You will often hear me refer to makeup brushes as “tools of the trade”! This is so true. Without the right brushes it really is nearly impossible to create a beautiful makeup application. Not only are brushes important, but so are sponges, puffs, and yes your fingers! These tools ensure that you will have a well blended and beautiful application!
The first steps to creating a great makeup application is applying the correctors or concealers, and foundation. If you are using liquids or creams you can use your fingers or brushes to dab on the product. Once the product is placed on the skin you will need to blend it out with your fingers or a sponge. I like using sponges, as it is more sanitary, especially when applying makeup to my clients. This also gives the smoothest finish, which looks more natural and flawless!
Once you apply your correctors, concealers, and foundation it is important that you set your base with powder. I prefer using a powder puff, pressing in the powder, and lightly brushing off the excess with a large powder brush. Of course it is perfectly acceptable to just dust powder on top of the base, if you prefer this method. Once your powder is set and your skin is now looking flawless, it is time to add some color!
For all types of makeup ( eye shadows, eye liners, blush, and lipstick) the best application is done with brushes. A rule of thumb is to use a brush that is the right size for the area of coverage. For example; if you are applying powder you are covering the entire face, therefore a larger brush is needed. For blush you can use a medium sized brush. I prefer one that is about the size of the apple of your cheek. For eyes I like to use three types of brushes. A larger eye shadow brush to apply my base color, a medium shadow brush for the crease, and a smaller shadow brush for the outer corner. This makes your eye shadow application very precise and looking as if it was done by a pro!
If you are filling in your brows ( which is an important part of makeup application) you can use either a brow powder or brow pencil. To apply powder use an angled brush. If you prefer a pencil remember to use small strokes to create a hairlike effect. Once your brow makeup is applied be sure to use an eyebrow brush to blend it in and create a more natural effect!
The final steps of your makeup application are eyeliner and lipstick. If you are using a gel liner, using a flat stiff brush works best. Small strokes along the lash line gives you a nice defined line. If you are using a cake or liquid liner use a fine tipped brush, almost like a paint brush. This gives a more precise line! For lipstick application I like to line the entire lip first with a lip liner. I then apply the lipstick shade that is close to the liner shade with a small lip brush, filling in the entire lip. This gives the lip depth and fullness. I then brush on a small dab of lipgloss to give some softness to the lip. I do prefer a matte finish for red lips, however.
To put the finishing touches on your makeup application look at yourself in a mirror from a distance. When you step back does everything look smooth and well blended? If so Congratulations! If not, you can then use a dry sponge and soften any hard edges. This will make it look flawless! Once you have everything looking perfect you can dust some powder over the entire face ( except for the eyes) with your large powder brush and your makeup will be set!
Purchasing good brushes is worth the investment! I like using natural hair brushes, however, there are great synthetic brushes that feel just as good and get the job well done! Keeping your brushes clean is important. This keeps them sanitary and extends their life. A mild shampoo is all you need. Rinse them well and let them dry overnight. I clean my brushes after every makeup application, with a sanitizing spray and wash them at the end of each job. For my clients, however, I recommend washing them once a week. You can wash your sponges, as well, but I prefer to throw them out after each application. Of course, if you are using your fingers, always be sure to apply makeup with clean hands!
I hope that I have demonstrated the importance of using the right tools for a beautiful and flawless makeup application! Using the right tools will make your makeup look as though it was applied by a pro!
After a long, dreary winter the end is in sight! The days are getting longer and Spring has finally arrived! As we begin to peel the layers of clothing off and start wearing Spring fashions, we must start thinking about how to coordinate our makeup with our new wardrobe! Spring 2014 has some new and exciting makeup trends! Bold colors are in and really add a punch to our makeup routine! More vibrant lip colors are in right now…pinks, corals, and even orange! For eyes color is also back…blues, violets, greens! As the flowers begin to bloom it seems that this season’s makeup trend is one of full bloom too! How exciting!
For women of color the vibrant colors look beautiful against darker skin and you can really play around with the intensity! Using bold eye colors in peacock shades ( blues, greens, purples) , combining with either a bright or subtle lip color for different effects! You can try combining colors on eyes, using one color for shadow and another for liner for a really fun effect! Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what looks best for you!
