How To: Face Make Up Application

Ever wondered how to create a perfect base for your make up?
Have dark circles, or minor imperfections you need to cover up, but not sure how to apply concealer?

A fresh face makes the perfect base for any make up, and this article will tell you exactly how to apply your base, from foundation to powder!

Foundation (liquid):
Before applying foundation, make sure your hands and skin are completely clean, to avoid spreading any bacteria which could cause / worsen spots.
Now, apply a small amount of the foundation to your finger, and then dab a few small dots on your forehead, cheeks, chin and nose. Using either your fingers, or a foundation sponge / brush, spread evenly onto face, taking extra care to blend around the jawline, to avoid orange marks. Also, be careful to apply to the eyelids, if you're planning on wearing eyeshadow, as this will create a good base, and stop eyeshadow from creasing too soon.

Concealer:
Now, a lot of women make the assumption that concealer should go on under foundation, but this is not the case. Doing this will mean that, when applying your foundation, the concealer will simply get rubbed away, and you'll get nothing like the coverage you'd like.
Apply to under-eye circles with your middle finger, as this has the lightest touch, and won't pull on your delicate under-eye area. Do the same with any imperfections, always dabbing it on, and never rubbing.

Powder:
I recommend that only people with very oily skin use face powder, as anyone with dry skin will get nothing but a 'scaly' look. Always apply to the T-Zone (forehead, nose and chin) first, as this is the area that can look 'shiny' first. Then apply to the rest of your face, trying to brush in the same direction of your facial hair, to avoid accentuating it too much.
Be especially careful around the upper-lip area.

Blush/Bronzer:
Smile as much as you can, to see where your cheeks are most prominent. This is the 'apple' of your cheeks, where your blusher or bronzer should be applied. For ladies with a plumper face, apply nearer to the jaw, to create a slimming effect.
Now, taking a large 'blusher' brush, rub it in the blusher, getting quite a heavy dusting of powder on the brush, then blowing on it lightly, to get rid of any loose particles, and avoid too dark a look. Now, sweep across the cheeks in one, fluid motion, and repeat on the other cheek.
For bronzer, you may also apply it to the bridge of the nose, and forehead.