Talking Technique (Make-up)

Hi there!
Penny is no make-up artist and doesn't play one on TV, but I've learned quite a bit over the years. Friends and family often ask about my make-up looks, products, tools, and/or application. Here are some of the most common tips I get asked about.

Sephora Pro Stippling
Brush #41

Concealer - When choosing a concealer it is best to remember that various types of concealer work best depending on what you want to conceal. Liquid and more lightweight concealers work best for under eye circles. While cream or thicker formula concealers work better to cover blemishes and other areas of hyperpigmentaiton on the face. It is also important to have a good concealer brush, makeup sponge (or better yet, a clean finger tip). Start with less and then add more to build coverage. 

Foundation - Think about it...if you take the time to put on your concealer, why mess it up by dragging your foundation across your face and disturbing that concealer underneath. The same goes for blush over foundation (except for application w/ a super soft blush brush). Penny knows that some of you apply concealer on top of your foundation or BB cream, however, because I have so much to conceal (cheek area where I have melasma)...I put my concealer on first. The trick to the full, all-day coverage I get is my application technique. I use a flat kabuki brush (Sigma F80)to stipple/pat the concealer into the skin. So when I apply foundation to those areas, I use the same motion with a different stipple brush (Sephora Pro Large Domed Stippling Brush #41). When I set with powder I also 'press' the powder with a sponge into the skin instead of dragging a brush across the area and disturbing what's underneath.



MAC Paint Pot
in Groundwork

Eyeshadow - Penny has a few tried and true ways to apply long-lasting eyeshadow. My lids are dark from allergies, and not necessarily smooth, so I always need 3 things to make my eye make-up look last: 1) primer; 2) base (to even out skin tone and keep the shadow true to color); and 3) a good blending brush (i.e. MAC 224 or Sigma E40). My favorite primer is Too Faced Shadow Insurance and my favorite base is MAC's Paint Pot. But the real key to a good eyeshadow look is to BLEND. Remember less is always better, until you learn an application technique that compliments your eyes. Think about your eye shape when choosing a style and even when choosing colors. For example, if you have small eyes, but like darker shades, know that they may make your eyes look even smaller. It doesn't mean you can't wear a darker shade; but it could mean that you apply it lightly and maybe blend with another lighter color.

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Eyebrows - There are lots of good videos on YouTube on how to fill in your brows so that they look more natural. Penny likes Anastasia Brow Wiz the best, and bareMinerals Brow Powder as a backup. Find the product that works best for you but remember not to make your brows too dark; they don't have to be the exact color of your hair either. More importantly, learn about the shape of your brows and the best shape for your face. It's best to use short strokes for a more natural look; and a firm brow brush to blend the product into your brows. I also learned to relax my face and brows when I'm filling them in. By not raising your brows you have a more realistic perspective of what you will look like and its easier to apply the product line.

There are a few things in my arsenal that I still have to practice to make perfect.

Faux Lash Application


False Eyelash Applicator

Most of my friends who use false lashes say that its easy to apply them but its always hit or miss with me. I prefer the demi lashes by Ardell that are shorter, easier for me to apply and look more natural. This may sound corny but I also bought an eyelash applicator (tweezer-type tool) that helps me to place the lashes in the right place. LOL! It works.

Contouring

This is a technique often used to enhance or diminish certain facial features. If you want to enhance your cheekbones, or make your nose look slimmer in photos; contouring is the way to go. Due to its popularity among celebrities, there are lots of beauty bloggers sharing tricks and tips on contouring on YouTube, Pinterst and elsewhere. The key here again is to BLEND. One of the most helpful instructional pieces I've seen so far is this blog on how to contour for your face shape which was recently sent to me:
http://www.bluegala.com/blog/the-art-of-contouring/

GENERAL TIPS/TRICKS:

Sigma F80

• Make sure you have the right tools for the job. Invest in good make-up brushes and ask the professionals which brush works best for which product. And remember, they don't always have to be expensive to be good.
• Take the time to have a professional MATCH your make-up to your skin tone. So many folks are walking around with the wrong shade and in the "selfie" obsessed world we live in...it shows. LOL! Trust me...its trial and error...and Penny doesn't always get it right either. :-)
• Wash your brushes often to avoid contamination and break-outs. Once a week if you use them daily...or every 2 weeks at least.
• Using lip liner (in the same color) under your lipstick or gloss will help to make the color last longer.

What are your most common tricks and tips?

 

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Be blessed. Be beautiful.
Penny