I've been wearing makeup since this time and I have learnt in my experience that makeup styles come and go, but there are tips and tricks you can pick up along the way that will make your makeup look flawless whatever your choice of colours and styles.
Examine Your Skin
Your skin can change with age, environment, weather, what you eat and what tablets you take so it's useful to examine your skin closely in front of a mirror every few months.
In the Summer my cleansing and makeup routine is different than in the Winter and you may want to buy different products to deal with issues such as oil production, dryness, adult acne and so on.
Apply To Clean Skin
It may seem simple but ensure your skin is clean before applying makeup. Tone and moisturise your skin if needed and let the moisturiser sink in for at least ten minutes if you can. This will provide a good even base for application.
If you have oily skin you may wonder about applying moisturiser but think about a mattifying lotion, Garnier for example produces a good mattifying oil-free moisturiser that will stop extra shine.
Use Good Lighting
You don't want to apply too much foundation, just enough to even out any blotchiness and uneven skin tones and hide any blemishes. Blending your skin base, blusher, eyeshadows and concealers in good light is important to avoid any harsh lines or marks.
Use A Primer
A primer is useful to help your makeup stay in place all day. Allow it to sink into your skin for 10 minutes before applying any foundation. I find a primer is particularly useful if I am travelling to a hot climate or I have a busy day and will be out from morning to night.
It's important to protect your skin from UVA rays in the sun which can cause premature ageing so ensure either your moisturiser, primer or foundation has an SPF of 15 or above. Some primers can also be tinted to correct redness, brighten sallow skin or add a glow.
Pick A Suitable Foundation
Pick a suitable foundation for your skin. Some offer heavier coverage than others and if you have good skin you may only need a tinted moisturiser or BB cream. Makeup counters are useful for tips and advice if you are not sure what product to buy. My favourite products at the moment are Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation for a mid to full coverage all year round and La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur for the summer months.
You may be persuaded to buy a brush or beauty blender for application and whilst both can be great (I like a beauty blender myself) you need to make sure they are spotlessly clean and washed on a regular basis. Alternatively, you can apply makeup with clean fingertips. Always blend well along the jawline, hairline and upper lip area to prevent 'tide lines'.
Use A Concealer Wisely
A good spot concealer can hide blemishes whilst an illuminating concealer can make you look rested and awake. Generally, an illuminating concealer, a shade lighter than your skin tone or foundation can help hide dark circles and lines under your eyes.
Powders Last Longer Than Creams Or Gels
A powder blush and eye shadow generally last longer than cream or gel versions so for a long lasting look apply these. For a soft natural looking blush use a cream or gel.
To set your makeup apply a translucent powder that has no colour but will make it stay longer and take away any shine. Another option would be to use one of the many setting sprays on the market to stop your makeup sliding down our face throughout the day. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder is a favourite of mine and has been for years.
Lipsticks, Lip Stains or Lip Gloss
If you want lipstick or gloss to last longer use a lipliner first. This also prevent your lipstick 'bleeding'. I find using a lipliner all over my lips adds a long lasting base. Choose a lipstick or lip stain with a long lasting formula to make it last all day or a gloss for a more softer lip.
All you have to do now is apply mascara, and a touch of eyeliner if you want a more dramatic look and you're done.
So here are some beauty tips for perfect makeup. Do you have any?
*PR collaboration
Great tips! I definitely need to pay more attention to my pre-make-up routine - I think primer is an excellent idea. I always forget about using it! I didn't know about setting sprays - what a great idea. I could do with something like this for my days in London and I come home with half my make-up down my face!
ReplyDeleteI find primer particularly great when I am going to a warm country. Setting sprays are brilliant, I used one when I went to Florida last.
DeleteGreat tips. I am utterly clueless where make up is concerned, I'm going to try and make more of an effort this year!
ReplyDeleteThat mirror is lush!I agree it is important to make a distinction between winter and summer skincare.
ReplyDeleteI agree!
DeleteMy skin is terrible at the moment, it doesn't like the cold or central heating. I don't wear much make-up for this reason
ReplyDeleteI find at this time of year my skin can get itchy too.
DeleteI love timeless make up. There are so many styles that come and go but a classic look never goes out of fashion.
ReplyDeleteI know rachel would love one of those mirrors, we just need more room to have one!
ReplyDeleteBuy a house to go with the mirror :D
DeleteI am not good with applying makeup but I do look after my skin really well and could still do with that mirror
ReplyDeleteI think a primer make a big difference to make up. I also think it's important to have a change every now and then and go for a consultation to see what suits your skin.
ReplyDeleteI think primer does help to make your makeup last and for it to look better as well.
DeleteA primer does make so much difference, I never ever apply makeup without on now x
ReplyDeleteI does make a huge difference.
DeleteFab tips! Feel at 24, I'm still clueless where applying foundation lol x
ReplyDelete