Foundation Brush

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

Makeup Kits

Makeup kits offer the cosmetics customer a wide variety of benefits With so many options and types available it is simple to discover one to meet your needs

Small and convenient for travel
Great for gifts
Enables a customer to sample products without too much commitment
On occasion available free with purchase

Types of Makeup Kits

Different types of makeup kits serve a variety of functions One type is a category kit where the entire set is designed to serve one purpose A perfect example is the eyelash kit that provides the customer with a curler eyeliner and mascara in a small travel case enabling them to easily update their eye makeup throughout the day

Another type is the product kit where each item is structured to handle a specific cosmetic issue A precise example would be a base makeup kit supplying lip gloss clear nail polish and moisturizers A great addition to your suitcase to be sure all the basics are covered Another option if you desire a sun kissed glow is to discover a fake tan kit with tinted body glow blusher sparkle lipstick and brushes All merchandise created to ensure the complimented feature of each product

For a mix and match approach empty makeup kits are available Some cosmetic companies offer these empties and let you fill them at your discretion others let you pick the choices and create individual kits designed for your specific needs

Coordinating kits are a particularly useful type as they preselect the appropriate colors for a completely coordinated look The palettes are designed by expert makeup artists to be mixed and matched depending on your individual needs.Tool makeup kits are a cost saving option Providing all the tools you need within one case saves on buying each brush individually Some offer a large detailed assortment for your makeup drawer while others size it down for a more portable option.The last type of makeup kit is the sample collection Often larger cosmetic companies will provide these free with purchase Even if they are not complimentary they can still save you money by allowing you to try small samples to find the perfect makeup product for your face and body

Makeup Table

Makeup Table

Depending on who you are a makeup table may be an important piece of furniture or just another place to throw your dirty clothes In reality they are more than just vanities. Obviously makeup tables are meant to be a catchall area for the cosmetics required to make a woman beautiful From lipstick to mascara makeup tables are a great way to keep all of the little things that help you get through your day off of the floor and out of the bottom of your purse Think of all those things that bother you the most floating around like

Hairpins
Lip gloss or lipstick
Brushes and combs
Tweezers and clippers
Nail polish nail files buffers etc
Makeup Tables vs Vanity Tables
Makeup and vanity tables are similar although they are not necessarily the same thing They are just regular table surfaces designed to hold all the contents of an overflowing makeup bag Vanity tables are equipped with mirrors and lights to accentuate the flaws and imperfections in the face so they can be corrected Many of the mirrors on vanity tables even reflect a magnified image to give you an even closer view

To combine the benefits of makeup and vanity tables consider purchasing one of the prelit magnified vanity mirrors to accentuate your experience This can combine function and space as vanity tables tend to be a great deal larger than plain old makeup tables Whether you are happy with your runofthemill table or you are just not willing to give up the space in your room that so many vanity tables require a vanity mirror can definitely help you get the most out of your makeup tableif you are willing to make the investment
A makeup table can help you look this great
Vanity mirrors and makeup tables can all be purchased from your local department store Depending on the quality of the mirror you are looking for you may or may not want to shop for one on the web or in your beauty supply store They come in all different shapes and sizes with multiple lighting and magnification levels

Depending on how intricately you do your makeup in the morning and for what reason you might require different levels of magnification Beauty queens probably need a much higher magnification than businesswomen

Many people choose to forego shopping for the traditional makeup table and choose to build their own or use something they already have available Writing desks small round tables and even coffee tables are great options when it comes to making your own makeup table DIY tables are more popular than ever before and they dont involve much work Just grab a mirror a stylish tablecloth and organize your cosmetics over the top and voila You have constructed your own makeup table for little to no money Why spend all that extra money buying preconstructed furniture when you probably already have whatever it takes to create your own right in your very own home. Building your own makeup table using things you already have around the home is a great way to save money and save the space that the furniture you used might have otherwise taken up in the landfill Not only are you helping save the environment and a whole lot of space and time by going the DIY route consider the fact that you also are helping to save yourself valuable money that is much better spent on other things like new name brand cosmetics for your table or a nifty new magnifying mirror to go on top

Eyelash Curler

Eyelash Curler

No beauty enhancer looks more like something used in medieval torture than an eyelash curler but few devices are less painful to actually use With a little care and practice this handy tool can be one of your favorites. Curling makes lashes appear longer and has the added desired effect of widening the eyes If you dont want to apply mascara every day using a curler is a quick way to achieve a similar effect without makeup If you use a curler with mascara the results can be dazzling

The traditional eyelash curler is metal and looks similar to cooking tongs They are also available in plastic If your mother or grandmother told you horror stories about curling be assured that curlers have come a long way Even the metal ones are lighter and much easier to wield

To use gently place the curler over your eye and at the base of the lashes Your lashes will rest between two sets of pads Squeeze being careful not to catch your skin Hold briefly then release You may find it easier to go in sections rather than curl all your lashes at once Dont try curling your bottom lashes as they are too short and you run the risk of pinching your lid

The basics of using a curler are the same whether you use a plain or heated curler which is discussed below The main difference is that you must not apply mascara before using a nonheated curler as this can damage your lashes

Heated Curlers
As with blowdrying heat can curl your lashes more effectively and keep them curled considerably longer even all day If you already have a plain eyelash curler and want to apply a little heat you can do so by running your blow dryer over the curler for a few seconds But dont forget how delicate the skin on your eyelid is Be sure to test the curler on your wrist before using it on your eye

If youre planning to curl every day and need the extra hold heat provides consider buying a heated curler That way you know youre getting just the right amount of heat without any risk provided you continue to exercise practical caution

Finally some heated curlers work best when you apply mascara first as they use the wax to help achieve a lasting curl Its best to check the back of the box and the instructions before you start curling

A number of excellent eyelash curlers are on the market Your favorite drug store will sell them for as little as $5 If you opt for something a bit more professional you still wont feel much pain in the wallet as excellent curlers range from $1035 Some wellliked brands include

Shu Uemura
Hot Lashes
ShikiBeauty
Trish McEvoy
Lashpro

Every makeup artist likes a different brand for different reasons To determine which you think will work for you ask an esthetician or beauty professional you trust and see what they recommend Upscale beauty shops should have samples available for you to handle. A wellmade eyelash curler should last as long as you wish to keep using it Many are strong enough to withstand being carried in a handbag all day As with any beauty product though and especially one that goes near the eyes a little extra care goes a long way

The pads which are most commonly made of silicone must be changed at least every two months This is not only for hygienic reasons but a worn pad can damage your eyelashes Be your own best judge if youre using the curler regularly and inspect the pads before each use

Blush

Blush

Applying blush can be one of the more difficult makeup techniques to learn Blush creates the difference between a young healthy look and a swallow tired look Unfortunately applying too much or to the wrong area of your cheek instead transforms you into a clown Add to that the difficulty of finding the correct shade of blush and correct brush and youve got a makeup technique that takes practice and patience to conquer. You will want to select a blush that is close to the natural glow of your cheeks after exercise and you should keep your blush in the same color family as your lipstick Of course this isnt very helpful when youre staring at row after row of blush in the makeup store
To find the perfect blush youll want to first start with your skin depth If you have a darker skin you can wear a darker blush like burgundy or wine shades Lighter skin tones need to wear lighter blushes like pink or coral shades.Next review your skin tone If you have yellowish skin you should wear cool colors like pink or plum Olive skin tones should wear apricots or if you have a dark olive complexion an orange Neutral shades can wear anything though rose and mauves are recommended Blue skin tones usually only seen in very dark skin can wear reds or berries
After chosing your shade youll want to look at the contrast of your hair against your skin If you have dark hair and light skin youll need a more vivid blush The closer your skin and hair color are to each other the more neutral the color should be If you are a redhead use a very mellow shade of blush like a peach so your cheeks do not compete with your hair. Finally check your blush in natural light rather than fluorescent If you are really having difficulty ask a makeup professional for help

Try a bronzer rather than a blush for a natural look
Daytime blush should be light while nighttime blush should be a little heavier
How to Find the Perfect Blush Brush
Employ a round full brush for your blush application
Avoid the little brush that comes in the blush package
Use a different brush for your powder and blush
Keep your brush clean with makeup remover and let air dry
Applying blush takes some practice so dont try to learn this technique when you are rushing off to work or school Take some time in the evening or weekends to practice
Apply blush last after everything else is completed including your eyes
Place a small amount of blush onto the brush and tap off any excess
Smile or suck in your cheeks and apply the blush to the apple of your cheek Brush it up toward your hairline
Use a circular motion or short vertical movements when you are applying blush
Use a clean makeup sponge to blend in any edges
Preview in the mirror when youre done to make sure all your makeup looks good
The following tips help when you are applying blush

If you have a full face focus your blush near your hairline If you have high cheekbones apply the blush to in the center of your face
Do not apply blush to the underside of your cheeks
Blush should never go below the bottom of your nose or any closer than the iris of your eye Applying blush high on the eyes can help your eyes to sparkle
To go with a natural look apply blush sparingly
Brush a little amount of blush your forehead if you look very pale right where the sun normally hits your face
Toss any unused blush after six months to avoid bacterial infections

Eye Makeup Removers

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