Everywhere you turn, whether browsing in a book store, or watching daytime television, there are beauty experts who tell you exactly how to look your best. We follow the latest celebrity makeup artist to the letter, hoping to look like their celebrity client du jour. But what happens when that expert advice is the exact opposite of what you just read or heard from another beauty guru? With all of those mixed messages, how you do know what to do? We are very used to contradicting messages when it comes to health and beauty, especially when it comes to dieting. First we were told, 3 square meals a day, then we bought into the 5 mini meals to keep that metabolism going, then it was Atkins and then, whole grains and low fat! Aggghhh.....what to do? I think the key is, just like figuring out what works best for your figure, is to figure out your personal best through experimentation and having fun with different tones, textures, colors and methods of application. We are all different, thank God for that, so let's celebrate by making our makeup style our own.
Here are some examples of debatable methods of application- try 'em all and see what looks best on YOU!
Concealer- I have heard from experts like Bobbi Brown that corrector and concealer is the "secret of the universe" and to apply it generously, around the eye and up into the inner socket framing the tear duct. Others, like Carmindy, prefer to use concealer only for spot concealing and to use a brightener under the eye. No matter which method you choose, pick that one that makes you feel bright and well-rested.
Powder- Most experts that I have either spoken with, observed and worked with have chosen to use either a translucent or yellow toned loose/pressed powder to set foundation and concealer. To many this is a crucial step that gives your makeup staying power however, I recently met with an Armani makeup artist who says that powder not only ages a woman, settling into her fine lines and wrinkles, but it stops her natural glow from shining. He perfers to skip the powder, allowing a woman to naturally glow.
Bronzer- So, there exists a point of contention with the application of bronzer. When I first started experimenting with makeup and watching some major experts in action, I always thought that bronzer had to hit the highest points of your face, giving you a naturally sun kissed glow. Later I learned that bronzer, as with any matte darker powder, can be used as a contouring agent. Experts like Bobbi Brown place the bronzer on the bridge of the nose, sweeping across the cheeks, giving you that fresh off the beach look while my new fav video blogger, Wayne Goss of the UK, chooses to use the bronzer on the perimeter of the face, starting with the temples and using a C like formation, filling in the face, under the cheekbones down to the jaw line and blending. Whatever method you choose, own it and enjoy that bronzy glow.
Highlighter- Lastly I will mention a method of application that I constantly am debating, to highlight the planes of the face, especially under the brow bone or not. I have seen many artists highlight in three important places, under the brow bone, in the inner corner of the eye, framing the tear duct and along the upper cheekbone. Carmindy even named this method, "Carmindizing." I personally love this method and use it when I feel as though I need a pick me up. Others feel very differently about the use of highlighter. Stephen Moleski, celebrity makeup artist and Kim K's fav, believes that shimmer has no place above the crease and that it should be applied, "a little here, a little there" but never underneath the brow bone. Whew! What is a girl to do?
Ladies, I hope that whatever methods you choose to use, or not, you feel happy, glowing and lovely. Have fun with your makeup, remember it washes off and can always be reapplied. Be you, be confident, nothing wears better than a smile.
Be lovely
xoxo
Suzanne
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