Most women learn make-up application from their mothers, aunts or sisters, picking up their habits and sticking with them for the long term—for better or for worse. Trying to correct an approach that may be wasting product, energy, or time (or just isn’t working very well) can be a difficult feat. Concentrating on six specific areas, this article details some useful techniques that will help avoid these wastes and lead to a better make-up application, day-in and day-out. All it takes is an open-mind and some good old practice.
A Good, Strong Foundation
Perhaps the most important step, applying foundation correctly sets the tone for your entire routine. A nice, even layer of foundation (whether liquid, powder, or both) will help your blushers, eye shadows, and other products last longer throughout the day. Many foundation powders are also oil-absorbing to help banish shine throughout the day.
But it’s important to make sure that you’re blending the foundation properly, without leaving that tell-tale line around your chin. Try this application method to see if it helps:
- TIP #1: Always start in the middle of the forehead and blend out and down, making sure to get as close to the hairline as possible without getting it in your hair. Blend across the eyes, down the nose, over the cheeks and downward toward the chin and neck. Be sure to blend the line outward, going just beyond your chin to the top of your neck. Of course, the first step is to select the correct shade of foundation. If you suspect you’re using the wrong color, visit a make-up counter and ask for a quick consultation just to be sure.
- TIP #2: For the best application, invest in an anti-bacterial foundation brush, which won’t absorb and waste and foundation like your fingers or a sponge will. Your product will last longer and your skin will get the best coverage. A good brush can last you many years if properly cared for, so rinse it with water and cleanser after every use.
Learn Make-Up Brush Basics
Speaking of brushes, owning a nice, quality set is the best investment a woman can make. Buy synthetic, anti-bacterial brushes that are well-constructed for lots of mileage. These will prevent bacterial contamination of your product, while giving you an excellent application every time.
- TIP #3: When applying powders, use the side of the bristles to pick up and hold more powder. The jagged tips of the bristles only break up the compact powder, spreading it around and onto the floor. Swiping across the powder with the side of the brush allows the bristles to pick up the product and hold it, transferring as much of it as possible where it belongs—your face.
- TIP #4: If you’ve overloaded the brush with powder, you might be tempted to blow on it. Don’t! Blowing on your make-up brushes can spread germs and bacteria. Instead, tap the side of the handle on your wrist to shake the loose powder away.
Perfect Eyeliner Technique
Applying eyeliner can be a tricky business, often resulting in squiggly lines of varying thickness. Changing the way you handle the eyeliner pencil and position your eyelid can make it easier.
- TIP #5: Instead of stretching your eyelid out to the side and drawing straight across your lid (pulling the eye this way can damage the sensitive skin and cause wrinkles), use one hand to lift your eyebrow straight up. Your eyelid should flatten up and down instead of side to side. With your other hand, place the tip of the pencil right in your last line and draw smaller lines between each of your lashes, all the way across. This connect-the-dots technique will give you a nice, thin, straight line across the lid.
- TIP #6: If you’re applying a cream or liquid liner, use the very tip of the brush and place it as close to the lash line as possible. You can always thicken the line by going over it again if you like. For a cream liner, try wetting the brush before picking up the liner. This turns the cream into a firm, liquid liner that will last all day. You can do the same thing with an eye shadow to turn it into a liner.
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