It is easy to get stuck in a makeup rut.
Perhaps you learned a great way to do your makeup five, ten or fifteen years ago and you’ve been using those techniques ever since. That’s great if you are still happy with the results. But, as your face changes and styles change, it can be helpful to review your makeup routine and make some quick and easy updates that offer very satisfying results.
I also understand the tendency to stick with what you know. It is easy to be completely overwhelmed by all the makeup options available. Just walk into any makeup superstore and you will see what I mean. Even I have to wonder if we really need that many choices!
Keep in mind that makeup can and should be fun. You also do not have to spend forever doing it. In fact, the full makeup routine that I use on myself and teach to other women (see details below) takes only 5 minutes. Of course, you have to practice first to get it down to a few minutes, but once you do, you’re all set. Makeup becomes a breeze to apply!
While I have lots of tips I could share, here are 3 of my favorites that make a big difference.
- Bigger eyes – One of the things I hear most from women is that they want their eyes to appear bigger. This can be especially true as skin around the eyes starts to soften closing up the eye area even more. Here’s a quick fix: use a beige/nude pencil on inside bottom ledge of your lash line – right along the waterline.
Back in the 1960’s women used a white pencil on the lower ledge, but it’s really too stark a look. Choose a softer white that matches the whites of your eyes. Often the color is called beige or nude and the results appear softer and more natural. It will brighten your eyes and extend the whites of your eyes and that automatically makes them appear larger.
- Radiant skin – While a touch of foundation can be helpful to even out your skin tone, there is an important step to do before you apply foundation. The magic step is a primer. Use a small amount (about the size of a pea) and blend it in all over your face. The beauty of a primer is that it will subtly smooth your skin color and texture so your foundation glides on AND, because it has already started the smoothing process, you can use less foundation (which is always good). This is my favorite brand. I use the brightening one, but the calming one for sensitive skin is great as is the mattifying one for skin that has a tendency to break out.
- A Quick face lift – If you have dark circles or bags under your eyes, the last thing you want to do is add more darkness on the lower lash line. The darkness of the lashes can make your circles more noticeable.
Photo: Johnson PhotographyIn this case, apply your mascara to your upper lashes only and go lightly on the eyeliner under your eye as well. In fact, reevaluate whether you even need to wear eyeliner under your eyes. It is very possible that eyeliner and mascara applied to your top lid only will be all you need to keep the focus lifted and make your eye color sparkle.
If all of these tips are new, start with just one. Do not change everything all at once or you will have a hard time evaluating what you like and what you don’t. Plus, it can be slightly disconcerting to make even subtle changes to your face, so go easy. Explore and have fun.
And, if you want extra help, I created a 30-minute instructional makeup video as well as a comprehensive list of products I recommend with their links (I do not make any money from these links). In the video you will see me doing my own makeup up close and personal with step-by-step detail. Get more details here: http://totalimageconsultants.com/makeup/