Getting the most out of your cosmetics is pretty much like becoming a painter. In order to begin, you really need to care for the \”canvas\” – your skin. Not all of us can have that traditionally beautiful creamy skin tone, but we can make the best of what we have, and that means three significant words: clean, tone and moisturize.
Believe it or not, the first step in getting closer to great makeup look is… skincare! That\’s right – when you take great care of your skin, you give yourself the beginning of a beautifully made-up face. That means setting up a daily skin care routine based on just a few words: cleanse, tone and moisturize, in that order.
To choose your skin care products, you must decide whether your skin is dry, oily, combination or normal. This is unbelievably important because your type of skin plays a major role in selecting your makeup as well. Once you\’ve decided upon your skin type, you can use the cleanser, toner and lotion that are best for you. For instance, a dry skin needs creamier cleansers and lotions, but a less abrasive toner. On the other hand, oily skin responds better to water-based cleansers and moisturizers while using a stronger astringent to remove oil. Normal and combination types of skin usually cleanse with traditional products, but adapt their toner and moisturizer to any problem areas. Regardless of your skin type, stick to a regulat routine of \”cleanse, tone and moisturize.\”
Then, select a good foundation that matches your skin type. Always choose to buy the absolute best makeup you can afford, because it\’s going on one of the most delicate organs of your body, your skin. Cheap makeup looks on your complexion like just what they are – bad quality makeup.
A high quality base foundation is a must, regardless of the type of skin. The most suitable foundation is one that will conceal blemishes and lighten skin without a dark, cakey look. Women with dry skin look best with a creamy foundation that\’ll add extra moisture. Ladies with oily skin look best in water-based liquid foundations. Those with normal or combination skin types have the benefit of playing around with various products to see what kind of foundation works best.
Now the REAL fun begins, picking a new look out of all those amazing cosmetics shades! Most girls like to have at least two different make up looks, one for during the day and another darker look for nights and special occasions. Many ladies coordinate their makeup colors with the main colors in their wardrobes, while others like to try all the new fashion looks each time of the year.
Many guys like to make fun of us girls about our makeup, calling it \”war paint\” (remember Mel Gibson and those courageous Scottish soldiers in the movie \”Braveheart\”?). Well, in a way, the guys are correct: a girl whose beauty products helps her look better not only looks good, she feels happy and strong, able to handle anything life may bring. (And p.s., have you noticed how many more professional men are getting facials these days?)
Makeup consultants often argue the best way to pick beauty product is to coordinate with your hair and skin. For instance, girls with light skin and dark hair, or darker toned skin with dark hair, each can look just beautiful in dramatic makeup of darker tones with drastic contrast. On the other hand, girls with fair skin and pale-colored hair and eyes look best in pastels, while women with olive skin need makeup that will counteract the yellowish tones in their skin. Likewise, specific \”correction\” makeup will help hide flaws. Greenish tones will cancel out too much red in the skin, while yellow can hide bluish under-eye circles and other blemishes.
If you are unsure about how to choose your cosmetics, a makeup artist can give you excellent advice. You might even have a friend who\’s good with makeup and can give you recommendations and assistance. The whole idea is that makeup is fun with an added bonus: A beautiful face.
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