Tip Me Over To Beautiful!

TIP #1

Want your foundation to look as natural as possible? The best way to achieve a natural look is to first apply a sheer layer of foundation all over the face, then apply either another layer of foundation or concealer on any small imperfections. Foundation isn’t just for the skin. You can also apply it to your lips. Why do that, you ask? This technique creates a blank canvas for reshaping your lip line. It’s also useful as an anchor for lipstick, because the foundation can help it stay on longer.

TIP #2

Do you hate the appearance of your nose? Do you think it looks too wide? Here’s an easy trick for narrowing its appearance. Highlight down the center of your nose the width that you want your nose to appear. Then place your contour shade along the sides of your nose, starting from your highlight shade and wrapping around and down the sides. This will make your nose appear narrower, because the eye will be drawn to the highlighted area.

Tip #3

Foundation is the most important item of makeup you will ever purchase, and, while the right formula can literally erase years, the wrong formula can add years.

When choosing foundation, there are two things to consider. The first is to match your skin tone and its depth level, so that your foundation looks natural. The second is to match your skin type with the correct foundation formula. For example, if your skin is oily, the oils from your skin can mix with the product and make your foundation appear blotchy and uneven. So you will need a foundation with oil absorbers in it. If your skin is dry, you will need a foundation with moisturizers in it. We’ll get into more specifics around this later.

The goal is to look as if you’re not wearing any foundation at all—you simply want to give the illusion of having healthy, young-looking skin. My advice? Treat yourself to the best foundation you can afford. Mary Kay’s foundations are, in my opinion, at the top of the line from a quality standpoint- and yet not over the top in price. Best of both . . .

Tip #4

If your skin tends to flake, be sure you exfoliate to rid yourself of that top layer of dead, dry skin before applying a crème foundation.

Tip #5

View our line of Creme-to-Powder, Liquid, Tinted Moisturizer and Powder foundations here.

Crème-to-powder foundation is quick and simple. Formulated for normal to slightly oily skin, its creamy texture dries to a powder finish, so you don’t need an additional dusting of powder to set it. This formula is kinder to oily skin than its crème counterparts, because the powder helps cut down on excess shine. A crème at heart, it provides more coverage than a liquid or tinted moisturizer but less coverage than its moisturizing crème counterparts.

Liquid foundation is the most popular and is suited to most—if not all—skin types. It is available in every type of formula for every skin type, from oil-free, oil-absorbing formulas, which work best on oily skin, to moisturizing formulas, for dry skin. Liquid foundation gives varying degrees of sheer to medium coverage, depending on the brand and the formula, so you can choose the amount of coverage you want. When applied, it provides more coverage than a tinted moisturizer but less than a crème formulation.

Tinted moisturizer is a moisturizer with a little added color. This formula works best on normal to dry skin and provides sheer, lightweight, breathable coverage with a fresh, nearly naked finish. The sheerest coverage of all the foundation formulas, it’s perfect for use during the summer months, when you feel like wearing next to nothing on your skin. Tinted moisturizer evens out the skin tone while providing minimal coverage and, due to its sheerness, is the easiest to apply. Many brands contain sunscreen, which means one less step in the morning.

Mineral powder is a loose powder that adheres to the skin, providing medium to full coverage. It is formulated for normal to oily skin; like dual-finish powder, it can appear chalky on dry skin. In addition to giving you coverage, it contains vitamins and minerals, which make it great for sensitive skin. Applied with a brush, it gives you medium coverage. Applied with a sponge, it gives you full coverage. Regardless of which tool you choose, the more layers you apply, the more coverage you will get. Be careful, though: due to its powder consistency, too much of this formula can look cakey. WBMK Cosmetics' "Mineral Kohl" line of products are formulated with 100% pure minerals. They are as light as air and give your skin a velvety touch with even coverage. With continuous use, these foundations work like a pause button on the signs of ageing.

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TIP #6

In the know about application tools? Should you use a sponge, brush, fingers? Don’t know what’s best? Each method has its pros and cons.

Use your fingers to apply liquid and cream foundations, because the heat generated helps to warm up the pigment, making it easy to blend.

Use a sponge if you want a sheer look; it absorbs a lot of the foundation, taking down its intensity. But since you’ll go through your foundation much quicker, apply with a sponge only on days you want minimal coverage. Lightly press it into the skin in a blotting motion. (Sweeping the sponge across your face will create streaking.) If you want a dewier look, dampen the sponge with water before dipping it into the foundation.

Use a brush for depositing the pigment most evenly. For liquid foundation, choose a tapered synthetic brush with a tip about one and a half inches long. (The tapered tip allows you to get into the areas around your nose and under your eyes, and the synthetic bristles don’t absorb too much product.) Tap the end of the brush into the foundation and “paint” it across your forehead, down your nose, across your cheekbones, and on your chin. In sweeping motions, blend the pigment into the skin until it’s invisible. For powder foundations, use a thick, fluffy brush—it imparts a soft, seamless finish, Mercier says. Choose one made of natural bristles; they’re porous, so they grip the powder, preventing you from depositing too much. In a circular, buffing motion, swirl the brush against your face, starting from the center.

TIP #7

Our experts at WBMK Cosmetics say they are often asked if every woman needs to fill in her brows. Their advice is 'no', but they find that approximately 95 percent of women do benefit from some brow color. You may not need a lot of filling in, but some will definitely help define and perfect your brow. Varying brow color types and formulas will give you varying results, from complete coverage to a soft, more natural effect. Choose the formula that helps you achieve your goal, whether it’s slightly filling in or replacing what is just not there.

Pencil is the most precise and probably the most common formula used to define the brows. Pencil provides great, full coverage and color when filling in your brows. It generally has a waxier consistency than other makeup pencils, which helps it last longer and adhere better to the brows. I find that slightly drier and harder formulas give the most natural application.

TIP #8

How can you live without mascara? Well, you shouldn’t. This is the most important element of your eye makeup, because of the definition it creates. Full, thick, dark lashes are a must because they help open up your eyes, which makes them look more alive and youthful. I love mascara. Love it. Love it. Love it. It would be one of the first items I would take to a deserted island. I could not live without it. But enough about love and desert islands!:) Mascara comes in multiple formulas that give you a variety of results. Of course, your application technique will also make a difference.

HEAR THIS! Ladies . . .

It’s always better to apply two thin coats of mascara, rather than one thick, clumpy coat. Keep going...

KNOW THIS! And you'll pick the right one . . .

Thickening mascara coats each individual lash from root to tip with particles that add bulk to the lashes and help them look thick and full. It is formulated with dark pigments, thick waxes, and silicone polymers, which create the density. This formula is the thickest of all formulas, because the goal is to increase lash size. Yes, sometimes size really does matter! :0 Yep, your author is a goof ball...

Lengthening mascara contains plastic polymers that cling to the tips of the lashes, making them appear longer. Thinner than a thickening formula, it does not add bulk, just particles that attach to the end of your lashes and add precious length.

Defining mascara coats each individual lash and keeps them separated and defined. If a mascara is labeled as defining, it usually means that it does not contain particles that add bulk and length to your lashes; it simply coats each lash with color, for subtle definition. Defining mascara usually appears the most natural.

Waterproof mascara means that the formula has been shown not to smudge or smear when subjected to (submerged or totally dowsed in) water or tears in tests. Most mascaras are available in a waterproof formula. It’s a harder to remove than other formulas, so be sure you use a good eye-makeup remover for cleansing.

TIP #9

Like to Glow? While some people like to top their makeup with shimmer powder, try a shimmery cream under your blush on your cheeks for a glow that others can’t quite trace the source of. You’ll look like you’re glowing naturally.

TIP #10

USE WHAT YOU GOT !

Let’s be honest, makeup can be expensive. And seriously, if something you already have around the house will get the job done just as well, then why wouldn’t you make use of those things?

Brace Yourself for this bit of Brilliance ! :)

Plump Your Lips with Cinnamon! Get yourself a little bit of lip balm on your finger and lightly sprinkle some cinnamon on top before rubbing it over your lips. Within about five minutes you’ll notice your lips naturally pucker up.

Stain Your Lips and keep them that way for a long, long time with Beets! If you've ever eaten beets you know they stain everything. Use this to our advantage to add a completely natural and long-lasting stain to your lips. Apply fresh or canned beets carefully to your lip line.

Take It Off! We’ve covered a lot of tips for how to put make-up on, but removing makeup down the road can be a real challenge. To easily remove the most stubborn of makeups simply buy some avocado oil (or just an avocado). Take a q-tip and dab on some of the oil from the avocado and rub it over the tough spots. Your skin will be super soft as a result. Don’t have an avocado? Try some regular hair conditioner instead.

Extend the Life of Your Lipstick! This simple trick makes the lipstick you put on last longer and saves you money in the long run from all the lipstick you don’t use up. Apply a coat of lipstick as usual, then press your lips gently with a single-ply tissue. Once the tissue is against your lips, lightly apply powder over the tissue with a puff or brush, preventing running, smearing and feathering.

Tip #11

Doing the Matchy-Matchy Thang With Your Eye Shadow? Would you hate me if I said that was OH SO WRONG!? :)

You want to pick colors that make your eyes POP! Not match your scarf, blouse or dress. Pick an eyeshadow color that complements (vs. just matches) your eye color and skin tone.

Need more than that li'l blast of air for satisfaction? OK! Let's kick it around some . . .

Almost all makeup artists recommend the following:

For BLUE EYES, any shade of brown will definitely make your eyes stand out. Brown is the contrast color of blue and will bring out the blue in your eyes. You might also want to try any cool, rosy shade to bring a more dramatic effect. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Always remember: Contrast is the name of the game.

For GRAY EYES, again brown is a fitting match. Cool purples will also look great. Any cool colors will match almost perfectly with gray eyes because gray is also a cool color.

For GREEN or HAZEL EYES, you might want to try warm, earthy tones like orange or brown shades. Or if you’re feeling a little bold, you can go for more vibrant colors such as violet or purple.

Those with BROWN EYES get away with almost anything. Brown goes well with almost every color of the rainbow. Feel free to experiment.

View our 'THE EYES HAVE IT' (coming soon) post for more on the best happenings in eye shadow application !

Tip #12

Dry Skin?

YEAH ? Well, stay away from Cream. Cream foundations are loaded with pigment and powder, which can dry your skin out. If you like how a cream foundation covers your face, try mixing it with a face moisturizer. Otherwise, try switching to a hydrating liquid foundation.

Tip #13

Concealer is vital to creating a flawless complexion. Some makeup artists skip foundation and use concealer only. When you apply concealer, always apply light dots under the eyes and use your ring or middle finger to lightly tap it in. Never rub concealer into your face since it will smear any work you’ve done. Build concealer up in layers through this dot and tap method until you’re happy with your complexion.

Tip #14

Sometimes your index finger may be a bit too powerful to apply color correctly to your skin. Try using your ring finger, which isn’t as strong and isn’t as likely to apply color too thickly.

Tip #15

Brighten Your Shadows. If you look in the mirror, you’ll see that your face has natural shadows due to the way light is usually cast (from above). If you’re having trouble finding them, try looking under your bottom lip and the inner corners of your eyes. To brighten your face, apply a white eye shadow to these areas.

TIP 16:

Shrink Your Forehead. If you don’t like having bangs, which are a great way to minimize the gap between your eyebrows and hairline, try a non-shimmery bronzer along your hairline in small circles with a big brush. The result will visibly shrink your forehead.

Tip #17

Common Concealer Spots. The most common areas for applying concealer are the outer corners of the eyes, the nose bridge, and the corners of your mouth. Always remember to apply concealer lightly and blend it in well.

Tip #18

Make Your Eyes Look Bigger! This trick requires a lash curler. Put the lash curler at the roots of your eyelashes and then slowly work it out to the tips, pressing gently as you work outwards.

TIP #19:

Widen Your Eyes! Apply white or nude eyeliner below your eyes and gently trace the line between your lower lashes and the inside rim, taking care to stop before you reach your tear ducts.

Tip #20

A Better Way to Put on Lipstick. Oftentimes applying lipstick straight from the tube can leave you with too much on your face. The extra will migrate and bleed to the corners of your mouth. Instead, try applying lipstick with a lipstick brush, dabbing a little on the widest spot of your lips and spreading it outward to the corners.

#makeuptraining