Last Thursday, as was kindly invited by Look Fantastic to attend a special blogger event at FOUR London, a glamourous yet welcoming salon in Mayfair.

A few consultations has been organised to make us ladies look good: hair styling, hair colouring, skincare and makeup.

The hair consultations were given one on one by FOUR London's specialists. With clients including Nigella Lawson, Yasmin Le Bon, Stacey Solomon and Lauren Goodger, I was pretty much in safe hands with them!


We were also introduced to the Doctor Duve Medical Skin Care line. His products are used with a machine that regenerates skin cells. on the picture, Ellie (leading therapists working with the Dr Duve line) shows a lady how the treatment feels. Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to trat it myself, but despite looking scary, the treatment is not painful!

The highlight of the evening was to attend a makeup masterclass given by celebrity makeup artist, Daniel Sandler. Daniel is a British makeup artist who beautified the likes of Naomi Campbell, Rachel Weisz and Kate Moss. He showed us how to be timelessly glamourous using two makeup styles: the smokey eye and the red lip.


I was particularly interrested in the smokey eye part, as I feel it can easily look like dusty and dirty if not done properly (read: I have difficulties doing smokeys!)

The first thing Daniel told us was to try different colours, not just black and brown. He says he likes to use gray as it is easier to work with and goes well with anything. It is also less harsh than black.

The second thing he taught us was to use eyeliners instead of eyeshadows to creat a smokey. All there is to do is line the eyes, and then smudge it with an angular brush. One of his favourite tricks is to use a navy liner, and then go over with a black liner. So Simple!

Another tip I learned from Daniel Sandler is to use the lower lash line as a guideline to the "flick" of eyeliner for a sexy cat eye look. Just imagine where the lower las would continue, and there is your flick!

One of the tips that I was already doing is to tightline (lining the upper waterline) the eyes. This adds definition to the eyes, as well as make the lashes appear fuller.


As for the red lip classes, here is what I have learned:

• The bottom lip is generally fuller than the upper one. Put on more colour to the upper lip, to make it look plumper.
• Defining the cupid's bow with concealer is a great way to make the red colour pop.
• Not to worry too much about the "rules" of makeup. If it makes you feel good, that is all that matters.

What struck me with Daniel is that he is such a calming person. He also mentioned this point, saying that in the industry, people who come to be made up by him are hyper stressed. In this way, he does all he can to calm them, and that's also why he always has one of his candles burning during the sessions (the melted wax can also be used as a body butter).

This was a brilliant evening. I am glad I have learned some tricks from a well-known makeup artist!

Daniel Sandler's products are available on Look Fantastic's website.

Thank you very much to everyone: Look Fantastic, FOUR London and Daniel Sandler!