Saturday, July 10, 2010

Top 10 Tips from a Professional: Putting your makeup on right!

1. Make time for primer. You won't regret the few seconds it will take to smooth on a primer, which goes on after moisturizer but before face makeup. Like house-paint primer, it provides a smooth base for whatever goes on next. "Primers are definitely the way to go in summer,"  You can use eye primers, lip primers, face primers too! "They're incredibly light — they don't feel at all like a heavy, additional layer — and they really help hold makeup in place."

2. Lighten your face makeup. "Just as you switch to breezy skirts and linen blouses, dress your face with lighter makeup,". First step: Swap foundation for tinted moisturizer. These sheer formulas look and feel airier on skin and are less likely to turn cakey on steamy days. The Skincare Tinted Moisture Protection SPF 20 ($36, department stores) or Mary Kay Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($18, marykay.com). Feeling a little too exposed? I also recommend brushing powder foundation over the tinted moisturizer in spots where you need a little extra coverage — say, on blemishes or areas of redness around your nose. The mineral powder should be buildable and non transferable as in Mary Kay anti age mineral powder ($18 jar) or Jane Iredale Amazing Base ($42, janeiredaledirect.com).

3. Bronze believably. "Bronzer makes your eyes look brighter, your teeth whiter — everyone looks better with a little warmth added to their skin,". To keep the results looking fresh and natural, I recommend applying bronzer just to the high points of your face, where the sun naturally hits you: forehead, cheekbones, chin, and nose. (Covering every nook and cranny is what gives you that fake, baked look.) Powder bronzers are the easiest to apply; look for one with varying shades — they'll swirl together for the most authentic-looking results.  And be sure to sweep a little bronzer onto your neck and earlobes, especially if you have short hair or are wearing a pony­tail. A tan face that's framed by pale ears will out you fast. DO NOT use any glitter or shiny bronzers on the face...does not photograph well.

4. Try out vibrant color. Just as you're probably more likely to wear a vivid top or carry a bright bag this season, now's the perfect time to play up your makeup palette. Besides looking summery, "livelier colors brighten the face and bring a youthful glow to skin,". If you tend to stick with neutrals, experiment with just one area of your face. 

5. Stop shine, add glow. A slick T-zone instantly telegraphs the message "I'm hot" — and we don't mean sexy. To eliminate unsightly shine in seconds, nothing beats blotting papers. "They're cheap, easy, and amazing — you just press and go,". Try Beauty Blotters from Mary Kay ($5.00 for 75 Pure Linen sheets) or Too Faced Re-Fresh Oil Blotting Papers ($12, Sephora). If you need to perk up your makeup too, blot first, then follow up with a dusting of pressed powder. "You want to eliminate shine,".

6. Switch out thick lipsticks. Since heavy lip colors often feel like overkill once the weather warms up, many women opt for clear balm or skip their lips altogether. But just because you're feeling low-maintenance doesn't mean you have to look it. A simple swipe-and-go choice: tinted lip balms. "They give you whisper-light color, and many have SPF to protect you from the sun,".

7. Stay-proof your eye makeup. For longer-lasting shadow, avoid using eye cream on your lids (it can break down makeup), and smooth on an eye primer instead. "It will minimize creasing and create a base for the shadow to cling to so it lasts longer,". Mineral based eye shadows generally last longer than creams, for the ultimate in all-day wearability, layer a powder over a waterproof cream (don't worry — this makeup artist's trick still feels light on the lids). Doubling up works for liner, too. "Apply your regular pencil or cream liner, then use a small angled brush to press dark shadow over the liner to set it for longer wear," .

8. Wade into waterproof. Water­proof mascaras have really improved. "They used to be brittle, crumbly, and flaky, but today's formulas are much better — and they really last,". Apply on the tips of your lashes over regular mascara to boost its staying power.

9. Go sheer. "Rich, deep colors have their place, but they can look heavy in summer,". To lighten up, switch to sheer versions of your go-to lip and eye hues. Use a lip liner pre-application if you need extra definition, but go for a nude shade to keep that carefree feeling, or try "invisible" lip liner, which deposits a clear, waxy film to stop color from bleeding.

Please see my website for photos or to Register for a free consultation!

No comments:

Post a Comment