Makeup Essentials 101


makeup brushesWhen it comes to putting on makeup it can be daunting to pick out the right products, shades, etc. Especially with dozens of online videos and influencers telling you different techniques or pushing obscenely priced products on you.

We’re here to tell you it’s not that complicated and you can achieve a stunning look without all the glitter and color some makeup tutorials use.

It’s important to know the basics first before you go throwing money at a $100 cosmic pink eyeliner that your favorite youtube influencer uses.That liner may be a great addition, but without knowing the essentials…

That liner could be a disaster.

There are several steps to applying makeup that you should become familiar with before adding your own little flair to it.

Mastering Foundation, Bronzer, Highlighter, Blush, Eyeshadow, Eyebrows, Eyeliner, and Mascara is the first step to getting a flawless look.

Foundation


The base of every makeup application is foundation. It covers up any blemishes, evens out your skin tone, and gives an overall smooth look.

Struggling to find the right foundation color?

Ask an assistant or a friend to help you out. Many times people are more than willing to match your shade. You should test it on the back of your hand or neck to see which one is the best for you.

Sometimes shades can be slight. Things like pink or yellow undertones can really make the difference in a foundation.

Bronzer


Bronzer is the thing that gives you a subtle glow and brings back the shadows in your face that the foundation covered up.

Apply bronzer to the indents under your cheekbones, around the outside of your forehead, and other shadowed areas.
To find the right shade you’re gonna want to look for something that is about the same shade as a naturally tanned you.

Highlighter


Highlighter is essentially the opposite of bronzer. It highlights and defines the naturally lighter parts of your face. There are many highlighters to choose from. Find one that works best for you and your skin.

Blush


blush box

If you skip the bronzer and highlighter, you definitely don’t want to skip blush.

Before applying foundation your skin has a natural pink and red color to it that gives your face character. After applying foundation, that color disappears.

To add some life back to your face a good blush will do the trick.

Blush comes in a very wide range of shades, colors, and types.

First choosing whether you’d like a powder or cream blush is up to you. Its the shade of blush that really matters. Many try to match their natural pigmentation, but sometimes you can mix it up by matching it to your eyeshadow or outfits.

Blush is also not restricted to your cheeks. Apply it anywhere that you think will make your face glow.

Eyeshadow


This is the fun part of applying makeup. There's no limit to the number of colors, shades, and textures. You can have powder, cream, or liquid eyeshadow these days.

That also makes it the most difficult part.

You can keep eyeshadow very simple by adding a sweep of color across your eyelid. Another great look is the smokey eye.

With a little bit more time, smokey eye is a classic look for any night out.

Eyeliner and Brow


Eyeliner can be liquid or a pencil. It really depends on your comfort level. Just know that liquid can be used for more sharp and winged eyeliner looks. Pencils can be easily blended out and softened. It is especially helpful for creating that smokey eye.

The biggest mistake in eyeliner is not the type…

Its the color.

Way too often do people go for the blackest of black eyeliner. Well if you want to make your eyes look bigger and bolder there's a better color for that. It’s brown. Brown softens the eye and looks more natural on our tan skin.

As for brows, keep it simple. Pluck any strays and keep your brows defined. Then your ready to go in with a pencil that matches your natural hair color.

mascara eyeMascara


Finish off your look with a good waterproof mascara.

No, it’s not waterproof so you can go swimming in makeup. It waterproof so that you can avoid that unwanted transfer of mascara to your undereye.

This is another thing where many people forget about the power of brown.

Black or brown can have a significant impact on widening your eyes, but if you want a true boost, try an eyelash curler. This will really open up your eye and brighten your face.

Done with the basics? Ready for more?

Learn more about how you can achieve the perfect look by reading our blogs.