There are vast differences among lipsticks. As you probably already know from experience, lipstick colors and textures can vary even within the same cosmetics line. Some are creamy; others are dry, greasy, shiny, or flat. Some melt easily; others go on stickily, evenly, thickly, thinly, and all combinations thereof. I recommend lipsticks that go on […]

I’d hardly lose the bet if I said most of you already know about lipstick, but I’ve talked to enough women to know that my next sentence needs to be said. Luckily, it’s not complicated: If you’re wearing makeup, your lips need lipstick—not lip gloss, but lipstick. Lip gloss doesn’t last, but lipstick does. Lip […]

In the long run the color that looks best and most natural to your skin tone is the best place to start. Think of the color your cheeks turn when you’ve exercised and consider that as a starting point (but not necessarily the definitive color your blush should be). An option to consider when choosing […]

If you are applying both blush and under-cheekbone contour, apply the contour color first and then blend the blush on top of and gradually down into the contour color. Then, using your sponge, blend until you meld the colors together into an attractive design. The hallmark of an attractive design is not being able to […]

Powder blushes: Powder blushes are an excellent choice for all skin types. They go on easily, blend beautifully, and are available in great colors. A brush is essential for applying these smoothly, softly, and evenly. Application: To find the area to be blushed, place the full end of your brush about one- quarter to one-half […]

Use a full-size brush designed for blush or those indicating they are for contouring that have a softly angled (rather than flat or square-cut) brush head. Surprisingly, traditional contouring brushes are a poor choice for applying contour because they are usually too stiff, have a flat edge, and can leave visible edges when you apply […]

Contour is essentially blush in a golden brown or reddish-brown color. For the vary­ing types of contour, take a look at the “Types of Blush” section below. The easiest type of contour to work with is applied with powder-based color. Cream and cream-to-powder contour colors can be extremely difficult to control and blend, which can […]

Contouring is the art of creating or increasing shadows in certain areas so the face appears to have more structure and definition. It involves using brown tones of blush or pressed powder to contour along the sides of the nose, at the sides of the forehead, under the cheekbones, and in the center of the […]

Generally, you should match the exact color of the brows rather than your hair color or a color you think would look better than what already exists. You don’t want to see a difference between the eyebrow hairs and the shadow or gel used to fill them in. However, if you have pale eyebrows and […]