Top Makeup Questions Answered by Napoleon Perdis

Napoleon Perdis is heading home to Australia to head up his Next Gen Masterclasses, teaching women exclusive makeup skills in Sydney and Melbourne workshops.

The sessions will take place in August, but in the mean time, the makeup genius has answered some of our top questions.

Napoleon Perdis is offering his makeup tips in exclusive workshops at MYER next month. Photo: Supplied

How do I choose a brow pencil colour?

Choose a shade that is a little lighter than the colour of your brow hair as this will ensure you can build definition without creating heavy looking brows. If you are a brunette or quite dark I find brows look more natural if they are multi-tonal. For blondes, a blonde pencil with a hint of warmth is flattering to the complexion as anything too cool can create an ashy result.

Eyebrow Pencil in Pale Rider, RRP $29

What’s the best way to remove makeup?

I have three steps to removing makeup; my first step is to remove the base, lips and brows with a gentle makeup wipe that's loaded with hydrating ingredients. Then, focus on removing eye makeup but remember the eye area is extremely delicate so use an oil based remover that breaks down water resistant products and is gentle on the eyes. Lastly, give your skin a deep cleanse with a nourishing cleanser that smooths, moisturises and pampers the skin. Investing that little bit of extra time in cleansing will make all the difference for flawless looking skin.

Auto Pilot Hydrating Milk Cleanser, RRP $69

Is contouring necessary?

It's not necessary for everyday and there's no need for what I call a chocolate bar contour! However contouring does play a fundamental part in shaping your face and overall look, so it's about choosing your intensity for your purpose; for everyday keep it light and for those special times like weddings or when you know you're going to be photographed, dial it up a notch.

Contouring doesn't have to be complicated - it can be as simple as highlighting the top of the cheekbones to lift and accentuate that area. It all comes down to optical illusions with contouring. You can use highlights or shades alone and together they create maximum impact, however my favourite contouring technique of the moment is reflective contouring, using only highlights for a more natural finish.

How do I stop looking like a washed-out ghost in photos?

This is an age old question, and happens for a few different reasons (too high a flash exposure and fake tanning your body and not your face). However the easiest thing to do is use a non-reflective powder to set your foundation. Too much reflection will make light - or a flash - bounce off your face, casting a white glow. A product like my Camera Finish Powder Foundation ensures that you'll only reflect light where you want it to - like the high points of the face - meaning a less ghostly look.

Camera Finish Close-Up Complexion Perfecting Powder, RRP $55

I have 5 minutes to do my makeup - what’s the most important thing I should do?

Brows, mascara and a bright stain on your lips! These steps will instantly frame the eyes and awaken the face. Simply slick on some lippie to brighten your day!

Finally: what’s your biggest makeup pet peeve?

Too much foundation and foundation that's not fresh. Foundation is supposed to accentuate your natural beauty, not mask it so don't slather it all over your face, only apply it where you need it and keep it light.

Napoleon Perdis' Next Gen Masterclass will take place in Melbourne and Sydney, August 7th - 8th.
August 7th: MYER, Mural Mall, Melbourne
August 8th: MYER, Liverpool Westfield, Sydney