A More Beautiful Makeup

Here are some of my guidelines for creating a flawless complexion, always have your skin well moisturized, primers are also very useful as they correct the skin tone when needed, give you a smoother looking application and a longer staying power…eg: Mac, Smash Box, Laura Mercier, Urban Decay, Makeup 4Ever

• If I was to recommend the perfect foundation for the typical woman, I would actually recommend prescribing 2 shades: one darker and one lighter on either side of your natural skin tone. The lighter shade acts as your highlighter and under-eye concealer, and your slightly darker shade would be used all over as a shader that will help to create a contouring effect by defining your cheekbones and jaw-line, blending it down to the neck.You can also alternate, exchange and mix through out the seasons…whether your skin tone gets lighter or darker…

• I would also strongly suggest a yellow-based foundation, rather than those nasty pink ones.  The reason being that pink foundations are very difficult to to blend into a natural skin tone, and create that horrible “jaw-line effect”.

• For a better foundation, consider your natural skin tone.  For example, if you have light olive skin, you should avoid similar shades that end up emphasizing  the green in your skin.  Choose a contrasting “base tone” color, such as a light peach or violet.  If you have a pinky-rosy complexion, choose a green colour-correcting undertone. ( I love this product) :

• Neutral=Adds natural luminosity to the complexion

• Green=Minimizes redness

• Mauve=Counteracts sallow undertones

• Caramel= radiance to fair skin and reduces minor imperfections

• Yellow=Lightens dark complexions

• Pink=Brightens the complexion and counteracts sallow undertones

What type of foundation should I choose?

• Liquid foundation (silicon-based): It’s a mixture of water and silicone and often referred to as “water base makeup” I recommend this type for a normal to dry or mature skin type. The silicon helps to fill in fine lines and large pores, and gives a smoother looking complexion.Silicone-based makeups are less likely to oxidize or change colour during wear…Refer to my Post on…Make-up and silicone for a more detailed information…

Cream foundation: I ‘m not, personally a huge fan of these, but I use them when I need a heavier coverage, some people wouldn’t use anything else.  One word of advise, make sure that you wash your sponge applicator frequently.

• Full Coverage Foundations generally opaque, used to cover birthmarks, vitiligo, hyperpigmentation and scars. It is sometimes referred to as “corrective” or “camouflage” make-up. In general it will contain up to 35% pigment, though professional brands, designed for use on stage, can contain up to 50% pigment.

• Powder compact  foundation: Powder foundation tends to be more matte than sheer or satin. Same as compact cream foundations as far as usage and application, blends well and has great staying -power..they’re ideal for your handbag and touch-ups during the day/night….

• Mineral foundation: For those of you who are very conscious of the products that you use, mineral makeup can give either a light or heavy coverage, depending on your needs and application.  I have found through my work that some people who have problem skin, mineral foundations are the only ones that do not irritate their skin. non-comedogenic The terms “natural” and “hypo-allergenic” are not regulated by the FDA and can be used at the manufacturers discretion. Choose wisely as talk is also considerate a mineral… so a talc-based powder could be considered a “mineral makeup”.

• Cream and mousse foundations:They can also give you a heavier coverage…

• HD Foundations: created for the film and television industry for the new HD technology…they’re fine . An oil-free medium-to-full-coverage liquid foundation that covers skin imperfections flawlessly while remaining invisible on-screen and in real life.This foundation creates a soft-focus effect, which is designed to meet the coverage concerns of those in the spotlight. It leaves your complexion with such a flawless finish, it can withstand bright or harsh lighting.

• At the end of the day it comes to preference and what you feel more comfortable  using…avoid looking dry and dehydrated….add a moisturizer to the foundation if you find it to thick to work with.

The pump style bottle is a favorite as keeps the germs away. One or two  squirt usually does the job.

• • Brands that love and use, Make-up Forever, Sappho, Chanel, L’oreal, Armani, Revlon,Laura Mercier, Mac, Cover Girl,

  • How to apply it: I suggest on yourself there’s nothing better then your own  fingers, second best the “Beauty blender” is very easy to use. Foundation Brushes a great as well…