And they’re off!
With the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival just around the bend, it’s all about the frocks, the fascinators and the flutes of French (and maybe the horses). Come race day, it’s a wobbly juggling act of canapés, champagne, crowns and form guides, which, along with Melbourne’s flighty weather, can wreak havoc on hair and makeup.
To avoid trackside beauty tragedies (think windblown waves and champagne-induced panda eyes – eek!), we gleaned some insider tips from the experts.
When it comes to the beauty stakes, it’s all about staying power.
Melanie Burnicle
Beauty expert and makeup artist to the stars.
“For great long lasting Hair & Makeup- prep is key! Prepping your skin well will allow your makeup to stay in place all day! Use a primer that is right for your skin type, such as Revlon’s PhotoReady Perfecting Primer. Apply a long wear foundation, a waterproof mascara and give those luscious lips a coating of Revlon’s Super Lustrous Matte Lip Colour to ensure your right on trend! For gorgeous waves under your head piece, part hair in the direction of your choice, prep dry or wet hair with sea salt or mousse depending on your hair type, and loosely blast off with a hair dryer till completely dry. Using a medium size tongue, take sections and curl away from the face on both sides. When hair has cooled brush the hair out from underneath until it forms a beautiful wave. When your happy with the finished look, spray the curls in place with Hair Spray to lock in place.”
Anthony Nader
Australia’s King of hair who works on international fashion weeks, celebrity and editorial.
“It doesn’t matter what hair style you have as long as it’s a winner (and the horses come a close second) and my top tip is to give your strands a once over with – a firm hold hairspray, I like PRIVE. This firm hold French iconic can of goodness is humidity resistant, UV filtered and keeps hair frizz free. So no matter what your style – it will give you the lasting power. To give your strands an extra polish, I like to spray the ends of an old blush brush, to give extra control over, and glide the bristles over the troubled surface – and now your salon worthy.”
Damian Garozzo
Paris-based Australian makeup artist who tends to the faces of the Gigi, Bella, Rosie and the Victoria’s Secret clan.
“No one wants crusty lips, so for long-lasting lipstick, you need worn in thin layers. Apply a matte lipstick, blot off, then massage in two layers, and build up to three or four, almost like a stain. And use a matte lipstick, like Clinique Pop Matte Lipstick, the longevity is much better than a cream lipstick.”
Renya Xydis
Australia’s editorial and celebrity Queen of hair.
“No matter what style you go with on the day, when using a hot tool, it’s important to let your hair cool down before brushing it out – this will allow it to set in the style/shape you have created and give it a longer lasting hold.
- For straight styles – straighten the hair from root to end with the Cloud Nine Original Iron and allow the hair to cool before brushing and setting with a light hair spray.
- Half up/ half down – prepare the hair with your hot tool and allow the hair to cool before you run a brush through it. Once the hair is in the desired place, spray lightly with a setting spray
- Curls – curl the hair entirely with the Cloud Nine Wand, pin up and allow to cool. Once cooled, run brush through curls to desired look and set with setting spray.
- Up Do’s – ensure hair is cool before styling into place, especially if you’re doing a ponytail with curls/ extra straight.”
Heidi Scarlett King
TV’s First Lady of Makeup, which includes The Voice, Australia’s Next Top Model, Real Housewives of Sydney and countless celebrities.