Krysta Anderson, Gleaner Writer

The Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival is a celebration of exceptional talents, showcasing a variety of musical talent in a cool and relaxed atmosphere.

Women flock this event each year and for them, it is important to be fashionably chic, with make-up playing an integral role in accentuating and enhancing their personal style.

Flair spoke with make-up artistes Judy Bennett, Tina Magnus and Dexter Pottinger, who shared their expertise on the recommended looks while suggesting useful tips and effective, easy methods of applying make-up for the three-night affair.

What's in? The JLo glow

Judy Bennett argued that the event has a very laid-back vibe and, as such, she advocates a fresh look. "Sometimes less is more, and an occasion like this is one of them." The outdoor event, she says, will go on for hours, and women should aim to look light and fresh. This can be achieved, says the pro, by using the bronzer, which will give that certain glow and freshness. She explains the application process. "Use a fan brush to apply the bronzer in the T zone. Apply across the forehead, and down the nose, then doing a fish-face - that is sucking the jaws in and following that line -apply the bronzer from the cheekbone up to the ear to give a natural glow.

"Women with oily skin should travel with a mattifier or an oil-blocking powder to apply to their T zone."

She points out also that one can add dimension to the eyes by "applying eyeliner as close to the lashes as you possibly can to give the illusion of bigger lashes."

Smokey eyes

For international night, which will be a little more glitzy, she suggests women can step it up with smokey eyes. "Some people believe you can only achieve 'smokey eyes' with black, but you can use colour - two shades of the desired one - the lighter shade goes on the inner part of the lid, while the darker shade goes on the outer crease. Use your brush and blend it in so it seems seamless. Use the windshield wiper motion with the blend brush to effectively blend in the colours or a Q-tip to smudge the line. This gives the eyes a light look for when the night life begins to wear you down and it shows in the eyes."

For the lips, she endorses soft colours, declaring a woman should opt for that over the red lips.

Tina Magnus says that make-up has evolved from being clean to becoming very stage-like, but confirmed, too, that the JLo look is very much back in swing, arguing the nice, clean look is a look she likes and recommends. She highlights the view that although women may feel the look is too neutral, it is a look that will last throughout the night.

The JLO look, she states, does not mean less make-up, it just gives the illusion that it is your natural look, giving you a flawless finish. She also points out that a woman's make-up should be a direct reflection of her personality, and if she wants to modify that look, she can - a trend JLo has also been rocking for many years, using powder to line her eyes.

Lining has recently become a big deal, the thick black line, and she advises, too, that if you are going for this look, "you do not need a lot of colour, the lining will speak volumes".

Lips, she says, can be an asset, and if this is the case, just go bold with it. "Mac has the intense colours which are in - the red, pink and orange; these give a popping effect to the lips." She asserts, though, that even though red is a popular lip colour, "Very few women have the boldness and the bone structure to pull off that look." If a woman has decided to pop the lips, she advises that she does not go too intense with the eyes; tone them down as the face becomes too distracting. It is best to choose one, either the eyes or the lips, not everything, leave it to the performers onstage."

Keep it simple

Dexter Pottinger says to play it safe. Be simple and clean. "When you are going out to enjoy a concert, it is advised that you do not wear a lot of colour to attract attention to yourself." He points out, too, that lashes are in, so wearing them would be suitable for this event. He also said, "Since it is an outdoor event, avoid travelling back and forth to the bathroom in order to reapply face powder. It is best to apply the bronzer to the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Keep it very light, not too heavy, just so you glow like JLo at the recently staged Golden Globe Awards."

From edgy to cool tones

Zan brown, another make-up artiste, reveals that you can have an edgier look for one night and a cooler, toned down look for another. She advises: "Go big and push the envelope, but it is important that you capture the shape of your eyes.

"Rainbow colours are in, and women should consider their palette. If a you are choosing this look, you should not overdo the lips, it is all about balancing. She, like Tina Magnus, says, "If you overdo the lips, tone down the eyes and pop the brow and bones." She also suggests that it is not necessary to match the colours of your eye shadow with the colour of your outfit.

"Matching colours are out, contrasting colours are in, so, for example, a green outfit could be complemented by orange and bronze make-up, while for a red outfit, purple or blue eyes can be explored."

Dexter Pottinger, even though he is all for playing with colour, cautions that if a woman is unable to apply the make-up correctly, she should blend in the foundation and eyesshadow or choose the appropriate lip colour. Do not experiment, just keep it clean and simple.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com