To the frustrated girl who just arrived at college and doesn’t know a contour brush from blush brush, this is for you. When I first came to Providence my background in makeup was, well, limited. I owned three makeup brushes: an eyeshadow brush, a face brush, and a brush with a purpose still unknown today. I had spent my high school years in an all-girls school where a bare face meant twenty extra minutes of sleep, so the decision wasn’t really up for consideration. However, as I watched my roommate set down her enormous, tri-tier makeup box on move-in day, the panic set in. Over the past year, I’ve come to have a pretty good grasp on the knowledge necessary for a good college makeup routine. I’ve done my best to perfect the, “I can’t tell if she’s wearing makeup, but her skin still looks flawless” look without pounding on the products. I’ve spent hours on youtube, memorized the routines of makeup gurus, tested out new skills, and have experienced a fair share of traumatic contour mishaps. Now, I think I’m finally ready to share what I’ve learned for the girl who doesn’t want to do anything crazy but still wants to put her best face forward.
First off, always prime your face! I’ll admit, the first time I heard this was a thing all I could think was, “what a sham.” But seriously, prime your face. Makeup is not always formulated for your specific skin type and this will ensure you’re giving your makeup it’s best chance at making you look good. No, this does not mean you need to buy the most expensive primer and slather it on every morning. Merely putting on some moisturizer before you begin will soften up your face, and provide a smooth base for whatever you choose to put on next.
Next, wet your beauty blender! Once again, thought this one was fake – it’s not. Run your beauty blender under the sink for a few seconds, periodically squeezing out the excess water. Dampening your beauty blender will allow the product to spread and blend more efficiently, making you look less like you have something on, and more like it’s a part of your skin.
Most importantly, remember that there are absolutely no rules to makeup. For me, this one was tough to accept, but it’s true. I spent I don’t know how long making myself crazy over if concealer goes over foundation or the other way around. Turns out, it doesn’t matter! If you believe you can get a better blend of doing concealer before or vice versa, go for it. Also, just because you’re wearing concealer does not mean you need foundation. Wear what makes you comfortable. After all, you’re the one who has to walk around in it.
One thing I always like to do is set whatever liquid makeup I put on. I either do this with a setting powder or a powder foundation. I use the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder only because I’ve seen it used by multiple beauty guru’s, but I’ve worked out my own way of applying it because “baking” is just too confusing. My last suggestion for the setting would be to use some sort of spray. Setting spray is the newest addition to my makeup routine, but something I strongly stand by. As an avid worrier that I look “cakey” while putting on my face powder, I’ve watched setting spray turn my somewhat chalky looking skin into a silky smooth canvas of airbrushed goodness.
Finally, find yourself a good mascara, and note that after a while mascara does expire. I can admit that I am somewhat of a makeup hoarder, but trust me your lashes will thank you. Replacing your mascara once a semester will ensure your lashes stay intact and looking just as good as the day you bought the product.
Other than that my only advice would be: have faith and have fun. Makeup should never be something to stress over, but rather something to help you look and feel good. If you can’t figure out how to master the new makeup trend keep trying, you’ll get it eventually. And if you leave your dorm a few times with your face a different color than your neck, remember, we’ve all been there.