Here are a few of my general “rules” for using
color on your skin. Your face is a blank canvas.
Like a great painter or makeup artist, it’s a
good idea to understand a little bit about
color theory.
Things to remember:
- light colors bring things forward
- deeper tones set things back
- matte works best in the eye crease
- not everything needs to be shimmery
- learning to blend is important
- contouring can alter how you look, over contouring can make you look like a clown
- find a good blush, I lean towards something neutral
- brows are important
- don’t forget to line your eyes
I know, it all sounds like an awful lot of little things and steps to do. Putting yourself together can be done in under 5 minutes. Really, my every day look is to wear a tinted moisturizer, prime and powder my eyes, a little liner, mascara and brow gel, and swipe a bit of gloss. This is not my look to get me free drinks, it’s my look to not scare everyone that I’m a walking “mom-bie”!
Eye shadow and trying to “figure it all out”… always
begin with eye primer. Your shadow colors will look more true
and primer reduces creases. In fact on lazy days, a little primer and a swipe of powder will help you look more rested!
I think cheeks & lips need to walk hand in hand. That
basically means, cool cheek color = cool lip color…
warm cheek = warm lip. Makes sense.
About cheeks, as I’ve gotten older and my face is a bit rounder, blush placement is less on the apples of my cheeks. I set it back a bit and a little higher. Gives a more “pulled back” and youthful look.
Liner… line your eyes (I like a soft brown for my no makeup look) top line and bottom line. Smudge it out so you don’t have a harsh line. Lips, Using a shade just one shade darker than your natural lip color and a little lip color will brighten your face. I like something that’s a true lipstick, nothing too matte, otherwise your lips will look dry. Gloss is great, Dab a bit in the center of your bottom lip, press and go. It always makes me feel pretty.
Foundation, I usually lean towards a tinted moisturizer for my face. Just something that will do a little color correction for my completion. I’m not looking to wear a full face of makeup every day, and when I do it’s usually not a full coverage foundation. Most important thing it to find a product that also offers a bit of sun protection!
Tools, yes like a great painter, a makeup artist usually has tools. Think of applying makeup like paining a canvas. Using decent brushes can make a BIG difference. One thing to remember, dirty brushes are bad for your health and won’t give you the best results when applying your makeup. wash them! I do mine weekly.
Ok of course there’s so much more to makeup. You have to do what works best for you. Just remember, practice makes perfect!