The Basics of Makeup

While many people believe that knowing how to apply cosmetics is part of a woman's genetic makeup most women will tell you that this just isn't true. Learning how to apply makeup takes practice, the proper supplies and a little bit of skill doesn't hurt either.

The most important aspect of makeup is to purchase quality products. While companies like Revlon, CoverGirl and Maybelline all have positives to offer (mostly to young girls who call the junior high school halls home), a general rule of thumb is if you can purchase the makeup at your local grocery store then you should probably pass.

Purchasing quality products does not mean that you have to go into debt to be able to afford it. If Estee Lauder or Chanel seems a little too pricey for you then there are companies like M.A.C. (who is owned by Estee Lauder) and Clarins who offer great products at a reasonable price. M.A.C. offers a large variety of makeup products with a color array that rivals any of the elite companies.

The basic makeup than you will need to purchase consists of a foundation that can be blended into your skin in such a manner that it looks natural. You need to take a stand against a face that is several shades darker than your neck. You will also need blush, eye shadow, lipstick, eyeliner, pressed powder and mascara. There are many more types of makeup that you can purchase but these are the bare essentials.

If you are not sure as to what colors would look best on you, visit one of the cosmetic counters at your local department store. The makeup artists are more than happy to help you decide which colors will look best on you. After all that's what they get paid for. The artists will often apply your makeup free of charge. Remember that you are not obligated to purchase all or any of the products that the artist suggests.

The second thing that you must consider is the type of tools that you will need to purchase to go with your new makeup. If you are still using the sponge applicators that come with the lower quality makeup then you are in serious need of a beauty intervention. Sponge applicators are fine for young girls, but for a grown woman you need to invest in a quality set of brushes. While many companies offer well over 40 different styles of makeup brushes you really only need four: the foundation brush, the blush/powder brush, an eye shadow brush and a blender brush.

The foundation brush is needed for applying any cream or liquid foundation. Using a brush instead of a sponge applicator means that you will get better coverage with a cleaner more professional look. A sponge applicator (or your fingers in a pinch) often leave behind streaks and blotches on your skin. To apply foundation to your =brush you need to apply a small amount of foundation to the back of your hands (think of your hand as a painter's palette) and dip the tip of the brush into the foundation.

Apply to your face using whatever type of stroke that feels most natural to you. Make sure that you go in all different directions to get adequate coverage. When applying foundation many women forget that it is important to blend the foundation all the way to your hairline which includes where your hair meets your forehead and ears. Also it is important to blend the foundation into your neck. This does not mean that you must apply the foundation all over your neck. What it does mean is that you can't stop at your jaw line. You must continue to make a few strokes that go past your cheek and jaw line and down onto your neck. Just a few strokes are all that is needed to give you a blended look.

After you successfully apply your foundation you will want to apply your eyeliner. Eyeliner can be very difficult to apply and you will most likely need to commit quite a bit of time to honing your eye lining skills. To apply eyeliner start at the outer corner of your lower lid and drag the sharpened pencil from the outside of the lid to the inner eye.

The lower lid can be easier to line if you pull you eyelid down and line the inside of the lid. To apply eyeliner to your upper lid you must pull your lid taught and line your lid from the outside to about ¾ of the way of your eyelid. If you line your entire upper lid this will make your eyes appear much smaller than they actually are. You can also lift your eyelid and apply your eyeliner to the inner portion of you lid but this is much more difficult to accomplish than your lower lid. If you are an eye lining novice then it is best not to attempt to line your upper inner eyelid until you are well practiced.

Once your eyeliner is applied and dried you will apply your eye shadow. Run your eye shadow brush over your eye shadow and apply to your lid. Sweep the brush across your lid until you have the coverage that you are looking for. Try and avoid coloring all the way up to your brow bone. While this is an attractive look it screams 1990's! You can also apply another shadow above the first (brown goes with anything).

You will apply this second coat the same way as you did the first. Next take your clean blender brush and in a circular motion go over your eye shadow. This will blend your shadows together and give your eyes a polished look. The last step for your eyes is to apply your mascara. Make sure that you apply only one coat to your bottom lash and at least two to your upper. To make your eyes really pop start with your upper lid at the base of your lashes and pull your lashes through the brush at a 45 degree angle.

To apply your blush you need to run your blush/powder brush through your blush and then apply in large broad strokes. Make sure that you apply the blush to the apple of your cheeks as well as your cheekbone. It will take only a few strokes to get the perfect coverage. Apply your lipstick next. Start with the bow of your lip (the part closest to your nose) and swipe your lipstick to the right and then go back to the top of the bow. Swipe your lipstick to the left and then apply to your lower lip starting at the center and following the same steps as you did for your upper lip. Once your lipstick is applied rub your lips together to blend and blot if necessary.

Your last step of the basic makeup application is to apply your pressed powder. Once again do not use the little puff that comes with the powder. Instead use your blush/powder brush to sweep the powder over your entire face and neck (and sometimes chest depending on what you are wearing). By finishing with a pressed powder this will help your makeup set and last longer while giving you a polished and professional look.