Foundation Brush

Learning how to use a foundation brush can mean the difference between a completely flawless face and an unpolished look Avoid blotchy application and ensure an even finish with this handy tool.Apply your face makeup with ease. The Importance of Makeup Brushes are Makeup artists understand the importance of owning a great set of makeup brushes These dont necessarily run less Costly A decent set containing all of the essential brushes can often be quite an expensive investment On the other hand less costly kits boasting the same qualities as their highend counterparts arent impossible to find Knowing exactly how much you want to spend can save you time in finding the right set for you. Brushes are a necessity for flawless makeup application They enable eye shadows to blend with each other eyeliner to glide on smoothly lipstick to fill every inch of the mouth and blush to hit just the right areas They also make applying foundation a snap Lets take a look at different types of foundation brushes and how to use them.Foundation application can be tricky for everyone from novices to seasoned makeup aficionados Blending it into dry spots sliding it over oily skin and trying to cover those nooks and crannies can be quite a difficult task There are plenty of tools available on the market to help you get the job done though From sponges to wedges to brushes the selection of makeup application tools can be confusing if you arent familiar with their pros and cons

Contrary to popular belief there are several different types of sponges available for makeup application Some are designed to stipple the makeup to give it a dramatic effect and are especially useful for actors Some are silky and light while others are hardier and promise not to soak up the foundation Despite these great products there is one application tool that is even more universal and versatile than the rest the foundation brush

Foundation brushes are advantageous for a number of reasons

They work well with all types of foundation including creams liquids and even solids

They create a more flawless finish by allowing the makeup to cover each area of the face equally

They make spot application and total coverage easy because of their unique flat tapered shape

They are easy to maintain and will last a number of years if you take care of them

How to Use a Foundation Brush Easily

If you havent used a foundation brush before its important to know the basics so that your makeup applies easily and flawlessly Even if youre a beginner youll be able to follow these simple tips and create a smooth even canvas

Pour a small amount of foundation assuming you are using a liquid onto the back of your hand

Pick up some foundation with the brush If you prefer light coverage dip only one side of the brush in the makeup If you want fuller coverage use both sides of the brush to pick up the makeup

Use broad downward strokes to sweep and blend the makeup onto the nose forehead cheeks and chin

Use the tapered edges of the brush to blend the makeup into those hardtoreach areas like the corners of the nose hairline and around the eyes and mouth

If youre using a cream or powder foundation simply run the brush over the product in its container Several companies now offer brushes designed specifically for use with cream foundation such as this CoverFX version available at Sephora Its soft texture and short bristles allow for perfect application without streaking

Once you know how to use a foundation brush youll also want to take note of how to keep it clean Cleaning all of your makeup brushes is imperative in order to keep them bacteriafree Lingering bacteria not only poses the risk of causing acne breakouts it also generally suggests that there is excess makeup building up on the brush

Most highend lines offer their own foundation brush cleaners such as Trish McEvoys Brush Bath and Bare Escentuals Brush Conditioning Shampoo If youre a frequent traveler consider a handy spray like ULTAs Brush Cleaner A great lowcost alternative to these products is plain and simple baby shampoo Simply swirl the brushs head through the shampoo and rinse Pat dry

Eye Liner

Liquid liner is applied with a very fine tip brush and requires a very steady hand to create a smooth line Here are two eye makeup tips to help your liner look its best

Provide support for your elbow while you are drawing your lines This will help keep your hand steadier resulting in a better line that doesnt wobble unevenly

You can also apply a thin line of a similar shade of eye shadow along your lash lines and then glide a thin line of liquid liner over the top of it This can help define your eyes while at the same time provide a little camouflage in case your lines arent perfect

Pencil Liner

This type of liner is generally easier to apply and you can use different techniques to vary the look

For very defined lines sharpen your eye liner pencil before you apply

For softer lines use your fingers to gently smudge the lines after application

Tips for Applying Mascara

The most important part of applying mascara is selecting a high quality brand in the first place Youll spend a little more but its worth it for mascara that doesnt clump flake or run when wet

For the most natural look brush mascara on just the outer tips of your lashes This still helps to define and deepen your lashes but it will barely look like youre wearing it

For a full bold look brush mascara on the entire length of your lashes and use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes away from your eyes The dramatic effect is especially great for evening looks

Cleansing Tips

Soap and water is a bit too harsh for cleansing your delicate eye area To remove your eye makeup use a cotton ball and an eye makeup cleanser that is specially formulated to dissolve shadows liner and mascara Use repeated gentle strokes rather than scrubbing your makeup away or you may damage your skin and lashes

With your eyes as one of the most powerful features exploit the way eyeliner accentuates these windows to your soul By highlighting your eyes you can downplay other less attractive facial characteristics

Skillful eyeliner application takes ample time in front of the mirror with practice and patience Start with your upper eyelid first While jutting your chin out look down with your eyes Gently pull the lid taut and with a steady elbow placed on the counter for balance draw an even line as close the lashes as possible For the under eye area reverse your chin and tuck it as close to your neck as possible Then look the eyes up and place a lighter line along the outer edge of the eye rim as close to the lashes as possible Some may also desire to line the inner rims of the eyes Open your mouth when applying your liner to keep your eyes from blinking

Whether you choose to line the top only or both the top and bottom of your eyes is purely a personal choice The more area you cover with your eyeliner the more dramatic the look Try a couple different patterns to determine the right level of eye makeup for your individual tastes Whatever you end up deciding dont attempt to try and change the shape of your eyes Use makeup as a means of enhancing your qualities and not to transform them as it usually only ends up only looking phony

Extend the top line a little past the corner of the eye for a Cleopatra effect

When lining the top and bottom of your eye make sure the lines do not meet at the corners This has a tendency to make eyes look smaller

Eyeliner colors brown and black are an ideal base color For additional drama add brighter colors with eye shadow instead

When selecting eyeliner find one that glides smoothly but with still a firm control

Avoid too much liner as it will easily look contrived

Smudge your eyeliner slightly with your finger tip for a smokey look

Pencil Eyeliner

The eyes have it The pencil is the most common type of eyeliner as it is the easiest to apply The look it creates is less precise but more natural The pencil should ideally be sharpened prior to each use and warmed gently in your hand For the most troublefree application use little strokes of the pencil instead of one continuous line If the look you create is a little too harsh pencil liner can easily be softened with the sponge tip of an eye shadow brush Eyeliner pencils last for as long as three years before there is a risk of contamination or infection simply sharpen often

Liquid

One of the most difficult types of makeup to apply is liquid eyeliner For many it is worth the extra effort as liquid produces a more precise intense line The best way to learn to generate a perfect line is to practice first on the back of your hand and then move to rehearse on your eyes For the simplest application start at the center of the top eyelid and create half of your line to the outside corner of the eye With the excess on the liner brush complete the line by restarting at the inner corner and move toward the center connecting the lines To prevent smudges select a liquid version that is waterproof Avoid eye infections and replace your liquid liner every three to six months

Eyebrow Grooming

MakeupThe information in fashion magazines can be vague and or misleading when it comes to your eyebrows The pencil theory of eyebrow shaping is easily misinterpreted in so many ways Keeping the brows as full as possible with minimal shaping will add a beautiful frame to the face helping achieve the best possible look Usually there is no mistake when you go with what you were born with Removing too much of the brow creates odd shapes and will actually take away natural beauty It can also make a person look less attractive or angry when they really arent

As a professional makeup artist I break the eyebrows down into parts The larger part near the middle is called the comma From the beginning of the brow near the nose to the arch should be as long as possible The distance should be longer than the distance from the arch to the end of the brow creating a natural arch If both parts are equal in length the brows will look round and the shape will get lost Also the comma needs to be thicker and taper towards the arch If the comma is too thin the eyebrow will also look round When the middle hairs are removed near the nose the arch gets lost

A common mistake is to dig for the arch in the comma area The arch should be approximately at the outer edge of the iris If you tweeze or wax the middle hairs out over and over chances are they will not grow back These hairs are fine and are suppose to be feathery and less dense

Where to Start the Brow

The biggest mistake that most young girls women and unfortunately most estheticians make is thinking that the brow is supposed to start where the eye begins That is incorrect The eyebrow needs to start farther into the middle on either side of the nose then the brows will frame the face They need to work together along with the eyes not separately The face and the features all need to be balanced Taking a persons features into consideration is very important A person who has big eyes full lips and dark full hair cannot get away with thin brows Even blondes in my opinion can only wear smaller brows if the length is still there

Middle Hairs

A lot of my clients explain they dont like those middle hairs because they stand up straight or point towards the other brow Thats what they are supposed to do When they are shaped correctly those middle hairs are so pretty and sexy so less makeup is required It gives a beautiful young fresh look… always

Sweet and beautifulTake a look at my two young actresses pictured here When they first came to me they had very small eyebrows They both had removed the middle hairs and dug into the coma area Their brows looked round and even though both girls are very beautiful their brows did not compliment their face The maintenance was constant After a couple of months of letting their brow hair grow back I was able to reshape them and give each of them a much prettier look Then I did a natural makeup presentation for their headshots Within weeks each girl has already been noticed in the film industry and one has already worked on a movie

Parents play a huge role by taking their teenage daughters for regular visits to have their brows shaped and cleaned up usually once a month Without consistency teenagers will resort to removing too much hair because they lose patience They are under a lot of peer pressure and want to look great all of the time

Tweezing and Waxing

When you tweeze a hair you should tweeze it in the direction that it grows otherwise it can grow back facing up down or out With waxing estheticians pull the hair strip in the opposite direction that it grows to damage the hair follicle so that the hair wont grow back The esthetician has to then be very careful to wax only the hairs they dont want to grow back I have had to repair many many bad eyebrow jobs I pull hairs out that are facing the wrong direction into the direction that I want them to grow back and retrain them again

Remember when you try to do your brows by yourself you do not have perspective You can only view one brow at a time Plus eyebrows grow in horizontal rows So if you tweeze 24 hairs vertically going up instead of out you will create big holes Then you end up removing more brows to try and balance both of them To avoid this dilemma never do one brow at a time Go carefully back and forth between them instead

Mens Eyebrows

Regarding mens brows finally guys are listening to their wives and girlfriends and are grooming their eyebrows Unfortunately the latest tragedy is estheticians are giving men feminine looking brows with arches instead of leaving their brows full and manly

Waterproof Mascara

MakeupWomen the world over rely on waterproof mascara to achieve lengthy voluminous lashes that will stand up to a few tears survive tumultuous weather and even handle a dip in the pool

Any woman whos shed a tear or two is familiar with runny mascara As the tears fall so too does the makeup Suddenly her cheeks are not only drenched theyre striped Needless to say waterproof mascara is a heavensent product for women everywhere regardless of whether or not shes prone to a few tears every now and then Here are just a few more reasons why this popular cosmetic product is relied on

You are an athlete Athletes especially swimmers benefit greatly from waterproof formulas because they are not watersoluble Runners prefer to use this type of mascara because it is sweatproof

You live in an extrahumid climate If this is the case mascara that holds up to the rigors of heat and humidity is a must

Youre going sailing or spending time near the water and under the sun for an extended period of time Even though your regular mascara may seem sufficient a waterproof version will ensure a streakfree experience

Youre getting married or attending a wedding Whatever the occasion youre bound to shed a couple of tears Keep your makeup fresh even if your eyes do get a little watery

You have straight eye lashes If youre looking to achieve and hold a curl look no further than a waterproof version of mascara to keep it in place

You suffer from allergies If you tear frequently due to seasonal allergies or frequent colds youll benefit from a mascara that wont budge

You wear contact lenses While some lenswearers dont have a preference and may actually find it irritating others favor waterproof makeup because it minimizes the likelihood of flakes entering the eye

Virtually all cosmetic manufacturers offer their own version of waterproof mascara Hows a woman to decide which to use As with any other beauty product the final choice is usually made after testing several brands and formulas

It is also important to keep in mind that waterproof formulas can be difficult to remove thus requiring more work to actually eliminate all traces of it This is usually only achieved with vigorous rubbing of the lashes an unfortunate but necessary evil associated with most waterproof cosmetics The following are some characteristics to look for in waterproof mascara

Ophthalmologisttested

Protectivewax blend

Quickdrying

Resinfree especially important for those with sensitive eyes

Hypoallergenic

Popular Types

From cult classics to new favorites certain waterproof formulas are more trusted than others Here are a few that top the list

Maybelline Great Lash

Recognized by beauty editors fashion magazines makeup artists and women all over the world Maybelline Great Lash is thought to be the bestselling mascara in the world Smudgeproof hypoallergenic safe for contact lens users and easily removed with Maybellines Moisturizing Mascara Remover Great Lash is a drugstore beauty gem

Max Factor 2000 Calorie

Another popular drugstore find is the Max Factor 2000 Calorie mascara The waterproof version is renowned for sealing in the natural moisture of the eyelashes As it lengthens it also fortifies the lashes and keeps them protected from harsh daily elements Max Factor claims that its product builds lashes up to 200%

Lancome Definicils

This prestigious cosmetic company a division of LOreal Paris is famous for its diverse collection of mascaras Among them is Definicils a lengthening separating lashdefining tool that is as effective in the waterproof formula as the regular version

Estee Lauder Illusionist

Those seeking an intense curl for their lashes will revel in the Illusionist Waterproof Maximum Curling Mascara The waterproof formula is not only smudgeproof it also holds a curl unlike anything else

Imju Fiberwig

New to the shelves and already causing quite a stir Japanese export Imju Fiberwig Mascara is a triple threat it creates a look similar to false eyelashes is completely smudgeproof and removes easily with warm water When possible look for mascaras that claim the same an easytoremove formula will pose less risk to your lashes

Eye Makeup Removers

Walk into any department or drugstore and you will see aisles and aisles of products designed to smooth calm and depuff tired eyes Here is the low down on the different types of makeup removers and some of their properties

Solvents or liquid removers like Cliniques RinseOff Eye Makeup Solvent are ideal for quick makeup fixes or repairs It also works well as apart of your overall cleansing routine Furthermore it contains no oil so you can use it for spot checks without worrying that your makeup will bleed

Total makeup removers like Estee Lauders Take It Away is great because it removes all makeup including longwear and waterproof formulas Moreover it also removes lipstick completely This product is especially helpful if you like having a streamlined skin cleansing routine that saves you time

If the extra step of solvents and total makeup cleansers are too much of a hassle try Andrea EyeQs MakeUp Remover Pads Besides being extremely costeffective these makeup remover pads are saturated with mineral oils that easily and thoroughly remove any and all traces of eye makeup

When all else fails and you find yourself in a pinch turn to a trusted staple Vaseline We all know that Vaseline is great for cuts and scrapes but nothing is more effective at taking makeup off completely Not only is it nonirritating but its so common its probably sitting in your medicine cabinet as we speak

.Removing water proof makeup can be a tricky business indeed A bit of extravigorous rubbing may remove the makeup but it can do a number on your lashes in the meantime Avoid losing your natural lashes and irritating your eyes choose an eye makeup remover that is gentle moisturizing and suitable for sensitive eyes like one of the following

Wedding Makeup

MakeupAs the leading lady on your nuptial day your wedding makeup should reflect the truest version of your most beautiful self This special day will be remembered in both videos and photo albums for the rest of your life Wedding makeup offers a unique situation it must look great in pictures and in person Ensure that when you look back on your wedding day the image you see is of the most magnificent you can be

Four to Six Months Before the Wedding

Believe it or not planning the perfect look on your wedding day should begin months before the ceremony The first step is to begin a skin care routine that will bring a healthy glow to your face Depending on your needs you will want to either read up on basic skin care or consult with a dermatologist for more significant concerns

The next step before selecting wedding makeup is to determine the look of your hair first especially the color While practicing and researching makeup colors you will want to see the whole picture to determine the best look for you If you plan on highlighting coloring or cutting your hair try the complete style out when practicing with wedding makeup techniques

Start shopping for your makeup at least four months before the wedding Create a wedding day beauty basket and as you discover the best products buy a new container of each one and put it in your basket for application the day of your wedding This process will ensure you have an ample supply of fresh ingredients to guarantee a successful look at the actual ceremony Spend some time over the four months before the wedding practicing with the makeup you choose On your wedding day you will be rushed and flustered so your makeup application should be second nature long before the actual day of performance

Research your makeup products carefully and always shop around Try a free makeover at a cosmetic counter or pay for a personal session with a makeup artist Be upfront and explain exactly the look you want giving specific details about your wedding colors and styles Take along a camera and a friend to take pictures to remember the specific techniques so you can practice at home

One Month to the Wedding Day

Perform a trial run of the wedding makeup you discovered previously Your wedding makeup needs to last at least ten hours without a touchup so give it a rehearsal and adjust products if necessary During your test complete your specific facial routine including cleansing moisturizer and makeup Then recheck every two hours and look for the following

Tightness

Excessive oil

Itching or Irritation

Consistent Smooth Application

Start to avoid the sun now as a tan has a tendency to look muddy in photographs Ensure that the makeup base for your wedding day still matches your skin exactly During your trial run use the foundation you selected and apply with a sponge Make sure it matches the color of your neck in both outside and inside lighting When in doubt always choose a lighter shade as it will look more natural in photographs

Day of the Wedding Makeup

Hopefully you have been practicing your beauty routine and the process will naturally relax you No matter what type of cleansing procedure you have used up until today only employ a very mild cleanser on wedding day Apply lotion next with a moisturizer for dry skin or an oil absorber for oily skin Wait at least five minutes before you apply your makeup

Use concealer first for under eye circles and broken blood vessels on the skin surface Rely on foundation to cover the redness or imperfections as concealer will only highlight them Thicker creamy foundations are perfect for those with more variations in their skin tone Apply an all over foundation first and then step back from the mirror to touch up the imperfections

After your face makeup is set always use powder Even if you have dry skin and normally avoid powders on your wedding day a powder is a necessity to ensure the longest life of your makeup Choose a translucent or sheer yellow tone powder and dust lightly over the entire face to seal your wedding makeup into place

For added color blush must be subtle The bridal look is somewhat pale and innocent by tradition Plus blush doubles in intensity in photographs Unless you are very familiar with cream blushes stick to a powder as it is much easier to apply

Eyes should be full and round to truly reflect the joy of the day Start with an eye makeup foundation for longer lasting performance Use liquid eyeliner as it lasts longer than a pencil and it shapes the eyes with a dramatic elegant look Finish the eyes with waterproof mascara as tears are inevitable on your wedding day For added mascara life conclude with a layer of clear mascara

Lastly and most importantly always use lip color Be picky with the color you choose as browns photograph badly and reds contrast too much Therefore the best colors are roses and pinky corals For the longest color start with a lip base and lip liner to outline and fill in the entire lip surface Add lipstick next and a little gloss for pout Even if you like to mix your lipstick colors pick only one favorite on your wedding day for easier touchups

General Bridal Makeup Tips

Makeup should match your personality and wedding style

Wedding makeup should make you look like you the groom doesnt want to see a stranger walking down the aisle

Make sure your makeup feels comfortable to enhance your selfconfidence

Avoid retouching as it will only cause the makeup to become blotchy If you choose the right wedding makeup to begin a light retouch of powder and lipstick is all you should need

Team up with a bridesmaid or your mom to keep a makeup watch for you and carry your lipstick

Add romance to your look with a sheer foundation dark blue eyeliner and pink blush

For a more traditional appearance use violet eyeliner lavender shadow and rosecolored lips

European looks involve darker eyes and lips

For an outdoors wedding exploit the most natural look Light makeup to enhance photographs is enough

The rest of the wedding partys makeup style should match yours but the colors should be unique to each persons skin tone

Eye Makeup

Depending on the shape and spacing of your eyes the following is a variety of eye makeup ideas to help transform your face Whether you want to improve your eyes appearance or play up their beauty the following advice will provide you some steps to guide you through some eye makeup concepts

Learn some new eye makeup ideas If you are looking for basic eye makeup application guidelines visit our articles Eye Makeup or Eye Makeup Tips

Most eye makeup assortments offer three basic shades or colors

Highlighter the lightest shade designed to bring out the areas it is applied to

Mid Shade this shade should be closest to your natural skin color It is the most subtle of the colors but the most important

Contour the darkest shade causes the area to recede

Eye Makeup Ideas for Common Problems

Hooded Eyes

Stunning eyes look great With a hooded eye the lids look partly closed So to open up the eye you can use makeup to minimize the eyelid

Start by drawing more attention to your eyebrows Ensure they are properly shaped and use them to entice interest upwards from the eyelid

Cover the skin from the brow bone to the upper lash line with the highlight color

Next apply the mid shade to most of the surface of the eyelid

With the contour shade brush on the outer half of the lid and up towards the brow

Follow with a fine line of contour under the lower lashes

This eye type really benefits from having eye makeup either shadow or eyeliner under the lower lashes

When using eyeliner also extend the line from the outer upper lashes slightly past the edge of the eye

Droopy Eyes

As eyes age they inevitably begin to droop Although you cant reverse the process you can try the following eye makeup ideas to camouflage the problem

Place highlighter on the area immediately under your eyebrow and completely cover the eyelid

Apply the mid shade to the crease up towards the brow line

Use the contour color on the outside corner of the upper lashes and brush up towards the crease slightly

Also apply the contour shade along the entire lash line under the eye

Other Ideas

Our article Eye Makeup Tips covers some other standard methods for transforming wide and close set eyes prominent eyes and techniques to help your eyes look big and bold Check it out if you need more information on these types of eye makeup ideas

Special Eye Makeup Tricks

Want to update your look or have a special evening out The following eye makeup ideas will give you some inspiration

Shimmer eye shadows add drama

Curling your lashes before applying mascara instantly opens your eyes Not only giving them a larger appearance but also younger

Set your eyebrows in place with a little hair gel and an old toothbrush

Soften the harsh line of liquid liner with a dark eye shadow applied directly over the line and smudge it slightly

If you get real fancy with your eye makeup dont overdo your lips Pick one or the other to be particularly colorful with otherwise you will tend to look overdone

Utilize white eye shadow to brighten and enlarge the eyes appearance Simply apply it lightly around the outside of the eye close to the lashes

False eyelashes quickly spice up your look for a special occasion

General Rules about Eye Makeup

Always keep your eye pencils sharp ideally sharpen them before each use

When short on time simply apply the mid shade to your eyelid to give your eyes some pop

The first spot where you place your pencil or makeup brush will get the most color

Utilize concealer and powder over the entire eye area under and over to ensure a higher quality longerlife appearance to your eye makeup