2008.

Perdis' unique take on make-up as part of female empowerment and his love of freedom to experiment are the key to his success and he teamed up with fellow Australian Walter Baker during the New York Fashion Week to shine his prowess on the make-up stage.

The Walter Spring/Summer 2011 collection was inspired by the uninhibited and free-spirited New York woman and built around the designer's trademark element - the strong jacket - to feature beautiful pieces in crepes, silks and chiffons in soft grays, pinks and blacks that are part of the Big Apple skyline from dusk to dawn.

Perdis complemented the soft hues with clean and fresh skin, "as if the models just stepped out of the shower."

Eyes were luminous, along with cheekbones, cupid’s bow, and top of the nose, while lips were a mixture of colour and gloss to create a creamy yet natural lip stain.

Go Napoleon Perdis' beauty blog for more of his New York Fashion Week articles.

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Napoleon Perdis rocks New York Fashion Week for Kaelen

Super User — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 14:14:00 GMT

By Marja Rönty

Napoleon Perdis, the boy who picked up a make-up brush at the age of 13 to help out his mother, hasn't looked back since. The Sydney-to-Hollywood international make-up artist and global beauty force helped kick up a storm at the recent New York Fashion Week with his work for Kaelen.

Kaelen Farncombe's Spring/Summer 2011 runway show was inspired by chasing tornados. The designer recently took a trip to witness the nature's tempestuous powerhouses and the result was a fresh and relaxed collection of mix-and-match designs in draped silks and washed leathers that multitasked both as standalone pieces or sets.

Perdis drew his inspiration from the flowing sense of 'chaos to calm' that tornados create for the spectator.

His make-up was very fresh and beautiful, with luminosity on the inner corner of the eyes. The lips were peach in colour with a creamy appeal.

Freshness came through on the models' cheeks and the entire look was clean, simple and definitely wearable.

“The colours of the make-up complemented the collection really well. It's New York feel meets LA-freshness!” Perdis enthused.

Go Napoleon Perdis' beauty blog for more of his New York Fashion Week articles.

For more information on Napoleon Perdis products, go to: www.napoleonperdis.com.au

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Napoleon Perdis rocks New York Fashion Week for Elise Overland

Super User — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 14:14:00 GMT

By Marja Rönty

Napoleon Perdis is well on his way to make-up world domination. The wizard from Sydney's suburbs, whose fans include Lindsay Lohan and Debra Messing, was keenly sought after to create some of the most striking looks for the New York Fashion Week.

Leatherette aficionado Elise Øverland's Spring/Summer 2011 runway collection jubilated her beloved skintight designs that would have even Lohan drooling for more, with some relatively demure 'clean and pressed' looks reminiscent of colonial-era India with high collars fitted on shorty-short dresses thrown in.

To go with the theme, Perdis' makeup was “minimalist and natural - inspired by a modern take of make-up from the 60s.”

His feature point was building up the natural lash - not a single false lash was used. Models' lips were a creamy – not matte – nude and cheeks had the natural colour coming through.

“Elise had some distinct standout colours in her collection and I didn’t want the make-up to clash with that,” Perdis said.

Go Napoleon Perdis' beauty blog for more of his New York Fashion Week articles

For more information on Napoleon Perdis products, go to: www.napoleonperdis.com.au

Want more fashion week coverage?
View more on our coverage, including backstage beauty, on RESCU events.