1). Cleanse, tone and moisturize(a) your skin.
FOUNDATION.
2). To even out your skin tone, apply a semi-matte foundation(b) to your face and eye area with a foundation brush(c); and for a natural finish, work it into the skin with your fingertips.
Makeup artist tip! If you have chosen the correct color, your foundation will blend into your skin. If your foundation is too light or pink, it will leave your complexion looking dull and gray. On the other hand, if your foundation is too dark, there will be a line of demarcation between your jaw and neck, and along the hairline.
CONCEALER.
Eyes
3). To lighten the eye area, mix a concealer(d) with a highlighter pen(e) and apply it over the eyelid and beneath the eye with a concealer brush(f); then, blend by patting it into the skin with your fingertip.
Face
4). To camouflage any spots and blemishes, apply a high-coverage concealer(g) to the affected areas with a concealer brush(f), and to blend, press it over the skin with the pad of your finger.
POWDER.
5). To matte down the eyelid, take some matte, loose powder(h) on a tapered blending brush(i) and apply it to the eyelid.
Why powder the eyelid? A soft halo of color around the eye is one of this season’s statement trends. To create this washed-out effect, dust a layer of matte, loose powder over the eyelid before you apply your eyeshadow. This will dilute the intensity of the color and help you achieve a well-blended finish.
EYESHADOW.
6). First, to brighten the eye, apply a gold-tinged, light-beige, metallic eyeshadow(j) to the eyelid and brow bone with a tapered blending brush(i), and then sweep it beneath the eye and blend it along the lower lashes with an angled blending brush(k). To make the eyes appear fresh and wide awake, concentrate the color toward the inner corner.
7). Second, to enhance the shape of the eye, pick up a soft-brown, shimmery shadow(l) on a tapered blending brush(i), and blend it over the eyelid and through the crease. Next, using an angled blending brush(k), work the shadow across the bottom lashline. To define the outer corner of the eye, take a tapered blending brush(i), and starting at the lower lashline, blend the shadow outward and upward along the natural curve of the eye socket. Blend back and forth to give the eye a softly rounded silhouette.
Makeup artist tip! The key to mastering neutral eyeshadow is to choose colors that work with your complexion. Light beiges and sheer golds work well on fair skins but can often leave darker complexions looking dusty. If you have dark skin, choose terracotta, bronze and deep yellow tones.
MASCARA.
8). To create the illusion of longer top lashes, curl them with an eyelash curler(m). If you have difficult, uncooperative lashes, use a mini-eyelash curler(n) for more control. Then, to make the eyes appear wider, coat both the top and bottom lashes with a lengthening mascara in black(o).
EYEBROW COLOR.
9). To frame the eyes, take some brow color(p) on a small angled brush(q) and fill in any gaps using short, upward strokes.
POWDER.
10). To set your base, apply a matte, loose powder(g) to the face with a powder brush(r).
EYEBROW GEL.
11). For a polished and groomed look that will last, brush your brows upward and hold them in place with a clear brow gel(s).
LIP COLOR.
12). For a neutral pout with staying power, apply a matte lip pencil(t). Draw it on for a natural effect, or apply it with a lip brush(u) for greater precision.
Makeup artist moment! Lipsticks are back in vogue. The lip color I used here looks like a pencil, lasts like a pencil, but goes on like a lipstick. The design gives a controlled application, and I love the way it cloaks the lip in a whisper of nothingness.
BLUSH/BRONZER.
13). For a contoured cheek, take a matte peach powder blush(v) on a powder brush(w) and apply it to the apples. Then, using the same brush, contour the underside of the cheekbone and the temples with a soft, shimmery bronze tone(x). This will give contrast and dimension. To add a hint of color to the rest of the complexion, apply what’s left on the brush to the forehead, nose and chin.