Q&A with Make-up Artist Bashir Sabar

Renowned make-up artist Bashir Sabar, specialises in bridal work and is known for his work within popular magazines. Answers all your questions on how to perfect your makeup to compliment your skin tone.

Light Skin

What can you tell me about light skin? Are there typical problems you find with light skin? Light skin has more visibility such as redness dark circles and dis-colouration which is more noticeable than on darker skin, therefore it can become a little more difficult to cover without the base foundation looking “caked”.

Are there any good elements you usually find with light skin? Much effort isn’t required on light skin in order for colour to show, for example eye shadow/blusher/contour, therefore creating a dramatic look doesn’t take a lot of effort.

What can you use to conceal the identified problems?  Are there any products you recommend? I would have to say first and foremost keep yourself hydrated because water clears your skin of any toxins and adds moisture back into your skin, therefore keeping it looking fresh and toxin free removing any dirt and bacteria. This alone is something I highly recommend to all my clients especially for my brides. Furthermore I recommend a good face toner such as dermalogica toner, which will help even out skin porosity and penetrates the skin to help remove and clear out any bacteria.

What would you suggest for cheeks? Bronzers or blushers? Are there any products you recommend? For blushers and bronzers I feel it is important to keep them subtle but effective as they give the face a more natural look. My favourite blusher is Kiko Soft Touch blusher in Golden Peach, it has a warm pigment tone of gold which adds not only colour but also a highlighter. Therefore a bronzer isn’t always needed, plus this creates a great dimension to the cheek area.

In terms of lipsticks, are there any colours that complement this skin tone? Again the influencing factors are the nose shape/eye shape/face shape, but softer shades genuinely complement the skin better.

What kind of looks suit light skin? Are there any looks they should avoid? Softer shades normally suit a light skin tone, plus a sun-kissed flawless base would definitely compliment this type of skin tone as opposed to bolder colours.

Which kind of outfit colours compliment light skin & the makeup looks you have suggested? Outfit colours would depend not only on skin tone but also the individual's personality. For example, try the Charcoal Heavily Beaded Dress to compliment light skin tones.

Medium Skin Tone

What can you tell me about a medium skin tone? Are there typical problems you find with medium skin? Are there any good elements you usually find with a medium skin tone? Medium skin tones unlike lighter skin tones don’t always show redness/dark circles as much, however this doesn't mean it is easier. I find that medium skin tones can carry natural and bolder shades which can give a variety of different looks to create.

What can you use to conceal the identified problems?  Are there any products you recommend? A good concealer helps to reduce the redness or any marks which may appear on the skin. I recommend Estee Lauder camouflage concealer as this has always worked wonders in my kit.

What type of eye makeup should people with medium skin opt for? (Soft, dramatic, smokey etc.) With majority of medium skin tones you're able to create both natural and bold looks.

What would you suggest for cheeks? Bronzers or blushers? Are there any products you recommend? With medium skin tones I find that the cheeks may need to have a little more dimension, so again my personal favourite Kiko Soft Touch Blusher in Golden Peach works perfectly and remember you can always build up the colour with the amount of product on the blusher brush.

In terms of lipsticks, are there any colours that complement this skin tone? Are there any products you recommend? With lipsticks it would definitely be a bit of both, lighter, softer colours as well as bright and bold. One of my favourite products is Kryolan Lip Palette, the depth of the colours whether light or dark are beautiful against this skin tone.

Which kind of outfit colours compliment medium skin & the makeup looks you have suggested? Medium skin tones can best suit bolder colours as it adds to the entire look, for example a soft dewy makeup look together with a beautiful bright shade will always compliment it. For example, try our Pale Pink Printed Georgette Kaftan to compliment medium skin tones.

Dark Skin

What can you tell me about a dark skin? Are there typical problems you find with dark skin? Are there any good elements you usually find with a dark skin tone? Darker skin can sometimes make dark circles or redness appear less, also I feel brighter shades don’t compliment this skin tone as much, therefore something a little more classic would work better.

What type of eye makeup should people with dark skin opt for? What types of colours suit this look? I would have to say with darker tones you would want to stay away from brighter shades as sometimes it can look a little gimmicky. Shades with warm tones would work better such as golds and browns.

What would you suggest for cheeks? Bronzers or blushers? Are there any products you recommend? One of my favourites would have to be Kryolan blusher in the shade Lake, it has an essence of a warm peach tone which is complimented by a rich gold tone. I would also recommend Giant Sun Powder by Gosh, I absolutely love this product and feel it has a beautiful balance of warm tones with a sparkle giving you a beautiful natural glow.

In terms of lipsticks, are there any colours that compliment this skin tone? Which colours should they avoid? This can be a tricky one to answer because it varies on the influencing factors. The shade of a colour makes a huge impact, naturally subtle medium tones work best, whereas dark or bright colours don't always compliment the skin tone.

What kind of looks suit dark skin? What you don’t want to do with dark skin tones is over power any feature, for example the cheeks/eyes/lips. Basically, all of these three things should compliment each other, therefore creating subtle lips means you can create a little more drama on the eyes but always remembering that the overall look should be balanced.

Which kind of outfit colours compliment dark skin & the makeup looks you have suggested? Another tricky question, but I would have to say avoid vibrant and colourful shades and instead opt for a warmer rich tone.

For example, try our Red and Nude Lace Suit to compliment dark skin tones.

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