Everyday Complexion Tips & Tricks
One of the most basic things that I wanted to throw out there is my regular makeup routine. It's nothing too eyeopening or crazy. I try to go for a natural but polished look. In order to do this, I focus on complexion instead of on eyes and lips.
Rather than going through my routine step by step, I would like to just include some tips and tricks that I use to even out and brighten up my complexion.
1. Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize. I use Neutrogena's Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30. I have oily skin and I break out, but moisturizing evens out my skin, and if you use something with an SPF, you can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. If your skin is a bit on the dry side, this is definitely a must. It will also help to create a more supple surface for your makeup application.
2. Try a tinted moisturizer for lighter coverage. I have a lot of friends who use foundation all over the face for full coverage. If that's your thing, that's fine, but for a more natural day to day look, more sheer coverage might be better. A tinted moisturizer will moisturize while evening out your skin tone. Another option is to mix a drop of your regular foundation with moisturizer and blend that all over your face. This will give an effect similar to a tinted moisturizer.
3. Apply foundation only where you need it. If I ever use foundation, I only use mineral powder, but in the past I did use liquid, and I would only apply it to places that needed the coverage. Applying it to your entire face will give you a flawless look, but in many cases, it can look very heavy. Very lightly dot the foundation where you need it and blend it out.
4. Experiment with luminizers and bronzers. A light bronzer application will help contour and define your features, all while giving your face a warm glow. Applying a luminizer on your cheekbones, cupid's bow (that's the little curve at the center above your lips), and browbone will make your skin look fresh and dewy. Play with combining the two, but don't overdo it. I like brushing a powder luminizer along up cheekbones and up to my temple. Beware! If you apply too much bronzer, your face will look dirty and possibly orange, and also avoid using it as a blush. Too much highlighter will make your face shiny.
5. Concealer is your friend! Concealing dark undereye circles and redness around your nose can do wonders. Sometimes, applying foundation or tinted moisturizer can neutralize these areas, but if you're looking for more coverage, go ahead and use a concealer. You can also spot conceal any other blemishes on your face. Be sure to set your concealer with a light translucent powder, or it may crease/run throughout the day.
6. Pink is the new pink. Try a pink blush. My more olive-toned friends stick with neutrals--brown, tan, gold, bronze, and maybe peach if they're a little more daring. Mix it up a little! Try a pink blush! It's universally flattering. Just be sure to pick a shade that matches your color (if you're darker, try a romantic mauve). My fair skin often leaves my face looking pale and almost sickly. Pink blush, when applied on the apples of your cheeks and up along your cheekbones (imagine a paisley shape), will give you a warm and rosy glow. BONUS TIP: Use a pink blush with shimmer, that can act as both a highlighter and a blush.
Eventually I will probably do an entire step-by-step tutorial. I will post a list of the products that I use, just to give you an idea of what you might want to look for and/or avoid. Not everyone will necessarily like the things that I do in terms of makeup. I'm very particular. Leave me any questions, concerns, and/or comments!
Love,
CupcakeGlitter
Rather than going through my routine step by step, I would like to just include some tips and tricks that I use to even out and brighten up my complexion.
1. Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize. I use Neutrogena's Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30. I have oily skin and I break out, but moisturizing evens out my skin, and if you use something with an SPF, you can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. If your skin is a bit on the dry side, this is definitely a must. It will also help to create a more supple surface for your makeup application.
2. Try a tinted moisturizer for lighter coverage. I have a lot of friends who use foundation all over the face for full coverage. If that's your thing, that's fine, but for a more natural day to day look, more sheer coverage might be better. A tinted moisturizer will moisturize while evening out your skin tone. Another option is to mix a drop of your regular foundation with moisturizer and blend that all over your face. This will give an effect similar to a tinted moisturizer.
3. Apply foundation only where you need it. If I ever use foundation, I only use mineral powder, but in the past I did use liquid, and I would only apply it to places that needed the coverage. Applying it to your entire face will give you a flawless look, but in many cases, it can look very heavy. Very lightly dot the foundation where you need it and blend it out.
4. Experiment with luminizers and bronzers. A light bronzer application will help contour and define your features, all while giving your face a warm glow. Applying a luminizer on your cheekbones, cupid's bow (that's the little curve at the center above your lips), and browbone will make your skin look fresh and dewy. Play with combining the two, but don't overdo it. I like brushing a powder luminizer along up cheekbones and up to my temple. Beware! If you apply too much bronzer, your face will look dirty and possibly orange, and also avoid using it as a blush. Too much highlighter will make your face shiny.
5. Concealer is your friend! Concealing dark undereye circles and redness around your nose can do wonders. Sometimes, applying foundation or tinted moisturizer can neutralize these areas, but if you're looking for more coverage, go ahead and use a concealer. You can also spot conceal any other blemishes on your face. Be sure to set your concealer with a light translucent powder, or it may crease/run throughout the day.
6. Pink is the new pink. Try a pink blush. My more olive-toned friends stick with neutrals--brown, tan, gold, bronze, and maybe peach if they're a little more daring. Mix it up a little! Try a pink blush! It's universally flattering. Just be sure to pick a shade that matches your color (if you're darker, try a romantic mauve). My fair skin often leaves my face looking pale and almost sickly. Pink blush, when applied on the apples of your cheeks and up along your cheekbones (imagine a paisley shape), will give you a warm and rosy glow. BONUS TIP: Use a pink blush with shimmer, that can act as both a highlighter and a blush.
Eventually I will probably do an entire step-by-step tutorial. I will post a list of the products that I use, just to give you an idea of what you might want to look for and/or avoid. Not everyone will necessarily like the things that I do in terms of makeup. I'm very particular. Leave me any questions, concerns, and/or comments!
Love,
CupcakeGlitter