Make-up tips: how to cover a shiner

Follow this four-step programme to hide that holiday UDI (unidentified drinking injury) or whatever it is

The Dictator

Published: 7:02am, 29 Dec 2016

Why you can trust SCMP

After an altercation with my three-year-old wielding a salad server, I have an impressive bright blu e shiner! How can I cover this up so as not to have to explain (or bring unwarranted attention to my loving husband)?
Salad Days, Central

The Dictator rules: Sure. Blame a child. No, I’m not questioning your husband’s innocence, I’m pointing the finger directly at you. Around holiday party season? Really? Just admit it’s a UDI (Unidentified Drinking Injury) and we can move on to the genius make-up tips below. Place a cold compress over your eye, take anti-inflammatories, apply or swallow arnica (opinion is mixed on its efficacy), then find a cream-based, waterproof, full-coverage concealer. Don’t paste it on with a palette knife, because sheer, well-blended layers look more realistic. Selecting the correct skin tone is vital, but choose one shade lighter – apparently, make-up oxidises and darkens in contact with skin oils. Colour correct with yellow tones for purple or reddish marks and pink or peach over blue, green or yellowish bruising; blended blush or even lipstick can do the trick. Setting with powder also helps. Friends who have been bruised by Botox injections and are too embarrassed to admit it swear by Covermark’s Basic Formula, which is perspiration- and water-resistant (HK$320; 1 D’Aguilar Street, Central). Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage two-shade compact also comes recommended (HK$300; Times Square, Causeway Bay). Make Up For Ever can help with its Full Cover Extreme Camouflage (HK$310; Lab Concept, Queensway Plaza, Admiralty) and 5 Camouflage Cream Palette (HK$370). Others to try: Kat Von D Beauty and Bobbi Brown.

It’s a new year and I’m ready for a new look! I’ve seen pictures of models wearing super-big-shouldered jackets and I’d like to try one on for size. Where should I go?
Cold Shoulders, Causeway Bay

Grace Jones, queen of the oversized shoulder.

The Dictator: Settle down. You are altogether too excited. And who do you think you are, anyway? Grace Jones? Well, unbelievably, the fashion world has padded its collections for spring-summer 2017 with square-shouldered, oversized blazers and coats. Just don’t tell me it’s “universally flattering” as they did with those midi-pleated skirts last season. Categorise this one as a “high degree of difficulty” to pull off. Go to the undisputed master for not only the item, but also how to wear it. Céline is one of the highest-profile proponents of the style, offering jackets and double-breasted blazers in said cut (about HK$25,500 and up). The French house sent them down the runway as part of an oversized suiting look, so you could – but don’t have to – buy the high-waisted trousers to go with them (HK$13,000 and up). Or slip on its oversized take on the classic camel overcoat (HK$31,500). Blaze Milano may be the brand you never knew you wanted, an Italian label focused on the perfect blazer. Its bold selection includes classic cuts with generous shoulders in everything from navy wool to faux fur (HK$10,900 and up; Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central). The beautiful collection at Alexander McQueen includes prominent shoulders on a black crepe jacket, but balanced with a slim fit waist (HK$13,300; Sogo, Causeway Bay). Never one to shy away from strong looks, Balmain has several big-shouldered blazers in cotton, wool or leather (HK$10,448 to HK$17,537; www netaporter.com).

Got a question for the Dictator? Email her with your name, or alias, and address at: [email protected]

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