4 Ways to Perfect Makeup

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Becky DiStefano, GoLocalProv Beauty Expert

Makeup novices, do not fear! It is never too late to learn how to do your makeup, from basic to glam; see how it’s done!

Face

When it comes to your face, the right makeup is essential. We talked to Jessica Berndt, StyleWeek Providence Artistic Director: “Makeup should be virtually invisible. You do not want people saying your foundation looks good, so use it lightly and sparingly.” Jessica also recommends using a sponge or your fingers to apply. To cover blemishes or discoloration, use concealer and you’ll have a flawless face.

Extras: For sheer coverage use a tinted moisturizer like Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer ($40, Nordstrom, Providence); for medium coverage, try a spray like Christian Dior’s DiorFlash Spray Foundation ($60, Sephora, Providence), which you can layer for additional coverage; for heavy coverage, go for a creamy foundation like Covergirl TruBlend Whipped Foundation ($10, drugstores).

Eyes

The eyes have it and you can do a simple enhancing eye or a sultry smoky eye with ease. When it comes to eyeliner, to truly bring out your eyes, line both the upper and lower lashline. Pencils are great or for more precision, use a flat topped brush like Smashbox’s Eyeliner Brush, which is angled to make it easier to line your inner lids. For a dramatic look, go with black; or for something a bit more demure, choose brown or gray.

Extras: Want a gorgeous smoky eye? Go with darker colors like blacks, grays, purples or blues. Smoky eyes are best done at night as it can be a bit harsh during the day. Line upper and lower, inner and outer lids, then apply a base color from lashline to brown bone. Draw a V in the outer corner of your eye along the lashline and the crease with a dark color and blend. Gorgeous!

Lips

Lip liner may scare you off but it is actually a very valuable product, especially if you are on the go! Makeup artist and esthetician Sienna Iannelli recommends drawing a bow in the top center of your lip and then lining from the corners of your lips back up to the bow. “Your hand will naturally curve that way so it ends up looking much more polished!” she says.

Extras: Lip liner a little dry? Hold it to a light bulb for about 30 seconds to soften it up and line away. Lip liner should be the color of your lip color or one color lighter; in other words, lip liner should be used, not seen! Try Youngblood Cosmetics’ Lip Liner Pencil ($14, Sienna Skin Studio), which moisturize your lips!

Cheeks

An apple a day is a great tip for your health and also for your blush! The best way to apply blush is to put it right on the apples of your cheeks. When using powder blush (we love the Balm’s Hot Mama, $19, The Apothecary Newport), tap off excess from the blush brush (do not use a poof or sponge, it will look too clown-like) and smile: then brush in upward strokes onto the apples of your cheeks. Using a cream blush (like Stila’s Convertible Color, $25, Facing Thayer, Providence)? Use your fingers to apply a dot onto each apple then blend well.

Extras: For a more dramatic look, or for contouring, brush all the way up to the temple and back again. You can also double up on blush, using both cream and powder for true staying power.