Less is very definitely more when it comes to make-up for teens, as these three lassies can testify. Here's some professional advice for avoiding the all-too prevalent tango look
Teenage girls love using make-up and often put on their faces together before hitting the town. But sometimes - just sometimes - they find it hard to know when to stop. We enlisted three fifth-year students from Alexandra College in Dublin to have a "makeunder" with a make-up artist and the results speak for themselves. Fresh faced and fabulous. Go get 'em girls.
Annabel Cleary is 17 and hopes to be a vet. She started wearing make-up at age 14, but doesn't wear it on a daily basis. If an occasion calls for it, she favours Benefit products and loves MAC lipgloss finished off with Victor and Rolf's Flowerbomb fragrance.
Claire Gavin is 16 and might wear a little mascara to school. When giving it socks, she likes Lancôme foundation and of course, Juicy Tubes lip gloss. She shops at Topshop and River Island and loves the Euphoria fragrance by Calvin Klein.
Seventeen-year-old Fiona Lynch likes to get together with her pals and share a variety of products before going out on the town. Her favourite fragrance is by Stella McCartney.
Make-up artist Ludmila Hertelova is originally from Prague and works at the Bobbi Brown counter in Brown Thomas. Stressing that "less is more", she recommends beginning a regime with Exfoliating Cream Wash (€29), which can also be used as a mask and helps draw out blackheads. Next, an application of Face Lotion (€46.50), would be healing and calming (it also works as a primer and helps make-up to last longer). Concealer - not foundation - is her main weapon. It should be gently patted on to the skin with the fingertips, while being careful not to cover up freckles. Tinted moisturiser (€36) gives a natural finish with the all-important SPF 15. She also recommends Pot Rouge Cream Blush (€26), unless skin is blemished - if so, a powder blush might be better.
Teenage girls are mad about eye make-up, and they can get away with a sparkly shadow, but she suggests using a lilac shade which is funky without being too much. No lipstick for these beauties, instead a tinted balm, €18 or lipgloss at €21.50. Overnight Blemish Paste, €18.50, helps clear skin while you sleep.
Admittedly, that's a big outlay. What are the most vital three items? Concealer, blush and lip gloss, she says.
And finally, a few words of wisdom from Bobbi Brown's book devoted to teenage skincare: "I like to look for a young girl's most special feature, and use simple techniques to draw it out. The most important thing? That your make-up not be too obvious."
Remember, the days of day-glo foundation are well and truly over. Let your personality shine - not your make-up.