Lifestyle

By Connie Bleess

Women want to feel beautiful. But when life gets hectic and they are bombarded by unrealistic beauty images, it is enough to make them throw their makeup brushes in the air, surrender, and vow never to look in a mirror again. Makeup is one part of their daily routines that is pretty easy to give up on. Many women believe they don’t have time or are afraid to choose the wrong color. But before giving up all hope, remember that makeup accentuates your good features and enhances that “beautiful” feeling! Let’s look at some easy makeup essentials.

Preparing the Canvas

Remember, makeup goes on top of the skin. If the surface is flaky, dry or dirty, makeup will not stay as well or have a flawless appearance.

• Use an oil-free gentle makeup remover to help break down product before cleansing. Most facial cleansers will not remove makeup.
• Cleanse and moisturize both day and night. Choose products that make the skin feel comfortable. The same cleanser/moisturizer might not be as effective in the dryer times of the year as the more humid times of the year.
• A light-weight eye cream around the eyes helps smooth the skin and usually does not contain water that contributes to eye shadow meltdown.
• Exfoliate skin with a mild scrub 1-2 times a week.
• Don’t forget to shape those eyebrows! They really are “frames” for our eyes.

Makeup Essentials

• Explore powder mineral foundation. It is lightweight, good for the skin, and when the right shade is chosen, virtually “goof-proof.” Always have someone help pick out the right shade.
• Find a concealer that blends well with the foundation. If it is too light, it will draw too much attention to what you are trying to cover. Build up in thin layers.
• Choose a neutral brown eye shadow pallet–one with light, medium and a deeper shade. This will work for almost anyone. Brown eye shadow can be used to fill in light or bare eyebrows with a brush.
• Select a lip liner that matches the natural lip color. This can help define the lips without being too dark and is a great base for any lip gloss shade.
• Invest in a quality set of makeup brushes. Good tools will ensure easier application and when taken care of, will last many years.  Don’t forget to keep your tools clean!

Eye Shadow and Eye Color

Remember, eye shadow should be used to accentuate our eyes, not to see how many colors we can fit in that small space. It is okay to use only one or two shades of eye color.  As skin starts to crinkle around the eye, use shimmer and frost sparingly.  You will always be safe with a light tone in cream or peach and a medium tone in a neutral brown or plum for any eye color.

• Blue eyes: Be the most cautious with color. Bright colors should be used sparingly, but warm golden browns, or plums pared with light peaches or gold will make blue eyes “pop.”
• Brown eyes: Use a variety of color; plum, charcoal, metallic, just make sure they complement your warm or cool skin tone.
• Green eyes: Use plums and purples, rusty or golden browns.
• Hazel eyes: First, check if they are brown/green or green/blue. Follow the color choices depending on what color you want to bring out.

Just 5 Minutes…

• Apply tinted moisturizer or brush on powder mineral foundation, not forgetting eye area.
• Apply blush to cheeks and if really pressed for time, a quick swipe on eyelids so you can skip eye shadow.
• Brush on medium brown eye shadow in the crease area or eyelid making sure to blend.
• Define eyes with eyeliner and mascara.
• Sheer lipstick or lip pencil with gloss applied over the top.

Stay-put Eye Shadow

This layering technique will lighten and brighten the eye area. It helps the eye shadow to stay in place longer and the colors used will be brighter and more visible.

• Apply small amount of concealer to eye area, including lids and corners by the nose, with a makeup sponge, or concealer brush. Make sure to go up to the lash line and blend away extra product.
• Using an eye shadow brush or makeup sponge, swipe or press powder or a flesh toned eye shadow to eye area to help set concealer into place.
• Now use your eye shadow color of choice.

Taking it Up a Notch

Going out, but don’t want to start all over? Try these touch ups:

• Blot away extra oil on face with a tissue and lightly dust face and eyes with powder.
• Deepen eye shadow crease color.
• If no eyeliner is worn, add a dark brown liner keeping it close to the lash line.
• Eyeliner lovers, add more in a deep plum, navy or black.
• Nervous about trendy eye shadow colors? Apply small amounts in the outside corners of the lid, in addition to the neutral brown shadow. Or sweep a small amount on the lower lash line. Metallic eye shadows worn over brown will give them a shimmery, iridescent look, while neutralizing the intensity.
• Re-apply lip liner and use a lip color a little bit deeper and/or brighter that daytime color. Or use a fun shimmer lip gloss.

Just remember to have fun, makeup does wash off. Women have to find what fits their personality, time restraints and business profession. This will not always be the same every day. Don’t be afraid to seek out a makeup professional that can be a trusted source for foundation matching, picking out a new lip color or keeping up with the latest trends. A great makeup application will give greater confidence, whether it is for a job interview, party or just for a day spent at home.