before
after
products used
This before and after transformation is exactly why I have such a love for the world of beauty! Makeup is not to hide yourself, but rather to embrace and enhance the features you love. Even though I take pretty darn good care of my skin by purchasing quality products that are targeted towards my concerns and use them religiously, I still struggle with skin problems. My main skin concerns are oil control, hyper-pigmentation, enlarged pores and of course, post-acne marks. However, I will make mention that my skin has improved tremendously over the last 6-8 months. (I mostly thank my Clarisonic for this!)
THE PLAN: When I'm getting ready, day or night, no matter what make up look I have in mind, I always like to think about what I can do to enhance my features but still leave my house looking natural and not overdone. Pick out what you think are your best features and use products that really make them stand out. I personally like to focus on features that frame my face and give it some structure, such as filling in my brows and then applying a slight contour to enhance my cheek bones. From there, the rest is easy…completing everything else with the right shades. I typically gravitate towards soft neutrals on the eye and a warm blush to make my cheeks pop. And there you have it, a well thought out plan for your look!
THE APPLICATION: If I can say one thing about makeup, it is that using the right tools is so so so key! Nothing drives me more crazy than when people tell me they refuse to try liquid foundation because they think its messy. Well yes dear, it is, if you use your hands. And don't get me wrong, if you are willing to use your hands with a nice blendable foundation, more power to you! But I personally think the right brush will leave your foundation looking flawless and seamless, which we all want, right? But before I get ahead of myself, here are the steps I take to achieve the look above.
1. Murad Oil Control Mattifier- I use this on my t-zone to help keep me matte all day2. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer- I use this on my cheeks and other places I didn't use the mattifier. (Not a necessary step)3. Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free foundation- applied with Sigma F80, buffed evenly into skin and down neck if you wish. (I am shade 09 Neutral)4. MAC Prep+Prime Hightlighter in Radiant Rose- used to brighten up the under eye area, blended in with Sigma F865. Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder- applied with Sephora 56 brush to set under eye concealer6. Make Up For Ever HD Powder- patted on with Sigma F30 to set foundation7. NARS Bronzer in Laguna- applied with Ecotools angled brush on hollows of cheeks and temples8. Tarte blush in Exposed- applied with Sigma F40 to apples of cheeks (hold brush vertically and away from nose for best results)9. Urban Decay eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden- blended on to eyelids with ring finger
10. Urban Decay Naked (original) Palette- shade Naked in crease with Sigma E25, shade Sin all over lid with Sigma E55, and shade Hustle in outer corner with same crease brush.
11. Urban Decay Brow Box in Honey Pot- used to fill in brows with tools inside kit, comb out with spooley after
12. Maybelline Great Lash in Clear to set brows in place
13. Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara
14. NARS Satin Lip Pencil gloss in Rikugien
15. MAC Lipglass in Viva Glam VI at center of lips
**all products listed are hyperlinked to where you can purchase them**
Ok, so this list may seem verrrrrry long to some, but as always, many steps are optional! I just wanted to make sure I included everything I used. Many days I don't go through this whole process either, and just will throw on some foundation and mascara.
What I hope you take away from this post is that wearing makeup should be done in such a way to enhance your beautiful features and to not hide behind foundation and bronzer! As you can see in my before picture, I have not a thing on my skin and you can probably tell why I like to leave the house with at least a little something on. However, even in the after picture you can still see some of my freckles! Keeping your skin looking natural even with a full face of makeup on is the best way to let your beauty shine through. There is nothing wrong with loving makeup a little too much in my opinion. It's all about how you utilize it.
Have you used any of these products? If so, what do you think of them? Let me know in the comments below! :) Happy Saturday y'all! Have a good rest of your weekend!
