If you are one of the many women who feels more confident with makeup on, you likely want to be sure you are applying it correctly and that it is truly enhancing your looks.
Start with a freshly-cleaned face, using a gentle soap, toner, and a light moisturizer. Then dab or brush concealer under the eyes or anywhere you want to cover up imperfections. Ideally, it should be one shade lighter than your foundation, which is applied next and which should match your skin tone exactly.
Use a makeup sponge or your fingertips to apply dots over your face and then blend the foundation around your entire face. Finish up with a pressed powder to keep the foundation in place.
Next, to make your eyes the focus of your face, apply powdered eye shadow. Start with a thin line of dark along your upper eyelid, followed by a medium shade in the crease and a lighter shade under your eyebrow. Be sure to blend the colours evenly. An excellent Video which demonstrates eye shadow being applied is available at http://www.expertvillage.com/Video/2390_fashion-color-day-eye-shadow.htm. Complete your eye makeup with a thin application of eyeliner, starting on the outer upper lid just where your lashes begin, then repeating with a thin line along your lower eye as well, but do not continue right into the corner of your eye or you will create an “eye-glasses” look. Gently blend your eyeliner so it’s not a straight line. When you are applying eye makeup, it’s easier to be seated or at least standing somewhere that allows you to rest and steady your elbow. Mascara, which should be brown for fair complexions or black for darker skin tone, should be applied in two coats. This completes your eye makeup.
Choose a colour of blush that resembles your cheeks after you’ve exercised. Cream blush works well for dry skin while powdered blush is best for oily skin. Apply on your cheekbone and spread toward your hairline. Finally, apply lipstick, and if you are using a liner, apply it last.
Be sure to wash your makeup brushes and applicators frequently in warm water and mild shampoo. Never share your cosmetics or use some else’s, as bacteria can grow and cause infections.
Through the day, you may need to touch up your makeup. Drinking coffee takes off your lipstick, and a hot meeting room or office causes your face to become warm and damp, making your makeup cake. As well, your skin naturally produces oil all day long. A light dusting of powder can take care of the oil and you may want to reapply your blush and touch up your eye shadow. You will want to take off your mostly-disappearing lip colour, apply some lip balm, and reapply your lipstick and liner. If you have a travel toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste, you will feel truly refreshed if you quickly brush your teeth as well.
Through the day, you may need to touch up your makeup. Drinking coffee takes off your lipstick, and a hot meeting room or office causes your face to become warm and damp, making your makeup cake. As well, your skin naturally produces oil all day long. A light dusting of powder can take care of the oil and you may want to reapply your blush and touch up your eye shadow. You will want to take off your mostly-disappearing lip colour, apply some lip balm, and reapply your lipstick and liner. If you have a travel toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste, you will feel truly refreshed if you quickly brush your teeth as well.
Never fall into bed with your makeup on but instead use a gentle makeup remover to get rid of the day’s accumulation, then wash softly with soap, using toner and a good overnight moisturizer. Get a good night’s sleep and you will be ready for a new day.
