Beauty fix: Sozo salon offers hair and make-up tips

A new Beauty Advice package is available at Sozo Hair Design, the Wyndham Street salon opened by former Toni & Guy senior stylist Yoko Hisatomi Lane earlier this year.

She has teamed up with Belgian make-up artist Patrick Havegheer to deliver makeover sessions for those who want to learn valuable techniques and tricks. Having worked with Versace and YSL in the past, Havegheer is now focused on helping everyday people like me better understand skin and make-up routines.

My treatment starts with a hair mask and a head massage, followed by a blow-dry with Hisatomi Lane, leaving me relaxed in the roomy, naturally lit salon. She has transformed my wavy hair into a loose curled mass falling to my shoulders. The top is pinned back in intricate circles at the back.

Hair in place, Havegheer shares some tips about make-up application. Seated in the stool with lighted mirror and products around me, I feel like a celebrity.

Havegheer says spending money on hydrating products is pointless if you don't change drying agents such as make-up remover, wash and toner. He advises using natural skin products as they soak into the skin, but make-up sits on the surface.

He reminds me to use serum before moisturiser, letting it absorb. He applies it around my eye sockets, without eye cream and advises me to use a small amount of highlighter under my eyes (concealer comes later).

The non-oily primer illuminates my skin and holds foundation. Eye primer is used before Havegheer starts building layers of white and gold. He uses his finger to apply it and a brush to blend and set. He advises me to learn to use my fingers because it's faster.