Makeup Basics

Best products on a budget

Great info on how to apply and what all you need to create a flawless look

Makeup Tips and Tricks

It’s hard to know where to start when it comes to makeup because there are so many options. How do you know which shades are best for you or which brand of makeup works the best. Here’s a list of the basic products you need to begin making a look that best suits you. Don’t be afraid to try things out. In this post, I will give some advice on how to apply each product and some products that I have used myself and I didn’t need to break the bank. Makeup can be expensive but there are some affordable brands that don’t have to stress you out on making the decision to try them out. (Commission is made by the links provided in this post.)

Moisturizer

(apply in circular motions all over)

First off you need to moisturize your skin to give yourself a smooth surface to work with. If you have skin anything like mine, it gets dry and my lips crack ALL THE TIME and it’s painful and frustrating. I suggest getting a non-scented lotion or cream moisturizer to apply to your skin before putting anything else on your face. Moisturizer will help smooth and dry skin or cracks. There is many different moisturizing lotions out there to use. Cera Ve is a great brand to use with skin care products. I use it all the time and have found it to be a nice brand. If you need an easier way to find something that works you can click the link and easily be able to get this moisturizer. It can be hard to try to choose from all the different stuff out there.

Primer

(apply in circular motions all over pushing skin upward like a lifting motion)

second, after you have moisturized your face you will need a primer to follow up. Primer sets up the foundation of your skin.

Why do you need primer? Primer minimizes pores and fine lines, smooths skin texture, extends makeup wear time, and creates an even surface to apply makeup. 

primer links: Elf1, Elf2, Elf3

Concealer

(apply on eyelids and under eyes and on any dark areas or blemishes. blend in by blotting)

concealer corrects decoloration of the skin such as dark circles under the eyes or blemishes and it allows for a more even-toned appearance.

Concealer Links: My favorite

Eye shadow

(apply darkest shade in outer crease, blend with a fluffy brush in between each color. Use a medium shade on the lid, and the lightest or white shade in the inner corner to brighten. Then blend shades together using a circular motion moving outward)

 Eyeshadow is my favorite step. I love to get creative and test multiple colors together. This can create depth or brighten up the eyes.

Eye Shadow Links: Colorful Pallette and Natural Pallette

Eye Liner

Eyeliner helps emphasize the shape of your eyes, making them stand out and appear more prominent. You can do different shapes to give you a different look for any situation.

Eye Liner Links: Felt tip

Eyebrows

(line brow following shape. Fill in and stop half inch from the front. Using a spoolie, blend towards the front creating an ombré effect)

Shaping the brows can give your face definition, balance proportions, express style and enhance the eyes.

Eyebrow Link: Eyebrow Kit

Foundation

(match your skin by applying some to the back of your hand or neck/jawline. That’s how you’ll know a color matches if it blends well. Start applying your base color by dabbing some foundation in various areas on the face and then blend it all in with circular motions moving outward away from the nose)

Foundation evens your skin tone and can cover any imperfections such as pores, fine lines, blemishes, and acne.

Foundation Link: Cream Foundation, Powder foundation

Bronzer

(apply on temples, lower cheek bone, top of forehead, below jaw bone, sides of nose)

Bronzer enhances your complexion by giving your skin a sun-kissed glow. It can be used to contour, adding definition to areas like your cheekbones, jawline, or temples. Bronzer can also enhance natural beauty.

Bronzer Link: Buttermilk bronze

Blush

(apply in upward back motion on cheek bone)

Blush adds a healthy glow, shapes your cheek features and completes your look. I usually apply some on the nose as well to give a cute finish. Play with different colors of pink and see which you like the best.

Blush Link: Maxi blush

Highlighter

(apply above cheek bone, under brow, middle of nose and tip, tip of lips)

Highlighter is usually used above the cheeks, on the nose, chin, and forehead. It creates a radiant finishing look and also adds shine to your complexion. Most people usually like to use a silver or gold. Each choice is really good for which ever look you are going for. I would use a silver with a more cat eye or colorful makeup and a gold for a warmer toned natural glow.

Highlighter Link: Silver fox, Goldy Lox

Lip liner and lipstick

(outline lip then fill in with liner then finish with color of choice or a gloss or keep it simple with a color of choice, gloss, or both without lip liner)

Outlining the lips makes them appear fuller and plump. Today, the trend is to have bigger lips and the plumper they are, the better. You can use the lip liner to outline bigger lips and then fill them in and you can’t tell the difference. This is a great substitute instead of injections.

Lips Link: Liner, Lipstick

End of day routine tips

Always wash makeup off and cleanse face before bed to keep skin clean from breakouts and dirt buildup.

Link: Makeup Remover wipes