KEY POINTS:
Michael Brown is officially a makeup expert. His job title as Lancome's Australian national makeup expert means there's not much he doesn't know about wielding a blusher brush. It was his work as a professional dancer that got him interested in learning about makeup, and though stage makeup and fashion makeup are quite separate, Brown was a natural and became the Lancome Makeup Artist of the Year in 2004.
Is there such a thing as party makeup?
Certain looks can be perfect for the party season. Metallic eye shadows, thick lashes, smoky eyes, and glossy lips are all perfect ways to create party makeup. My one-stop party products are Lancome's metallic eyeshadow Color Focus Erika F, Fatale Mascara and Color Fever Shine for glossy lips.
What should women never do makeup-wise when getting ready for a big night?
They shouldn't rush! A lot of women buy products without trying them out first. Practice beforehand so product applies perfectly on the night. And don't apply too much; less is best as you can always add more if needed.
The most important thing you can do?
Prepare the skin properly. When going out you want the makeup to last. Makeup needs a good base, including freshly moisturised and exfoliated skin, so it glides and holds on to the face all night long.
The most common mistake women make with occasion makeup?
Not using a good concealer under the eyeshadow. This will eliminate creasing and make it last all night without fading, I love to use Lancome Effarcernes Longue Tenue Concealer. Also, when using darker or more shimmery eyeshadows, its important not to overload the brush, otherwise particles fall under the eyes, creating shadows.
The must-do trend for the season?
Use your kohl pencil before eyeshadow. Smudge the liner up into the eyelid, then apply shadow over the top. This eliminates the stripy look and keeps the shadows elegant and soft. There should be no edging or definite lines between shadows and eyeliner.
Sparkly, glittery products - should we really use them and if so, how?
Shimmers or a nice sheen in products can be a great way to highlight or dress up your makeup. But glittery products can be dangerous too! The glitter particles can spread to other areas of the face, especially under eyes. If you're not confident using sparkly products, it is better not to risk the makeup looking tacky, but keep it classy with a nice sheen that creates a soft reflect.
If you've got five minutes maximum to get ready from the office, what's your makeup advice?
Keep a good concealer in your bag, so you can quickly touch up any redness under the eyes or on the face; apply another coat of mascara to re-define eye area; and of course touch up your lips - gloss is always good to dress them up. And the final step should be a light dash of powder on the T-zone, but only if you have shine, otherwise it can look dry.
If you've got all day?
Allow yourself enough time before your departing for your night out, as party makeup tends to take that little bit extra. But on the other hand don't start too early, as you'll be tempted to add more and the end result can look overdone and false. You still want to look fresh and not layered.
Who always looks great out and about?
I recently worked on Gisele Bunchen and I loved how natural her look was, but she definitely knows how to glam it up when necessary with a slight extend in her brow, an extra coat of mascara and a light smudge of liner to create a wonderful smokey eye.
Whose lead shouldn't we follow?
Amy Winehouse - the eyeliner! And anyone else that looks like they have tried too hard. Party makeup is supposed to look fresh, especially with soft edges of shadow and blush.
