The Foundation for an Amazing Look
For most women, makeup is the foundation (pun intended!) for taking a great look to an amazing, out-of-this-world look. Whether you are wearing makeup for day, night or any event in between, there are so many exciting ways to play up cheekbones, eyes, lips, and more.
In order for makeup to properly beautify a face, however, it is important to have the right set of application brushes at your fingertips. While the choices can be overwhelming, here are five must haves:
1. Foundation Brush:
Designed with a large, flat head for applying base powder or cream in order to even out skin tone and hide blemishes.
2. Angled Contour Brush:
Available in various shapes and sizes, use on the cheekbones to create a warm, sun-kissed glow with either blush or bronzer.
3. Eye Shade Brush:
For creating various eye shadow looks and packing color onto the lid.
4. Pencil Brush:
For precision shading on the lid, crease of the eye and along the lash line.
5. Dome Brush:
For feathering out color or blending color into the crease of the lid for a sexy look that sizzles. A staple for any smoky-eye lover.
Now that you have the right tools, the magic can start to happen. The options are truly endless when it comes to makeup, but if you are a novice, it is important to consider the type event you are attending, the time of day your look is for and your potential color palette. Also, think of your face as a blank canvas. Using pops of color on your eyes, cheeks or lips can make an outfit or special accessory really standout. Make sure to practice certain techniques such as contouring, smoky eyes or cat eyes before the day you plan to wear them. This way your makeup will come out flawlessly without any surprises or missteps.
Striking, runway-like looks are best suited for fancier events taking place in the evening. Smoky eyes, heavily shaded lips and bright cheeks are all game. Just remember – choose one feature to play up instead of applying excessive color everywhere on the face. If you love your lips, choose a rich shade that adds drama. Step outside your comfort zone and wear a popping red lipstick to make a memorable beauty statement. If you love your eyes, play with various eye shadow colors and liners. If you want to be extra daring, try an edgy cat eye in traditional black, bright teal or a rich royal blue. This look may sound out-of-the-box, but was actually a “best of beauty” pick on the models styled by well-known designer, Marc Jacobs, at this year’s New York Fashion Week.
Day looks for work, afternoon get-togethers or running around town should be much simpler. Ditch the heavy foundation and smoky shadows for a basic powder all over the face and light-reflecting cream for under your eyes. This will even out skin tone and eliminate dark eye circles to make your face fresh and awake. Light shadows and a couple swipes of black mascara also compliment a day-look perfectly. Think nudes, taupes or other neutral shadow shades that compliment your skin tone. Beginners may consider matte eye powder for their lids, which has a classic texture that works well on any skin type.
The bottom line is that makeup should be exciting without taking away from your natural beauty. Have fun, be daring when the occasion calls for it and above all else, let your personality shine through!
by Courtney Toomey
Marketer & Copy Writer