Skin Care and Makeup - Part 2: 7 Beauty Application Tips

In the previous post we covered "Eyes", but I'd be remiss if I left off mascara applications.

1. Mascara:

a) How long should you keep using a tube of mascara? It is recommended that you change your mascara ever 3-4 months. I can hear someone saying, "That would be a waste! I only use it once or twice per week." The reason for the recommended timeframe is to avoid bacterial infection; therefore, if you use mascara infrequently, use disposable wands each time and ensure that you close the cap tightly after each use.

b) Mary Kay offers 3 types of mascara: 1) Ultimate for thickest fullest lashes; 2) Lash Lengthening with vitamins to help condition lashes; and 3) Waterproof - ideal for activites where sweating may be a concern and swimming.

c) If you like the thickness and fullness of the Ultimate but would like to use under conditions that the Waterproof would be better, Robert Jones recommends adding a layer of Waterproof on top of the Ultimate mascara.

d) Too much product on your brush, just wipe off on inexpensive tissue (less lint) then apply.

2. Blush/Cheek Color: Designed to brighten the face and make your face look 'alive.' To determine how dark your blush should be - whatever shade you flush or naturally blush to. Many people have adopted the rule that your blush should not be closer to your nose than 2 fingers' width. That may work for some but not everyone. What if you have large fingers or a narrow face? It's recommended that your cheek color should start in the center of the apple of your cheek back to your temple in a sort of upside comma. It is essential to blend, blend, blend so that you finish with a sun-kissed look rather than a 'punched in the cheek' look.

3. Highlighting Powders: Recommended for all skin tones. May be applied on top of cheekbones, forehead and tip of the chin. Ideal to bring out parts of the face to create the 'perfect' oval face.

4. Highlighting Pens: Designed to bring forward recessed areas in the face. Keep in mind that while the highlighting pens will conceal discoloration slightly, they are not concealers.

5. Highlighting and Contouring - What's the Difference? As noted above, highlighting does just that. It highlights or reflects light on certain features so draw attention to these areas and away from trouble spots. Contouring, on the other hand, is used to push away parts of the face that you want to appear to recede.

6. Concealer: My idea of a girl's best friend and the one item you must have in your make-up bag. It is designed to be used on discolored skin. Concealer can draw attention to fine lines so only a very small amount should be used. If the concealer you're using is too dry or cakey, add a small drop of moisturizer to soften. If applying under the eyes to cover dark circles, add a drop of eye cream to moisten.

7. Foundation: Foudation may be applied with a brush, sponge, or your fingers. Make-up artists vary in their opinion as to the 'best' method. I recommend to my customers, and use my fingers to apply then blend with a sponge. Foundation is best selected using the stripe method. Ivory/beige: stripe down the cheek. Bronze/ebony: stripe from the jaw to neck

Skincare and Makeup - 7 Beauty Tips You Want to Keep in Mind when Applying Eye Makeup

This past weekend I attended a one-day workshop with International Makeup Artist and Author, Robert Jones, and came away with a great deal of information that I'd like to share. Here are 7 tips regarding eyes and eye makeup:

1. Cool tones vs warm shades: Warm shades make you look younger. Very few women are true 'cool tones.'

2. Types of Eyeshadows:
a) Frost - Provides much more opaque coverage. Usually comes in light pastel shades that work best on younger skin. Can easily sink into wrinkles so is not recommended for mature skin.
b) Shimmer - Offers great, sheer coverage with a subtle sheen and hint of sparkle. Perfect choice for mature skin as it will not collect in fine lines. Light shimmers work great for highlighting. Dark shimmers are great for adding drama without being too harsh.
c) Matte - the best choice for creating a natural no-makeup look. The best formula for midtone shades because of its natural appearance. Works well for reshaping and defining the eye because of the higher level of color pigment.

3. Eyemakeup Colors: It is not necessary for your eyeshadow to match your clothing. Makeup is an accessory to you - what you need to look your prettiest. If you'd like to include an eye color to match your clothing, layer the desired color on top of the existing warm accent color (unless the accent color is the color of choice).

4. Color of Eyes: To maximize the brilliance of your own eye color, use colors that are on the opposite side of the color wheel. For example, blue eyes will appear more intense when a warm, coppery shade is used.

5. Shadows and Liners: They shape eyes and eyelids. They push away what you don't want to see or be seen too readily and bring forward what you want to see.

6. Eyeliner Application: If you line your bottom lid you MUST line the top eyelid as well otherwise it makes the eyes look tired. Liquid eyeliner is recommended for the top lid only. While not a hard and fast rule, when applied to the bottom lid it could look harsh and unnatural. Suggested application to bottom lid: use a dark eyeshadow and brush or use a pencil then soften with a coat of eyeshadow.

7. Brows: Your eyebrows are the frame for your face. Thicker but softly feathered eyebrows make the face look younger.

And now I'd like to invite you to visit your Independent Beauty Consultant at www.marykay.com/yjones and request a free trial size of the Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black which you will need to complete your look.

I also invite you to learn more about Robert Jones and the amazing tools he offers to keep you looking beautiful at http://www.robertjonesbeauty.com/