ATTN: Irish Stars. MAC Has Some Much-Needed IFTAS Advice

Attending an awards ceremony in Ireland can be a dazzling experience. And not necessarily in a  good way.  The EU satin lake gets plundered, it seems, leaving a pan-European deficit of shiny dress fabric. Our poor sisters elsewhere on the continent are bereft, which surely is the only reason that they don't plump for fake tan for days and skintight, light-reflective spangly dresses at their own gala balls. At least, I'm assuming that's why they don't ...

With that in mind, we're bringing you one of our fab exclusives. MAC's Senior Artist, Lesley Keane, has put together a timely set of Dos and Don'ts for Irish stars ahead of this weekend's IFTAS. We're loving her irreverent and down-to-earth advice, and we're hoping the 'slebs take note. Take it away, Lesley.

Don't
The saying "success comes from trying something never done before", does not apply to make up on the red carpet - go with what you know works.

Do
Go with what you know suits you, be it emphasising your eyes or lips.  Add advice from the latest trend and incorporate it in to your comfort zones.

Don’t
Believe the “I don't like powder, I prefer the dewy look” thing. Everyone needs powder, even in the smallest areas of the face, or when you're under a flash you'll shine like a beacon - and not in a good way.

Do
If you like a dewy effect try a moisturiser like M.A.C Strobe Cream.  Then buff a liquid foundation into the skin with a bristle foundation brush.  When applying powder, use a small soft brush and dust it around the lower plains of the face.  Make sure the powder is translucent.

Don’t
Attempt to apply false lashes if never given directions.  The pantomime cow is not a good look on the red carpet.

Do
Choose a natural length that will suit your eye make up, for example M.A.C #7’s for a smoky eye, or half lashes for a winged look.  All lashes will have to be cut to size and applied to the lashes - not the lid.  If you're nervous, go to your nearest M.A.C counter to get some advice and direction.

Don’t
Always match your outfit to your eye makeup.

Do
Try mixing it up with a hint of grey, black or brown or its complimentary shade. For example, try a bronze eye shadow if you're wearing navy, or for lips try a purple toned lipstick like M.A.C Lipstick in Rebel if you're wearing ochre or yellow.  However if you're wearing red it's best teamed with neutral tones or the same tone in a red lipstick.

Don’t
Opt for too many sparkle and gloss products.

Do
We are all magpies and squeal every time we see something sparkly, however if you are opting for a shimmer, focus on one feature of the face be it lid or cheeks or lips.  Then use satin or matte textures around it.  Remember it’s the red carpet, not dancing on ice! And we don't want to blind the paparazzi!