Never Look Clueless at the Makeup Counter Again!

Hey Fabs!

Ever find yourself lost at the makeup counter?...I can't be the only one that's brave enough to admit it! And I can't even tell you how many times I've watched makeup tutorials on YouTube and got lost mid-way through the video because all these terms were coming at me left and right. It's hard enough to keep up with what they're doing but to then not even know what products are being used can be even more overwhelming. Over time, I have become more familiar with atleast the basics of makeup. Through research, getting schooled at the MAC countr and watching YouTube videos over and over again, I've been able to put together a routine (ever-changing) for myself that enhances my natural beauty and makes me feel Flawlessly Fabulous. I've decided to put together a simple makeup reference guide. It explains the basic types of makeup and how they can be used. You can thank me later for your confidence at the makeup counter! Lol. Knowledge is Power!

Foundation

Foundation is a skin-colored makeup that you apply to your face to achieve an even skin tone appearance. It's often used to cover up blemishes and flaws that you may feel self-conscious about. There are several types of foundation. Here are a few types:

Liquid Foundation: A liquid form of foundation that can come in different forms such as oil-based, oil-free, waterproof and 24 hours. Liquid foundation can be applied with a sponge or brush. I personally prefer a brush. It ensures that your pores are being covered and it provides great coverage with just one pump of foundation, which saves you money!

Mineral Foundation: A foundation that is completely organic. It is created from the earth's minerals. If you suffer from allergies or have sensitive skin, mineral foundation may be the best fit for you. This foundation needs to be applied with a big, soft brush.

Powder/Compact Foundation: A foundation that comes in the form of a compact that is great to place in your purse for the day. It is comprised of both foundation and powder, which is a benefit to oily skin (like myself). This foundation can be applied throughout the day to combat the oil that may appear over time. Compact foundation usually comes with a circular shaped makeup sponge so that you can apply on the go.

Whipped Foundation: A form of liquid foundation that is air whipped. By reason of it being air whipped, it wears very light. It provides a matte finish, won't clog pores and is safe for sensitive or dry skin. Whipped foundation can be applied with just your fingertips.

Primer

Want your foundation to last longer and look smoother? Primer would do the trick. It is one of the first steps before starting your makeup routine because it serves as a base before the foundation is applied. It easily covers up those large pores, fine lines and uneven spots to create a baby smooth face as the end result. A little bit goes a long way with primer, so no need to pile it on. Just lightly apply it with your finger tips and you're good to go!

Concealer

Concealer is a girl's best friend. Well, next to diamond's of course! Concealer is a skin-toned makeup that is used to cover up skin imperfections such as dark spots and under eye circles. It brightens up even the most tired face and has multiple uses. Once concealer is applied, it should be then covered with foundation or setting powder.

I typically use concealer under my brows to give it a clean and neat finish. I also use it to brighten my face under the eyes. For my brows, I have a concealer that is a shade lighter than my actual skin tone and for my under eye area, I use a concealer that is two shades lighter than my skin tone. Did you know that concealer can also come in handy for wigs? Yes, wigs! If you're wearing a lace wig or sew-in that includes a closure, you can tint the "scalp" by lightly applying some concealer to the lace. It creates a more natural look.

Contouring

Contouring is a technique used when applying makeup to define and lessen certain features such as the nose, cheekbone and chin. This is achieved by first applying your regular foundation, then using a shade or two darker than your skin tone to below the cheek bone, temples, sides of nose, chin and jawline. Then, using a shade or two lighter than your skin tone to highlight above the cheekbone and along the bridge of your nose. Contour kits sold in beauty stores can be purchased to provide all the needed shades in one palette. A good blending brush is key to reaching your typical contouring goal.

I personally have not tried to contour my face. I already have high cheek bones and don't feel the need to slim down my nose but I know that has worked wonders for other women. If you have contoured before, let me know how it works for you!

Finishing Powder

When I get to the finishing powder step of the process, I get happy because my routine is basically done. Finishing powder is powder formula that is applied to the face to set your makeup. This dust-like formula creates a matte finish, absorbs excess oil and and prevents future shine.

Finishing powder is one of my favorites. I pack this in my on-the-go makeup bag because I usually re-apply it throughout the day as my face becomes oily. Especially in the summer months, finishing powder is essential for me. I apply it with a big, soft brush.

Blush/Rouge

Want to create an illusion of having a natural glow? Blush would be the way to go. It is a cosmetic used to add color to the face by being applied to the cheeks. It's typically helps you magnify your facial structure and just look vivacious. Typically, blush colors are different shades ranging from pink to red.

I've just started experimenting with blush but I do find myself adding it more and more to my routine. Especially if I'm applying makeup in the morning. It adds warmth to my face and smile, which is something that I don't typically wake up with.

Bronzer

Bronzer is a cosmetic used to give you a sun-kissed glow. It is typically applied to the hollows of the cheeks to the temples, lightly to the forehead and chin and down the nose. It not only gives your skin a healthy glow but also adds structure to your face after applying foundation that may disguise your face's dimension.

Highlighter

Highlighter is cosmetic product that highlights your beautiful skin tone and creates a luminous glow. When correctly applied, it makes your skin look refreshingly moisturized with a slight sheen effect.

Brow Pomade

Brow pomade is a thick, highly-pigmented formula that is used to create thick, full eyebrows. It is typically long-lasting, smudge resistant and waterproof. It should be applied with a angled brow brush.

I have a confession- My natural eyebrows are on a constant struggle. Filling in my brows are a must or it will look like it's barely anything there. Eyebrows are the frame to your face. So, if you aren't satisfied with your natural brows, there's nothing wrong with enhancing them. I recently started using this pomade and it's perfect my oily-skin.

Eye Shadow

Eye shadow is in every teenage girl's makeup starter kit! Eye-shadow is a colored cosmetic that is applied to the eyelids and under the brow to enhance the appearance of the eye. Eye shadows, typically in the form of a powder, comes in endless shades and more than one shade (a gradient effect of light to dark) is usually applied to the eye to add depth and dimension.

Mascara

Mascara is a cosmetic used to enhance your eyelashes. It creates thick, long, dark lashes once applied. Mascara includes a wand that is used to apply the product with light strokes along the lashes.

I'm personally not a fan of false lashes. Mascara pretty much does the trick for me. It really makes my eyes pop and adds some glam to my face. Can't leave home without it.

Eye Liner

Eye Liner is a simple but very necessary cosmetic. It helps to define your eyes. It typically comes with it's own brush and is applied to the upper and lower lid. There are several types of eye liner: liquid liner (my personal favorite), powder-based, wax-based and gel.

Applying liquid liner is a step in my daily makeup routine. I usually create a winged-eye using the eye liner but there are several looks that can be created from applying eye-liner. It may seem like just a skinny black line but it makes a difference to the eye.

Lip Liner

Lip Liner is a pencil that is typically one shade darker than your natural lip color to outline your lips. Lip liners can be used to even out lips, create fuller lips, prevent lip stick and gloss from migrating, prolong the fading of lipstick or to even replace lipstick all together. Lip liner isn't essential when applying lipstick but it can definitely make a difference.

When I apply lip stick, I typically use a lip liner. Especially if my lipstick is a bright color such as pink or red. For women of deeper skin-tones, it creates the ability for us to wear any shade of lipstick. Read my previous post on this topic here: Brown Beauties Wear Lipstick Too!

Lip Stick

Lip stick is power in a stick. It can literally alter a woman's mood, confidence and sex-appeal with just one application. It can complete an outfit and adds glam to the most simplest look. But technically speaking, lipstick is a colored cosmetic that is applied to the lips and comes in the form of a compact solid stick. There are several types of lipstick: moisturizing, cream, pearl, matte, satin and gloss

My love for lipsticks has developed only over the past couple years. But it has changed my whole makeup experience. Sometimes, I apply my lipstick first and base the rest of facial makeup and outfit around just that. It's that serious for me Fabs. Lipsticks can be so fun and playful. It speaks to people without you even having to open your mouth. Being that I'm not a huge talker, this is perfect for me.

Lip Stain

Lip stain is a light-weight, long-lasting flush of color that does not come off for hours. It doesn't typically feel like lipstick, as it is not heavy and applied with a pen or wand applicator.

Please Remember!

• Clean your face! Let your face breath! Wearing makeup all day can be very harsh on your skin. Be sure to wipe your makeup off at the end of your day to prevent breakouts.

• Experimenting with makeup is fun. Be sure to watch some tutorials or ask a makeup artist to get some tips on how to correctly apply makeup. Sometimes, less is more!

• Last but not least, YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL. Makeup is used to enhance what's already there. You are naturally flawless. Remember that!