Over the years, that “stuff” that you put on your face has evolved to become a great industry worldwide. Wearing make up obviously isn’t necessary to having healthy skin nor should it be used as a self esteem booster. I see make up as fun, a way of expressing your creativity with colors and different techniques, as well as maintaining a healthy, glowing look. Meaning, in my book, knowing how to apply make up is a good skill to have.
Having it be apart of my daily routine, I’m learning new tricks of the trade everyday. So I figured I’d share the simple tips for make up application to get those who don’t really have a clue as to where to start up and going. So check out my tips and have fun with it!
Pre-Application
Preparing the skin:
- Washing your face with a gentle cleanser is crucial for keeping healthy skin. Not only does it wash away the dirt and oil, it also allows for your make up to appear more fresh and natural.
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Exfoliate your skin 2-3 times per week, any more can cause skin irritation and cause your skin to become super sensitive . A great (and inexpensive) facial scrub is St. Ives Apricot Scrub, which doesn’t dry out your skin and helps keep your pores clean. Always remember to moisture afterward with a facial moisturizer.
Moisturize
- Make up can make your skin look flaky when dry, and won’t sit on top of the skin very well. Its important to evenly moisturize your skin (neck and face) for less blemishes and a smoother make up application.
Wash your hands
- Its a given, cleanliness is key.
Preparing your brushes:
Wash your brushes
- One thing a lot of people tend to mess up on is reusing their brushes over and over again, never actually cleaning them. So what happens if you don’t clean them?
Bacteria builds up from the make up that is remaining on the brushes. Each time you apply make up with that same brush, the bacteria and residue clog your pores…leading to break outs. Pick up a brush shampoo at your drug store near the section with the make up tools. Follow the instructions on the bottle and leave to air dry. Using super hot water can make the hairs on the brush fall out, so stick to luke warm water.
Having the correct tools
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Although having a full brush set is usually more helpful, having just a few will still do the trick. Try to have at least a liquid foundation brush or a powder foundation brush (Kabuki brushes for powder are awesome!), a smaller powder brush for a bronzer or blush, 1-2 eye make up brushes and an eye lash curler.
- Unless they’re disposed after each use, using a sponge repeatedly for foundation collects bacteria faster, so they aren’t always the best choice.
- When your hands are clean, they are the best tools around! So don’t be afraid to dip and dab your fingers!
- Have a few q-tips around and some make up remover around, just in case you mess up a little bit. Nothing a little bit of make up remover can’t fix (I love Neutregena Make Up Removing Towelettes!).
Application
Face
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Always start with a concealer that is less than a shade lighter than your skin and apply it on any blemishes, under neath the eyes, on top of the eye lid, and (if redness is apparent) around the nostrils.
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After a concealer, I usually suggest some kind of face color powder to make your skin tone look more even. However, it’s not necessary. Follow with a foundation and apply lightly, building it up lightly to avoid putting too much on. Use either a disposable sponge or the proper brush.
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I highly recommend having a good bronzer, since it not only adds color to your skin, it gives you a healthy glow. When applying, around your face (by your hairline, along you jaw line and down your neck), very lightly on your chin and nose, and lastly along your cheek bones.
Eyes
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My number one rule for eye make up is to ALWAYS apply a base color first. This can be the shade that is close to your skin tone, lighter or exactly the shade you were planning on using. This is like a foundation, you build colors and shading off of it. -
Apply a color over the entire eye lid and, if you want to, bring it slightly above the crease in your eye.
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If you plan on using multiple colors, just remember these few tips
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Never apply a second shade up to only half of the eye lid…either go 1/3 the way or 2/3 the way. Doing half of the lid as one shade can actually make your eyes look distorted and awkward.
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Start with the lighter colors, and work your way darker.
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If you have a third color, you can use it to make your eyes pop more by rounding them out. Apply to the crease of the lid, and bring down to the outer edge of your eye.
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I personally always follow eyeshadow with eye liner, just because I can get a more defined line and color. If you’re going for a simple look, apply a thin line to the upper lashes. TRY TO AVOID TOO MANY COLORS THAT CAN CLASH WHEN USING COLORED EYE LINERS.
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To make your lashes look fuller, do a much thinner line of the same or lighter color to the lower lashes. -
Curl your lashes with a curler and top immediately with a mascara. If you have time, try heating your curler with a blow dryer and then curl for around 10 seconds, following with a mascara!
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A good trick to look more awake it to take a white eye liner or eye shadow and line the “v” of your inner eye.
Cheeks
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Depending on the look you’re going for, you can either use a blush or a bronzer for your cheeks.
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Apply the color LIGHTLY on the apples of your cheek. (Don’t know what that is? Smile and look in the mirror. The round part of your cheek that kind of sticks out is where you want it.) -
Always apply in layers, working your way to the shade that works for your look. Blush is harder to remove without cleaning your face, so try not to over do it the first time.
Lips
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Lips are totally optional, but I think they’re the most fun! Play it up with a gloss, stain, or lipstick.
- If you really aren’t feeling it, always remember to at least put on lip balm. Protecting your lips from the sun, the cold, etc is extremely important…and it also keeps your lips soft!
Remember, have fun with it! If you mess up, start over again. Practice makes perfect.