These days we’re bombarded with advertisements and are witness to a whole variety of makeup products and applications. Oftentimes we see women in show business wearing a full face and wonder which product lines they’re using to create such wonderful effects. Maybe you rush out and buy the next new item and practice it over and over only to come up short when it come to getting just that effect you were after?
It certainly does take practice, but there are also tips and trick to getting the look you want with the makeup you have on hand, no matter the brand. Don’t get me wrong; quality certainly counts, and you’ll want to ensure your makeup isn’t old or expired, but try these handy how-to’s for looks that hit the mark!
Windows to the soul
Often the focus of makeup is on our eyes, and mascara is probably the most basic but maybe the most important one to have on hand. To avoid those pesky marks on your cheeks, take a plastic spoon and lay just under your lashes while applying. Take that same spoon and use it as a guide (on a diagonal from the outside corner of your eye to your hairline) for a perfect cat-eye effect with your liner. For huge eyes, get yourself a nude liner and use it on your water line. To make eye shadow colors pop, first cover your lid with a base of white pencil. You’ll be amazed at what a difference it makes!
Perfect Pucker!
Before applying lipstick, smooth your lips with a mixture of coconut oil, sugar, and honey. You can use your finger to scrub, or a baby toothbrush works even better without being too abrasive. If you’re looking to make your lips a little more Angelina Jolie-esque, go with either a high gloss color or line just slightly outside your natural lip line, then fill. (Too far outside your lip line and it’ll be obvious). To make lipstick last longer, apply a light layer of powder through a tissue.
No more orange
Foundation can be the trickiest part of getting a face applied just right. Most women have a hard time buying the right shade, which can result in embarrassing neck lines or, in extreme situations, with the overall look taking on a rather orange cast. Here’s a great tip to getting the right color for your skin tone – because the skin on your neck tends to get less sun than your face, it’s a great reading of your natural tone. Next time you’re choosing between shades, dab a little foundation on your neck and see how it compares.
Remember to change up your makeup when it expires to avoid getting a yucky infection. Mascara generally lasts 3 to 4 months, while a liner pencil can make it anywhere from 18 to 24 months. Your foundation should be tossed after 6 to 12 months, while blush and lipsticks can stick it out for 12 to 18 months.
