As a self-professed beauty addict, I am almost constantly looking for makeup tips, tricks, techniques and products that I consider to be ‘difference makers’. I probably spend too much time researching beauty tutorials and I have literally tried hundreds of lotions, masks, shadows and the like over my 12 year relationship with all things beauty. So, I figured I should share a bit of the makeup artistry ‘wisdom’ I’ve gained- from shadow application to contouring to the best primer- with all of you, dear (female) readers. And so, without further adieu, below are the best beauty buys, tips and techniques sure to have you looking even more fab than usual.
THE ‘DIFFERENCE MAKERS’:
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Benefit’s PoreFessional: Struggle with giant, gaping pores like myself (and Regina from Mean Girls)? Then you and the PoreFessional are sure to be fast friends. I use it as a primer around my cheek and nose area where pores are most visible. This stuff is the silkiest, creamiest primer I’ve ever used. It’s a true game changer and once you use it- you’ll never go back.
Lancomes CILS Booster XL: A primer for your eyelashes, so to speak, Lancome’s CLIS booster goes on white, dries quickly and makes mascara application optimal. This stuff will ensure mascara doesn’t budge or crumble for a full eight hours. (Pro tip: Curl your lashes prior to applying this lash primer and it will literally hold that delicious curve all day long)
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L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara: YAY. Finally! A bargain item that truly delivers! As much as I love all makeup, I have a real obsession with mascaras in particular- and I’ve used just about every kind of mascara currently on the market. From $40.00 a tube to $6.00 a tube, I have come to the conclusion that this stuff works even better than the pricy kind when it comes to creating dramatic lashes. The wand is a small comb that truly banishes clumps and lengthens lashes flawlessly. (Bonus? It’s just $8.00 a pop).
Tarte’s Rimmer Liner: Introduced to me only recently by my younger sister (Big ups, girl), Tarte’s Rimmer Liner is an absolute must when it comes to creating a dramatic look and making eye colours pop. It’s a beige-white colour liner (great for any eye colour) meant to be applied to your lower waterline to create the illusion of bigger, brighter eyes. And boy, does it ever. If there is one product or tip on this list that will instantly improve your look- it’s this one.
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Urban Decay Shadow Primer: Over the years I have discovered the true difference using a shadow primer can make. Don’t write it off! Not only does it help shadow stick to your lids all day long, it also brings out the pigment in shadow colours effectively. I like Urban decay’s primer in gold or, for a cheaper option, try Nyx’s beige shadow base- which is excellent at hiding tired, ruddy or vein-ridden eyelids. (Can I get a Hallelujiah?)
Cetaphil: Skin and oil stripping soaps won’t do you any favours if you’re looking to calm your complexion and prevent breakouts, which is exactly why dermatologists (and I!) recommend gentle alternatives like Cetaphil. The truth is, when you start putting different, harsh chemicals on your skin- you’re doing more damage than good. Ditch the pricy, foaming lotions and cleansers if you’re having a particularly bad break out. Trust me on this one: Cetaphil is both a miracle and a bargain skin cleanser that can be found for just $8.00 at any drugstore.
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Kate Somerville’s Eradikate: Got a gnarly zit with a mind of its own? Eradikate was specifically formulated to tackle those tough to deal with, beneath the skin, painful giants (You know, the ones that come out when you’re, er, ‘extra hormonal’). Eradikate’s sulphuric acid based formula is extraordinarily effective on pimples and will nix those landmines after just a couple days of use. WIN. P.S. If you can’t find this God-sent spot treatment, honorary mention goes to Mario Badescu’s drying lotion.
BEST TECHNIQUES
Contouring is one of the best ways to make a round face more sculpted, long noses seem shorter or a long face appear more even, for example. This technique is all about tricking the eye into seeing your best features rather than the ones you’d rather, ehm, forget. (And regardless of how confident you are, we all have ‘em) Below are some of the contouring basics:
Slim a Round Face: Sculpt a round face by focusing on your cheekbones. Make a ‘fishy’ face and suck in your cheeks to find the line you should follow. Use a matte Bronzer like Benefit’s Hula and a fan brush to create a diagonal line. Use a small amount of highlighter on your forehead and the apples of your cheeks. Use a blending brush to blend it all in. Voila.
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Widen/Shorten an Oblong Face: Though they say a long face shape is the most ideal and regal (think Liv Tyler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Gisele Bundchen), but it’s actually a pain in the ass- and I should know because I have one. To make it look a little shorter I contour with bronzer by applying it across the top of my forehead, my temples and the bottom of my chin. Then, I use a highlighter powder on my chin (below my lip) and the center of my forehead.
Shorten/slim a Large Nose: Slim a wide nose by using an eyebrow brush to draw a line from your inner eyebrow down to the ball of your nose on both sides. But make sure the lines are perfectly straight- otherwise this could do more damage than good. Blend the lines and apply bronzer to the sides of your nose. Finish with a line of highlighter down the middle. Done correctly, this creates the illusion of a straighter, smaller schnoz.
FAVOURITE TIPS
Foundation: Avoid the cake face look by only applying foundation where you need it! Many ladies don’t realize that it’s totally unnecessary to apply foundation all over their face (Please. For the love of God, say it with me: totally unnecessary). The key is to only use foundation where it’s warranted to keep your skin looking natural. For example, do you deal with rosy cheeks, post acne red spots or scars? Blend foundation on those areas primarily. Leave the clear skin alone when it comes to foundation (A bit of powder will do).
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Eye Shadow: Make any eye colour pop by using shadow colours strategically. Check out this colour wheel I’ve included and try using the colours that are opposite to your eye colour on the wheel. For example, blue eyed ladies should opt for golds, oranges and purples to make eyes pop. Green eyed gals should use pinks and dark violets. Finally, brown eyed chicks should reach for teals and even pinks to make peepers stand out. Of course, experiment with different shades and dimensions to see which are most flattering on you.
Winged liner: To create perfectly winged eyeliner, the key is keeping your eyes open when drawing the lines. Draw a diagonal line going in the direction of your bottom waterline on your top lid with eyes open. (When you close your eyes, the shape of your peepers actually changes and the ‘wing’ won’t look as good)
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Lips: Get defined, lush lips by using lip liner! I know, I know. You have bad memories from the nineties when ladies would wear dark red liner with a frosting lip colour. (Think vintage Pam Anderson and Gwen Stefani) Rest assured, that is not the I’m suggesting you mimic. Don’t let lip liner intimidate you! To keep lips looking natural and plump, always go for a nude colour close to the colour of your lips; never lighter than your gums and NEVER darker than your lip shade. Simply trace along your lip line (go a bit outside of it if your pout is lacking) and voila! Not sure what colour will work for you? Try a shade from Smashbox’s nude collection. Or, for a cheaper alternative, Annabelle makes a really good neutral liner called Demure that works on most lip shades.
So, there you have it. Some of my all-time favourite beauty products, techniques and tips. Did I leave any out? What are your personal faves? Tweet @FreshPrintMag and let me know.
