Eye makeup is by far the most fun of all to apply. Your entire look can be changed when all you do is darken or lighten your eye area, which is a really cool concept. The first thing you need to be aware of is which kind of facial moisturizer you're using. Sun damage is the leading cause of wrinkles and cancer, and your eyes will show your age more than any other body part. Got crow's feet? They're easier to prevent than they are to cover up, let me tell you. That said, you should start with a moisturizer that features at least a SPF 15. Make sure you cover your whole face and neck, paying special attention to the area around your eyes.
Next, you should put on your foundation. I like to cut mine 50/50 with more face lotion to avoid a dreaded makeup line, but if you need more coverage you should just blend a little more. After you've put it on your entire face, you can put on your concealer. This is the first step to having great eye makeup: covering the bags under your eyes. Everyone has a little natural discoloration in that area, but you should make sure to even it out before applying eyeshadow or anything else. Once that is done, set it with face powder.
Now that your face is primed for the colors you're about to put on it, you're good to start applying eye makeup to your heart's content. From eyebrow pencils to mascara, it all has to start with a good base. I prefer powdered eyeshadow over its crËme counterpart, mostly because the crËme shadows tend to crease and smear a lot. I have found that powders never do, although they may fade a bit. They key to good eye makeup is to have fun with it, though, so I encourage you to experiment on your own.
Monday, 30 March 2009
Saturday, 21 March 2009
Know the Benefits of Makeup
Cream foundation comes in several forms: the original cream, a lighter mousse version, a heavier stick version, and a "pancake" version, a powder that turns creamy after spraying it with water. There's also a relatively new hybrid called cream to powder foundation (also called dual-finish foundation), which looks like a powder and applies like a cream if you wet it, and then dries to a powder finish.
Mineral Makeup is makeup made from naturally occurring pigments from the earth. It’s non-comodegenic (non-pore clogging) and so doesn’t irritate the skin or even penetrate it – it’s a perfect solution for sensitive skin and mature skin and a smart, common sense alternative for all of us who want to keep our skin beautiful and problem free. We all are aware by now that the majority of the things put in cosmetic products are at the least unhealthy and with continued exposure, can even be life threatening. So when there’s a better alternative out there, it behooves us to at least check it out.
Colorescience is a mineral makeup and skin treatment all in one. Unlike traditional makeup, Colorescience products have been shown to have a positive effect on the condition of the skin. The Suncanny foundations & the Sunforgettable powders provide full spectrum UVA/UVB protection with zinc and titanium dioxide. The loose mineral pigments are hypoallergenic, purely natural, no additives, talcs, alcohol, dyes, mineral oil, preservatives or perfumes. They are free of traditional ingredients that can irritate the skin or clog the pores. The loose minerals are naturally anti-inflammatory and form a protective barrier over the skin protecting it from environmental pollutants. Not only does Colorescience mineral makeup nourish the skin its mineral components reflect light giving your skin a natural glow.
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are two minerals that are a very powerful sun block. At an SPF 20, they can protect your face from damaging UVA, UVB and URA rays. For this reason alone, mineral-based makeup is recommended by dermatologists and plastic surgeons during the healing time after surgery. Mineral makeup actually promotes and speeds up healing time. You also need not buy a separate sun block. This amazing product has the sun block built right in!
The benefits that you will get from mineral makeup will really vary according to the brand that you choose. Many types of mineral makeup do include UV protection, which will help prevent you from developing skin cancer due to sun exposure. Mineral makeup is also known to be a great choice for women of all skin types. If you have sensitive skin, then there’s a good chance that mineral makeup may be the best option for you.
There is no doubt that mineral makeup is certainly worth a try, with the many benefits that it has to offer. If you have not already given some consideration to using mineral makeup, then perhaps you may do so. It can really change the way that you feel about using any other type of makeup.
There are other benefits to using organic cosmetics and skin care as well. For example, the less chemicals and artificial products that are contained in your skin care products, the less of a chance you will have an allergic reaction to them. Many people have found that certain cosmetics have triggered asthmatic reactions that are no longer triggered when using organic makeup.
Mineral Makeup is makeup made from naturally occurring pigments from the earth. It’s non-comodegenic (non-pore clogging) and so doesn’t irritate the skin or even penetrate it – it’s a perfect solution for sensitive skin and mature skin and a smart, common sense alternative for all of us who want to keep our skin beautiful and problem free. We all are aware by now that the majority of the things put in cosmetic products are at the least unhealthy and with continued exposure, can even be life threatening. So when there’s a better alternative out there, it behooves us to at least check it out.
Colorescience is a mineral makeup and skin treatment all in one. Unlike traditional makeup, Colorescience products have been shown to have a positive effect on the condition of the skin. The Suncanny foundations & the Sunforgettable powders provide full spectrum UVA/UVB protection with zinc and titanium dioxide. The loose mineral pigments are hypoallergenic, purely natural, no additives, talcs, alcohol, dyes, mineral oil, preservatives or perfumes. They are free of traditional ingredients that can irritate the skin or clog the pores. The loose minerals are naturally anti-inflammatory and form a protective barrier over the skin protecting it from environmental pollutants. Not only does Colorescience mineral makeup nourish the skin its mineral components reflect light giving your skin a natural glow.
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are two minerals that are a very powerful sun block. At an SPF 20, they can protect your face from damaging UVA, UVB and URA rays. For this reason alone, mineral-based makeup is recommended by dermatologists and plastic surgeons during the healing time after surgery. Mineral makeup actually promotes and speeds up healing time. You also need not buy a separate sun block. This amazing product has the sun block built right in!
The benefits that you will get from mineral makeup will really vary according to the brand that you choose. Many types of mineral makeup do include UV protection, which will help prevent you from developing skin cancer due to sun exposure. Mineral makeup is also known to be a great choice for women of all skin types. If you have sensitive skin, then there’s a good chance that mineral makeup may be the best option for you.
There is no doubt that mineral makeup is certainly worth a try, with the many benefits that it has to offer. If you have not already given some consideration to using mineral makeup, then perhaps you may do so. It can really change the way that you feel about using any other type of makeup.
There are other benefits to using organic cosmetics and skin care as well. For example, the less chemicals and artificial products that are contained in your skin care products, the less of a chance you will have an allergic reaction to them. Many people have found that certain cosmetics have triggered asthmatic reactions that are no longer triggered when using organic makeup.
Friday, 13 March 2009
Natural Makeup and Makeup Tips
The dream of any woman is to find the perfect natural makeup. A natural makeup is referring mostly to the colors that you choose and where you place them, not the quantity you add. To make a woman look natural you have to respect that.
Long ago, women have been trying to create a perfect makeup; that attracts a lot of sights. With the help of natural makeup, you can easily beautify and make you look wonderful. Of course, when someone is watching you, it's ideal if they cannot notice the makeup. Discovering the perfect foundation for your skin can represent the most important step for natural makeup application.
Your skin should look radiant and natural.
Lighting can make your makeup look different that you have saw when applying it. It is recommended to simulate the light that you will be seen it, when applying makeup. These days, you can easily find a skilful makeup artist. Wherever you see, on television, magazines or advertisements, you see people which wear makeup.
When you say "organic makeup" you must have in mind that it's about a natural makeup, or not synthetic.
A natural makeup is never gliding off your face. Trying to change the shape of your eyes is not recommended. Even if you'll find products claiming to be 'organic' or 'natural', you should not seduced to buy the respective product. Long time ago, women used to apply natural makeup, like painting their faces with quality colors from nature. Like a tip, if you own an oily skin, use oil-free makeup, for avoiding acne
A lighter shade than your skin nuance will hide the dark circles. The best foundation make your skin look natural. So, after the foundation looks its best, tap with powder. Even the eyebrow can look natural. It is recommended to pluck them, or if they are bushy, you can trim them with small scissors. A clean region around the eye can give you the look you want.
Even if you do not have too many choices, it is not too difficult to find something that fits your skin. Trying new products or colors on the day is a bad thing. You should try many versions for your makeup, to find the perfect one. As time is passing, you become experienced and you can have a pure and a natural skin, a thing that lots of women would like to have.
Long ago, women have been trying to create a perfect makeup; that attracts a lot of sights. With the help of natural makeup, you can easily beautify and make you look wonderful. Of course, when someone is watching you, it's ideal if they cannot notice the makeup. Discovering the perfect foundation for your skin can represent the most important step for natural makeup application.
Your skin should look radiant and natural.
Lighting can make your makeup look different that you have saw when applying it. It is recommended to simulate the light that you will be seen it, when applying makeup. These days, you can easily find a skilful makeup artist. Wherever you see, on television, magazines or advertisements, you see people which wear makeup.
When you say "organic makeup" you must have in mind that it's about a natural makeup, or not synthetic.
A natural makeup is never gliding off your face. Trying to change the shape of your eyes is not recommended. Even if you'll find products claiming to be 'organic' or 'natural', you should not seduced to buy the respective product. Long time ago, women used to apply natural makeup, like painting their faces with quality colors from nature. Like a tip, if you own an oily skin, use oil-free makeup, for avoiding acne
A lighter shade than your skin nuance will hide the dark circles. The best foundation make your skin look natural. So, after the foundation looks its best, tap with powder. Even the eyebrow can look natural. It is recommended to pluck them, or if they are bushy, you can trim them with small scissors. A clean region around the eye can give you the look you want.
Even if you do not have too many choices, it is not too difficult to find something that fits your skin. Trying new products or colors on the day is a bad thing. You should try many versions for your makeup, to find the perfect one. As time is passing, you become experienced and you can have a pure and a natural skin, a thing that lots of women would like to have.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
How to Know It's Time to Throw Away Your Makeup
Do not feel bad if you are one of those women who think that changing fashion and trends every three months is absurd. A lot of people feel the same way, especially now that the price of almost everything has risen astronomically. No one in her right mind, except probably the ultra rich, can religiously continue to change her wardrobe every quarter.
If you feel this way about fashion, you probably also despise the changing colors and fads of the makeup industry. The electric blue eye shadow that has been in vogue in January might already be a fashion faux pas in September. However, there might be some logical explanation behind these fashion transformations. For one thing, makeup does not last as long as bags, shoes and clothes. If you value your skin and safety, you need to understand that makeup has an expiry date just like other consumable items.
So when do you ditch your makeup? Here are a few tips that might help you decide:
Storage Is Very Important
Much like other commodities, the price of makeup is on the rise. Thus, it would only be wise to maximize the life of your makeup as much as you can. One way of making sure that your foundation, mascara or other cream-based stuff don't go rancid or congeal prematurely, you need to store them in places that are cool and dark. Do not leave them out in the sunlight because some of the important ingredients, such as preservatives, could decay or break down.
Oxygen is also among the number one enemies of makeup. Thus, it would be best to keep the lids and caps of your beauty kits secured when not in use. Leaving them open would make oxidation faster.
Cream Vs. Powder
If you have a relatively smooth and blemish-free face and you really do not need to cover your face with tons of makeup everyday, it would be best to choose a powder-based makeup rather than a cream-based variety. Powder-based foundation, concealer, blush or eye shadow usually lasts longer than its cream-based counterpart.
The rule of thumb is to throw out your cream makeup after one year. When it comes to foundations, however, the ones that have oil as a base can last about 18 months -- far longer than the ones that are water-based. Powder varieties can last for 24 up to 36 months, depending on how you store and take care of them.
Mind The Smell And Texture
Since there is really no expiration date printed on the boxes or bottles of makeup, it would be quite tricky to know when to throw them. As a general rule, however, you need to toss your foundation and other beauty paraphernalia when it changes color, texture and smell. These changes usually mean that bacteria are starting to take up residence in your makeup.
Be Careful With Mascara
One of the makeup products that you need to take particular care of is the mascara. A lot of women have gotten eye infection from using bacteria-infested mascara and other eye products. First, you do not want to share mascara with other people. Sharing this particular makeup is a fast way to spread infection. Next, if you have an eye infection, you need to throw your old mascara as soon as possible. Lastly, mascara is usually only good for three months.
Effect Of Retinol
It is important to note that the effectiveness or the potency of Retinol in makeup usually lasts for only a month. However, do not ditch the makeup yet because you can still use them to cover your blemish, give you rosy checks, or brighten up your eyes for a few more months.
It might be more practical if you just buy an ordinary makeup and an eye cream that can help get rid of fine lines, puffy eyes and dark circles. One eye cream you can rely on in banishing your eye problems is Eyelastin. Visit http://www.eyelastin.com/ to know more about this product.
If you feel this way about fashion, you probably also despise the changing colors and fads of the makeup industry. The electric blue eye shadow that has been in vogue in January might already be a fashion faux pas in September. However, there might be some logical explanation behind these fashion transformations. For one thing, makeup does not last as long as bags, shoes and clothes. If you value your skin and safety, you need to understand that makeup has an expiry date just like other consumable items.
So when do you ditch your makeup? Here are a few tips that might help you decide:
Storage Is Very Important
Much like other commodities, the price of makeup is on the rise. Thus, it would only be wise to maximize the life of your makeup as much as you can. One way of making sure that your foundation, mascara or other cream-based stuff don't go rancid or congeal prematurely, you need to store them in places that are cool and dark. Do not leave them out in the sunlight because some of the important ingredients, such as preservatives, could decay or break down.
Oxygen is also among the number one enemies of makeup. Thus, it would be best to keep the lids and caps of your beauty kits secured when not in use. Leaving them open would make oxidation faster.
Cream Vs. Powder
If you have a relatively smooth and blemish-free face and you really do not need to cover your face with tons of makeup everyday, it would be best to choose a powder-based makeup rather than a cream-based variety. Powder-based foundation, concealer, blush or eye shadow usually lasts longer than its cream-based counterpart.
The rule of thumb is to throw out your cream makeup after one year. When it comes to foundations, however, the ones that have oil as a base can last about 18 months -- far longer than the ones that are water-based. Powder varieties can last for 24 up to 36 months, depending on how you store and take care of them.
Mind The Smell And Texture
Since there is really no expiration date printed on the boxes or bottles of makeup, it would be quite tricky to know when to throw them. As a general rule, however, you need to toss your foundation and other beauty paraphernalia when it changes color, texture and smell. These changes usually mean that bacteria are starting to take up residence in your makeup.
Be Careful With Mascara
One of the makeup products that you need to take particular care of is the mascara. A lot of women have gotten eye infection from using bacteria-infested mascara and other eye products. First, you do not want to share mascara with other people. Sharing this particular makeup is a fast way to spread infection. Next, if you have an eye infection, you need to throw your old mascara as soon as possible. Lastly, mascara is usually only good for three months.
Effect Of Retinol
It is important to note that the effectiveness or the potency of Retinol in makeup usually lasts for only a month. However, do not ditch the makeup yet because you can still use them to cover your blemish, give you rosy checks, or brighten up your eyes for a few more months.
It might be more practical if you just buy an ordinary makeup and an eye cream that can help get rid of fine lines, puffy eyes and dark circles. One eye cream you can rely on in banishing your eye problems is Eyelastin. Visit http://www.eyelastin.com/ to know more about this product.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Makeup Removing Tips at Night
There are two types of makeup--oily and non-oily. Non-oily makeup stains come from eye shadows, blush and powdered makeup. For oily makeup stains (like cover up), usually liquid dish soap or shampoo will remove these makeup stains, but when it won't sprinkle baking soda directly on the makeup smudge, then brush the area with an old wet toothbrush until the makeup is gone. Oily makeup products include mascara, liquid makeup, rouge and lipstick. Most makeup can be removed from clothing if treated properly. Avoid staining your clothes when getting dressed by hanging a handkerchief over your face before pulling on a shirt or using your hand to hold the collar away from your face. Be careful not to stretch the collar, though.
If the garment is dry clean only, use "Energine Cleaning Fluid" directly on the spot. There are several things you can try to remove lipstick stains from clothing. First try rubbing the stain with a non-oily makeup remover. Select a cleanser suitable for your skin type that has also been tested for the removal or breakdown of makeup. Some soaps and cleansers don't thoroughly cleanse your skin of makeup. First, remove eye makeup. Using a cotton ball or wash cloth, apply a dab of eye makeup remover, and gently cleanse the eyes and area under the eyebrow. Clean until all traces are removed. This is helpful with taking off eye shadow, eye liner, and mascara. Remove waterproof mascara and eye liner using baby oil or baby shampoo.
Second, cleanse the face. Do not cleanse face or neck with soap. Splash your face with lukewarm water, the best temperature for lathering up and facilitating the breakdown of makeup. Cleansing the face should also include the neck and area behind the ears because oils can accumulate. Apply the lather to your entire face and rub gently, concentrating on the places where you applied makeup. Spend about a minute retracing your path to ensure that you've cleaned all areas. Lipstick is an oily dye stain, so rub in vegetable oil with a cloth. You can also use mineral oil or WD-40 lubricant. A non-oily stain might come out when rubbed with a baby wipe or a clean cloth that has been dipped in liquid detergent. If that doesn't work, moisten a rag with shampoo or dish soap and try dabbing at the stain.
Makeup removing tips
1. Cleansing the face should also include the neck and area behind the ears because oils can accumulate.
2. First, remove eye makeup. Because some eye makeup is extended wear, water alone will not remove all traces.
3. Remove waterproof mascara and eye liner using baby oil or baby shampoo.
4. Second, cleanse the face. Do not cleanse face or neck with soap.
5. Rinse your face multiple times to ensure the removal of the cleanser and makeup residue.
6. Pat your face dry with a towel.
If the garment is dry clean only, use "Energine Cleaning Fluid" directly on the spot. There are several things you can try to remove lipstick stains from clothing. First try rubbing the stain with a non-oily makeup remover. Select a cleanser suitable for your skin type that has also been tested for the removal or breakdown of makeup. Some soaps and cleansers don't thoroughly cleanse your skin of makeup. First, remove eye makeup. Using a cotton ball or wash cloth, apply a dab of eye makeup remover, and gently cleanse the eyes and area under the eyebrow. Clean until all traces are removed. This is helpful with taking off eye shadow, eye liner, and mascara. Remove waterproof mascara and eye liner using baby oil or baby shampoo.
Second, cleanse the face. Do not cleanse face or neck with soap. Splash your face with lukewarm water, the best temperature for lathering up and facilitating the breakdown of makeup. Cleansing the face should also include the neck and area behind the ears because oils can accumulate. Apply the lather to your entire face and rub gently, concentrating on the places where you applied makeup. Spend about a minute retracing your path to ensure that you've cleaned all areas. Lipstick is an oily dye stain, so rub in vegetable oil with a cloth. You can also use mineral oil or WD-40 lubricant. A non-oily stain might come out when rubbed with a baby wipe or a clean cloth that has been dipped in liquid detergent. If that doesn't work, moisten a rag with shampoo or dish soap and try dabbing at the stain.
Makeup removing tips
1. Cleansing the face should also include the neck and area behind the ears because oils can accumulate.
2. First, remove eye makeup. Because some eye makeup is extended wear, water alone will not remove all traces.
3. Remove waterproof mascara and eye liner using baby oil or baby shampoo.
4. Second, cleanse the face. Do not cleanse face or neck with soap.
5. Rinse your face multiple times to ensure the removal of the cleanser and makeup residue.
6. Pat your face dry with a towel.
Sunday, 1 March 2009
Makeup Application: 7 Steps to a Flawless Complexion With Makeup
Applying makeup correctly and having flawless, long wearing results starts long before you put the first hint of color on your face. Preparation using the right products for both cleansing and moisturizing as well as the proper concealer and foundation is key in order for you to achieve overall success. We will explore the 7 essential steps in flawless makeup application, recommending the best products for each step as we go. From cleansing to adding the final touches, you will have a flawless complexion in no time.
Step 1: Cleanse
To start, pick a quality cleanser that will gently exfoliate the skin, this helps clean deep in your pores and remove dead skin cells from the surface. This also allows for all other products to go on smoothly and evenly, preventing blotching or clumping of in any particular areas of your face when it is time for makeup application. A great exfoliating cleanser, for all skin types, is Peter Thomas Roth’s Botanical Buffing Beads. This product is gentle enough for use twice a day without stripping your face of its natural oils.
Step 2: Moisturize
Next, you need to apply a great moisturizer that is well-suited for your skin type. If you have dry skin, look for a product that has a time-release component and will keep renewing itself throughout the day. If you have oily skin, look for an oil-free moisturizer that will not make your skin too oily. If you have combination skin, look for an oil-free moisturizer and a moisture booster to use on the drier areas of your face. This will help each area of your face stay hydrated at the correct levels all day long. A great moisturizer for dry skin is, Philosophy’s Hope In A Jar for dry, sensitive skin. I recommend Kinerase Clear Skin Moisture Light, for oily skin, it leaves a nice dewy finish on the face. Finally, for combination skin, Oasis Face Hydrating Treatment and Oasis 24 Hydrating Booster by H20+ are my picks for an effective moisturizer and hydrator.
*Tip: The best time to apply your moisturizer is immediately after you have washed your face and patted it dry slightly. Your face should still be damp when you apply the moisturizer; this is when it is absorbed best.
Step 3: Prime or Mattify
After you let the appropriate moisturizer soak into your pores for a few minutes (at least 3 minutes) then it is time to put on your primer. A primer helps with preparing your skin for makeup application by making your face smooth and even as a painting canvas, in terms of texture. This is a great choice for someone with dry skin, because it is water-based and also hydrating to the skin, which will prevent your makeup for looking ashy. However, if you have combination or oily skin, a mattifyer would be a better choice for you at this step. A mattifyer is a product that also evens out the texture of your skin for makeup application, but has the added benefit of absorbing excess oil. This is important so your makeup will never look oily and greasy. A primer I like is Vincent Longo’s Water Canvas Base Primer, it keeps your makeup from feathering or creasing because of its water-gel base. For a mattifyer, Peter Thomas Roth’s Anti-Mattifying Gel provides great results and helps makeup wear smoothly for hours.
Step 4: Camouflage
This step is optional because it is only for those of you who have severe hyperpigmentation of the face, severe acne scarring, or extreme bags under one’s eyes. Camouflage is just that, it is a camouflage that is more serious than a concealer and is used to completely hide an issue on someone’s face. If you need to use this product, just dab a bit, with a makeup wedge, on to the exact spots you need it. With the makeup wedge, gently blend the camouflage in, feathering it toward the edges of your face. Since this is a heavier product, you do not want to use a lot. A camouflage that has received rave reviews is Benefit Cosmetics’ Erase Paste. It is great, because not only does it hide; it also brightens by reflecting light off of that area of the face.
Step 5: Conceal
A concealer is also an optional step, but one that more of you are likely to use. Concealers work well for hiding minor facial issues, such as age spots, slight hyperpigmentation, acne scars, etc. As with the camouflage, you only want to use a small amount. I recommend using a concealer brush for this step, as the small brush is very precise and you will be able to put it exactly where you want it. Just dab a little in the areas that you need it and then blend it into your skin with a makeup wedge. If you used a camouflage first, then gently go back over those areas and blend again. You do not want your makeup to look as if it is standing up off of your face. A concealer that I use faithfully is LORAC’s Coverup, they have shades for a wide variety of complexions.
Step 6: Foundation
Next is the foundation, this is the product where many get confused, since there are so many different types. For dry skin, a liquid foundation or crème foundation will work best. To apply, get a clean makeup wedge and dab a generous amount (but not too much!) on your forehead, the bridge of your nose, chin and cheeks. Next, start to blend the foundation, in a small dabbing motion, into your concealer and into the rest of your face. You should constantly be working in the direction that is toward the outer edges of your face. NARS Liquid Balanced Foundation or Laura Mercier’s Silk Crème Foundation are sure bets.
For combination or oily skin, an oil-free pressed powder would be best. Repeat the same steps as above, except use a foundation brush instead and go in a swirling motion toward the edges of your face. In either case, when finished applying the foundation, lightly dab excess off of your face using a makeup puff or cotton balls. This will give you a more natural look. LORAC’S Oil-Free Wet/Dry Powder Makeup is a great choice.
Step 7: Highlights
“Highlights” is what I consider to be the remaining parts of makeup application. This includes eyeshadow, mascara, blush, lip gloss, and/or lipstick. These items can be put on in moderation or not at all, as they are only the icing on the cake.
For eyeshadow, less is always more, especially if you are new to makeup. Using a soft eyeshadow brush, gently sweep your eyelids with a color you have chosen. Once you have dipped the brush into the eyeshadow, gently tap the excess off before applying to your face. COLORON Professional offers eyeshadow sets in various color palates, which is very useful when you want to find a shade that is just right for you.
For mascara, choose one that matches the color of your hair for the most natural results. Dior DiorShow Mascara is a celebrity favorite because it volumizes, lengthens, and curls lashes all at the same time!
For blush, just a hint should be added to the apple of your cheeks. This is the part of your cheek that sticks out when you smile. Using a blush brush, lightly sweep your brush through the blush, tap off excess, and then gently glide across the apple of your cheek. LANCOME BLUSH SUBTIL-Delicate Oil-Free Powder Blush is a red-carpet staple, because it is nearly impossible to put on too much blush with this product.
For lips, lip gloss is best, it provides a softer finish and longer wear. I do not recommend lip liner, even if you have thin lips, because it can run and make you have an off-center lip line. My pick for lip gloss is CARGO’s XXX Shine Lip Gloss, it adds just enough color and stays in place for hours.
From cleansing to highlights, I know you are well on your way to applying makeup like a pro. As with anything else, makeup application takes practice and with time you will get better and more efficient. Don’t give up if you don’t get it the first time because soon you will have the flawless complexion of your dreams.
Step 1: Cleanse
To start, pick a quality cleanser that will gently exfoliate the skin, this helps clean deep in your pores and remove dead skin cells from the surface. This also allows for all other products to go on smoothly and evenly, preventing blotching or clumping of in any particular areas of your face when it is time for makeup application. A great exfoliating cleanser, for all skin types, is Peter Thomas Roth’s Botanical Buffing Beads. This product is gentle enough for use twice a day without stripping your face of its natural oils.
Step 2: Moisturize
Next, you need to apply a great moisturizer that is well-suited for your skin type. If you have dry skin, look for a product that has a time-release component and will keep renewing itself throughout the day. If you have oily skin, look for an oil-free moisturizer that will not make your skin too oily. If you have combination skin, look for an oil-free moisturizer and a moisture booster to use on the drier areas of your face. This will help each area of your face stay hydrated at the correct levels all day long. A great moisturizer for dry skin is, Philosophy’s Hope In A Jar for dry, sensitive skin. I recommend Kinerase Clear Skin Moisture Light, for oily skin, it leaves a nice dewy finish on the face. Finally, for combination skin, Oasis Face Hydrating Treatment and Oasis 24 Hydrating Booster by H20+ are my picks for an effective moisturizer and hydrator.
*Tip: The best time to apply your moisturizer is immediately after you have washed your face and patted it dry slightly. Your face should still be damp when you apply the moisturizer; this is when it is absorbed best.
Step 3: Prime or Mattify
After you let the appropriate moisturizer soak into your pores for a few minutes (at least 3 minutes) then it is time to put on your primer. A primer helps with preparing your skin for makeup application by making your face smooth and even as a painting canvas, in terms of texture. This is a great choice for someone with dry skin, because it is water-based and also hydrating to the skin, which will prevent your makeup for looking ashy. However, if you have combination or oily skin, a mattifyer would be a better choice for you at this step. A mattifyer is a product that also evens out the texture of your skin for makeup application, but has the added benefit of absorbing excess oil. This is important so your makeup will never look oily and greasy. A primer I like is Vincent Longo’s Water Canvas Base Primer, it keeps your makeup from feathering or creasing because of its water-gel base. For a mattifyer, Peter Thomas Roth’s Anti-Mattifying Gel provides great results and helps makeup wear smoothly for hours.
Step 4: Camouflage
This step is optional because it is only for those of you who have severe hyperpigmentation of the face, severe acne scarring, or extreme bags under one’s eyes. Camouflage is just that, it is a camouflage that is more serious than a concealer and is used to completely hide an issue on someone’s face. If you need to use this product, just dab a bit, with a makeup wedge, on to the exact spots you need it. With the makeup wedge, gently blend the camouflage in, feathering it toward the edges of your face. Since this is a heavier product, you do not want to use a lot. A camouflage that has received rave reviews is Benefit Cosmetics’ Erase Paste. It is great, because not only does it hide; it also brightens by reflecting light off of that area of the face.
Step 5: Conceal
A concealer is also an optional step, but one that more of you are likely to use. Concealers work well for hiding minor facial issues, such as age spots, slight hyperpigmentation, acne scars, etc. As with the camouflage, you only want to use a small amount. I recommend using a concealer brush for this step, as the small brush is very precise and you will be able to put it exactly where you want it. Just dab a little in the areas that you need it and then blend it into your skin with a makeup wedge. If you used a camouflage first, then gently go back over those areas and blend again. You do not want your makeup to look as if it is standing up off of your face. A concealer that I use faithfully is LORAC’s Coverup, they have shades for a wide variety of complexions.
Step 6: Foundation
Next is the foundation, this is the product where many get confused, since there are so many different types. For dry skin, a liquid foundation or crème foundation will work best. To apply, get a clean makeup wedge and dab a generous amount (but not too much!) on your forehead, the bridge of your nose, chin and cheeks. Next, start to blend the foundation, in a small dabbing motion, into your concealer and into the rest of your face. You should constantly be working in the direction that is toward the outer edges of your face. NARS Liquid Balanced Foundation or Laura Mercier’s Silk Crème Foundation are sure bets.
For combination or oily skin, an oil-free pressed powder would be best. Repeat the same steps as above, except use a foundation brush instead and go in a swirling motion toward the edges of your face. In either case, when finished applying the foundation, lightly dab excess off of your face using a makeup puff or cotton balls. This will give you a more natural look. LORAC’S Oil-Free Wet/Dry Powder Makeup is a great choice.
Step 7: Highlights
“Highlights” is what I consider to be the remaining parts of makeup application. This includes eyeshadow, mascara, blush, lip gloss, and/or lipstick. These items can be put on in moderation or not at all, as they are only the icing on the cake.
For eyeshadow, less is always more, especially if you are new to makeup. Using a soft eyeshadow brush, gently sweep your eyelids with a color you have chosen. Once you have dipped the brush into the eyeshadow, gently tap the excess off before applying to your face. COLORON Professional offers eyeshadow sets in various color palates, which is very useful when you want to find a shade that is just right for you.
For mascara, choose one that matches the color of your hair for the most natural results. Dior DiorShow Mascara is a celebrity favorite because it volumizes, lengthens, and curls lashes all at the same time!
For blush, just a hint should be added to the apple of your cheeks. This is the part of your cheek that sticks out when you smile. Using a blush brush, lightly sweep your brush through the blush, tap off excess, and then gently glide across the apple of your cheek. LANCOME BLUSH SUBTIL-Delicate Oil-Free Powder Blush is a red-carpet staple, because it is nearly impossible to put on too much blush with this product.
For lips, lip gloss is best, it provides a softer finish and longer wear. I do not recommend lip liner, even if you have thin lips, because it can run and make you have an off-center lip line. My pick for lip gloss is CARGO’s XXX Shine Lip Gloss, it adds just enough color and stays in place for hours.
From cleansing to highlights, I know you are well on your way to applying makeup like a pro. As with anything else, makeup application takes practice and with time you will get better and more efficient. Don’t give up if you don’t get it the first time because soon you will have the flawless complexion of your dreams.
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