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Q: What is the best sequence for applying my base make-up ?
Ask five makeup artists what the best order is to apply your makeup, and you'll probably get five different answers. We all have our own opinions on how to make you look you best. Personally, I think my method is simple, fast, and you'll still look like you when you're done! Here are my easy steps: Start with a clean, moisturized face. Apply your favorite foundation in a shade that matches your skin color exactly.
Blend multiple shades together if necessary to get a perfect match. Foundation acts as the canvas for everything else, so apply a thin, even layer by blending thoroughly and carefully. If you can see a difference between the color of your face and the color of your neck, you are using the wrong shade. If you are happy with the tone of your skin and you don't think you need foundation, skip this step. After you've applied your foundation, or if you don't need foundation, if you have any blemishes, dark undereye circles, birthmarks, scars, or anything else that you'd like to cover with makeup, use a concealer.
Concealers come in a variety of forms, from stick to cream to pencil. For undereye circles, choose a creamy stick or medium weight cream that will look smooth without creasing or caking under your eyes. I can also use a stick or cream for blemishes as long as the formula you choose doesn't make the pimple worse. Long-wearing formulas like Almay Amazing Lasting and Maybelline Great Wear also work well on blemishes.
For birthmarks, scars, or anything that needs full coverage, a thick cream concealer is your best bet. These take more work and more patience to apply and blend, but it's worth it. Apply your concealer either with a clean finger or a small, clean makeup brush. Apply with a gentle, tapping motion, patting the concealer into place, then carefully smooth and blend the edges so they aren't noticeable.
Do not rub the concealer in, or you'll rub it right off and ruin the rest of your makeup. To complete your "canvas", you need powder. Choose a formula that suits your skin type, and apply a thin layer with a big, soft powder brush. Powder is very important because it locks in your foundation and concealer for longer, better wear. After I've dusted a thin layer all over my face, I like to apply a small amount of loose powder with the tip of a clean finger to any blemishes that I've applied concealer, on my eye lids, and under my eyes to lock in the concealer (don't do this if you have a lot of wrinkles, or the powder will accentuate them). Use your powder brush to dust off any excess. |
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