Beauty 101 Guide
Although true beauty comes from within, we all know makeup is fun to play with every once in a while. Makeup can help to play up your natural look, add definition, or even add drama for a whole new appearance. Whether you need a makeup intro or just a refresher, our 101 guide will help you to choose the right products and colors for your face with confidence. Guide written by Jen.
Foundation
Face makeup that covers like a mask is a look that's been out for a long time. Make foundation work for you by using it to smooth out your skin tone. To get it nice and even, dab the liquid or powder on where you need it and blend or apply it all over for a flawless finish. Also, make sure to think about your skin type when selecting a foundation that's right for you. If your skin is dry, for example, you might want to try out a moisturizing foundation. If your skin is oily, use an oil-free foundation. It's a good idea to use a product with built-in SPF protection, too.
Recommended: Chanel Teint Innocence Naturally Luminous Fluid Makeup SPF 12, bareMinerals Multi-Tasking Bisque, CoverGirl TruBlend Mineral Loose Powder, Urban Decay Surreal Skin Mineral Makeup
Blush
For cheekbones that pop with a flush of color, blush is an absolute must. The two most popular forms of blush are cream and powder. Cream formulas are easier to control and blend but can be too harsh for sensitive skin. Powder formulas can be sheer and applied with more precision, but aren't as easy to blend. To find the most flattering blush shade for your skin tone, take a look at what color your cheeks are after you pinch them, come back from exercising, or come in from the cold. That is the best shade to look for in a blush since it's the closest match to the natural flush of your cheeks.
Recommended: Nars Blush, Urban Decay Afterglow Blush
Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow is really an expression of your personality, so don't be afraid to experiment with color. Emma herself has worn everything from lavender to smoky grey on her lids, after all! There's a handy rule you can follow for surefire shadow success: light shades emphasize while dark shades minimize. If you're new to eye makeup, ease into eyeshadow with one neutral shade over your entire lid or try a neutral duo with one light shade for your lid and one dark shade to contour. Try visiting Maybelline's My Color Advisor to help find a shade that's right for you.
Recommended: Stila Eyeshadow Pan, Maybelline Exepert Wear Shadow Quad
Eyeliner
In my opinion, eyeliner has always been the scariest part of any makeup application. It's dark, thick, and if you put too much on, you end up looking like a raccoon. The cool thing about eyeliner, though, is that no matter whether you choose to go thick or thin, blurry or precise, your favorite line style can help to define your look. You can be dramatic with a precise liquid liner or show off your soft yet definitive side with a smoky line. For a low-maintenance look, line just your upper lid. Lock in a lush lash look by using eye liner to fill in your lash line. You can even play around with colored eyeliner, like Emma did at the POA DVD Launch and the Valiant Premiere. The possibilities are endless!
Your two choices or eyeliner are either a pencil or a liquid form. Pick the eyeliner that gives you the look you want and is comfortable for you to apply. Pencil eyeliners are easy to control and blend well for a softer, natural-looking definition, but may require touch-ups during the day. Liquid eyeliner can be hard to apply since liquid is less forgiving and takes a few moments to try. For the most natural look, use a wood pencil or careful application of liquid liner in a subtle shade for a soft, thin line on your top lid.
Recommended: Maybelline Define-A-Line Eyeliner, CoverGirl LineExact Liquid Liner, Makeup For Ever Aqua Eyes Eyeliner, Prescriptives Softlining Pencil
Mascara
You wouldn't leave the house without brushing or styling your hair, would you? So why should your lashes miss out on mascara? Mascara is the simplest step in makeup application, and arguably the most crucial; a little of it goes such a long way. Most of us don't have the naturally full, curvy lashes we lust for, and that's where mascara comes in. For a natural, open-eyed look, lashes should be gently accentuated. For a defined look, each lash should be defined and separated, but not exaggerated. For drama, create allure with intense length, fullness, or curve.
Mascara is super easy when it comes to color choice. A very black shade works for everyone. If you have light eyes and don't want too much contrast, try brownish black or soft black mascara shades instead.
Recommended: Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara, Maybelline New York Intense XXL Volume and Length Waterproof Microfiber Mascara
Lipcolor
Lipcolor comes in stick or liquid formula. You'll find that lipstick is slightly easier to apply since the formula is more forgiving. Liquid lipcolor comes with a wand that may require more precision to apply, but some formulas also come with a long-wearing benefit that lets you skip the touchups.
Think you can't wear most lipcolors? Think again. I promise, there's even a shade of red that's right for you! Just let your mood do the picking. Fair complexions fare well with browns that have a warm peachy glow, or dramatic reds with a bluish tint. Olive skin looks best in light browns with warm tones, or dark-brownish reds. For people with dark skin, try deep reds with blue or purple tones, or deep reddish-browns. Avoid pinks or orange-reds!
Recommended: Chanel Rouge Hydrabase Creme Lipstick, Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss, Stila Lip Glaze, Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Shine Lipstick
Makeup is never something you need to be afraid of. There are so many products to choose from and so many colors to try out. A trial and error approach may be necessary, but that's totally normal. Finding the best product for you in the end is well worth the work, anyway. Just remember that practice makes perfect. Have fun, ladies!
