Make Up Basics: How to Perfect Your Look

Nowadays, fashion isn't just about clothes. Cosmetics are fast becoming a major part of the fashion industry, with top magazines like Vogue fast Recommending which brands and colors to use.

However, if you don't know the basics, when it comes to cosmetic application and selection, it can be tough to make the most of this popular market - the right foundation can get rid of those unsightly acne scars you've always been conscious of, whilst a good bronzer can brighten up the whole face, and give you that 'freshly tanned' look.

It's all a matter of knowing what suits you; knowing your own face.

With this article, I intend to help you as much as possible, with shade selection, products worth trying, and finding that brand that's just perfect for you.
Just a few simple rules could quite easily help you make those key decisions at the make up counter, that you may find a little hard to make otherwise.

Now, let's get to the rules:
1. Pick colors that suit you - sure, you can read articles or watch videos on techniques, colors and products that are popular, and may work for the majority of people, but they don't know you. Don't, for instance, choose dark colors if you're very fair, as it may make you look washed out, and don't pick all pastel colors if you're very dark skinned, as it may look a little too obvious. If you're unsure about foundations, pick a 'pure match' foundation, or anything that promises to match chemicals in your skin for a more personal color - a lot of brands offer this type of foundation, so take a look around at some of the most popular brands - if you're unsure, stick to the brands you know.

2. Choose one part of your face as the focal point. Don't, for example, have heavily made up eyes, dark blusher and bright red lips - you run the risk of looking a clown. If you want a Christina style pout, keep light, smoky eyes in neutral colors, and a light, natural blush. For dramatic, heavy eyes in blues or greys, keep natural colored blusher, and light, natural lips. It's simple - just choose your best facial feature, and work on that.

3. Invest in the basics - don't expect to get fantastic results if you're not willing to invest in the necessities. Sure, it may take a while to save up for the things you need, but, in the end, you'll see much better results. And, need I remind you that, thanks to some brilliant cosmetic outlets, getting the essentials needn't be a very costly experience.

Every good make up set should include foundation, blusher and/or bronzer (depending on your skin tone and personal preferences), a range of neutral eye shadows, mascara and lip gloss/lipstick.

4. Get the toolkit. A make up set is nothing without the right brushes and tools, as I'm sure you all know. Yes, good brush sets can be expensive, but it needn't amount to that - just a couple of simple, single brushes are fine, and you don't need to break the bank. One thing I will say, though, is that you get what you pay for; yes, cheaper brushes are much better for your bank balance, but you'll also have a face full of brush hair when you're done - not very attractive, I'm afraid.
A good brush set should compile of a blusher brush (which can double up as a brush for face powder), two eye shadow brushes (one for blending, with short hairs and it should be very thick and another one with foam on the end, the kind you'd get free with an eye shadow palette) and a lip brush (I recommend investing in a good one here, as lip brush fall out is the worst - brush hairs are a pain to get off of your lips when you've got gloss on).

5. Swot up. Nowadays, it's very easy to learn techniques and which color schemes are in fashion from the internet, magazines and television.
If you don't know where to start, try some of the tutorials on Youtube or Expert Village, or read some more of my articles for some great tips to get you started!