Makeup Advice from a MAC Pro

I began doing makeup for my friends in high school for fun. When I joined the military, I started doing makeup on a part-time paid basis. I obtained my MAC Pro card a few years ago, and still do makeup and makeup tutorials. While it's not my main career, it is a fun escape from my "day job." I am always asked for my most important makeup tips - here they are for your usage. I hope they can be of some benefit to you.

First, use the right skincare for your skin type. It may take a lot of trial and error to find the brand and formula for you, but once you do, you will be amazed at how beautiful your skin looks. As with everything, be consistent. Follow the directions on the product, and never forget to take care of your skin first thing in the morning, and last thing at night before you go to bed. Clean, exfoliate and moisturize, even if you have oily skin. Neglecting to moisturize oily skin after stripping it of dirt and natural oil will just cause your skin to produce more oil. Take care of your face and it will take care of you.

Next, use a primer underneath your makeup. MAC makes a great primer, as does Stila, Urban Decay and other companies. If you are on a tight budget, you can use Monistat's Chafing Gel for a primer for your face. Use any primer sparingly, but make sure to get even coverage. This will help your makeup go on evenly and last longer and you will need less product for the same amount of coverage.

Make sure you use a foundation that is right for your skin. Not only is it important to match your foundation shade to your skin color, it is also important to match the formula with your skin type. Several companies, including Neutrogena and Physician's Formula, make foundations for oily skin now. There are also foundation types for normal, dry and extra dry skin types. Find the right foundation for your skin color and type and the powder to go with it, and you will look fabulous. Apply sparingly but evenly.

And finally, after the day is done, never forget to remove your makeup. You can do this with regular soap and water or facial cleanser, or you can use pre-soaked makeup remover pads or makeup remover liquid or cream. Leaving makeup on your skin causes clogged pores and breakouts. Clean and moisturize your skin and it will look fresh for the next makeup application.

If you wish to learn more makeup tips, please visit my blog at maggieoleary.blogspot.com. Have fun and be fabulous!