Get Glamorous: Basic Makeup Tips and Tricks
August 24, 2008
Bored with your usual, day-to-day look? An easy way to change your style is with the magic of modern makeup. Using the right makeup tips and tricks, you can effortlessly and inexpensively transform your face and quite possibly your whole image!
Start your makeup routine with a fresh face. Wash and exfoliate your skin to make sure it’s clean. Prepare yourself with a magnifying mirror and all the ideal tools - the right makeup brushes and first-rate products are essential. Then, prepare your canvas - your gorgeous face — like any artist would. Pick a foundation that matches your natural skin tone. Use it to even out your tone and mask imperfections like dark spots, red patches and unattractive under eye circles. The choice way to apply foundation? A synthetic sponge. Use the sponge to dab and dot the foundation all over the face (and don’t forget the eyelids!) and then blend, downward and outward. Excess product can be removed using the opposite side of the sponge. Whatever you do, skip your neck and chin area. Blend thoroughly, especially along the hairline and jawline, to avoid a serious makeup faux pas — the “makeup mask”.
Concealer is next in line. Concealer should be one to two shades lighter than your foundation. Use a shade too light and you risk revealing highlighting dark patches. A small arc beneath your eyes, a few dabs on your eyelids and a criss-cross pattern across any red areas and you’ll be well on your way to a faultless face! Make sure to dab or tap to blend, as rubbing will simply cause you to remove the concealer. Then, apply a dusting of powder to the entire face and continue to do so throughout the day to reduce unwanted shine. Want to add a little color? A small amount of brush across and down the cheekbones will provide you with a more natural look.
For a real, simple look, add some mascara to curl your lashes and emphasize your eyes. Use a lash curler first if you wish to add some extra curl. Then, apply the mascara to the upper lashes in an upward, long, sweeping motion. You can also apply to the bottom lashes if you wish. Then, add some color and glamour to your eyes with a complementary eyeshadow. There are tons of ways to accentuate your eyes using eyeshadow, but there is one basic rule that can be adapted to create a magnitude of striking looks. The lightest color should cover most of the entire lid and extend near the edge of the eyebrow. A slightly darker shade from the same or complementary color family should be used to line the crease. Remember; use lighter colors to highlight and darker colors to add serious depth. Once you’ve applied eyeshadow, add a little liner. Whether you choose a pencil or a liquid liner (but only if you have a super-steady hand!), there are a few basic rules. Remember to draw as close to the lashline as possible, on both the top lid and under the bottom eyelashes. Try to draw the line in one, simple fluid motion and following the natural shape of the eye. If you have larger eyelids, make your line thicker. If you have smaller eyelids, though, stay away from thick lines and practice a fine line instead. To avoid irritation, don’t line the inner rim of the eye and contact wearers make sure to put your eye makeup on after inserting your lenses!
Lastly, you’ll want to concentrate on creating your perfect pout. For lots of color, line your lips with lipliner, staying as close to the natural shape of your lips as possible. Lipstick can then be applied using a lip brush, especially if you have a small mouth that might be too tiny for a tube of lipstick. Not into color on your lips? Opt for a chapstick or gloss instead. Your lips will still look natural, but soft, sexy and shiny, too.
Achieving a sexy look with makeup is simple once you got the basics down. Now that you’ve mastered these simple makeup tips and tricks, you can perfect your technique over time and always put your best face forward.
Comments
