While cosmetics are
something that many women can't live without, others like
keep it minimal and look natural. Whether you're a young or
mature woman, these tips are for those who want accent
their finest features and look their best.
Remember, make-up is a
great beauty enhancer, but you need to remove it every night
and let your skin breathe -- so you don't end up with
clogged pores and blemishes. Here you'll find free make up
tips and tricks to give you a stunning look for both casual
and formal occasions.
Applying
Foundation
Learn which type of
foundation will create the perfect base for you.
Your foundation should
match your face and neck, so don't try it on your hand or
arm for color a match.
Use a foundation with a
sunscreen with at least SPF 15 to prevent future skin
damage.
Ask for samples at the
cosmetics counter but not before determining your skin
type.
You will probably need a
different shade of foundation for each season, so don't
use the same one all year long. Blending colors sometimes
is the only way to get a perfect match.
Don't forget to apply
foundation on your eyelids, lips and into your neck for a
more natural look. This also is a good setting for eye
shadow and lipstick and helps it stay on longer.
For clear complexions,
sometimes all you need is a tinted moisturizer for a
natural look.
Liquid foundation is
usually water based and is best for dry skin. Use a sponge
or your fingers to blend from the nose, out.
Liquid foundation can
settle and separate, so remember to shake it up before
use.
Apply loose translucent
powder with a large cosmetics brush to "set" your
foundation and keep it from running in hot and humid
weather.
For dry skin, apply a
light moisturizer before your foundation.
Powder foundation is
ideal for oily skin and will help reduce shine.
Use a concealer for
those nasty blemishes and pat lightly with pressed powder.
If your foundation is
too heavy, add a couple drops of moisturizer to thin.
After applying make-up,
go outside or near a window to check for blunders.
Eye Make-up
Overly plucked eyebrows
look unnatural and make your eyes appear smaller.
Use Eye shadow to shape
and define your eyes. Three shades are ideal with the
darkest on the lid and the lightest just below the brow
bone.
Neutral tones are the
best for daytime.
Cream eye shadow is best
used sparingly and only in cool weather. It has a tendency
to crease. If you prefer the cream look, try a frost
powder shadow that has a similar look.
Powder eye shadow stays
on the longest.
Matte eye shadow looks
better than frost if you're tired. Frost shadow draws
attention to wrinkles.
Extend your eye shadow
above the lid (crease) and use a light shadow or
highlighter right beneath your brow to open up your eyes
and make them appear larger.
Using an eyelash curler
before you apply mascara will shape your lashes and extend
them to the fullest potential. To prevent damage, do not
hold the curler too close to the roots.
Black/Brown mascara and
eyeliner flatters most faces, blondes, brunettes, and
redheads. Black is usually too harsh, especially for
blondes.
For extra thick, fuller
eyelashes, apply mascara to the top and bottom of your
lashes.
When applying mascara to
your bottom lashes, fold a sheet of toilet paper or tissue
underneath the lashes and apply. This keeps mascara from
getting on your face.
Mascara is best when two
coats are applied. Make sure the first coat is dry before
applying the second.
Use unscented baby wipes
to remove eye make-up. Rub lightly.
If you use liquid eye
liner for a more dramatic effect, practice making straight
lines. Crooked eyeliner will ruin your look.
Eyeliner on the lower
lids can make your eyes appear smaller. To open them up,
line only the upper lids.
Put your eye pencils in
the freezer for a few minutes before sharpening.
Waterproof mascara is a
must if you're participating in swimming and outdoor
sports. Same goes for emotional events such as weddings
and funerals.
Lips
Keep lips moisturized at
night with petroleum jelly or lip balm.
Use a lip liner that
matches your lipstick.
To make thin lips appear
larger, apply your liner just outside of your natural lip
line. Add a final touch with lip gloss.
Apply pressed powder on
and around your lips if your lipstick has a tendency to "bleed."
If you're blond, avoid
dark colors that appear too harsh.
Never apply lipstick
testers to your lips in a store. It's not hygienic. Try
applying it to the back of your wrist instead.
Unless your teeth are
sparkling white, avoid coral and orange lipsticks. Instead,
try red, pink or plum.
To avoid getting
lipstick on your teeth, after application, run your finger
through the middle of your lips and pull it back out. The
excess will come off on your finger -- not your teeth.
Cheeks
For tan or dark skin,
apply bronzing powder to cheeks in lieu of blusher.
Pinch your cheeks for an
instant glow.
Use a medium-sized blush
brush to avoid a striping affect.
Apply blush to the apple
of your cheeks and just underneath your jaw. Avoid the old
technique of applying blush outwards towards the temple. (Updated.)
Try peach colored blush
for a great sun-kissed look.
If you don't wear
foundation, try a liquid or crème blush.
General
Makeup Tips
Always use good lighting
and a clean mirror.
Keep your make-up light
in the summer. Heavy foundation will cake and melt off in
the summer heat and humidity, leaving you with a streaked
look.
For proper hygiene, don't
use outdated cosmetics, particularly around the eye area
and never share your make-up with anyone.
Try bronzing powder
underneath your cheeks and jawbone to make your face
appear slimmer.
To make your nose appear
smaller, apply bronzing powder carefully down the sides.
Add a little shimmer creme or powder down the bridge of
your nose.
Use Q-tips to blend in
any eye shadow that has fallen on your cheeks or face.
Clean your make up
brushes and applicators often to reduce bacteria and oil.
