Make Up Tips For the Modern Woman

The application of make up is an art form in itself. When professionally done, it can enhance your appearance and gives you added self-confidence. Cosmetics should be an extension of you, not something that turns you into someone else.

Every woman likes to look good, and make up tends to be part of every female's morning routine. However, it is usually the part that comes last on the priority list. So how can you achieve that perfect look without having to constantly watch the clock?

The key is preparation, having everything laid out and knowing how to apply your foundation, mascara and eye shadow in a way that is becoming and suitable to you.

The first step before you do anything is to cleanse, tone and moisturise your skin, ensuring you have a clean base on which to apply your concealer and foundation. Start by applying a concealer that is one shade lighter than your foundation.

Dab it over any blemishes or dark under-eye circles, and blend with your fingertips or a cosmetics sponge for an even tone. If your concealer has a tendency to cake, apply eye cream first.

Choose a liquid foundation that complements your skin tone exactly. Apply it sparingly over the middle part of your face, and then blend it all over with a small sponge or your fingertips.

Next, use a loose or pressed powder to keep foundation and concealer on for a longer period of time. Ensure you pack your powder compact in your handbag, to touch up as and when needed once you have left the house.

Turn your attention to your eyebrows next. Try to avoid using an eyebrow pencil, which can sometimes look harsh and unnatural. Instead, opt for a powdered eyebrow shadow, and use a hard, slanted make up brush to apply scarcely for an even spread.

The next stage can make or break a look. There are many variations on applying eye shadow, but this is the simplest one to follow. Choose three shades of eye shadow: light, medium and dark.

The dark eye shadow should only be used to line your upper eyelid, in a thin line along the upper lashes. The medium colour should be applied over the crease, and the lightest shade is then left for the area under the eyebrow.

Then you can apply your eyeliner. Using either an eyeliner pencil or liquid brush, line the lower lid below the lashes, all the way across, if you're trying to achieve a more striking look. Use the eyeliner all the way along the upper lid, as close to the lash line as possible.

When applying mascara, it is best to do so in two thin coats, to avoid clumping. Black mascara works well for more olive skin tones, but for the fairer ladies, choose a brown mascara to complement your skin tone.

Blusher should be worked onto the apples of the cheeks, with a dab on the chin to highlight the face. However, if you find yourself blending blusher in - the shade is too bright for your colouring - so you may need to choose a lighter one.

Finally, choose a lipstick colour that's suited to your skin tone, and is suitable for a daytime look. You can always apply a darker or more daring shade for the evening, and match colours to suit your clothing.

By following these simple rules, you can achieve a modern and sophisticated look that suits you and your busy lifestyle.

By : Rob_Small