Photo: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
Putting on makeup makes you feel like a work of art when it’s done right, but if you’re new to cosmetics it can be more like paint by numbers. Don’t panic. There are no hard and fast rules, but it’s not a free-for-all either. The pros all have their own system for the details, but there are general guidelines for getting things in the right order. With a little practice, you’ll sort out your own and be ready for your closeup in no time.
Flawless Skin
Stay looking fresh all day or all through a long night by starting with a makeup primer. These smooth out skin texture and give makeup something to cling to. Put concealer on your trouble spots, patting it to blend it in. Apply foundation with a sponge and don’t forget your neck.
Sweet Cheeks
Sweep blush onto the apples of your cheeks and blend it with a sponge or your fingertips. Add a sweep of color to your brow and jawline if you’re good with a brush. Blend it well for a sexy, sun-kissed glow. Don’t try to contour with different blush colors unless you’re great at blending or you are trying to look like a B-movie vampire.
Those Eyes
Shadow your lids, the area under your brow and then the crease. Blend it all with a sponge. Line your eyes, then apply mascara. Doing your eyes after your skin and cheeks helps keep you from smudging them. Erase any mistakes with a cotton swab dipped in moisturizer and re-blend your foundation if you need to.
Fabulous Finish
Pouf loose powder all over your face with a big, fat powder brush. This sets your makeup so it stays put while giving the blended edges an extra layer of softness. Match your foundation and powder to your neck and chest to ensure you don’t end up looking like a flawless floating head. Brush away any excess with a feather-light touch for a photo-perfect finish.
Lush Lips
Line your lips last. Smudge the line gently in toward your mouth to keep it from being razor sharp. Liner is usually both thicker and drier than lip color, so blending some onto your lips gives your lipstick or gloss something to stick to. Check your teeth for stray lip color, and you are good to go.
