In the last month before spring, we looked at the importance of blotting paper, how to prep your face for makeup in the morning and how to properly take it off at night, applying mineral foundation the right way and perfecting the technique of tightlining. Let’s recap and revisit!

WEEK 1 - BLOTTING PAPER

There's a fine line between looking fresh and dewy and looking like a hot mess - that's where blotting paper comes in handy! Read on for more about these wonder sheets and why they're a handbag essential!

Did you know that Japanese people began using facial blotting papers hundreds of years ago? They are called 'aburatorigami' (which translates to 'oil removal paper') and they help to absorb excess oil and eliminate shine from the face. Traditionally, aburatorigami was used by kabuki actors and geisha to keep their makeup looking fresh throughout performances.

Today, blotting paper is used much in the same way. Like Hollywood Oil Blotting Tissues and Glamourflage Bella Babe Blotting Paper, they typically come in a small and slim packet - perfect for slipping into any handbag or clutch!

There are several ways you can use blotting paper. For those with oily skin, it's a good idea to use blotting paper to prep your face for makeup. Absorb any excess oil by swiping the paper over your T-zone (forehead and nose) and any other oily areas such as eyelids and chin.

It's a rare woman who doesn't get at least a little bit of shine around midday, due to the natural oils in the skin. The best thing about these blotting papers is that they won't disturb your makeup, so there's no need to reapply. Touch up your complexion by gently blotting around any visibly shiny areas on the face and you'll be fresh-faced in no time!

WEEK 2 - PUT IT ON, TAKE IT OFF

The two essential parts of an everyday makeup routine is preparing your face before applying makeup in the morning and taking off your makeup at night. It's important to go through these steps thoroughly in order to maintain healthy and glowing skin, even when you're not wearing makeup!

Put it on

When you wakeup up in the morning, your skin will be in need of some hydration. After washing and drying your face, spritz some facial mist onto the skin before applying moisturiser, as it locks in moisture. It's ideal to use a facial mist that contains natural soothing ingredients such asKosmea Hydrating Rosewater Mist instead of a thermal water facial spray. Before the mist dries completely, apply your daily moisturiser - we recommend You, Me & Everybody Shady Lady Daily Face Milk for a light texture and added SPF. After waiting a few minutes for your moisturiser to sink in, apply a makeup primer in order to prep your face for foundation. A quality primer such asNapoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer will not only ensure the smooth and flawless application of your foundation, but also that it will last all day.

Take it off

After being under makeup all day, it's no doubt that your skin will need some TLC at night! First of all, carefully remove your makeup with a face wipe, such as Wotnot Facial Wipes, which contain certified organic and natural ingredients. To remove any further makeup residue and impurities, make sure you properly cleanse and tone. A'kin Rose & Geranium Pure Creamy Cleanser & Toner in One is a great money and time saving product - it contains avocado oil, shea butter and olive squalane to gently cleanse, as well as Witch Hazel to tone. Finally, apply a hydrating night cream or balm before heading to bed. Night creams such as One Skin System Vital Night Regenerate are different to regular moisturisers because they contains special ingredients to give your skin the extra hydration to help rejuvinate while you sleep, so be sure to include this step in your beauty regime!

WEEK 3 - MINERAL FOUNDATION

Although mineral makeup is considered a relatively 'new' type of makeup, it has actually been around since the mid 1970s! Mineral makeup consists of finely-ground minerals from the earth without the chemicals, binders, dyes and preservatives commonly found in traditional makeup. Today, we're going to look at one of the most popular forms of mineral makeup - mineral foundation - and how to use it to give your skin a gorgeous, natural glow!

Unlike many traditional liquid foundations, mineral foundation contains natural minerals such as titanium dioxide, zinc and iron oxide instead of chemicals and preservatives. These minerals carry anti-inflammatory, sun protection and soothing properties, which also makes it suitable for sensitive and problem skin as it won't clog pores. Mineral foundation feels lighter on the face and has a translucent finish for a beautiful, natural glow.

However, it's important to be savvy when it comes to selecting the brand of mineral foundation. Just because a product claims to be 'mineral' doesn't mean it's totally free of irritants. A common nasty to look out for is bismuth oxychloride, a natural ingredient found in many mineral cosmetics. It is considered a pearlising agent and produces a high and unnatural shine and can cause irritation and allergic reactions.

That’s why here at bb, we love the gorgeous Savoir Faire Mineral Foundation. It is made entirely from naturally occurring minerals and vitamins and contains no harmful chemicals such as talc, bismuth oxychloride or parabens - the way a true mineral foundation should be!

Mineral foundations are often very pigmented, despite its powdery form, so a little goes a long way! It's best to apply in thin layers and build coverage if needed.

First of all, make sure your moisturiser and primer are fully absorbed before applying mineral foundation. Damp skin will grab the powder and leave deep streaks of colour across the face - a big no no!

To apply, tip a small amount of the mineral foundation onto the lid. Then swirl the fluffy brush in the powder and then tap off any excess back into the lid. Then starting from the outside of the face, buff the powder in a small circular motion. After doing the outer areas, move onto the cheeks and nose. A final tip - a good mineral foundation should be your concealer as well! To conceal under the eyes, around the mouth, nose or on a blemish, just dip a concealer brush into the powder and pat it over the blemish.

WEEK 4 - TIGHTLINING

What is a makeup technique that will make your lashes look fuller without mascara or falsies? This magic technique is called 'tight lining', and all you need is your basic black pencil liner. If this sounds totally new to you, then you have been missing out! But never fear, read below for the low-down on tightlining.

Tightlining (also known as 'invisible liner') is the technique of applying your eyeliner directly to your lash line. It's great for any type of makeup look - it can enhance your dramatic smokey eyes as well as make your eyes appear bigger and brighter when worn on its own (if you're after a more natural look). Not to mention, it will instantly make your lashes appear darker and fuller! It's the best little makeup trick you can have up your sleeve because with practice, it will only take you seconds. Minimal effort for maximum effect!

You can tightline your eyes using a pencil liner, such as Eye of Horus Smokey Eye Pencil or a gel liner, such as Glamorous Minerals Gel Eyeliner. This technique is simple but does require a pair of steady hands and some practice.

First of all, gently lift your top eyelid so that you can see the underside of your lashes, making sure not to pull or tug on your lid. With your other hand, apply the eyeliner directly to the underside of your lash line in a back and forth motion and try and get the product right in between the lash hairs. Keep in mind that the lash line is where the lashes grow out of and not the waterline that is directly under the lash line. The waterline is wet and can cause the eyeliner to transfer to your lower waterline, possibly resulting in panda eyes! Oh well, there's always the Panda Pen!

Which ‘Wakeup Your Makeup’ tips helped you the most this month? What makeup tips and tricks would you like to see in September? Let me know below! - Lucy

(Images courtesy of pinterest.com)