Makeup Tips

I've been receiving a lot of questions about any tips and tricks regarding makeup lately so I thought I'd write them down :)

First and foremost in order to achieve a nice make up application, it starts with good skin care. Cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing for sure...anything else is an added bonus. When skin is freshly exfoliated it evens out the texture creating an ideal canvas.

Foundations:

Liquid/Creme - for those who are looking for a bit of a heavier coverage (or maybe use before going out or a special event) *Note: always set a liquid foundation with a powder for it to last all day
Pressed Powder - Light, Medium or Heavy coverage depending on application. The denser the brush, the heavier the application. Use a fluffy powder brush for a lighter application.
Loose Powder - Great for setting liquid foundation. Sheer, Light to medium coverage depending on application. Great for just evening out skin tone especially in the summertime.
Tinted moisturizer - self explanatory (sheer to light coverage)

Blush:

I'm a fan of powdered blush not creme...although creme works for some people. Just whenever you put a creme on your face you want to 'set' it with a powder. Please make sure your blush is blended properly! Hate seeing 80's style 'racing stripes' on your cheeks ;)

Here is my favourite blending brush:

Bronzer:

Traditionally used in the contours of your cheeks and in your hairline, particularly around the temples. Supposed to define your bone structure. With all the shimmers and stuff added to bronzers these days...it's better to me applied on your cheeks like a blush and a little on your nose and forehead to create an artificial health tan ;) Apply with a large powder brush

Eyeshadow:

If you have oily eyelids you are going to want to avoid using creme eyeshadow. Oily eyelids will benefit from using a primer and then using powder eyeshadow to set it.

I always like to use a base on my eyes first (like a foundation or a creme) so that the pigment of my powder has something to stick to. It also allows for it to last longer throughout the day (or night).

Use a dense eyeshadow brush to deposit stronger pigment:

To blend out you eyeshadow...use a blender brush and a pigment thats a few shades light than that of the one you used on your lids:

For gel or cake (liquid) liner:

And to apply to your lower lash line a mini shader brush:

Lips:

If using a lip liner, be sure you blend it all over your lips, don't just line them and then apply your lipstick or lipgloss. This prevents that awkward moment when your lipstick wears off and all you have left is the lipliner...