Category: Face Makeup

  • How to Find the Right Blush for Your Skin

    Gone are the days when blush only came in pinks and peaches. Today, blush formulas and shades are more diverse than ever—powders, creams, liquids, gels, and mousses—making it easier to find the perfect option for your skin type and the finish you love.

    Below, you’ll discover which formulas work best for your skin and how to apply each one for the most flattering, youthful result.

    Powder, Cream, Liquid, or Gel—Which Is Right for You?

    Powder blush is still the easiest and most familiar option. If you prefer powder, look for formulas with soft radiance rather than heavy sparkle—large shimmer particles can accentuate texture and fine lines. Soft, diffused glow is your friend and brings a youthful look to mature skin.

    If your skin feels drier with age, consider moisturizing creams, gels, or mousses. These formulas melt into the skin, giving a flattering, hydrated sheen without settling into lines.

    Best Blush by Skin Type

    All Skin Types

    Best Choice: Liquid Cheek Stains
    Why They Work: Liquid stains are versatile. You can tap on a tiny amount for a natural flush or layer for a more vibrant, long-lasting pop of color.
    How to Apply: Apply quickly on bare cheeks or over light foundation before powder. For extra staying power, you can set the look by dusting a soft powder blush on top.

    Dry or Combination Skin

    Best Choice: Cream Blush
    Why They Work: Cream formulas avoid the dryness of powder and give the skin a soft, luminous glow. They’re especially flattering if your makeup tends to settle into dry areas.
    How to Apply: Apply on bare skin or over foundation using your fingertips or a sponge.

    • For round faces: Skip the apples of the cheeks. Instead, sweep color along the cheekbones, lifting up toward the temples for a slimmer look.

    Oily Skin

    Best Choice: Powder Blush
    Why They Work: Powder sits beautifully on top of the skin and helps control shine throughout the day. It’s also excellent for defined color and sculpting.
    How to Apply: Sweep powder in a soft “croissant shape”—starting at the outer cheek and curving inward—for a natural, lifted flush.

    Mature Skin

    Best Choice: Gel or Mousse Blush
    Why They Work: These lightweight textures blend effortlessly and give a soft, velvety finish. They offer color without emphasizing fine lines and are easier to work with than liquid stains.
    How to Apply: Using your fingertips, tap the color onto the cheeks, blending upward and outward.
    Important: Apply gels or mousses before setting with powder—once powder is down, you won’t be able to blend them properly.

  • Getting the Right Face Makeup

    For makeup lovers, enthusiasts, and professionals, the face serves as the blank canvass in their artistry for beauty. And like any canvass should be, the face must be smooth and clean as much as possible for a nice finish. Although a clear smooth skin should initially serve as a good natural makeup, not everyone is blessed with it. Women with imperfect skin, however, need not to fret because face makeup would serve handy to them. Face makeup creates that perfect base on your face for all other cosmetics to start with. It covers your skin imperfection and lays down a smooth canvass every makeup brush would love to stroke.

    A foundation, concealer, and press powder are basically examples of face makeup. There is a lot of it in the market. Some women try to get all the three and the best brand. But the secret really in buying a good face makeup is to get something that matches up your skin. Later, you will realize that you don’t really need to have the three and you will be surprised how much money you can save.

    Thus, before hitting beauty shops for a face makeup, know you skin type first. Determine if you have oily, dry, or combination skin. A particular face makeup is especially designed for the type of skin you have so you would achieve the look you want. If you have an oily skin, for instance, you should get a foundation that would not melt into your skin or that would not easily fade due to the skin’s oil.

    Usually, oil control liquid foundation and a stick foundation are recommended for people with oily skin especially the ones with acne. Using some blotting paper before applying the foundation is also advised for best results. If you have dry aging skin, you should get luminescent and dewy foundation styles. Putting on a concealer would also help in hiding those wrinkles away. If you have a combination skin, which is very common, liquid or cream foundation will do. If you have ruddy red skin you must apply yellow based foundation to reduce redness. But if you’re blessed with a good smooth and clear skin, sheer liquid foundation is only advised and even just a tinted moisturizer will do for a face makeup.

    If you want to save on face makeup, it is important to take care of your skin and always keep it clean as much as possible.

  • Working with Airbrush Makeup

    Catherine Zeta Jones wears it. So does Jennifer Lopez. Why? Airbrush makeup creates a flawless face – almost as if you took your picture and ran it through Photoshop.

    Here’s how it works. A tiny amount of specialized foundation makeup is mixed with a few drops of water, and then sprayed onto the face with a wand. The result is a sheer, yet full coverage. You end up wearing less foundation, but with a flawless finish. It even hides under eye circles and rosacea.

    Tools for At-Home Airbrush Application

    airbrush compressor

    airbrush wand (sometimes called a pen)

    hose (connects the wand and the compressor)

    makeup foundation

    bottled water

    First time users can get this equipment in a kit. After that, all you will need is the foundation. Expect to pay from $120 to $600 or more as your initial investment. Once you’ve purchased your kit, the only further cost is foundation, which can be about $20. Some companies are making smaller compressors, which are easier for home use and for travel.

    How to apply

    1. Place a few drops of foundation into the designated cup, along with a few drops of water. (Each brand will have its own instructions telling you specifically how many drops of each to use.)

    2. Hold the wand about 6 to 10 inches from your face, and spray the mixture in gentle circles over your face and neck. Never hold the wand in one place. Keep it moving. And don’t spray it into your eyes. Keep your eyes closed if you can.

    3. Let it dry. If you want, you can apply a second coat. After that’s dry, you’re good to go. No need for finishing or setting powder.

    What kind of foundation to buy?

    Airbrush makeup foundations come in two types: silicone-based and water-based. Many professionals recommend the silicone, saying that it creates a slightly more flawless look. You need to purchase dedicated airbrush makeup – you can’t use your regular foundation in these machines.

    Airbrush Pros

    Once airbrushed, you are good to go for up to 10 or 20 hours, with an average of around 16 hours. It won’t rub off on anything or disappear into your pores.

    If you’re sharing the makeup – at a wedding, for example – the airbrush system is sanitary, since it never actually touches the skin.

    Some of the kits and foundations can be used on legs, to conceal veins and discolorations. That means no panty-hose, ladies!

    Special effects, such as stencil tattoos, are easily applied.

    Airbrush Cons

    It’s expensive, especially at first.

    Applying the makeup is time consuming and requires the equipment, a power supply, a water source, and enough space.

    If you’re applying it on yourself and you’re alone, you’ve got to do at least parts of the application with your eyes closed. You don’t want to get the product in your eyes.

    You can’t throw it into your purse like you can with mineral makeup or regular foundation.

    If you use airbrush makeup a lot, you might consider some sort of face mask. No one has definitive information yet about how much of the product gets into your lungs.

    Still, that ultra flawless, pore-less even look is a very appealing idea. Some women even say the makeup hides some of their wrinkles. If you want that look, airbrush makeup is certainly worth a try.

  • How to Choose the Right Foundation Color

    Foundation creates a blank canvas on the face to which colors is added: eye shadow, blush & lipstick. It is also the setting agent. It is also the setting agent for these products acting as a barrier between the colour & the skin’s own natural oils, which would otherwise dissolve the make-up. But because it covers the largest area of the face, foundation needs to blend seamlessly with the skin.

    Makeup foundations for differing skin types

    Before buying new foundation there are two areas of concern that need to be addressed. Firstly, the foundation must complement your skin type.

    Oily skin: For oily skin that is prone to shine, an oil-free formulation will hinder the production of excess oil, and most contain extra powder particles to dry any oil produced.

    Normal skin: Normal skin can take pretty much any formulation, but a liquid will give ample coverage without looking caked or heavy. Dry skin needs make-up foundation with extra moisturizers to keep it supple, and to prevent the skin from drinking in the makeup. A cream make-up formulation will last longer and also hydrate.

    Foundation colors

    The best time to pick a color is when your skin is at its most natural shade. So, after your holidays or morning after self tanning applications are not the best time. The best place to try make-up is on the jaw line. Basically, foundation color falls into two categories:

    1. Foundation bases with yellow tones
    2. Foundation bases with pick tones

    The most common yellow-toned skin types are Asian, sallow and black skin, whereas fair skin has generally has pink tones. It is important to choose a foundation that matches your skin’s base, otherwise the make-up will not blend well, no matter how you apply it.

    Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer
    Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer

    Applying makeup foundations

    Oily skin: With oily skin, the application of oil-free formulas needs to be fast, as they dry speedily. Using clean fingers to apply small does to the areas most in need of coverage is the best way; simply do each area at a time until the face is complete.

    Normal skin: For normal skin, the choice of cream-to-powder liquid or powder foundation can change how much time you spend applying it. Cream-to-powder is best applied with a sponge, starting in the center of the face and working outwards; its done in a matter of moments. Liquid foundation looks more natural applied with a foundation brush. Again work the brush outwards, taking care to use less around the eye area. Powder or mineral make-up foundation should be applied with a large powder brush; while it will not give the same level of coverage as a liquid, it is a great makeup for those who are pressed for time.

    Dry skin: For dry skin, cream foundation moves well around the face, and a little goes a long way. Dry skin tends to have few blemishes, so concentrate on areas that need coverage, and leave clear areas bare: this is why getting the right color match is vital.

  • How to use a Makeup Brush to Apply Foundation

    Learning how to use a foundation brush can mean the difference between a perfectly flawless face and an unpolished look. Foundation application can be tricky for everyone. Blending it into dry spots, sliding it over oily skin and trying to cover those spots and lines can be a difficult task but a foundation brush can make it easier.

    Blending

    A smooth finish is what is required if you really want to look your best. Using your fingers and the fingertips makes it very difficult to get this smooth finish, where as if you use a good quality shaped makeup brush you can.

    There are of course various oils in your fingers which can easily transfer to your face to make it look blotchy. This oil can also transfer itself to the makeup itself which can make it difficult to use in the future.

    I often see people out and about in pubs and clubs and can tell straight away whether they have used a brush or if they have just simply used their fingers. I know which person I find more attractive.

    Control

    It is far easier to control the amount of powder or other makeup you are using when you apply it with a makeup brush. If you use your finger tips it is very easy to use too much and your face can become plastered. This can look really horrible and is a huge turn off. I would be thinking, what are you trying to hide beneath all of that make up? It also shows a lack of self-esteem and confidence on the part of the wearer.

    This of course was not meant to happen and could have been avoided by using by a brush.

    Which type of brush?

    Most people believe that long handled brushes are by far the best for applying makeup, this is mainly due to balance.

    When looking to purchase these brushes you normally get what you pay for. I would certainly advise where possible to avoid the lower end of the market.

    When you look good, you feel good. It is a bit like wearing a new suit which you have spent a lot of money on. When you wear it for the first time to work or to a wedding, it gives you a bit of extra confidence as you know you are looking very smart.

    Good quality brushes should if used correctly last quite a long time, they need to be correctly maintained and cleaned however to keep to their maximum effect.

  • Foundation Makeup: Liquid vs Powder

    Foundation makeup is the key to whether your makeup will look good or bad. The application of a foundation will help to smooth out your skin tone, conceal blemishes and give you a more healthy glow. Applying makeup without a foundation base can actually enhance unsightly skin problems, rather than conceal them. But before you head out to the store, here are some basic rules that should be followed when making your product selection.

    How to choose a foundation makeup base

    First, you need to select the correct color for your skin tone. Often times, people choose foundations that are either too light – making them look pale and washed out – or too dark – which often leaves a line of makeup between the jaw and neck. Generally, you will look like you’re wearing a mask. The foundation color that you choose must blend in with your natural skin tone.

    Also keep in mind that your skin tone color will change with the seasons. In the summer, you will most likely need a slightly darker foundation color, as your skin will tan somewhat (even if you don’t purposely suntan – you still need to go outside sometimes.) In the winter your skin will lighten again back to its original tone and you should use your natural base color foundation makeup.

    Deciding between liquid and powder foundations

    The next decision is to determine whether you would prefer powder foundation or liquid foundation makeup. This tends to be more personal choice, although there are pros and cons to both types.

    Most women seem to prefer the liquid foundation base. It appears to be quicker and much easier to apply. As well, once blended into the skin, liquid foundation makeup appears more natural and lighter, giving the skin a smooth, even appearance. However, how it is applied can also make a difference. Applying too much will cause streaks and spots that look “heavier” then others on your skin. Using a makeup sponge rather than using a fingers can help a lot with creating a smooth, even appearance. Apply a small amount of liquid foundation at a time and blend in carefully.

    Another advantage of a liquid foundation is that it absorbs into the skin rather than sitting on top of it, so you get a more natural skin tone appearance. It also comes in a variety of bases to suit women with dry skin, normal skin, oily skin, combination skin, and sensitive skin types.

    Powder foundations are a less popular choice, but can work just as well as liquid foundation makeup. It’s easy to apply and there is less blending involved. They are also great for people that have very oily skin, as the powder will soak up the oil and prevent a greasy appearance. You can also carry a compact powder case with you on days when you need to do a slight touch up to your makeup or on days that are hot and humid, to rid your face of shine.

    A slight problem with powders, however, is that they can look like they are caked on your face if applied to heavily or after a couple of hours in warm weather. They also tend to rub off on clothes easier since the powder sits on top of your skin.

    Another choice: liquid-powder foundations

    Liquid-powder foundation combinations are another choice that is gaining in popularity. The foundation makeup comes in a compact, much like powder bases, but contains a somewhat creamy mixture. Application of this foundation gives a smooth appearance, like a liquid, with the absorption benefits of a powder. However, you have to be careful when applying this type of foundation, since a heavy hand will give you a caked appearance. Like liquids, the key is to apply it lightly and blend well. This combination is not the best for people with dry skin as it will also give you a patchy skin appearance. Choose this type of product if you have normal to oily skin.

    If this is the first time you are going to buy a foundation, you should visit a make-up counter that allows you to try out the various products or seek out a professional make-up artist to help you with your selection. For those that have problem skin, such as severe acne breakouts, you should visit a dermatologist first. They can help you with making a wiser choice on the type of foundation makeup would work best, plus provide you with other skin care options to help clear up underlying problems.