I constantly come across women who claim that they either hate makeup or they don't like how it looks "caked" on or they like the "natural" look, the excuses and responses are endless. It isn't until I dig deeper by asking questions like what exactly don't they like about makeup, the answer usually comes down to them not knowing how to apply makeup. If makeup is caked on or looks to heavy, then yes there is too much on. This process does not have to be frustrating or scary.
There are so many different foundation and concealer formulas that aren't heavy at all. Many times the formula has nothing to do with the way your makeup looks, it can be the way that you have applied it. Having a heavy hand will ensure a cakey look. A little bit can go a long way, if you need more add a little bit at a time. Add foundation or concealer wherever you NEED it, not all over your face. Make sure you are blending so you're not creating a mask or patches of an uneven complexion. Only use powder where you need it and to set any foundation or concealer that you have used. Once again do not use it all over your face.
Another alternative is to mix a little bit of foundation into your moisturizer but a little trick I do is to use two different foundation colors. Depending on my mood or the way I want to look I may also add a little dab of liquid illuminator (has a little shimmer but not too much). Make sure your brows are groomed, if they need a little fill in you can use a pencil or you can use a tinted or clear brow shaper.
For the day time, use a liner that is darker than your eye color to make your eyes POP on the top. If you're not good at drawing a straight line, draw smaller lines along your lash line and connect them when you're done. Add a little mascara, only to the top of your lashes (I like using two different type of formulas).
For cheeks, you can either use a bronzer and/or blush. The bronzer will warm up your complexion and only apply it around your hairline, chin, underneath your cheekbones. Colors like pink and corals will instantly brighten your face. Choose a lip product, it can be a tinted lip balm, gloss, or lipstick.
So these are the steps:
1. Skincare is important: Cleanse, tone, moisturize, SPF is always last!!!
2. Spot concealer/foundation where needed.
3. Use powder sparingly, to set concealer/foundation.
4. Groom Brows
5. Use liner & add mascara
6. Bronzer & Blush
7. Lip product: Gloss, lipstick, or tinted balm
On any given day, you can bypass a step or two but never step #1. I hope that this help those of you who have a hard time with Makeup. Makeup is fun, and it's not a replacement for natural beauty only an enhancement.
