Stop, I'm Blushing!

Shades on Shades: There are so many different shades of blush, so how do you know which one to go for? Well, lucky for you I have created this easy-to-follow diagram. It includes my favorite blush colors that best match certain skin tones! I personally have between a fair and medium skin tone, so I use a baby pink color. Blush is something that is fun to play around with, so don’t be afraid to try new colors. Some people even use multiple blush products to get the perfect amount of light and dark tones. If you need help, go in to your local Sephora or ULTA store and a cosmetologist will be more than happy to help you find a match. Remember, the point of this makeup is to highlight the cheekbones so only apply it to the upper area of the cheek. If done correctly, it can even contour your face to make it look like you have a more pronounced bone structure. For more information on blush application, check out the link in my previous post. xoxo

Product Spotlight: Blush

Product: Blush

Brand: HIKARI

Use: Highlight the cheekbones

Price: $15

Places of Purchase: hikaricosmetics.com, ipsy.com, Amazon

Direct Competition: Smashbox Blush Rush

My Experience: Okay, I totally have a blush crush! I received this blush from a trial company that I was subscribed to, and I fell in love. You can apply a light amount for everyday wear or continue adding more for a dramatic look. I have noticed this blush stays on for most of the day, but I generally reapply a small amount later in the evening if necessary. For the best results, I use my powder mineral foundation first (see previous post!), and I apply the blush on top of that. Whatever you do, do NOT cover your whole cheek in blush. Generally, blush should go along your cheekbones, which are higher up on the cheek. Cosmopolitan has a great article that better explains blush application techniques in regard to face shape. CLICK HERE TO VIEW IT.

The color that I use is called “Tango,” and it makes you want to do just that! Some may say pink cheeks and platinum blonde is totally Barbie-ish, but I really enjoy the pop of color. The Tango color has a matte finish, so it doesn’t add any unwanted shimmer to the cheeks. Some people like shimmer in their blush, but I personally like shimmer elsewhere on the face, such as in the eye shadow. If a brighter pink isn’t your color, no problem! HIKARI offers 6 other shades for different skin tones including other shades of pink as well as bronze shades for better contouring. See my next post to help find your match!

Ready to try?

http://www.hikaricosmetics.com/shop/blush/

5 Steps to Smoky

How to Master the Smoky Eye: I created these lovely diagrams to help you create the perfect smoky eye. Follow these steps:

1. Fill in area 2 (whole lid) with any base color ranging from B – G, I or L.

2. Add a hint of a light, sheer color to area 1. I like a color that’s lighter than what this palette offers, so be sure to find what works best for you! In this case, color A will do.

3. Add the same highlight color that you used in the second step to area 3, right below your brow. (Color A)

4. Using the tip of your finger or a small-tipped brush, apply a deep color (H or K) to area 4. Try not to go too far outside of the corner of your eye. If that happens, simply wipe some off!

5. Once you have your desired colors on the eyelid, use a loose bristled shadow brush and gently sweep over the top of your whole eyelid. Start at area 1, and complete one long continuous motion to area 4. This will help blend the colors together!

HINT: Only sweep over it one or two times, otherwise it will remove a majority of the eye shadow that you applied.

…and voilà!

Product Spotlight: Eye Shadow

Product: Naked Eye Shadow Palette

Brand: Urban Decay

Uses: To add depth and dimension to the eye

Price: $54

Places of Purchase: Sephora, Amazon, urbandecay.com, Ulta

Direct Competition: Lancôme AUDA[CITY] in PARIS

My Experience: We’ve covered the skin, now let’s move on to those beautiful eyes! Eye shadow is meant to compliment the eyes through depth and dimension. You can wear it subtly or try more dramatic styles. Either way, it should attract positive attention to your eyes. The Naked palette is by far my favorite eye shadow! Urban decay has come out with Naked, Naked2, Naked3, and many other alternative palettes, but I’m sticking with the original Naked. First off, the range of colors that it offers is to die for. There is a wide range of soft shimmers to dramatic darks, and many in between. This palette offers some colors in a matte finish while others have a hint of sparkle. It is very versatile and I can always find a color to compliment my outfit whether I’m headed to school, to work, on a night out with my girlfriends, or to an elegant wedding. The shadow itself is an excellent cruelty-free product. You are paying for something that stays on your lids all day without smears or rubbing off. I have also noticed that this shadow does not clump in the creases of your eyelids, which often happens to other eye shadows after prolonged wearing. Instead, it smoothes and covers the lids for an awesome effect. Depending on your application technique, you can start out very soft with light coverage. From there, this shadow is buildable, meaning you can continue to experiment with other colors to create a look that works best for you. I always use multiple shades, and I love how each color blends with another. The palette in its entirety is essential to add to your cosmetic collection. It even comes with its own double-sided application brush! As Urban Decay claims, “you’ll definitely look better Naked.”

Ready to try?

http://www.urbandecay.com/naked-palette-eyeshadow-by-urban-decay/245.html

Liquid vs. Crayon Concealer

Concealer is great, we all know it, but how do you choose between liquid brands or solid crayons? From personal experience, I think the solid crayon has better coverage for darker or more irritated spots. It applies to your face much thicker than the liquid does, which seems to keep it covered better for longer periods of time. It also has that moist crayon consistency that allows for foundation to stick to the top of it, furthering coverage. Many people like the crayons for their thick feel, but others hate it for that exact reason. If you have a problem area that is raised, the thickness of the solid crayon may only add to that raised area, making it look even more swollen. In this case, a liquid concealer is probably your best bet. The liquid concealers dry on your skin with a much more thin “coat.” It is like the consistency of acrylic paint, so use it sparingly. Another pro to liquid concealers is their ability to be applied like a foundation. You can use a sponge to blot large areas of your face to create an overall balanced skin tone.

To summarize, use a crayon concealer for long lasting coverage on areas that are very red or dark. It will completely cover the irritated area’s color. If you want something to use in a larger area as a foundation or to simply cover a raised blemish without adding too much on top of it, use liquid.