I wanted to start my blog with what I consider the most important step in makeup application How to Prepare Your Face For Makeup.
Whether you're having your makeup done professionally or doing it yourself, it's very important to thoroughly cleanse and moisturize your face, before putting on any makeup.
Makeup applied to skin that is not clean will clog pores and essentially seal all impurities in the skin under your foundation. And no one wants that!
STEPS FOR PREPPING FACE: Follow these steps, prior to applying any makeup, to create the perfect canvas each and every time!
STEP 1: EXFOLIATE
To begin, simply take a little scrub on your fingers, apply it to your face and using circular motions lightly massage the product into the skin. Be sure to concentrate on any rough areas of your face such as the nose, chin and forehead. Once completed, rinse your face with warm water.
exfoliating tip: There is no need to purchase expensive exfoliating scrubs. You can find great options at your local drug store such as exfoliating pads that are very effective, inexpensive and easy to use. Be sure whatever option you choose, that's it's gentle and won't cause your skin any irritation.
STEP 2: TONER
After the face has been exfoliated, it is important to use a toner to close the pores of the skin. This will keep your skin fresh and remove all the impurities. Apply a small amount of liquid facial toner to a cotton ball or pad. Take the cotton ball or pad and move it gently across your face, paying special attention to your chin, nose, cheeks and hairline.
toner tip: Toner is another thing that can be purchased at your local drug store and doesn't need to cost much at all. When shopping for a toner, make sure it's appropriate for your skin type. Repeat Step 2, as necessary, to ensure you no longer see any dirt or debris on the cotton ball or pad.
STEP 3: MOISTURIZE
Your skin always needs tender, loving care, every day and throughout the year, not just during cold months. It’s important to keep your skin hydrated and nourished through regular moisturizing. Take a quarter-sized amount of product on your fingers and gently rub onto the face and neck. Allow your moisturizer to absorb into the skin before moving on to the next step.
moisturizing tip: After application, check if your skin is absorbing the moisturizer. If you find that your skin still feels greasy after 5 minutes, you are putting on too much of moisturizer. If your skin feels dry or pulls, you are not using enough moisturizer. Adjust the amount of moisturizer to accommodate the special needs of your skin.
STEP 4: COLOR CORRECTION
Now apply color corrector if needed. Color correctors are different from concealers, because instead of “concealing” the problem area like what a concealer does, they neutralize the area. In my next blog post, I will chat about color correctors and how to use them on all skin tones.
FINAL STEP: APPLYING MAKEUP
Apply your foundation, followed by concealer as needed on dark circles. Once completed, take a makeup brush with some pressed powder and sweep it evenly over the face. Now your face is ready for the rest of your makeup. Go ahead and enjoy!
ADDITIONAL TIPS & TRICKS
To Prime Or Not To Prime: Primers act as a skin smoother, allowing foundation to be applied with more fluidity and give better, more even results. It allows the foundation to 'glide' across the skin, rather than having to be worked in. In truth, unless you are a working the catwalk, primers aren't a must. You can get a similar priming effect from moisturizing effectively and ensuring that you have given it adequate time - usually about 10 minutes to absorb into your skin properly.
Brows, Brows, Brows: Brows also need cleaning, but are often forgotten. Cleansing removes residues of brow liner which can quickly build up to become clumpy. In addition, cleansing deals with the dry skin we can sometimes get under the hairs of the brows, which can become flaky and noticeable. Using a disposable clean mascara applicator, brush your eyebrow against the hair growth gently it will help remove flaky skin.