The primary purpose of concealers is to offset the natural shadows that occur under the eyes, and, in more elaborate makeup applications, to highlight certain areas of the face such as the center of the nose, forehead, top of the cheekbones, or center of the chin. Principally, the under-eye area needs concealer most because the […]

Classic makeup encompasses all of the following elements: concealer, foundation, powder, contour (optional), blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, eyebrow color (if needed), lip liner (optional), and lipstick. For each of these steps, you want to find a corresponding product that is best for your skin type and the coverage or look you want. Each step also requires […]

Foundation primers are seen in many makeup artistry lines, such as Laura Mercier, Vincent Longo, and NARS. Basically, these “primers” are nothing more than lightweight, silicone-based moisturizers. The silicone allows the product to spread easily over the skin, and to some extent can help smooth the skin’s texture and remedy mild dry patches that could […]

Never use more than you have to—either in the intensity of the colors you choose or the number of products you wear. Many steps in applying makeup can be consolidated or eliminated without affecting your overall makeup look in any way. Frequently a salesperson at the cosmetics counter insists that you need an absurd number […]

Because makeup goes on poorly over skin that isn’t perfectly clean and smooth, the first step in applying beautiful makeup is to start with a gently cleaned face. Following the skin – care recommendations described in the first part of this book will help you get your skin to where it needs to be in […]

Three of the most difficult aspects of makeup are choosing the right colors, discerning the differences between products, and learning the correct application techniques. Though these major issues need to be addressed, they are still only part of the picture. Wondering where to put your blush or how to blend your foundation before you know […]

Whether or not you choose a new approach to your makeup based on your age is entirely dependent on what you’re doing at the moment and how that makes you feel, but it is not essential or necessary. Just because more and more candles are finding a way onto your birth­day cake, you don’t have […]

When fashion is the topic, there are enough opinions and viewpoints to fill thousands and thousands of pages in hundreds of women’s magazines every single month, 12 months a year. With such a storm of possible options screaming at us from the pages of Vogue, Glamour, In Style, and all the rest, choosing a direction […]

Wearing makeup is a personal decision and is hardly a mandate or the only way for women to look attractive. Nonetheless, applying makeup can be about looking and feeling more beautiful—and it can be exciting and fun. When done right, it can also express a great deal of personal power and elan. Whatever your choice, […]