How to Apply Makeup

Looking in the mirror you wonder how in the world are you gonna look like a superstar when all you see looking back at you is that meh woman. Well, grab out your supplies cause with this how-to we’re gonna show you how to look like a model on the runway.

Sometimes makeup can make women feel like she is another person altogether. Or maybe you saw something on the web or in-person and you just want to try out that look but are not sure how to match the rest of your face to it.

Although makeup can be your best friend, when applied incorrectly it can turn you from looking polished and professional to a complete and utter mess and no one likes that.

To find out what contouring/highlighting is all about or how to get a flawless face base then read on. After this know-how, don’t forget that practice makes perfect.

Step #1: Prep your skin

Before we jump the gun and start applying all of our wonderful makeup products we need to prep our face by cleaning it first (choosing a cleanser that is suitable for your skin type). So use a mild cleanser and wash your face since the first product you will apply will be a moisturizer. Moisturizer is important because it does two things: First, it smoothes the face surface for a more even foundation or concealer coverage helping makeup to stay on longer. Second, hydrating skin underneath makeup will help your skin to look less dull. If your face isn’t properly prepped then your face makeup won’t have that flawless look that we crave so much. Instead, it will be heavy and cakey in the dry parts of your face. After Moisturizer has dried the next step is Primer. Now remember that there are different primers out there and to get the flawless look select the right primer. Here is a list of the colored primers and what they do:

• Pink - add luminosity to every skin tone and make the complexion look all-around healthier.

• Green - neutralize the color red. Great for skin tones prone to rosacea and acne.

• Yellow - knock out those dark blues under the eyes allowing you to take it easy on concealer.

• Peach - Hides age spots, dark circles, and patches of melasma.

Step #2: Foundation & Concealer

Sponge, brush, or fingertips/hands. However, you want to apply your foundation is up to you. I don’t like to use my hands due to germs, but instead, I use a foundation brush cause it seems to deliver a cleaner flawless look. (if your going for a brush there’s an article from ipsy that’s great about them HERE.

I like to dab my foundation on my face then use the brush and blend, blend, blend. If your going for a natural look 1 application is all you need, medium coverage 2 applications and full coverage 3 applications remember to let each application dry before adding the next.

Now let's conceal those flaws focusing on any areas you want to conceal: under the eyes, around the nostrils, and any blemishes or dark spots. Using either your ring finger, a concealer brush, or sponge were going to dab never drag the concealer. I like to use a sponge and apply a lighter than my skin tone concealer under my eyes and blend it out past the corners of my eyes. Making an inverted triangle shape under each eye.

Step #3: Baking Powder, Contouring & Highlighting

Baking helps achieve a flawless, carpet-ready finish by applying a generous amount of translucent powder or loose setting/baking powder on your face. Using a sponge, dab it in the powder and gently blot under your eye, applying a generous amount. Don’t rub it in, simply let it sit on top of your makeup. The main focus is under the eyes, bridge of the nose, and hollow of cheekbones. Now your end result should look like you have powder all over your face. We will come back to wipe it off in 5-10 minutes.

While we wait we will move on and do our contouring. Contour comes in 3 forms: powder, liquid, and cream. (I personally use a contour cream stick.) You're going to focus on the areas you want to create dimension, and place contour under the cheekbones, around your hairline, on the sides of your nose and jawline. Then using an angled brush, you’re going to blend creating depth and dimension to your facial features and bone structure. To find your face shape to better help with contouring, then visit this Mini Contouring Guide

We should be done baking now, so with that, we’re going to take your powder brush and dust away the powder on your face in a gentle flicking motion. Then we’re going to blend in circular motions to avoid any harsh edges.

Highlighting is the exact opposite of contouring except we focus on the “high” points of your face that the sun would naturally hit, like your cheekbones, brow bones, cupid’s bow, and the bridge of the nose.

Step #4: Powder

Using a powder brush, you’re going to dip the brush into the powder and tap t remove any excess. Then in a downward motion apply to the face lightly so you don’t remove any of the other products we just applied. Dust and blend your powder for that final finish focusing on the main point which is the T-zone.

Step #5: Brows

Often have I seen a woman who has a face of makeup but forgets their brows. Depending on the look your going for is how you’re going to do your brows. I like to take a darker pencil and outline the bottom of my brow to the corner where they arch. Using a lighter colored pencil I outline the top of the brow to the arch. Then I use a brow powder and fill in the rest of my brow making sure to follow the arch. Don’t forget to brush off any excess powder and blend so there won’t be harsh lines. For a cleaner look, I use a cotton swab and wipe above and below the brow for that crisp clean sharp brow.

Step #6: Eyes

Depending and where your going and what your doing is how to do your eyes. You wouldn’t go full glam eye if you’re going to coffee with a friend. Search the web and you will find tones of different eyeshadow looks with tutorials. As well as eyeliner tutorials and tricks. What you want to do is find what works for you and go for it.

Step #7: Lips

When it comes to lips always remember to prime them first using a lip primer. Next, use your lip liner to outline your top and bottom lip. Want a larger lip pout, then contour and create the illusion by lining slightly over your lips, fill in your lips with your liner. Then using this as an outline you’re going to apply your lipstick. Like eye looks, you can also find tricks and tips on lips too.

Wrapping Up

Although makeup is by no means essential you will always win with these tips, the right products, and a little practice. You will be ready to take your makeup routine to the next level whether it’s for work, a date, or just because. Makeup can make you feel more put-together and it can act as a shield – letting you be whoever you want to be.