"Get Your Face On" Party & Make Up Tips

I've had so much fun preparing this post for Beth's Get Your Face On Party!  I'll share make-up tips along the way and some excellent resources at the end.  Please say hello to...

my naked face.   

My make-up routine is to first wash. tone. moisturize.

Then...  

1.  Concealer for blemishes, blended in gently  

2.  Liquid foundation, also blended in gently (I use a triangle shaped sponge.)  

3.  Face powder to set the make-up (I use loose powder at home and pressed powder for touch-ups.)

A light, neutral color all over the lids.  Why the powder blotches under my eyes???  A tip I picked up from a make-up artist: the powder "catches" any eyeshadow that falls from the brush and prevents color smudges.  After you finish your eye make-up, brush the excess powder away.

I used a dark brown pencil eyeliner around my eyes, smudged it with a small sponge applicator, then used brown eyeshadow over it to soften the look.

Curling my eyelashes makes a huge difference.  Mine are long but very straight.  They wouldn't be as visible even with mascara on if I didn't curl them.

I finish my eyes with black liquid eyeliner across the top lid.  

Next is blush, then I line my lips with a lip pencil.  It defines my mouth and keeps the lipstick contained within the borders.

 For long lasting lip color, I also fill in my lips with the pencil before applying lipstick. 

Lipstick as the finishing touch!  Voila!

The final look:

Depending on my mood, I like to vary my look.  Back to the naked face.

This time, I am going for a smoky eye using a plum eyeliner and eyeshadow, with a dark grayish-black color in the crease plus my signature black liquid eyeliner across the top lid.

Since there's so much drama with the eyes, it's good to keep the lipstick more neutral.  

This final look is the opposite, with toned down eyes and a bold lip color.

A few tips and tricks:
1.  Always blend in your make-up gently - don't rub your face or eyes.  A make-up sponge works really well to apply foundation and blend it in so that you don't get it all over your hands.  And an eyeshadow brush (not the applicators that come with eyeshadows) is a really helpful tool for blending.

2.  Don't draw harsh lines (on eyes or lips).  With a light touch, slowly line them with short strokes adding more as needed.

3.  For good mascara coverage, I like to hold the wand in front of my eyelashes and slowly blink several times.  Instead of moving the wand, my eyelashes are doing the work.  They end up looking fuller and it also helps curl them.

4.  As far as make-up rules, there are no make-up rules!!!  The most important thing is learning how to apply the various elements well, and that takes practice.  My two favorite make-up gurus are on opposite sides of the spectrum in their philosophy.  Kevyn Aucoin has several over-sized books that can be found at the library detailing transformations and a more dramatic style of make-up.  He passed away a few years ago, but he was undeniably a major influence in fashion and the art of make-up.  Bobbi Brown has numerous books out also that teach make-up application.  Her style is more natural and classic.    

5.  Another author I recommend is Lucy Beale, who wrote "The Complete Idiot's Guide To Better Skin."  The book has great information regarding skincare and the numerous products out there.  It also breaks down the various make-up brands/companies.

More tips, techniques, etc. again soon - this has been a blast and a trip down nostalgia lane!  It's been years since I did any modeling or acting, but I have a lot more to share!!!  And how to pose and be more natural in front of the camera - I think I've come across a minefield of inspiration!

Thanks, Beth, for hosting another fabulous party!