We’ve all seen her. Maybe even been her a time or two. You know the look. The unblended cheek color. The mismatched foundation. The visible makeup line. Caked on powders and shadows. Blotchy, uneven skin. But, you needn’t worry! Here are 6 simple steps to prevent you from being her ever again.
RELATED POST: How To Do Stage Makeup For Miss California USA 2013
_____________________
6 Easy Steps to Achieving a Flawless Makeup Application:
Step 1: PREP
Just as a painter always begins with a smooth, clean canvas, so should the makeup artist. To achieve smooth, clean skin, begin by cleansing the skin with a mild facial cleanser. If the skin is rough or dry, use a gentle exfoliant after cleansing to smooth away dead skin cells. Be sure not to over-exfoliate as it can make the skin raw and red. Follow up with a moisturizer to further soften and smooth the skin. Skipping these necessary steps can cause makeup applications to appear cakey and uneven.
Step 2: PRIME
A quality foundation primer will make a huge difference in the wear-ability and finished look of your foundation. My favorite primers are Smashbox Photo Finish Primers and Make Up for Ever’s HD Microperfecting Primer. Primers not only help foundation stay on all day, but also create an even surface by filling in lines and smoothing out differences in textures. Silicone, a main ingredient in makeup primers, creates a protective barrier on the skin—keeping moisture in while allowing oxygen to flow in and out in order to help prevent breakouts. Just apply a thin, even layer over the entire face.
Step 3: FOUNDATION
Foundation application is perhaps one of the most important steps to a flawless makeup application. It is important not to use too much or too little, and essential to choose the proper color. Use just enough to create a uniform appearance by applying a thin layer to the skin. In order to choose the best color for your skin tone, test the color on your jawline by swiping on a small amount and blending it out. When a foundation disappears into the skin, it’s the one for you.
Make sure foundation is well blended to create a more natural appearance. Fingers, sponges, and foundation brushes are all fabulous tools for blending foundations. One is not better than another…choose the one that works best for you. It’s best to blend the color just underneath the chin and jawline and into the hairline to avoid makeup lines. I prefer Make Up for Ever’s HD Invisible Cover Foundation when I want a heavier coverage and Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizers when only a light coverage is necessary.
Step 4: CONCEALER
Concealers are perfect for hiding blemishes, under-eye circles, and areas of redness. It is best to choose a concealer that is either the exact shade as your skin color and foundation or one shade lighter. Never choose a concealer that is several shades lighter or darker as it will make the area you are attempting to hide more obvious. Green tinted concealers neutralize redness, since red and green are complementary colors. If a concealer that matches your skin color is insufficient, try a green one. Make Up for Ever’s 5 Camouflage Cream Palette contains a green concealer as well as four skin tone concealers.
Only use a small amount of concealer as a little goes a long way. Apply a tiny dab exactly onto the blemish using either a concealer brush or your ring finger (your ring finger applies the ideal amount of pressure). Blend the concealer by tapping and spreading it with your finger and/or brush. Be sure to blend out all edges until they merge with the foundation. While concealing under-eye circles, use a light touch because the skin is delicate and prone to stretching and wrinkling in this area.
Step 5: POWDER
Applying powder on top of your foundation and concealer sets the product for long lasting wear. Without powder on top, foundations and concealers are likely to rub off. Lightly dust a translucent or matching color powder onto the skin using a powder or kabuki brush. I prefer Make Up for Ever HD Microfinish powder. It is a setting powder that appears pure white in color, but disappears on any skin tone. Powders create a finished, matte appearance on the skin.
RELATED POST: How To Get High Cheekbones
Step 6: FINISH
To enhance your flawless face, apply appropriate eye, cheek, and lip colors for the occasion. Don’t be afraid of color! Apply a setting spray, such as Mist & Fix by Make Up for Ever, to ensure that makeup doesn’t budge. Lightly mist it across your finished look.
And don’t forget, blending is always the key for a flawless makeup look.
Photographer: Lisa Johnson, Model: Emmy Downey
Anonymous
Please! One, it is not flawless and two, just look at the size of her hair standing out on her face! AT least get her facial hair removed before makeing her FLAWLESS LOL
Anonymous
No. Just no. Not flawless and the color looks too fake. Btw, it’s voila. Not wallah.