Estee Lauder Collectible Compacts & Cosmetics, Clinique, Dior, GuerlainHere are some quick tips for cosmetic applications that I have found useful over the years. Although Keegan's Korner sells several different brands of cosmetics (Estee Lauder, Clinique and Christian Dior to name a few), these are general tips that will work with all brands.
BlushFor the best effects, blush should basically blend with the color lipstick you are wearing – rose colored lipstick, with rose colored blush, etc. As long as it is in the same family of shades, they do not need to be an exact match. Tap off the excess blush from your brush before applying to your face. Do not blow on the bristles or you will put bacteria from your mouth on to the brush. If you accidentally apply too much blush (very easy to do!), use a new cotton ball to wipe off any excess, or even brushing some face powder over the blush will tone it down just enough. To find the perfect color blush for your skin, look at your cheeks after you have exercised. That is what your natural blush color should look like.
BrowsFor those of you who use a powdered brow color, a good tip would be to apply it backwards, or against the grain of your brow hairs. Your color will distribute more evenly, and when you brush them normally, you will have beautifully filled in eyebrows! For color, use approximately 2 shades lighter than your hair color, unless you have really light hair (blonde/white), and then use 2 shades darker.
BrushesAs I put in most of my brush listings, you cannot change out your brushes often enough – especially for the eyes. Most brushes can be kept clean with warm soapy water, and natural drying. Periodically though, discard eyeshadow applicators/brushes – too much bacteria can build up (even after cleaning), and you don’t want to transmit any bacteria to your eyes! If you still hate the thought of throwing out seemingly good brushes, use them to clear the dust out of your keyboard!
EyelinersIt is very easy to over do this effect – try to stay with soft colors that compliment your eyes, and avoid the ‘jet black’ route! Use even lighter shades for under your bottom lashes, and avoid drawing the line all the way across your eye – three quarter length is much better (from the outside in). You can easily soften a ‘too sharp’ look by applying a slightly lighter shade of eyeshadow over your eyeliner. Depending on the kind of eyeliner you use, this will help ‘set’ the eyeliner also.
EyeshadowA general rule is that light shades bring out your eyes, darker shades give them dimension. If you have small eyes and want to give the impression of larger eyes, you want to stay with lighter shades. If you have large eyes or protruding eyes, you would want to use darker shades. To prevent shadow from creasing, put foundation on your lids first, and then use your face powder. This gives you a clean canvas for your eye colors. You want your colors to blend and bring out your eye coloring – you do not want to look like you have 3 different eyeshadows on your eyes!
FoundationBlending can sometimes be difficult – you don’t want your face one color and your neck another! I’m sure many of you use the same type of wedgies or sponges used at the mall cosmetic counters. They are a great tool, and quite inexpensive. Pay particular attention to your hairline area, and your jaw. Foundation needs to be ‘set’. Loose powder applied generously with a puff, and then brushing off the excess with a face/powder brush will set your foundation for several hours.
Lip Gloss/LipstickIf you store your gloss in the refrigerator, there is less chance for it to melt on your lips when you apply it. And on a hot summer day, it feels fabulous. And you know how your favorite lip shades are miraculously discontinued – just when you find the ‘perfect’ shade? It’s certainly happened to me! I went online, and purchased 25 tubes of my favorite shade, and I keep them (bubble wrap and all) in the crisper section of the fridge! If you absolutely cannot find your shade (or one close enough), there are companies online that will reproduce ‘your’ color (even if you only have a sliver left), and as you might guess, they are not inexpensive.
MascaraWhen you pull out your mascara wand, blot it on a tissue – you eliminate any blobs, and it goes on much easier, without needing a lash comb. Do not ‘pump’ your mascara wand – it introduces more air into the tube, and the mascara dries out sooner. Do you have trouble applying mascara to your lower lashes? Do what I’ve done for years – put a small piece of tissue underneath your lower lashes while applying the mascara. Practically eliminates excess, and doesn’t get all over your face!
MoisturizersBelieve it or not, a moisturizer does not moisturize your skin! It seals in your existing moisture that your face so desperately needs. So, before you apply your moisturizer, take a few minutes to mist your face with water. Then, apply your moisturizer and you are set for the day. If your face is dry and then you apply the moisturizer...well, you get the idea! For those of you with long fingernails, do what I do – use a damp cotton swab to pull out just the right amount of moisturizer out of the jar, if you aren’t already using a makeup spatula. For dry skin, if you aren’t doing it already, then start increasing your pure water intake (not coffee/tea/soda). Your body uses every drop, and over time, you will see a change in your skin, regardless of age.
TimelinesTo ensure your eyes stay healthy and free of infection when using makeup, heed the following due date rules. Throw out your mascara after three months, powder eyeshadows every nine to 18 months, and cream eyeshadows every six to 12 months. Sharpen your eyeliner pencils often to keep them clean.
TonersAre you removing every trace of your cleanser? This is where a toner comes in to play. This product will pick up the last bit of cleanser that you may have missed, which in turn, could cause breakouts. A word of warning however - be sure that it does not contain alcohol!
Now, I realize these are pretty basic tips, but please post with any special cosmetic tips you may have, and let's get a comprehensive list going!
Estee Lauder Collectible Compacts & Cosmetics, Clinique, Dior, Guerlain
