LONDON 2012

That's a tough question. To put it simply, it's an umbrella festival incorporating a range of different events celebrating the London 2012 Festival. From dance and musical performances to art exhibitions and film screenings, organisers hope there will be something for everybody in the UK to enjoy. Highlights include Radio 1's Hackney Weekend, a two-day music concert headlined by Jay-Z and Rihanna, and Big Dance, which will see 2000 dancers take over London's Trafalgar Square. 

When is it? 

While the Cultural Olympiad began in 2008, the London 2012 Festival doesn't start until 21 June this year – although there will be countdown events beforehand. The Festival ends on the 9 September, the final day of the Paralympics. 

But what if I don't live in London? 

Don't worry – not all of the events are in London. Olympics organisers have been keen for the positive effects of the Olympics to be felt across the UK, and the London 2012 Festival is no exception.  

Birmingham will play host to The Voyage, a free outdoor spectacle bringing together an amateur choir, live musicians and more than 140 community performers in the city's Victoria Square, while Stonehenge in Salisbury will be turned into a Fire Garden. 

Peace Camp will see installations appear simultaneously at coastal locations across the UK, while Branches will see National Theatre Wales and the London 2012 Festival join forces for a site-specific show in the forests of North Wales. 

One of the biggest events in the calendar is the Edinburgh International Festival, which takes place from August 9- September 2. Across the three weeks there will be numerous events designed to showcase the best international opera, music, theatre and dance. 

How much do these events cost? 

Some tickets are free, while some you have to pay for. We've put together a quick guide to the best free events - and we've also rounded up the top 10 must-see events of the Cultural Olympia

7 Steps to Great Makeup

makeup.

ii) Mascara: too much mascara looks fake and will flake. It looks especially bad if worn with thick eyeliner or dark blue eye eye shadow.

iii) Foundation: Make sure your foundation is the same color as your skin. Foundation is meant to protect and give the face a smooth look. The magic word is blend.

iv) Powder:The same holds true for powder - not too much. Also, be sure to blend your makeup so there are no obvious lineS

2. Lips

Apply lip liner to completely cover the lips, add color and your lipstick will stay on much longer. Make sure your lip liner doesn't show. Also, your lip color should match your skin tone; wear cool colors if you have cool coloring and warm colors if you have warm coloring. If you want to make your lips look smaller, keep your liner on the inside of your lips. However, if you decide to make your lips look larger, going outside the natural outline of you lips is a mistake. This can look quite messy and unnatural.

3. Appropriate makeup
Wear makeup that is appropriate for the occasion. If you are going to the beach you shouldn't wear the same or as much makeup as you would if you were going dancing. Also, when you are in daylight your makeup should be a lighter than when you are out for the evening.


4. Too little or no makeup

Some women don't wear makeup because they are not sure how to use it and are afraid of being overdone. If you are unsure, start will light colours in your shade. Start slowly and add one product at a time. Maybe start with foundation, add mascara, blush or lipstick. If you are not used to wearing makeup, using a lot a first may be a little too much for you, so start slowly. The bottom line is a little is better than none. If you are still unsure seek professional advice.

5. Overall look

When your makeup is completed it should look natural. That means avoiding colours that clash. If you have dark skin and hair you will look better in darker shades; light colours will make you look washed out. If your hair and skin tone are light, light colours will look better on you. Dark makeup will make you look older and harsh. If you have oily skin, first use oil control moisturizer and foundation. Then be sure to wear loose powder, keeping pressed powder with you for touch ups.


6. Hair color

Your hair color should also be in harmony with your skin. If you have dark hair and you want to add color, keep it close to the same shade. If you have lighthair, use light colors. As you age your skin will lighten, so should your hair color. One last thing about hair color - if you do color you hair be sure you keep it up, don't let your roots show.

7. One last thing

Keep makeup looking fresh all day by doing regular touch ups. Don't let your makeup fade or crease. Smile!!!