Skin and Makeup Advise from a PRO

The last post with Skin and Makeup Advise from a Pro {here} outlined using lip liners and creating a natural look with cosmetics.

Wilhemina : US Vogue

Today's advise is all about getting started and choosing the right foundation.



Question:

"What preparation do you recommend before applying makeup"?

Answer:

'Starting with a clean palette is important and I will address the cleansing process, types of cleansers and various products on the market in an upcoming post. 

To ready your face for makeup it is important to start with moisturizer. All skin care and makeup products that are developed to work with various skin types, it's important to choose a moisturizer that compliments your needs.'

'Take the time to let your moisturizer set into your skin before applying makeup on top....... UNLESS - you have very dry skin. If your skin is dry it is important to use a moisturizer specific for dry skin. If you are using a foundation, use one that is moisture enhanced and apply it immediately following the moisturizer {otherwise you will get a caked on look}.'  

'If your skin is oily - again, use a moisturizer specific for oily skin and use a primer before you apply makeup. The primer will help 'set' the makeup application.'

'Some of my favourite primers are: Hourglass Veil Mineral {the splurge} or L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base {the deal}.'

canetti

Question:

"I'm confused, TONER or NOT"

Answer:

'This is a personal preference ! But what I will say about toner is that they have evolved a great deal over the years. Long gone are the days of using a toner that is stripping and drying. Today's toners work on the concept of putting moisture back into the skin.'

'If a new toner is on your skincare shopping list, look for one that does not contain alcohol. Instead, choose one that does contain ingredients to revive the skin such as thermal or rose water. My personal favourite is Avene's Gentle Toner. I love the Avene skincare line which is from France in the Languedoc Roussillon region. And let's face it, who doesn't want to have beautiful skin like French women do.'

Question:

"Do I need to change the SHADE of foundation I use from season to season."

Answer:

'YES !  You should invest in a winter shade of foundation and a summer shade of foundation. It's not just about the colour, it's also about the temperature.'

'Always, always choose a foundation with SPF or apply sunscreen prior to moisturizer. Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunblock goes on smoothly, is non-greasy and offers several levels of protection for various times of the year {spf up to 110}.'

 

'Your winter {or cooler weather} foundation will be need in a shade to compliment your skin tone during the months when you do not have as much natural colour. The proper way to test colour is on your face near your jaw line - not on the back of your hand. Winter foundation could include something with more moisturizer in it to combat the effects of the harsh cold.'

'Summer foundation should be lighter, a tinted moisturizer works well during this humid time of year. Again, test the shade at your jaw line to ensure that it is not too light against your extra summer colour'.

'In an early post I advised readers of something that is worth repeating again:

Keep it Simple. If you think "maybe I should add more to this" - DON'T. Instead put the makeup brush down.'

Next Up .............. using the right makeup tools and how to care for them. 

beauty quote via quotesayings.net

Skin and Makeup Advise from a PRO

canetti

I promised readers back HERE that a professional Makeup Artist would be featured on Glamour Begins at Home and answer your questions regarding skincare and makeup. And since then I have really put her to the test asking a bevy of questions and talking to her non-stop. Well, the truth is that I talk to her all the time - the Makeup Artist is my beautiful Daughter.
But never before has she had me tap into her professional skills and ask so many questions about skincare and makeup. 

Monique has been a professional Makeup Artist for seven years. She has worked with several major makeup and skin care lines specifically, and she runs an independent makeup application business.
For my friends who know me and read my blog, please don't hold my Daughter responsible for my makeup skills. We have sat down twice for her to apply my makeup. It's like having a carpenter in the house and never getting the shelf hung up - we just don't take the time together to do my makeup, or I am away when I need help for a special occasion.
But I do listen to her instructions often and take it in my own hand for application. My Christmas stocking always has new lipsticks and shadows tucked inside, and frequently my Daughter will bring me a colour that she knows will work well for me.

The current makeup trend is to apply a 'natural' or 'neutral' palette. It sounds easy, just wear less makeup. But that is not the way to achieve a natural palette and a finished look at the same time. The natural palette is a technique that not all makeup artists can create well {in my opinion}, but it is a specialty of Monique's.

Meghan at Wishful Thinking asked for help with an updated look, in particular achieving a natural looking lip. Monique has offered two great suggestions - one for lips and one for the natural look of makeup applications.

YOU asked:

'What is the correct way to apply lip liner and then fill it in?'

Answer:

'Stay as true to your natural lip line as you can. If you are filling in your lips too much it is going to look like you had your lips 'done' {and not in a good way}. If you need to wear lip liner because your lips are not full enough, choose a nude lip liner. MAC cosmetics has some great nude lip liners that I love {a few of my favourite liner colours by MAC are SYNC, Subculture, and Naked}'.

'From the cosmetic line Make Up For Ever, I use Lip Line Perfector {available exclusively at Sephora}, it's a great product. This lip liner acts as an invisible lip liner to help with feathering, as well as filling in the fine lines. Feathering on your lip line happens when your lip colour bleeds over your natural lip line.'
'Nude lip liner is great for any lip colour you use, including red. You do not need to match your lip liner to your lip colour. Using a nude lip liner will give you fullness without looking dramatic.' 

'How to properly apply your lip liner : start from the outside corner of your lip and softly drag the pencil towards the center of your lip. Use this technique for both upper and lower lips. To make your lips look fuller apply a small dabble of gloss to the center bottom lip.'

'I apply my lip colour first and then apply the lip liner.'

 YOU Asked:

'I love the soft natural looking makeup applications, how do I achieve this?'

Answer:

'If you are afraid that you are wearing too much makeup, try this trick : 

Start with your base {concealer is a must ........ ALWAYS!}. If you normally wear foundation apply it now. Next fill in your brows {details in an upcoming post on how to fill in a brow properly}.'

'After your base is complete and your skin is looking it's best.......... if you like to wear bright lipstick put that on first before anything else. By putting on your focal point first it will steer you away from adding too much colour anywhere else.'

'Now add a soft {subtle} sweep of shadow across your eye lids - you do not want a buildup of colour {blending brushes help to ensure that the eye shadow is even}. Apply mascara for subtle definition.'

'Bronzer gently brushed across your cheeks acts as a blush, but gives a more natural look {sun kissed glow}.'

'If you like the look of shadow and want more definition to your eyes, apply your shadow first instead of playing up your lips.'

'Keep it Simple. If you think "maybe I should add this too" - DON'T ! Instead put your makeup brush down.'

That is how to achieve a natural look that highlights the focal points.

** more information on filling in your brows, choosing the right colour of foundation, what makeup tools to use........... and more - Coming Soon!

Makeup tricks from the artist's Mom: 

'The vertical groove in my upper lip it very defined in the center. Monique taught me to bring the lip liner softly between the groove to achieve a softer lip line. Just as she instructed above - do not draw your lip line.'

'I wear reading glasses - so I put them on to check my makeup partway through applying and when complete. This ensures that I catch any little brush fibers sitting on my skin and blending of products used.'