Polish your style with Zarra Celik!

Polish your style with Zarra Celik, Max Factor Nail Artist!

 What is the most on trend nail shape for SS12 and how do you achieve it?
Oval nails are in vogue for SS12 and the great thing about this shape is that it flatters all hands. They look feminine and pretty and you can achieve this shape with long or short nails.

What colours are bang on trend for SS12?
Candy colours, such as aquamarines and candy pinks will be really prominent - as well nudes.
  
Nails are getting more creative, what designs are hot for SS12?
To be on trend for SS12, your nail look should accessorize your outfit. Play with colour to mix, match and clash your nail look to your clothes daily. Bold patterns, clean lines and half moon manicures featured on the catwalks this season, so play with stripes, dots and colourful moons and tips. 3D nail art will be on the up if you’re really creative.

What is the simplest way to create polka dots?
To achieve polka dots you need a nail dotting tool which you can buy from naildelights.com or ebay.co.uk, alternatively you can use a tooth pick. The trick to perfecting this striking look is to choose two contrasting colours like Max Factor Max Colour Effect Mini Nail Polish in Mellow Yellow and Pretty in Pink. First, evenly apply two thin coats of Factor Max Colour Effect Mini Nail Polish in Mellow Yellow – waiting for each layer to dry. Then, using your dotter or tooth pick dip the tip into Pretty in Pink and dab onto the nail, holding it down for a brief second. Don’t dot randomly, the trick to this effect is to keep your polka dots in line. 

 What is the simplest way to create a stripe effect?
To achieve a striped effect you need a nail striper, alternatively you can use a very fine paint brush. Make sure you wait for your base polish to dry before painting on your stripes. Horizontal stripes are easiest, but you’ll need a steady hand.

What are your main dos and don’ts for nail art?
There are no rules in nail art, just experiment! When it comes to nail art, it’s all about having a full palette of colour at your fingertips and the desire to shake up your look.  The more you contrast your nail colours, the more striking the effect.

What colours look really striking together?
Anything goes but I really like strong colours that clash. Turquoise and pinks looks good together, try Max Factor Max Colour Effect Mini Nail Polish in Cool Jade and Lollipop. 

What are your favourite Max Colour Effect Mini shades and why?
I love the Dalston collection from the new Max Colour Effect Mini Nail Polish range as it’s bright and bold and the shades clash.

What is the most creative nail look you’ve ever created?
I was at a hen party and me and a group of friends were staying in a chalet and the bride-to-be asked me to create floral patterned nails inspired by the curtains. They looked amazing – taupe nail base decorated with pink, yellow and purple flowers. 

1.     How do you stop nails from chipping the day after you’ve painted them?

The trick to creating gorgeous looking nails that last is to apply two very thin coats of polish, don’t overdo it by sweeping it on too thick. Then once dry, follow up with a good top coat, brushing over the edges of your nail tips to really seal in the colour. Try Max Factor Nailfinity Top Coat.

2.     What are the best nail colours to show off your summer tan?

Vibrant colours that pop against the skin really show off a tan. I’d recommend a hot pink like Max Factor Max Colour Effect Mini Nail Polish in Lollipop. The new Max Colour Effect Mini Nail Polish Collection is perfect for summer, as it offers a rainbow of colour to compliment your summer wardrobe. What’s more, they mini in size so it’s easy to squeeze a few into your holiday wash bag.   

3.     There are lots of myths around how to file your nails – what’s the best way to file them / what’s the best type of nail file you can use (glass, wood, metal)??

Avoid metal nail file as they are too course and can lead to nail splitting. Red emery boards are no good either. Your nail file should be smooth to touch. 

4.    Does nail polish weaken your nails?

No, this is a myth! Nail polish strengthens your nails as it helps to protect them.

6.    Is buffing good for your nails?

A light buff is good for your nails, it smoothes out ridges and helps with smoother application. Don’t over buff.

7.     Cutting cuticles...bad idea?

Always leave cuticle cutting to the professionals. People often make the mistake of cutting live skin that can lead to infection. Or, just wait until after you’ve had a hot bath or shower as the skin is soft and supple – and gently push back your cuticles with your opposite fingers.

8.    What are your three best tips to keep nails in shape?

Regularly file, lightly buff and apply cuticle oil every two weeks. Moisturise hands with almond oil, as hand cream doesn’t moisturise your cuticle skin.

9.     How do you strengthen your nails?

Filing regularly helps but try eating a handful of almonds everyday to improve strength. To prevent nails from peeling and splitting eat a handful of hazelnuts.

Meet Keri-anne Payne!

 Max Factor recently announced  the signing of British Olympic Games swimmer, Keri-anne Payne, as the face of its award winning mascara, False Lash Effect Gold. Known for her determination and focus, and her warm and fun personality, Keri-anne will be striving for gold in the London 2012 Olympic Games.



How does it feel to be chosen as the face of Max Factor False Lash Effect Gold Mascara?
I’m really proud to be an ambassador for Max Factor. As a swimmer I never thought I'd have the chance to do something so exciting! I'm also a big fan of the brand, so I feel really privileged to know it's supporting my ambitions this summer. I'm actually the face of Max Factor False Lash Effect Gold, which is so cool as this new gold pack edition is the celebratory award winning mascara!

You look stunning in the advertising – gold suits you!  How did it feel to be shot by Rankin?
I’ve always admired Rankin - he’s a very cool guy and has shot some incredible people. I must admit before the shoot I was a little bit nervous but he made me feel very comfortable and took some amazing pictures. I absolutely loved my look; brown smoky eyes teamed with gorgeous full and thick lashes, wet look hair and pink glossy lips. If only I could emerge from the pool looking so glam!

It’s now a real countdown to London 2012, I imagine you’re feeling a complete mix of emotions?  And for the fact that it’s happening in your home country!
It’s all very exciting!  I also can’t believe that I’ll get to participate in the Olympic Games when they’re in the UK.  All my friends and family are very excited for me too. I imagine the nerves will begin to creep in as July 2012 draws nearer.

What does your typical day of training involve?  Will it intensify as the Olympic Games get closer?
My training programme will actually stay the same right up to the Olympic Games.  I train pretty intensively: most mornings I’m in the pool from 6 – 8am and then it’s a cardio session in the gym for an hour. I then get to go back home for lunch and I head back to the pool 4pm for another two hour session. I get Wednesday and Saturday afternoons off, and Sunday's my total off-duty day.

How do you stay so focused?
Passion! Everyone has the occasional morning when they want to stay in bed, so if this happens I just remind myself just how lucky I am to have a job that I love so much. I just tell myself to “get on with it!”

Do you have any good luck rituals before you swim?
I’m not very superstitious at all. In fact, I’m very forgetful so if I had a lucky charm like a rabbit foot I’d probably just leave it at home!

What do you love doing on your off training days?
I love hanging out with friends, most of whom are professional swimmers, and we'll often go to the cinema for a fun night out. I also love seeing my family, especially as I have a baby niece so it’s been fun spending time with her. I also love to bake in spare time - when you’re constantly training you can eat a lot!

How do you maintain a healthy complexion with so much swimming?
When you’re in and out of the pool a good moisturiser is a total must, and for me it's Olay Total Effects. I use the Day Moisturiser as it’s nice and creamy and feels great on my skin. I also exfoliate three times a week and use a body moisturiser every time I get out of the pool. Finally a touch of blusher also works wonders; it makes skin look instantly healthier. A dab of Max Factor Creamy Blush in Soft Pink on the apples of my cheeks is my complexion saviour!

What are your top tips for going from a pared back pool look to a little bit of night time glam?
For me, it's all about enhancing my eyes. So poolside glamour is kept simple with a slick of False Lash Effect waterproof mascara. If I'm going out then I love creating a cool smoky eye look with eye-liner and volumising mascara. Oh and I always go for lip gloss. Since becoming a face of Max Factor, make-up artists have given me lots of great tips so I will be trying new looks on night’s out.

What are your five favourite beauty products and why?
Dior Nail Polish in Blue Label – I love dark nail polishes and this deep blue is my current favourite. I have to keep my nails short to avoid scratching other swimmers in the pool, but I still like to paint my fingers and toes so they look nice;
Max Factor False Lash Effect Gold in black – this mascara is my absolute fave.  I would never go for false lashes so I love how it instantly plumps my lashes for a false lash look - when I'm wearing it I'm often surprised they’re my own lashes!;
Bliss Lemon & Sage Body Scrub – this smells so fresh and leaves my skin feeling pampered and gorgeous;
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner – I reach for this twice a week to keep my hair soft, shiny and conditioned
Oral-B Triumph 5000 with SmartGuide. I can’t use anything else but that along with Pro-Expert now after learning about the amazing things they do!

Who is your beauty/style icon and why?
It has to be Angelina Jolie, she’s a natural beauty and I have to say that I'm envious of her gorgeous full lips! 


How would you describe your make-up style?
Most days I’m at the pool so it's au natural with waterproof mascara if I'm competing. It's not all off-duty though, as I like to experiment and play with my make-up looks for special occasions and nights out, and then it's smoky eyes the whole way! 


What item of make-up can you not leave the house without?
Mascara! I don’t feel right without it, as it works wonders to frame my eyes.

What’s the best make-up tip you’ve ever been given?
Always take your make-up off before bed! I rarely sleep in my make-up. 


What does make-up mean to you?
For me it's about having fun and experimenting with different looks, especially as it can totally change my typical training look! I'm getting braver with my look too and that's come from playing with make-up, speaking to make-up artists and picking up tips from friends. 

When did you make the decision to be a professional swimmer? Was it an easy decision to make?
I started swimming at the age of four and have been swimming ever since. What started off as swimming lessons, later turned into training and racing. It wasn’t a hard decision to make at all, it happened naturally.

What one piece of advice would you give to girls looking to become professional athletes?
You must enjoy it, if you don’t you’ll never reach your full potential.  

 

Get the perfect accessory for Valentine's Day!

Max Factor has launched 5 new shades of bold, kiss-proof colour – just in time to get ready for Valentines’ Day! The award winning lip pens now come in 10 bright colours including Passion Red 09 and Pink Petal 01 – Max Factor’s perfect shades for Valentines’. The pen format allows you to create sleek lip looks to capture his eye, whilst the stain formula is kiss-proof – meaning you don’t need to worry about smudging your lipstick!

Max Factor award winning make-up artist Caroline Barnes reveals her failsafe tips in her Valentine’s Q&A: 

Are there any make-up don’ts for a hot date?

“Being sexy is key but over doing the make-up is generally a quick turn off for boys! If you want to have a statement lip just ensure that it is blotted down well so that when you have a kiss- it won't end up all over your face. If you are a girl who can't survive without her gloss then keep the tone natural and play up your eyes instead.”

What look should we opt for this Valentines’ Day?

 “Fresh dewy healthy skin and defined lips. Choose your best alluring feature and bring out your beauty, your features are key flirting tools! Make your lips fuller by rounding the top lip over the cupids bow to make them look fuller, much sexier than just drawing over the lip line.”

What products have that extra staying power?

“ Use lip products that will give you a perfect stain to your mouth. This way the colour lasts longer and is definitely more kiss proof. My favourite at the moment is Max Factor Lip Tint in Red Passion (£7.99).” 

  

For a dramatic and kiss-proof lip look on Valentine's Day, follow these easy steps from Caroline!

STEP 1- Use Lip Tint Pen in Passion Red and let it dry for 30 seconds to allow the pigment to

stain your lips.

STEP 2 -  Apply a gloss - go for a clear gloss for the traditional runway look or try different colours.

 

Caroline’s Tip: Max Colour Effect Lip Gloss in bright Orange Smack will give a red stain a shimmering opulent Gatsby-esque finish!

Not sure what bold shade to wear on the most romantic day of the year? Click here to discover the best shade for your personality https://www.facebook.com/MaxFactorUK?sk=app_295884130443444   https://www.facebook.com/MaxFactorUK?sk=app_295884130443444