THE ART OF APPLYING MAKEUP

THE ART OF APPLYING MAKEUP

Applying makeup is in fact an art. You can learn this art by following these simple tips.

FOUNDATION

Applying foundation is a simple procedure but a lot of mistakes can be made. Here is an easy way to look great.

How to apply:



Foundation is not going to help you if it's the wrong color. Check out testers at the cosmetic shop and see which samples match your specific coloring.

Apply foundation by dotting it on your forehead, cheeks, chin and nose. If you don't want all over coverage, apply just in the needed areas.

Dampen a sponge and gently distribute the foundation across your face.

Check jaw line and hairline to make sure foundation is well blended.

Use pads of fingers and press gently all over your face. The heat from your fingers will help in the blending process. Don't avoid this step.

Go to a natural light source and check your application. Any problem areas will stand out so that they can be attended to.
Further Tips:


Be sure to blend, blend, blend. Special areas to watch are the hair and jaw line. And be sure that your face isn't one color and your neck another.

Apply foundation with a wet sponge. When wet, the sponge promises a sheer layer of coverage. Try it both ways to see which you prefer.





BLUSH

There are lots of techniques that you can use to apply color to your cheeks. Here is the easiest way.

How to apply:

Choose a blush brush that works best for you. The big fluffy kind might not be your choice, so pick what YOU like to work with.

Pick up a little color on the brush.

Tap brush on hard surface to remove excess color.

Locate the prominence of your cheeks.

Apply just a dusting of color using small circular movements.

Using same brush, blend to hide edges.

Further Tips:


A good rule of thumb is to toss blush after six months to avoid getting infections caused by bacteria build-up. Keep your blush brush as clean as possible!

Do you have a few of shades of blush in your makeup collection? Try combining the colors to make new ones. You will be surprised at the number of shades you can create.

It doesn't take as long to sweep a little powdered shadow onto your cheekbones, but it doesn't last very long. Try smoothing a little cream blush on before applying the powdered blush to make the color last longer.




EYE SHADOW

Applying eye shadow can be a little tricky. But if you know how to do it, it can be quick and easy.

How to apply:

Dust eyelid with a dampened brush and a little face powder. This will help to prevent your shadow from melting.

Choose three shades in the same color family - light, medium and a darker shade for contrast.

Apply the lightest shade on the entire lid from brow to lash line.

The medium shade is going to bring out the color of your eyes. Apply from lash line to just above the crease.

The darkest color is going to be applied close to the lashes. Dampen the brush and then pick up a little color. Smudge it in around the lash base. If you have bags beneath your eyes, you might want to only line the top lashes.
Further Tips:


Use a touch of gold shadow on the brow bone (bony prominence under the eyebrow) to make your eyes look even brighter. You can use powder or one of those fat pencils.

For the aging skin it is wiser to stay away from bright colors.

Subtlety is what you are looking for at this point, as softer colors are far more flattering and less aging.

Pearly shades are great for highlighting the brow bone and opening up the eye area.





LIPSTICK

Want to turn heads when you walk into your next party? Red can do that for you, but you need to know just a few little tricks first!

How to apply:

Apply a light layer of foundation to your lips. Allow a few seconds to dry.

Dust on a layer of powder.

Outline lips with lip-liner if your lipstick tends to bleed at the edges. Be sure that the pencil matches your lip color.

Apply color (with a brush) to the center of your lips and then brush color out toward the edges.

Blot lips with a tissue.

Reapply a second layer of lipstick with your lip-brush. The application of the second layer over a blotted first layer will ensure that your color lasts for hours.
Further Tips:


If your lips are too thin, bright reds will make them look more prominent.

Lips that are too full can be minimized by using brown reds, or other darker colours.

A TEN MINUTE MAKEUP ROUTINE
Apply a cold compress to the eye area to reduce any puffiness.

Apply moisturizer.

Dot on foundation and blend. Using a sponge will help tremendously with this particular step. Check that there is no foundation line on neck.

Apply concealing cream to blemishes or dark circles using tip of fingers. Just a tiny bit is sufficient.

Apply blush and also a touch of highlighter to temple area and top of the cheeks for an added glow.

Brush brows into position. Check for holes in the brows from over-plucking.

Apply color to brows if necessary. A little hair gel will help hold them in place.

Apply eye shadow. A brush can offer a lot more control than a sponge applicator. To darken the color, simply add another layer of color. Each layer will intensify the shade.

Apply eye liner. There are lots of liners to choose from. If you have oily lids, a solid liner applied with a little water and a brush, works well.

Curl your lashes, with eyelash curler.

Apply mascara. Two layers are usually better than one. But be sure that you comb out any lumps that might build up.

Apply lip color. Using a brush will ensure a thinner coat lipstick and a prettier lip line.

Set makeup with a little loose powder and a fluffy brush.

Check your blush and add a tiny bit more if necessary.
Further Tips:


Highlighter is tricky. You need just a touch to be effective.

Apply an exfoliating liquid to your face to remove dead skin cells, if you have more time. If your face has a dull look to it, the exfoliating liquid will slough off the old skin cells that are causing that problem.

Have a tiny pair of scissors close by to snip brows if necessary.

You might want to mix your dry eye shadow with a little water to make it last even longer.