The base
Let’s start from the top. Okay, the bottom, the base, or simply put: your foundation. A simple and handy tip for your foundation is to apply it before your concealer. Although there are a few exceptions, most makeup aficionados advise this method. A foundation’s job is to create a clear canvas and even your skin tone, so it stands to reason that if you apply foundation first, the parts where you need that extra concealer coverage, for spots etc, will be more obvious. Doing it this way round will also help stop any caking of your makeup. Often, if you apply concealer first, you can remove some of it when you put your foundation on. However, if you are using powder, you can apply concealer before foundation to the areas that need it most, then smooth in with your powder.
The brows
When it comes to shaping your eyebrows, make sure you follow the natural shape of your brow. Trying too hard to achieve the arched look can look overly severe. It’s fine to pluck out any stray hairs but do not overpluck - although your eyebrow hair will grow back, it’s a slow come back, sometimes taking several months for full regrowth. Eyebrow stencils are a great tool if you are not confident freestyling with your brow shape. Stencils are a lightweight template that come in different sizes and shapes. Hold them in position on top of your eyebrows to colour in your brow shape, and the stencil will help you stay in the lines, whether you are using a gel, pencil or powder.
The blush
The main trick here is to remember that you don’t need much blush. Too much blush is not a great look. Brush the blush onto the apples of your cheeks and into your cheekbones. Lift the corners of your mouth or smile as you apply the blusher to give the effect of a natural flush of the face.
Also, when shopping for a blusher, opt for the one that best suits your skin type. If you have dry skin, gel and cream blushers work well, as powders can hold on to those dry patches. If you are using a powder, then make sure you give it a gentle tap before applying to remove that excess product. Then sweep the powder onto your cheeks and use a clean brush to blend out towards the hairline with circular movements.
The lips
Using a lip liner to accentuate the shape of your lips and stop your lipstick smudging out of the lines can be very effective. If you have thin lips, you can overdraw with your liner using a colour that is close to your natural lip shade, but be careful not to overdraw, including the areas at the corners of your mouth. If you want to know how to keep your lip colour longer, then after you’ve applied it, try gently placing a tissue on top of your lips then lightly cover with clear or translucent powder. Another useful trick is to prepare your lips before applying lipstick. A lip scrub or an exfoliation which can remove dry skin leaves a smoother area for products, but be careful not to exfoliate your lips too frequently as this can cause irritation.
The eyes
Finally, the eyes. White eyeliner can be one of the most versatile tools for your eyes and you can utilise it a few ways to help those peepers stand out. Firstly, draw a thick white line along your eyelid above your lashes, then use a darker pencil/gel to draw a line closer the edge of your lashes, the contrast between the two will help your eyes pop! You can also blend white eyeliner on the inner corner of your eyes and draw it across your lower water to subtly emphasise your eyes. Top tip: try using a white eye liner as a base layer on your top lid for your eyeshadow to help the colour stand out too.
