When applied correctly, cosmetics can enhance our features and hide blemishes. When applied incorrectly however you can come out looking like Henrietta the clown. Cosmetic application is an art. Luckily it is one you can learn relatively easy on your own. If you've always been interested in creating a natural look that plays on your best features, read on!
Common Make Up Snafus
Far too many women apply the wrong kind of make up to their skin. Oily skinned women for example pick a heavy foundation that clogs the pores. Fair skinned women pick a foundation too dark for their skin tone. Common errors also include applying too much make up in an attempt to cover blemishes or under eye circles. Other women use powder blush and eye shadow when they might look better in a crème. Some women use too much powder to absorb oil while others don't use enough. Starting to sound familiar? We all have trouble mastering the art of natural cosmetic application. Fortunately you can resolve each of these problems with a little education.
Eye Make Up Strategies for Perfect eyes
The most important step you take when wearing eye shadow is selecting the right color. Finding the right color will help bring out your eyes and give them a deep, warm glow. The right eye shadow has nothing to do with what you are wearing necessarily. Too often women try to match their makeup to their clothing. This can result in disaster. You should select an eye color that is close to your natural skin tone as a highlight color. This may be cream, olive, yellow or even pinkish. You should apply this base color over your entire eyelid. Then take a complementary color one or two shades darker and apply to your lid from the rim to the crease of your eye. Do not cover the lighter color with the dark, as this will destroy the 3-dimensional illusion you are creating.
You can use mascara on your top lashes if you want to increase the intensity of your eyes. If you do decide to wear mascara, consider a waterproof brand, as mascara is notorious for running. Depending on your skin tone you can use either a brown or black color.
Creating A Pouty Pout
You can create natural or dramatic lips and still come off looking great. Some women prefer a little light gloss and moisturizer on their lips while others prefer to wear matte colors twenty four hours a day. If you do want to create dramatic lips, you should make sure the rest of your make up is lighter. This will help accentuate your lips without making you look too clownish. Most of the darkest lipstick shades including dark reds and browns look good on darker or olive complexions. Likewise more natural colors, corals and neutrals look good on those with lighter skin tones. Various shades of plum look great on just about anyone. If you want a hint of color but a powerful pout, dab a little lipstick on then coat with a high gloss moisturizer. This will enhance your lips natural fullness and draw attention to your lips in a subtle way.
Blushing Cheeks
Some women prefer not to wear blush whereas others are addicts. Regardless of what category you fall into there are certain tips you should follow to ensure your cheeks look great. You should select a blush color that is a shade or two darker than your natural skin color. Most people look great in neutral colors, including those with a bit of pink in them. You should apply blush to the 'apple' of your cheek. For you novices that is the bony part of your cheek. For a more natural look you can apply bronzer or tinted moisturizer to your face to provide a natural looking glow.
Creating The Right "Look"
Make up colors should coordinate with one another, not the clothes you are wearing. The biggest mistake women make is trying to match their nails, toes, clothes and make up. This can create a rather clownish look. Rather, you want to match your makeup to your own skin tone and to each other. Neutral colors generally look great on everyone. You can find neutral lipsticks, eyeshadows and blush. The next time you visit the cosmetics counter you'll probably notice much of the makeup is marked as 'cool', 'warm' or neutral. Cool colors generally look best on those that are naturally pale with dark hair or those that are very fair with pale blue eyes. Cool colors often have a pinkish hue to their skin. Warm colors tend to look best on women will yellow undertones or medium to olive skin.
If you are not sure what colors will look best on you, consult a beauty rep at a local department store. Most offer free 'mini' make up consultations and can help you decide what colors work best on you. Keep in mind these mini consultants will of course encourage you to buy their products. You are perfectly free however to walk away with nothing if you are satisfied with your beauty consultation. That said you may find it helpful to select some colors while there that you know will look great on you.
Remember, when it comes to makeup less is usually more. Except on rare occasions most women look great wearing minimal makeup while playing up one feature. When you choose to play up your eyes or pout, be sure to have fun in the process and choose your makeup wisely!
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