Many people think they should apply makeup exactly the way all their friends do. While this is true, in terms of makeup application techniques-such as how to blend concealer or how to apply foundation smoothly and evenly, it couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to other considerations of makeup application-like color choices, for instance.
Your choice of makeup-particularly colors and specific techniques to create focal points-should be based on your coloring, facial structure, skin condition, and other personal factors. You want to look the best that you can be! Good makeup application can help you look your personal best.
The color of concealer and foundation you select should closely match your skin tone, but it should also be selected in colors that will even out skin coloring. For instance, if you are prone to redness or splotchiness, you want to select a foundation and concealer in a color that will neutralize that redness. Similarly, if your skin tone tends to be yellowish, you will want to use a foundation with a bluer cast to even out your skin tone.
The type of makeup you use-whether cream, powder, or liquid, for example-should also be based on your particular skin type. Dry or oily skin requires different kinds of products. Likewise, you should select products best suited to your complexion-depending on whether you can see enlarged pores, whether skin is clear or blemished, and so on.
After you’ve applied foundation and concealer to create a clean palette for the rest of your makeup, it’s time to assess your facial features. Look at your face and decide what you like best-and least-about your facial structure or features. For example, if you have large, beautiful eyes, you might decide they are your best feature and want to highlight your eyes.
Assess your face shape and whether you want to emphasize the shape or downplay it. For instance, if you have a round face and want to visually slim the appearance of your face, how and where you apply blush can help you achieve this result. If you have a thick chin, some subtle blush under your jaw line can help slenderize this area.
Determine if you want to emphasize your lips or your eyes today, but not both, as that can be overwhelming. If you don’t like your lips-because you think they are too thin or too puffy or whatever-you may opt to make your eyes the focal point every day. If you’re not fond of your eyes-perhaps you think they are too squinty-you may make the opposite choice. If you are happy with all of your features, you may opt to emphasize your eyes one day and then put the focus on your lips on another.
Now select colors and techniques that will downplay certain features-perhaps with the use of more subdued colors. Then use colors and techniques to highlight the features you want to be the focal point for today. Brighter and deeper colors and sparkle and shine are great ways to create focal points on the face. Customize your makeup for you and the look you want!
