Having worked with hundreds, if not thousands, of clients, we understand the challenges women face when choosing the best makeup for their needs and figuring out how to apply it properly.
Even as professional makeup artists, we find it takes time to navigate the aisles of your local makeup department for a product that is right for your skin type and comes in your ideal shade.
Many of our clients have voiced the same concerns when it comes to selecting, buying and wearing makeup. We’re here to unmask those beauty uncertainties and share a few tips to show you how effortless wearing makeup can be!
Matching foundation type and colour
Foundation can give you a flawless makeup base—if done right. There are many types of formulas available, from sheer to full coverage, cream to powder and everything in between. With so many brands to choose from, finding the right foundation can be a challenge. We love using liquid foundation on our clients, because it is so versatile and can be enhanced with powder and concealer. For those with oily or sensitive skin types, powder foundation may be a better fit.
For the perfect foundation look, determine your skin type and your skin’s needs. Do you want a sheer and natural formula? Do you want a powder foundation? Something hydrating and luminous? With SPF? Long-wearing? Oil-free? Once you have a foundation formula in mind, you can start searching for the perfect shade.
The reason you want to determine formula first and colour second is because not every cosmetic company will have an exact shade for your skin. You may have to try two or three different brands before finding the perfect foundation. To find the perfect shade, swipe two or three shades along your jaw and go to a mirror near a window. Using natural daylight is best for the closest and most natural colour match. Find the shade that blends closest with your skin.
The right shade and formula
The perfect shade of lipstick or blush can easily brighten your skin and eyes and give you a freshly polished look. Everyone’s skin has either yellow or pink undertones. Yellow is warmer and pink is cooler. Knowing your undertone can be very helpful when you’re trying to figure out which shades look best on you. In general, if your skin has cooler undertones, you should wear cool tones like pinks, plums and mauves; if your skin has warmer undertones tones, you should wear warm tones like browns, corals and nudes. However, there are so many colour variations available now that almost anything goes—you just have to rock it!
We recommend trying colours on their own and in front of natural light. In our experience, warmer tones are more user-friendly and work on most skin tones. So, reach towards golden-champagne eyeshadow tones, peachy-pink blush and pink-nude glosses or lipsticks. If you’re unsure ask an associate; most are working artists and are there to help you.
In terms of formula, there are many options. If you have oily skin, stick with powder blush, which is our favourite because it’s versatile and easy to use. Cream blushes are nice as well for dry skin or for those looking for a dewy finish. For lips, it is a personal preference. Some like a gloss because it’s more youthful, some like a lip balm and liner that matches their lips because it’s more natural, and some just like a lipstick because it’s more refined. Now, there is a new generation of lipsticks available. The formulas are lighter and the finishes are endless: Matte, creamy, shiny and sheer.
Eyeshadow can come in a cream or powder formula. We use an eye primer first and then apply powder shadow. The primer helps prevent creasing and helps the shadow last all day. There are beautiful sheer cream shadow formulas as well. Look for long-lasting or waterproof and apply a sheer layer over your eyelid using your ring finger.
A touch up on touch-ups
The best way to keep your makeup looking fresh all day? Touch it up! No matter how long-wearing your makeup may be, after eight to 16 hours on your face, it will move or change. If you choose to wear any makeup, check on it from time to time throughout the day. If you have any liner or shadow smudged under your eye or your concealer has creased, just use your ring finger to gently blend out. To eliminate any shine, you can blot your skin with blotting paper or tissue and reapply powder or bronzer. For a quick refresh, clean under eyes, blot and powder skin, add blush, reapply lipstick or gloss and you’ll be perfectly polished in no time!
Valeria Nova and Lori Fabrizio are hair and makeup artists with a passion for unforgettable makeovers and making women feel gorgeous. With over 10 years of professional experience, Val and Lori teamed up in 2010 to create Two Chicks and Some Lipstick to share their love of makeup with women who want to be confident and feel beautiful.
Find Lori and Val:
Web: twochicksandsomelipstick.com
Facebook: @twochicksandsomelipstick
Instagram: @twochicksandsomelipstick
