In
today's world, everybody is worried about how they look. However,
looking great doesn't have to take too much time or effort. All you have
to do is know what you're doing. Here's how to get your routine down
pat!
Before You Begin The Makeup
Determine what type of skin you have: oily, combination, perfectly moisturized, dry, etc. Many cosmetic counters have someone there that can do a preliminary analysis of your skin and recommend some products. If you are on a budget, see what the professional at the cosmetic counter recommends, then go to your local and find a similar product for way less money.
Apply Face Makeup
Start with a freshly-washed face, (and hands, too). Get a facial, or do one yourself. You want your face to be a clear and smooth canvas for you, the "artist," to do your art. Use a good deep-cleansing mask. Do not exfoliate if you have oily or sensitive skin. It will spread bacteria around your face from the already existing blemishes. Use antibacterial soap if you have acne. Also be sure that you replace the towel you use to dry your face every week. Lastly, apply toner by taking a cotton pad that has been dampened in warm water and sweep it over your face. Toner will restore the pH level of your skin and pick up any remaining dirt. Make sure you look pretty. Try thinking of a good cleanser that you can use. Then apply toner, and moisturizer.
Massage a light moisturizer into your face no matter what skin type you have. Always avoiding the eye area. You could also apply your moisturizer with your foundation brush or sponge if you have one. This will help oily skin dry, and dry skin become smoother. Wait a few minutes for it to soak into your skin.
Apply a foundation primer before you apply any foundation or tinted moisturizer. The foundation primer will smooth out the skin surface, make applying foundation easier, and make your makeup last longer.
Apply a sheer foundation that matches your skin tone. Tip: If a liquid foundation has SPF in it, it's NOT good for taking flash photography. Use the ones without SPF instead if you don't want to look too flashed out on your face.
To find the right one, go to the makeup counter at a local department store and have the artist there help you.
Wear illuminator to make your skin appear youthful and dewy compared with dull, matte makeup. Skin illuminator's come in powder, cream, mousse, etc. L'Oréal®, Revlon®, Neutrogen, and other brands make them - it's like make up with tiny particles that reflect light.
Use a makeup sponge or wedge, starting around the hairline and working your way down. (Use the wedge for this routine because you can be more precise about where the make up goes.) If you want a proper look that looks as if it has been done by a professional makeup artist, try using a foundation brush.
Remember to apply the makeup all the way down to your throat area and keep blending so you can't see where the make up ends. Nothing is worse than looking like you have a mask on your face.
Around the eye area, do very light strokes inward, toward the inner corner of your eye. Don't apply it to your upper eyelid. All of the professional makeup artists say not to apply foundation to this area. This is why you need a foundation that matches your skin. If you want foundation to darken your skin then try putting it above your eyes, and see what you like. Be gentle with this part, because the skin is very delicate and sensitive here.
Apply concealer to any red or discolored spots. In the corners of your eyes, where it's red, around the nostrils, and under the eyes (to make you look more awake) are good places for this. Do this after applying foundation, so you don't use too much. First apply the concealer, then pat very lightly with your finger to blend. Only apply concealer to the area that you want to conceal. Afterward, use the wedge to blend the concealer in with the foundation. Stand back away from your mirror to see if you have effectively concealed the areas. Try to stand about the distance away from the mirror that you stand away from people when you talk to them. Another way to conceal blemishes is to pat green concealer on the blemishes and red spots, then put foundation over top (the green reduces redness).
Apply a loose powder all over the face using a powder brush. Pat it into the powder; then, with a paper towel, tap the brush so the excess falls off the brush. Lightly brush across the whole face. Use a powder puff (small) to apply powder on the upper lid. Apply a bronzer to your forehead, cheeks, and chin, to give a sun-kissed look,if wanted.
Highlight your brow bone, cheek bones, and cupid's bow by applying a light powder just below the brow, and to the highest part of your cheek.
Apply a small amount of blush to the apples of your cheeks. Smile so you can see the apple of your cheek. Start the application at the apple and drag the blush outward toward your temple, following your cheek bone. Blend the color down a bit below your cheekbone in towards your earlobe.
If you added too much color to the brush, use the clear side of your wedge to blend it in more until the color is faded out a bit. Your cheeks should have a hint of color. You don't want to look like a clown.
Contour your face, especially if you have "hidden" cheekbones. To do so you will need a brown tone of powder, don't make it ultra brown, but a milk-chocolatey kind of color. Apply a it on the brush and apply it under your cheek bones, starting from the temple and going down until underneath the apple of your cheek. Don't make it too obvious as it's meant to look like a shadow. Then, on top of your cheek bones take a white or really light skin tone powder and apply it, right between your eye and your cheek bone, again until the temple, and voila. You have cheek bones.
Take a fluffy powder brush and blend everything together, so that there are no visible lines or excess powders.
Apply Eye Makeup
Line your eyes. Line it with a brown or soft black liner. For a more appealing look, apply liner with very light strokes to the upper lid, stroking toward the outer corner of the eye. To blend, use an angle brush. For a more natural look, dip the angle brush in some of your darker eyeshadow. Use a very light amount, or use the applicator tip. For the bottom lid, use a very light amount on the outer corner.
Put on the eyeshadow. Most eye colors come with two or three colors on the palette. The lighter color is for the lid. The darker color is for the crease on the lid, just below the eye bone. Apply the lighter tone first to the lid, spreading upwards to near the crease. For this, use the applicator that came inside the package. For the darker color, using your eyeshadow brush, dip into eye color and tap the brush to lose the excess. Apply inside the crease of the eye. You can find the crease by looking straight ahead. Your eye makes its own crease. Blend the color toward the outer corner of your eye. Sometimes you can blend it around to the bottom lid, but very lightly. The lightest color is for under the brow bone. Use the applicator to apply right on the brow bone just under the brow line. Make sure to use the larger eyeshadow brush to blend all the colors.
Use eyebrow pencil color that is very close to your natural eyebrow color. Here you just want to fill in missing areas. (It might behoove you to visit a makeup person that can arch your eyebrows correctly. If you've never done it yourself, have someone do it for you.) Your eyebrow should look very natural. If you do apply eyebrow pencil to any part of your eyebrow, use the angled brush to blend it into your brow with very light strokes.
Use a lash curler before applying any mascara. There are several mascaras to choose from depending on the look you want. If you have short lashes, use a mascara that will add length; if you have thin lashes, use a volumizing mascara. Never pump your mascara brush in and out of the mascara. This causes air pockets. Dip the brush in the mascara once and lightly wipe off the excess onto a paper towel. Looking downward, apply to the top lash with upward strokes. Start with the inner part and work your way outward. Do both eyes with two coats, then let dry. After a few seconds, do the bottom lids. It's better to apply to the very outer part of the lash on the bottom lid. This will open your eye more. An inexpensive way to curl your eye lashes is to take the brush from an older mascara, and use it, after you've washed most of the mascara off.
Apply Lipstick
Apply lip balm, primer, or sealer. This will help make all lip products applied last longer and much more vibrant.
Line your lips with a liner that matches your lip color. Make sure your lip liner pencil is sharpened, but not too sharp. Line around the natural line of your lips. Trying to create a fuller lip by dragging the lip pencil outside your lip line is for professionals. Usually it makes you look like you're just plain bad at applying makeup. After applying your lip pencil to your lip line, rub your lips together so the lip pencil color spreads inside your lips.
Apply lipstick or lip gloss with a brush. It will spread it evenly. It's a good idea to brush your lip brush in your lipstick, then some of your lip gloss for a nice light shine. Blot your freshly painted lips lightly with a tissue. This will make it last longer.
Use a pressed powder to lightly powder the rest of your face, and the area under your eyes. Use very light pressure. Keep your pressed powder in your purse for touch ups.
Tips
Focus on one part, or two at most, of your face. Don't use a bold hue of lipstick with stand-out eyeliner and a bright shade of blush. Instead, zero in on the eyes and lips, or blush/skin. Keep it simple; don't over-do your makeup applications.
Make sure all of these colors go with your skin, eyes, and hair colors.
Drugstore makeup works really well if you choose the right things. Check reviews online, and don't waste money on high-end products.
If your skin doesn't look smooth, put foundation on before the other makeup, making it look smooth.
Lipstick and lip gloss are very different - keep this in mind when you apply them. Lipstick adds color to your lips while lip gloss just makes your lips shiny and sometimes sparkly.
For the best results, apply your makeup with good, natural lighting.
Make sure you use makeup and mascara remover before going to sleep. You can use cotton balls, or makeup remover pads. You can usually find makeup remover at your local grocery store and drug store. Taking off your makeup before going to sleep is very important, it's bad for your skin if you don't remove it before going to sleep. Make sure you wash your face after too, it gets off the rest of the foundation and powder. Baby wipes work well, too. Another way is to apply olive oil (or any other kind of oil) to your entire face, rubbing it to make sure that all the makeup is covered. Then, wipe it off and rinse. It will take the makeup off and help your skin too.
Keep in mind the difference between day makeup, night makeup, and special occasions. Day makeup is light and tinted with neutral colors. Night makeup is more strongly tinted but never very heavy or caked on - use stronger colors. Special occasions take special items like false eyelashes, liquid liners, and highlighting under the eyes - look at the magazines around awards season.
Don't copy some other person's makeup, switch it up. Be yourself. Do what you want. But, if you like it, take parts.
Don't apply harsh colors to cheeks especially if you have larger pores, this will help with the invisibility of your pores. If you don't have visible pores still use this tip because it will look fake and you will get the stripe that is mentioned a few tips down.
Warnings
Make sure you are not allergic to any makeup you use. Some products can give you a sore throat or bad itching. A good way to minimize this is to get products that are fragrance-free.
Make sure your foundation matches your skin tone. Nothing looks worse than bad, discolored, or cheap foundation.
Over time, mascara - especially waterproof mascara - can damage or remove some of your eyelashes. Don't worry, they grow back.
Don't make any straight lines or visible lines with your blush or foundation. You don't want racing stripes. You're not a zebra.
Never let friends use your makeup sponges or brushes. They can leave bacteria, and this can cause irritation or infection. Wipe any makeup eye tray, lipstick, liner, etc. with a Kleenex® after it has been used by someone other than you.
Wash your face before and after you apply makeup. Use a moisturizer that has sunscreen that still keeps your skin looking natural.
Don't over-apply. If you do, it will not look great with your arms, legs, or even your neck. Always try to keep it natural.
When contouring, make sure to not use any colours that are 4 or more shades darker. Stick with colours that are 2-3 shades darker to help give your face a more natural shape.
Don't share mascara. You, or someone you're sharing mascara with, can easily get pink eye from the bacteria in the wand. the germs from you go to someone else and then their germs go to your eyelashes and can go to your eyes and turn them to pink eye.
Try not to have makeup lines by your chin and jaw. That makes your makeup look ugly.
Never share makeup! People dig their brushes into eyeshadow and it can be dangerous. You may be at risk for disease.
When using self-tanners, don't overdo it. Apply tanner sparingly. Unless you want to look like you were sleeping in the tanning booth. Make sure your tanner is no more tan 2-3 shades darker. If you think of it, you can actually add more if you need to be a little darker.
Do not pull on your eye while applying eyeliner. This can cause premature wrinkles and sagging.
Be aware that many concealers, cover-ups, and foundations may fade or turn orange in the sun. Before actually applying the product, test it on your hand near the base of your thumb. Do your daily activities and see if the product stays the same color, fades, etc.
Wash your brushes with anti-bacterial soap, and replace or wash your sponges regularly (every week or two). Bacteria and oils will collect on these and cause breakouts later. Try to stay away from sponges in general, as they are usually filled with bacteria.
Be careful not to buy cheap quality products. Price doesn't matter, quality does. Always read reviews before buying. Don’t go to dollar stores or anywhere where there isn't a name brand of makeup. That might mean that its cheap quality. Claire`s,® ICING®, Ardene® are brands you might not want to start off with. Try drugstores for really good quality brands like Maybelline®,Loreal®, or RIMMEL®.
Don't use soap to take off mascara. It can damage your eyelashes badly.
Things You'll Need
A variety of makeup products - start with mascara, eyeliner, foundation/moisturizer, concealer, powder, eyeshadow, lipstick and lip gloss
Good lighting
Mirrors
Brushes and a wedge sponge
Before You Begin The Makeup
Determine what type of skin you have: oily, combination, perfectly moisturized, dry, etc. Many cosmetic counters have someone there that can do a preliminary analysis of your skin and recommend some products. If you are on a budget, see what the professional at the cosmetic counter recommends, then go to your local and find a similar product for way less money.
Apply Face Makeup
Start with a freshly-washed face, (and hands, too). Get a facial, or do one yourself. You want your face to be a clear and smooth canvas for you, the "artist," to do your art. Use a good deep-cleansing mask. Do not exfoliate if you have oily or sensitive skin. It will spread bacteria around your face from the already existing blemishes. Use antibacterial soap if you have acne. Also be sure that you replace the towel you use to dry your face every week. Lastly, apply toner by taking a cotton pad that has been dampened in warm water and sweep it over your face. Toner will restore the pH level of your skin and pick up any remaining dirt. Make sure you look pretty. Try thinking of a good cleanser that you can use. Then apply toner, and moisturizer.
Massage a light moisturizer into your face no matter what skin type you have. Always avoiding the eye area. You could also apply your moisturizer with your foundation brush or sponge if you have one. This will help oily skin dry, and dry skin become smoother. Wait a few minutes for it to soak into your skin.
Apply a foundation primer before you apply any foundation or tinted moisturizer. The foundation primer will smooth out the skin surface, make applying foundation easier, and make your makeup last longer.
Apply a sheer foundation that matches your skin tone. Tip: If a liquid foundation has SPF in it, it's NOT good for taking flash photography. Use the ones without SPF instead if you don't want to look too flashed out on your face.
To find the right one, go to the makeup counter at a local department store and have the artist there help you.
Wear illuminator to make your skin appear youthful and dewy compared with dull, matte makeup. Skin illuminator's come in powder, cream, mousse, etc. L'Oréal®, Revlon®, Neutrogen, and other brands make them - it's like make up with tiny particles that reflect light.
Use a makeup sponge or wedge, starting around the hairline and working your way down. (Use the wedge for this routine because you can be more precise about where the make up goes.) If you want a proper look that looks as if it has been done by a professional makeup artist, try using a foundation brush.
Remember to apply the makeup all the way down to your throat area and keep blending so you can't see where the make up ends. Nothing is worse than looking like you have a mask on your face.
Around the eye area, do very light strokes inward, toward the inner corner of your eye. Don't apply it to your upper eyelid. All of the professional makeup artists say not to apply foundation to this area. This is why you need a foundation that matches your skin. If you want foundation to darken your skin then try putting it above your eyes, and see what you like. Be gentle with this part, because the skin is very delicate and sensitive here.
Apply concealer to any red or discolored spots. In the corners of your eyes, where it's red, around the nostrils, and under the eyes (to make you look more awake) are good places for this. Do this after applying foundation, so you don't use too much. First apply the concealer, then pat very lightly with your finger to blend. Only apply concealer to the area that you want to conceal. Afterward, use the wedge to blend the concealer in with the foundation. Stand back away from your mirror to see if you have effectively concealed the areas. Try to stand about the distance away from the mirror that you stand away from people when you talk to them. Another way to conceal blemishes is to pat green concealer on the blemishes and red spots, then put foundation over top (the green reduces redness).
Apply a loose powder all over the face using a powder brush. Pat it into the powder; then, with a paper towel, tap the brush so the excess falls off the brush. Lightly brush across the whole face. Use a powder puff (small) to apply powder on the upper lid. Apply a bronzer to your forehead, cheeks, and chin, to give a sun-kissed look,if wanted.
Highlight your brow bone, cheek bones, and cupid's bow by applying a light powder just below the brow, and to the highest part of your cheek.
Apply a small amount of blush to the apples of your cheeks. Smile so you can see the apple of your cheek. Start the application at the apple and drag the blush outward toward your temple, following your cheek bone. Blend the color down a bit below your cheekbone in towards your earlobe.
If you added too much color to the brush, use the clear side of your wedge to blend it in more until the color is faded out a bit. Your cheeks should have a hint of color. You don't want to look like a clown.
Contour your face, especially if you have "hidden" cheekbones. To do so you will need a brown tone of powder, don't make it ultra brown, but a milk-chocolatey kind of color. Apply a it on the brush and apply it under your cheek bones, starting from the temple and going down until underneath the apple of your cheek. Don't make it too obvious as it's meant to look like a shadow. Then, on top of your cheek bones take a white or really light skin tone powder and apply it, right between your eye and your cheek bone, again until the temple, and voila. You have cheek bones.
Take a fluffy powder brush and blend everything together, so that there are no visible lines or excess powders.
Apply Eye Makeup
Line your eyes. Line it with a brown or soft black liner. For a more appealing look, apply liner with very light strokes to the upper lid, stroking toward the outer corner of the eye. To blend, use an angle brush. For a more natural look, dip the angle brush in some of your darker eyeshadow. Use a very light amount, or use the applicator tip. For the bottom lid, use a very light amount on the outer corner.
Put on the eyeshadow. Most eye colors come with two or three colors on the palette. The lighter color is for the lid. The darker color is for the crease on the lid, just below the eye bone. Apply the lighter tone first to the lid, spreading upwards to near the crease. For this, use the applicator that came inside the package. For the darker color, using your eyeshadow brush, dip into eye color and tap the brush to lose the excess. Apply inside the crease of the eye. You can find the crease by looking straight ahead. Your eye makes its own crease. Blend the color toward the outer corner of your eye. Sometimes you can blend it around to the bottom lid, but very lightly. The lightest color is for under the brow bone. Use the applicator to apply right on the brow bone just under the brow line. Make sure to use the larger eyeshadow brush to blend all the colors.
Use eyebrow pencil color that is very close to your natural eyebrow color. Here you just want to fill in missing areas. (It might behoove you to visit a makeup person that can arch your eyebrows correctly. If you've never done it yourself, have someone do it for you.) Your eyebrow should look very natural. If you do apply eyebrow pencil to any part of your eyebrow, use the angled brush to blend it into your brow with very light strokes.
Use a lash curler before applying any mascara. There are several mascaras to choose from depending on the look you want. If you have short lashes, use a mascara that will add length; if you have thin lashes, use a volumizing mascara. Never pump your mascara brush in and out of the mascara. This causes air pockets. Dip the brush in the mascara once and lightly wipe off the excess onto a paper towel. Looking downward, apply to the top lash with upward strokes. Start with the inner part and work your way outward. Do both eyes with two coats, then let dry. After a few seconds, do the bottom lids. It's better to apply to the very outer part of the lash on the bottom lid. This will open your eye more. An inexpensive way to curl your eye lashes is to take the brush from an older mascara, and use it, after you've washed most of the mascara off.
Apply Lipstick
Apply lip balm, primer, or sealer. This will help make all lip products applied last longer and much more vibrant.
Line your lips with a liner that matches your lip color. Make sure your lip liner pencil is sharpened, but not too sharp. Line around the natural line of your lips. Trying to create a fuller lip by dragging the lip pencil outside your lip line is for professionals. Usually it makes you look like you're just plain bad at applying makeup. After applying your lip pencil to your lip line, rub your lips together so the lip pencil color spreads inside your lips.
Apply lipstick or lip gloss with a brush. It will spread it evenly. It's a good idea to brush your lip brush in your lipstick, then some of your lip gloss for a nice light shine. Blot your freshly painted lips lightly with a tissue. This will make it last longer.
Use a pressed powder to lightly powder the rest of your face, and the area under your eyes. Use very light pressure. Keep your pressed powder in your purse for touch ups.
Tips
Focus on one part, or two at most, of your face. Don't use a bold hue of lipstick with stand-out eyeliner and a bright shade of blush. Instead, zero in on the eyes and lips, or blush/skin. Keep it simple; don't over-do your makeup applications.
Make sure all of these colors go with your skin, eyes, and hair colors.
Drugstore makeup works really well if you choose the right things. Check reviews online, and don't waste money on high-end products.
If your skin doesn't look smooth, put foundation on before the other makeup, making it look smooth.
Lipstick and lip gloss are very different - keep this in mind when you apply them. Lipstick adds color to your lips while lip gloss just makes your lips shiny and sometimes sparkly.
For the best results, apply your makeup with good, natural lighting.
Make sure you use makeup and mascara remover before going to sleep. You can use cotton balls, or makeup remover pads. You can usually find makeup remover at your local grocery store and drug store. Taking off your makeup before going to sleep is very important, it's bad for your skin if you don't remove it before going to sleep. Make sure you wash your face after too, it gets off the rest of the foundation and powder. Baby wipes work well, too. Another way is to apply olive oil (or any other kind of oil) to your entire face, rubbing it to make sure that all the makeup is covered. Then, wipe it off and rinse. It will take the makeup off and help your skin too.
Keep in mind the difference between day makeup, night makeup, and special occasions. Day makeup is light and tinted with neutral colors. Night makeup is more strongly tinted but never very heavy or caked on - use stronger colors. Special occasions take special items like false eyelashes, liquid liners, and highlighting under the eyes - look at the magazines around awards season.
Don't copy some other person's makeup, switch it up. Be yourself. Do what you want. But, if you like it, take parts.
Don't apply harsh colors to cheeks especially if you have larger pores, this will help with the invisibility of your pores. If you don't have visible pores still use this tip because it will look fake and you will get the stripe that is mentioned a few tips down.
Warnings
Make sure you are not allergic to any makeup you use. Some products can give you a sore throat or bad itching. A good way to minimize this is to get products that are fragrance-free.
Make sure your foundation matches your skin tone. Nothing looks worse than bad, discolored, or cheap foundation.
Over time, mascara - especially waterproof mascara - can damage or remove some of your eyelashes. Don't worry, they grow back.
Don't make any straight lines or visible lines with your blush or foundation. You don't want racing stripes. You're not a zebra.
Never let friends use your makeup sponges or brushes. They can leave bacteria, and this can cause irritation or infection. Wipe any makeup eye tray, lipstick, liner, etc. with a Kleenex® after it has been used by someone other than you.
Wash your face before and after you apply makeup. Use a moisturizer that has sunscreen that still keeps your skin looking natural.
Don't over-apply. If you do, it will not look great with your arms, legs, or even your neck. Always try to keep it natural.
When contouring, make sure to not use any colours that are 4 or more shades darker. Stick with colours that are 2-3 shades darker to help give your face a more natural shape.
Don't share mascara. You, or someone you're sharing mascara with, can easily get pink eye from the bacteria in the wand. the germs from you go to someone else and then their germs go to your eyelashes and can go to your eyes and turn them to pink eye.
Try not to have makeup lines by your chin and jaw. That makes your makeup look ugly.
Never share makeup! People dig their brushes into eyeshadow and it can be dangerous. You may be at risk for disease.
When using self-tanners, don't overdo it. Apply tanner sparingly. Unless you want to look like you were sleeping in the tanning booth. Make sure your tanner is no more tan 2-3 shades darker. If you think of it, you can actually add more if you need to be a little darker.
Do not pull on your eye while applying eyeliner. This can cause premature wrinkles and sagging.
Be aware that many concealers, cover-ups, and foundations may fade or turn orange in the sun. Before actually applying the product, test it on your hand near the base of your thumb. Do your daily activities and see if the product stays the same color, fades, etc.
Wash your brushes with anti-bacterial soap, and replace or wash your sponges regularly (every week or two). Bacteria and oils will collect on these and cause breakouts later. Try to stay away from sponges in general, as they are usually filled with bacteria.
Be careful not to buy cheap quality products. Price doesn't matter, quality does. Always read reviews before buying. Don’t go to dollar stores or anywhere where there isn't a name brand of makeup. That might mean that its cheap quality. Claire`s,® ICING®, Ardene® are brands you might not want to start off with. Try drugstores for really good quality brands like Maybelline®,Loreal®, or RIMMEL®.
Don't use soap to take off mascara. It can damage your eyelashes badly.
Things You'll Need
A variety of makeup products - start with mascara, eyeliner, foundation/moisturizer, concealer, powder, eyeshadow, lipstick and lip gloss
Good lighting
Mirrors
Brushes and a wedge sponge
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