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Photo finish

by Martha Adams

If you’ve ever been to the races, you’ll know that while the high calibre of the horses is pretty much guaranteed, the weather can be a tad unpredictable. You’ll also know it can be challenging to look fresh and fabulous in photos all. day. long. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to ensure you look consistently gorgeous by the track. Without further ado, here are my top six tips for presenting as prettily as Lauren Conrad (above) in each and every snap, rain, hail or shine.

#1: Prep your peepers

The key to a picture-perfect spring racing snap is a fresh face, so having a good sleep the night before is essential. To prep your skin for its trackside debut, leave a hydrating face mask on overnight. I like Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask . To further reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles (which camera flashes can sneakily highlight), an eye cream such as Indeed Labs’ Eysilix™ will work wonders. Simply apply it first thing in the morning for a firmer, more rejuvenated-looking eye area. As a bonus, it will create the kind of make-up base that brightens skin.

#2: Fight the frizz

Since the races are an outdoor event, you’ll need to be prepared to be exposed to the elements! To prevent your ‘do from being battered around by the weather and looking messy in photos, use a hairspray with a good, strong hold. I recommend the shine-enhancing Cedel Firm Hairspray or Aveda’s Control Force™ Firm Hold Hair Spray. To tame pesky flyaways (and make sure your mane is camera-ready), apply a smoothing crème such as John Frieda’s FRIZZ-EASE® Straight Fixation™ Smoothing Crème to wet or damp hair prior to styling.

#3: Make a make-up statement

The races are all about showcasing classic beauty, so it’s best to keep your make-up fresh and dewy rather than heavy. Don’t be afraid of experimenting with a bit of colour though; for a trackside-worthy pout that’ll pop in photos, take inspiration from lipstick lover Olivia Munn and try a bright semi-matte shade such as Australis Go Long Longwear Lipstick in ‘Trendy’. To help your lip look last despite copious cocktails and canapés, seal it with a longwearing lip liner such as Revlon ColourStay Lipliner or Innoxa Super Smooth Lipliner . Then all you need is a little highlighter on your cheeks and voila – you’re races ready! by the track. by the track.

#4: Get your glow on

There’s no point in making an effort with your make-up if the rest of your body is lacklustre – especially when the flash is likely to wash you out even more. If you have the time, consider a spray tan or a gradual tanning product such as ModelCo’s GRADUAL TAN . If you’ve left it till the last minute, no-fuss instant tanners such as Le Tan’s Jet Dry or St Tropez’s Instant Tan Wash Off Face & Body Lotion are a great alternative. Just be sure to wait a good half an hour after application before putting on your dress – nothing is less photogenic than a dirty tan stain! by the track.

#5: Nail your nails

Once you’ve got your hair and make-up sorted, it’s time to turn your attention to the finer details. Close-up photos (especially those involving champagne-holding) will expose less-than-luxe nails, so choose a bright nail polish in a shade that complements your dress – and don’t forget to apply a good topcoat such Sally Hansen Diamond Flash Fast Dry Top Coat to prevent chipping.  We love Essie’s Spring Collection for a super stylish mani or for something brighter, Maybelline Color Show Nail Color in ‘Keep Up The Flame’ or ‘Corals Up’.

#6: Treat your tootsies

When it comes to race day photo blunders, there’s arguably none worse than the look of ladies grimacing in uncomfortable high heels. To continue looking poised and pretty (rather than in pain) in every picture, support your soles with some non-slip, near invisible foot cushions such as Footcare Gel Ball of Foot Cushions . Hollywood Feet™ Ultra Comfort Velvet Foot Cushions are also ideal for aching heels (and lightly scented with lavender, so you wont have to deal with sweaty-smelling feet!).

Have you ever had a beauty mishap at the races? What’s your best ever trackside beauty tip?

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