Hydrate Skin Before Applying Makeup
Your makeup routine actually starts a few steps before foundation application: with a solid skincare regimen. In addition to cleansing your skin with a gentle cleanser, applying any serums you love (like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid), moisturizing your skin really well is so important, not just for your skin’s sake, but for great makeup to follow. This is because concealer, foundation, and powder (and anything else you want to use to bring radiance to your skin) slide on more effortlessly when your skin has been properly hydrated. Make sure you are including a moisturizer that works for your skin type into your daily routine. Allow this moisture to be absorbed by your skin for 10 or so minutes before moving onto your makeup.
Prep Eyelids With Concealer
There are numerous reasons not to apply eyeshadow and eyeliner to bare lids. For starters, a lack of a barrier makes it that much easier for the oils on your lids to mix with makeup and turn your eye makeup look into a soupy mess a few hours into the day. But your lids also likely feature some discoloration, which is completely normal and expected. Apply a concealer to your eyelids while prepping your skin and blend it in well to create a more even skin tone that extends to your lids, as well. After this step, your shadows and liners will appear more pigmented and will be more likely to stay put for hours.
Contour Your Eyelid
Eyeshadow can be a struggle for some, but it needn’t be so complicated. Instead of applying a single color to your entire lid, spend a few extra minutes contouring your lid to really make your eyes pop. Applying a matte neutral shadow to the crease where the upper and lower lid meet creates a shadow that stands out when you then apply a lighter shade to your lower lid. This has the effect of opening up your eye area and making eyes appear wider.
Only Apply BB Cream Where It’s Needed
One of the biggest misconceptions many have about foundation is that it should be applied all over so that it covers every square inch of your face and neck. But most people don’t require coverage everywhere and this is one instance where less truly is more in makeup. Instead of taking a full-coverage approach, go a bit lighter with a BB cream (which tends to have other benefits like sunscreen protection) and apply it only to areas that have discoloration, redness, and other issues you want to conceal. Then blend this makeup really well and apply a translucent powder on top to set it.
Lightly Contour Your Face With Bronzer
Gone are the recent years of full-on contour makeup that required the skills of a professional to apply well. By simply using a bronzer and brushing it along the sides of your forehead, beneath your cheekbones, and your lower jawline, you instantly give your skin a radiant lift that spotlights your cheekbones and other features. Best of all: you won’t have to spend time searching for contour shades that match your skin tone. Choose a bronzer that isn’t too dark and, if you want to go that extra step, apply a pop of highlighter to your cheekbones and brow bones to direct light exactly where you want it to go.
And with those five tips you’ve instantly eradicated some of the most common mistakes we make with makeup and will instead make the most of your gorgeous skin and features.