General Advice
My biggest tip or trick when it comes to makeup is that less is more. If you look unrecognizable with the makeup, then you have overdone it. The point of makeup is to enhance your features, not conceal or alter them (not too much). The point is not to hide behind the makeup, not to use it as a mask, but to use it show your natural beauty. Okay, so how do we do that?
Skin Care:
Try to exfoliate your skin on a daily basis and use a face mask at least once a week. Doing so will help your skin cells be fresh and your pores clean. Julyne Derrick writes, “The No. 1 rule I’ve learned as a beauty editor is the healthier your skin, the less makeup you’ll require. If you cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate skin, you’ll notice over time you don’t need much concealer and very little foundation.”
Foundation
Make sure your foundation matches your skin tone. Sometimes, you may have to mix two shades to get your colors. Do not fret! You will find the right swatch if you try match the color to your skin or your wrists. Next, when you finally find the right shade, be sure to apply a dime size of it to your face (if it is liquid) and then blend it to your neck so it does not look too jarring.
Mascara:
Wiggle the mascara wand at the base of your lashes. Then go through the lashes with the wand. Julyne Derrick writes, “The wiggling part is key because it separates lashes.” She adds, “In this final step (which I always skip), close the eye and place the mascara wand on top of lashes at the base and pull through to remove any clumps.”
Blush:
I love, love, love cheek tints or cream blushes because they look more natural than powder blushes, which tend to look more chalky on me. Remember, you can always use your lipstick as a blush by blending it to your skin till it looks like a nice flush on your skin. What is beautiful about blush is that it can highlight your cheekbones without putting too much on your face. If you want, you can put some bronzer in the shape of a three around your face (on your temples, cheekbones, and chin).
Lips:
Especially as summertime approaches, you may want to cut down on the amount of makeup you put on your face and lips. It all melts off into a gooey icky mess. So, try tinted lip colors. Revlon’s Just Bitten line is fantastic. I found dupes for it that are not tested on animals by NYC and Wet ‘n Wild.
Remember, you are beautiful with and without makeup. Smile: it’s the best accessory.