User post: Makeup 101

Makeup has so much to offer; it can cover imperfections, elongate the face, and enhance the natural beauty of your eyes. For those that wear makeup already and need a refresher course or for those that are just beginning to wear makeup, proper application is essential to fully utilize what it has to offer.

There are several factors to consider when using makeup. For instance, understanding the shape of your eyes (close set, wide set, hooded) is essential. As an example, close set eyes can be made to appear further apart with the proper application of eye shadow. Read more about eye shadow applications, fully illustrated too. Furthermore, understanding your skin tone and skin type is essential when selecting a foundation, blush and lipstick. Far too many times I have purchased cosmetics ignoring my skin type and skin tone and wondered why the product didn't perform as I expected. For example an oily complexion should consider powder blushes and oil free foundations. Finally, understanding that proper shaping and coloring of the eyebrows is part of the overall look. The eyebrows frame the eyes and do so much to enhance your eyes and face when properly shaped.Read more about how to shape your eyebrows, fully illustrated too!

The next to thing to consider when applying your makeup is the event you are going to attend.
A night on the town may call for smoky eyes with a little shimmer. Daytime wear should be natural but still cover imperfections and enhance your overall appearance.

Eye makeup techniques

Smoky eyes - perfecting smoky eyes is just a matter of practice. To begin, apply a light shade of foundation or concealer on the upper lid, under the brow and under the eye. This gives you a nice canvas to create your smoky eyes. Next line the eyelid with eye pencil or liquid eyeliner staying close to the lashes. Now soften the line with a q-tip and then apply a dark eye shadow directly over the line and smudge. Continue with the dark shadow going up into the crease of the eye and outward, however do not go into the inner corners of the eye. Lastly apply a lighter color on the instead of the upper lids and the rest of the eye area (under the brow) and blend. For the bottom of the eye apply a thin line under the lashes, staying as close to the lashes as possible and smudge. Apply heavy coats of mascara to both the upper and lower lashes. Smoky eyes are versatile. Colors can range from dark browns to forest greens and dark plums. Additionally you can add a little shimmer if desired. Not all eye shapes can do smoky eyes; dark colors seem to make small eyes appear that much smaller. Additionally, there are a number of variations for the application of smoky eyes.

Natural (minimalist) - this look hit the runway this year to capture the natural beauty of women. The minimalist look strives for a flawless complexion, with the help of concealers and foundation, nude lips that match your skin tone and light soft colors for eye makeup. Consider nude shadows for the lids and maybe a taupe for the crease and blend. Blush should be light and easily blends with your skin tone. Apply brown mascara for a final finish.

Daytime makeup is similar to the minimalist look however a little bit more color may be in order. For the eyes start with two shades, a light and dark shade of your choice. Apply the dark shadow over the lid and up into the crease, apply the lighter shadow to the brow area and blend. If desired you can line the bottom of the eye with an eye pencil or apply a light shadow under the eyes to brighten them up.

Foundation techniques

Foundation comes in an array of formulas. There are cream, cream to powder, mineral makeup, and liquid to name a few. First and foremost is selecting the right foundation for your skin type; this will ensure a flawless finish. Your foundation should be close to the skin color on your neck to avoid any dramatic differences in color. Additionally, if blemishes or skin discolorations are a problem consider a concealer. Note, there is an array of concealers, some are designed to cover blemishes while some are designed to cover under eye circles. It is important to understand the type of concealer you need. There are different applications of foundation which is dependent upon the type of foundation you use. For instance, mineral makeup is usually applied with a Kabuki brush, while liquid makeup is applied with your fingertips or sponge. Basically the key is covering and blending to an even finish.

Blush techniques

As with foundation, there are various types of blush formulas such as cream and powder. Additionally, blush techniques can elongate a round face or just bring a rosy glow to your complexion. For a rosy glow, smile and apply the blush to the fullest part of the cheeks, commonly known as the apple, and blend. Read How to Properly Apply Blush - Contouring Your Face

Eye brow techniques

As indicated above properly shaped eyebrows are essential in framing the eyes and enhancing your overall look. Here is a great post and illustration to help you shape your eye brows. If you have the money, have your eyebrows properly shaped at the salon and then you can maintain the shape.

Lipstick techniques

To properly apply lipsticks make one swipe of the lipstick across the top lip and one across the bottom lip. Apply more lipstick to fill in or create a darker effect. Once you are happy with the color, blot with tissue. Other tips are: use a lip liner or your foundation as a base, this technique will make your lipstick or lip gloss last so much longer. Line your lips with the same color as your lipstick, never use a dark lip liner with a light lipstick. To make your lips look fuller, line the bottom lip and add a little gloss to the middle of the bottom lip. Another important fact is that not all lipstick shades look good on everyone, understanding your skin tone will determine what shades will look best on you. If you like bold red, here is a good article on how to select the right red for your skin tone and application tips.

Above are the basics in the proper application of makeup and while it may seem like a lot to comprehend, it is really just a matter of understanding your face shape, skin type and skin tone to really create that perfect and individual look. Additionally, I find that practice makes perfect, so do not be afraid to experiment with different colors and application methods.

Lastly, real beauty begins on the inside and starts with confidence, self-esteem, and a postivie attitude. All the makeup in the world will not make you beautiful, it will only enhance the beauty you already have!


Below are just a few of my posts here on Shine, hope you will stop by!

Finding Your Pefect Red Lipstick
Eliminating Under-eye Circles - how to select the right concealer
Are you ready for some new lipstick? How about a beautiful red or warm brown?
A flawless finish - selecting the right foundation for your skin type and skin tone
Tips to determine you skin tone - warm, neutral or cool?
Making the most of your brown eyes
Longer, Fuller Eyelashes Naturally
The Right Mineral Makeup for Your Skin Type
A Beautiful Complexion Starts with a Facial


Carolb - author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

Visit Complete Skin Care Therapy for more articles on skin care and easy DIY skin care recipes.