Wow, life has been pretty crazy lately. I have been so busy with work, family, and trying to maintain some type of social life. I am going to post more often...even if it's just quick tips. Hope everyone is doing and feeling great!
In my mind, makeup is simple. When you know how to apply it, it should only take five to ten minutes. Practice is the key.
Step 1: Concealer
Under eye concealer should be one to two shades lighter than your skin tone. If the concealer looks ashy, it's too light. If it looks yellow, it's too dark.
Applying concealer on the spot next to the inner corner of the eye will open up your eyes and give you a fresh, bright-eyed look.
Step 2: Foundation
To find the perfect shade, swatch a few shades on the side of the face and forehead and check the colors in natural light. The shade that disappears is the right one.
Use a brush, sponge or fingers to apply.
I have two shades of foundation--one for winter months and one for summer. Blend the two for spring and fall :)
*For a sheer, casual alternative to foundation, use a tinted moisturizer to even out skin tone.
Step 3: Powder
Dusting a setting powder over the face will ensure long-lasting results.
I love Makeup Forever High Definition setting powder.
Step 4: Blush
Smile and apply a natural shade of blush on the apples of the cheeks. Blend up toward the hairline, then downward to soften the color.
For an extra glow, add a luminous highlighter on top. Dot three dots on top of your blush and blend. I love High Beam by Benefit.
To add a warm tint to skin, use a bronzer on areas where the sun normally hits the face--cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin.
Step 5: Lipstick
Start with clean, smooth lips.
Neutral lipstick shades and sheer formulas can be applied directly from the tube. Use a lip brush to apply darker, or brighter colors, which require precise application.
Step 6: Lip Liner
To achieve natural-looking definition and to keep color from feathering, line lips with a lip liner AFTER applying lip color. Use a lip brush to soften and blend any hard edges.
Step 7: Brows
Define brows using shadow or pencil in the color of your eyebrows. Revlon makes a great pencil/gel combo. Try it out!
Step 8: Eye Shadow
Sweep a light eye shadow color from the lash line to the brow bone. I like NYX-nude
Dust a medium eye shadow color on the lower lid, up to the crease.
Apply contour color if needed to add depth to eye.
Step 9: Eyeliner
Line the upper lash line with a dark shadow color. You can apply damp or dry.
After lining the upper lash line, look straight ahead to see if there are any gaps that need to be filled in.
Step 10: Mascara
When applying mascara, hold the wand parallel to the floor and brush from the base of the lashes to the tips. Roll the wand as you go to separate the lashes and avoid clumps. Always apply two to three coats.
If you choose to curl lashes, do so before applying mascara.
Remember, this is for a quick, day look. Most of the time for a night look (with heavier eyeshadow), I do eyes first so that I can wipe off any excess eyeshadow that will fall.
Make it your own, practice, and have FUN!
Please keep the questions coming--they are the inspiration for my posts. Have a great week.
Xo
