Professional makeup/hair/SPFX Artist at Colourchameleon, Natalia Zurawska gives us the inside scoop on some makeup tricks that will definitely leave your face looking flawless.
Taking Cover: Concealer
Pic credit: coverfx.com
Does your concealer crease? Get cakey? Are you wearing the right shade? Concealer is truly an amazing product, especially if you know how to use it properly.
Best tips: Apply concealer AFTER foundation and it should only be applied on blemishes and underneath the eyes; you can also apply to eyelids for best results. Use your fingers (the heat helps with blending) or a brush. Use sparingly and apply to the area you would like covered and “flare out the edges” making sure the area is concealed. Powder to set.
If your concealer is cakey, simply add a little moisturizer to your finger and blend well.
Make sure you use the correct colour. Most women need 2 shades throughout the year (summer/fall and winter/spring as tans do fade). Test on your jaw line and walk around with it on. It may look different outside in natural light as opposed to fluorescent lights in store.
My favorite concealers are Cover Fx. They come in a series of 3 shades as well as in the form of powder. It is a brilliant concept. One colour is the proper shade and the other 2 are highlights and contours, as well as powder to set. Contour is used to minimize while highlight is used to emphasize.
Makeup Slides off By Mid-Day
Pic credit: pixelbunny.net
I really can’t stand too much powder. I call it the “timbit” look. There are many quick fixes for this, without needing more makeup.
Primers are fantastic for too much shine. I love the new Benefit Stay Flawless 15 Hour Primer. It is perfect for all day wear. Simply apply to face before your makeup of choice. It also helps with too much “dewiness”. Thumbs up for this product!
Another fast fix are blotting papers. When applying, make sure to gently “blot,” not swipe as it may take makeup off.
I love the blotting papers by Clean and Clear because they do an amazing job of mattifying. I like their packaging because there is a little sticker on the top so each blotting paper comes out individually. The size is perfect to discreetly put into your business card holder. Just make sure to dispose of any used sheets.
Beguiling Brows
Pic credit: tweezerman.ca
Fixing uneven brows or brows that are too sparse or think.
Brows are very underrated in my opinion. They make a HUGE difference when looking great and it only takes a few minutes. Everyone has asymmetrical brows – one more round and one more flat. I call them “sisters” not "twins” and do my best to make them look as twin-like as possible.
There is a very simple rule to follow: the beginning of your brows should line up with the widest part of your nose. You can use a makeup brush for accuracy. The apex (the most arched part) should be ¾ into your eyeline and your brow should end diagonally to the widest part of your nose. It is easy to check by using a pencil or makeup brush. Once you follow these rules, either tweeze or draw away.
When tweezing, make sure to sanitize your skin or make sure it is freshly washed. Brush hairs gently. Start by tweezing any unruly ones. Next, tweeze any strays. If pain is a big factor for you, apply some ice beforehand (just make sure to dry skin well.) Raising your brows and holding skin taught also helps.
I love the Tweezers by Tweezerman; they really are the beauty tool for experts . The great thing about Tweezerman is that they also sharpen your tweezers free of charge and there is no charge for shipping or handling either. If the product cannot be sharpened, they will send a coupon to spend half the price. Now that is amazing.
Once you are happy with the results. Brush brow hairs upwards. Using baby scissors, trim any hairs that look too long. If you have very unruly brows, spraying a brow brush with hairspray and then doing a quick groom will set them for the day.
If your brows are too sparse, using a wet matte eye shadow with an eyeliner brush does wonders. Using gentle strokes, draw little hairs with the eye shadow. Use a brow brush and hairspray to set. I love the Tres Two Ultra Fine Mist hairspray by Tresemme. Professional results at a great price.
Best Tip: Never use black or white eye shadow as it is too harsh. Dark brown or a light taupe is much better. Matching your hair colour looks the most natural, or for a dramatic look match your brows.
I hope you enjoyed these tips. Check out more of my work on my website and find my makeup e-books, titled 'I'm Not Making This Up,' which features some of my best makeup tips and tricks, available on Amazon and Smashwords.
Featured Image: judyink.com
Natalia Zurawska
Author
Natalia Zurawska is a professional hair & make-Up artist. She has worked on many editorials for leading fashion and wedding magazines. Her make up artistry and hair styling have been seen in Anokhi Magazine, Vogue Italia Pelle, Driven, La'G, Caribbean Bride and many more. Con...