Apparently, we only have 12 measly minutes to make a good impression on a first date. Research has also found that, as a prospective partner, we’re immediately judged on our smile (64 per cent), eye contact (58 per cent) and tone of voice (25 per cent). Depressing, much?
Now while it's clear that anyone who's going to dismiss you as a future date because of your lack of lipstick or crooked teeth isn't worth having a drink with in the first place, these stark stats did make us think about make-up. And how applying it strategically – not too trowelled on, just illuminating enough - can help you say what you want to say in those first few minutes.
Here's your need to know:
Go For Flawless Skin. Of Course.
Not to pile on the pressure or anything, but the quality of your skin is right up there with your chat in terms of importance. Clear and glowing skin spell health and vitality. If your skin is already in pretty good nick, opt for a light base, something like a BB or a CC cream. We love Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Fluid, £34, which is out May 9 but, in the meantime, check out YSL Forever Light Creator CC Cremes, £30.
But, if like the majority of us, you need a bit more coverage, choose a foundation that will give you a dewy finish. CK One 3 in 1 Face Makeup SPF 8, £25, is a fantastic foundation – it expertly events out skin tone, lasts an age and blends seamlessly into skin with very little effort, so it gives a really natural finish.
‘Eye’ Love You
Don’t try anything elaborate with your eyes – just help them look brighter and larger. A few Optrex Eye Brightening Drops, £3.79, before you put on make-up will help whiten the whites so you look anything but tired.
When it comes to make-up itself, eyeliner is your best friend when it comes to making your eyes appear larger. But don’t try some elaborate flick, which can be distracting. Instead, darken your upper waterline with a waterproof formula, like Clarins Waterproof Eye Pencil in 01 Black, £17, and run a very fine line on your upper lids as close to your lash line as you can possibly get. This followed by a quick lash curl (we love Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, £20) and a few coats of a thickening and lengthening mascara, such as Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes, £22, and we guarantee your eyes will look larger and brighter. Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in 65 Nude, £3.99, sketched along your lower lash line, plus a coat of Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara, £12, will finish things off nicely.
Lip Service
Save the red lippy and instead opt for a little trio of products that will make your mouth look fuller, soft and, most importantly, kissable. Apply a thick layer of something moisturising so it can work away while you concentrate on the rest of your face. I can’t tell you how much we love Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm, £8.50 – it works on pretty much any area of skin that needs softening, but it really comes into its own on lips. Try it.
Lightly line around the perimeter of your lips with a flesh-toned lip liner. No7 Precision Lips Pencil in Nude, £6.75, is a rose-bud colour for light pink lips. If your lips are darker, try something like MAC Lip Pencil in Spice, £12, or indeed if your lips are lighter, NARS Lip Liner Pencil in Tonga, is a safe bet. Then pat over a tinted balm – Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters, £7.99, are a fave. So long as your liner is a good match for your natural colouring, you shouldn’t have a '90s lined lip situation.
Get Cheeky. #Sorrynotsorry
First up, let’s get something out of the way. Abandon contouring. In fact, do yourself a favour and forget contouring from hereon in. Very few people contour their cheekbones well – it’s far too obvious. All too often, you’re left with a harsh line, it doesn’t look natural, it just looks like you’re trigger happy with bronzer.
That said, a light blend of blush over the backs of the apples of your cheeks and blended (lightly!) up along your cheekbones is simply magic. Blush is the real workhorse of make-up, it makes you look flushed, healthy and happy – prime first-date material. Unless you have really oily skin, try a cream blush, the effect is far more natural. Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge, £19, is a cult product for a reason – there’s nine shades so you’re guaranteed to find your most flattering colour.
Follow Suzanne on Twitter @Suzanne_M_Scott
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.