Makeup Guide

Cosmetics How-To and the Products You'll Use

Choosing what make up products are right for you can be difficult. There are many different types of products for your eyes, lips, cheeks - the possibilities are endless! Before you start looking for products, you should learn what each product is used for and the pros and cons of each.

Foundation

Foundation is used as a base for applying make up. If you use foundation, it is the first product you apply. Foundation is good because it starts you off with a clean palette. A problem with foundation is that it can be hard to find a colour that matches your skin tone. Remember to consider your skin type (oily, dry, etc.) when you buy foundation, as well as the undertone your skin has. If you have an olive based skin tone, a foundation with a pink undertone can make you look sunburnt.

Concealer

Concealer is used to do exactly that, conceal. While concealer and foundation are similar, concealer is generally a thicker product that does a better job hiding things. When choosing a concealer, it's important to choose depending on what it'll be used for. If you're using the concealer for undereye circles, something with a yellow or peach undertone will cover up successfully. If you're looking for something to hide redness, yellow undertones work well. If you're looking for something to hide pimples or imperfections, something with a blueish undertone will work well to combat the colour of the imperfection.

Pressed Powder

Pressed powder is a product that should generally be used as a finisher. It helps to smooth out any inconsistencies in colour, as well as give your skin a soft and sheer appearance. When choosing a pressed powder, again use the inside of your wrist as a tester. This will help you to determine the right colour, as this will be your finishing product.

Shimmer Powder

Shimmer powder can go almost anywhere - from your brow bone to your neck and shoulders. When choosing a shimmer powder shade, try to pick something that will blend well to prevent the colour from being entirely obvious and clumpy.

Blush

Blush is used to highlight the cheek bones and add some colour to your appearance. When choosing a blush, try to find something that has a similar undertone, and is no more than 2 or 3 shades off your skin tone. If you choose a blush much darker, you may appear washed out and the blush will be all people focus on.

Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow is a great way to highlight the eyes, making them the first thing that people notice when they look at you. When choosing an eyeshadow, look for a colour that will blend easily, and feel barely there.

Mascara

Your eyelashes are framing your eyes, and when they are full and smooth, they draw even more attention to your eyes. when choosing a mascara, it's important to choose one that thickens as well as lengthens, without clumping. A mascara that moisturizes your lashes is always good, as most mascaras dry you lashes, causing them to fall out.

Lipstick

Lip sticks are a good way to add colour to your appearance without going crazy. While lipstick is the best way to have long lasting colour, they can be extremely drying. When looking for lipstick, look for one with moisturizers to keep your lips supple and soft.

Lip Balm

Lip balm is a good moisturizer for your lips, however, often doesn't provide much colour. If you do find a lip balm that provides colour, consider that in how you apply it. Most people use their fingers to apply lip balm, but do you really want your lip colour all over your fingers?

Lip Gloss

Lip gloss is good for shine and colour, however can be sticky and thick. When choosing a lip gloss, it's important to consider what kind of moisturizing and colour your lips need. You should also consider whether or not your hair will end up getting stuck to your lips if you like sticky lip gloss.