8 step guide to the perfect look (part 1 of 2)

1. PREP

Before touching any make-up, always start with a clean face. Cleansing your face will remove any unwanted oils, dirt, or prior make-up residue. In addition to washing your face, use a gentle moisturizer to hydrate your skin. These two steps will create a base for healthy looking skin and help your foundation glide on smoother and hold stronger throughout the day.

2. PRIMER

**My two-cents on primers:

Love ‘em! Do not overlook the magic of a good primer. Primers will even your skin out (whether it’s by filling in fine lines, wrinkles, or large pores) and create a smooth surface that will secure your make-up throughout the day.
When applying primer, remember that a little goes a long way.

3. FOUNDATION

 Picking out the right shade…

It’s critical to pick out a shade of foundation that blends in perfectly with your skin. I like to buy my foundation at department stores for two reasons: 1.) There are usually make-up specialists that will help find the shade that best matches your skin, and 2.) If you end up buying make-up that doesn’t work out (i.e. wrong color or you don’t like how it wears on your face throughout the day), they have liberal return policies.

There are a few things I consider when I’m shopping for my foundation:

            1.)  Skin type. There are certain elements to watch out for depending on your skin-type. For example, those with oily skin will want to look for a base containing words like ‘oil-free’ or ‘oil-control’; whereas people with dry skin will want to look for a base with moisturizing properties.

          2.)  Coverage. The medium of foundation may change depending on the coverage desired. Some foundations have very light coverage (i.e. tinted moisturizers), whereas others can be built up to obtain medium – heavy coverage (i.e. liquid / cream / stick foundations or powders).

Application…

Using a clean foundation brush, sponge, or your fingers, apply foundation evenly throughout your face being mindful to blend into your neck to avoid having a dramatic line from where your make-up starts/stops. I prefer using a brush because I don’t get any additional oils transferred from my fingers to my face when I’m applying my foundation. I try avoiding sponges because they end up soaking up the majority of my product before it even gets to my face.

4. CONCEALER

Picking out the right shade…

Similar to shopping for foundation, I like to purchase concealer at department stores. I use concealer specifically to brighten up any dark under-eye circles. A general rule of thumb is to buy concealer two shades lighter than your regular foundation. This will brighten up your face and give you a well-rested appearance.

Application…

Starting with the inner corner of your eye, apply concealer directly onto the dark areas underneath your eyes. Blend this in by gently dabbing (not rubbing) with your ring finger until the concealer is evenly dispersed. Let sit for a few seconds to soak in. Apply another layer if needed.

Currently Using...

Stay tuned for Part 2!

Images by Lizzy Pinckney