How To | Make Your Makeup Look Better

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No doubt about it, I love makeup. It's one of the many reasons why I started my YouTube channel and this blog. One thing I have learned is that sometimes no matter what you put on your face, or how much you put on your face, sometimes your makeup just looks...blah. Here are seven things you can do to make your makeup look even better than it already does (*note, links are NOT affiliate links, just for your reference): 

1. Take care of your skin. Makeup always looks better on clean skin. Removing dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities will allow your makeup to lay nicer on your face. Always start fresh with clean skin. I love using my Proactiv three step system to cleanse, tone, and moisturize. Even after I use these three steps, I still use my Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel to give my skin an extra boost of hydration. Using a system that cleanses, tones, and moisturizes will ensure your skin is squeaky clean and prepped for makeup application.

2. Apply your makeup within 30 minutes of cleansing/moisturizing. I'm totally guilty of not always adhering to this rule, but it is helpful to allow enough time for your skin to absorb any treatments you apply before covering it with makeup. If you wait too long, the natural oils in your skin may not allow your makeup to look as nice had you applied it within that 30 minute window.

3. Use a primer. I feel that my makeup always looks better with a primer. My holy grail is the Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer -- I have trouble with pores and uneven texture/skin tone and this primer takes it all away, leaving me with smooth, flawless appearing skin. 

4. Choose the right foundation. This can be tricky. With an overwhelming variety of foundations on the market this days, finding the right one for your skin type and skin tone can be extremely difficult. If you're struggling I recommend getting matched. This takes the guess work out of the debacle and you will walk away (more than likely) satisfied with your near-perfect match. If you are at the drugstore -- or don't feel like getting matched -- there are a few things you can do:

First, determine what skin type you are. Dry? Dry Combo? Combination? Oily? If you are dry, you will not want a foundation that has a matte finish. If you are oily, you will not want a foundation that has a dewy finish. Going for an in between, like a semi-matte/natural finish, is your best bet if you are unsure. Also deciding on if you want a light, medium, or full coverage foundation will help you narrow down your results. 

Second, determine your skin's undertone. Cool? Neutral? Warm? If you have pink undertones to your complexion, opt for a foundation with cool undertones. If you are more on the yellow/golden side, a foundation with warm undertones will be best. In between? Go for neutral. 

Third, match your foundation. If there is a tester around, swatch at least three shades along your jaw line to determine which shade matches you the best. Sometimes the face is not the same color as the neck, so it is better to match in this area to avoid the "mask" look. Swatching on the inside of your wrist might get you close, but not accurate enough, since this area is also a different color. 

5. Have the right tools. I highly, highly, highly recommend purchasing a beauty blender. It is quick and easy to use, and when used damp, gives you an amazing finish. If you are anti-beauty blender, invest in a good quality foundation brush. I love the Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki, or the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. Can't go wrong with either one.

6. Use a setting spray. There are so many setting sprays out there that are tailored to a variety of skin types: oily, combination, dry, etc. There are also setting sprays that help with the longevity of your makeup. I love Urban Decay's setting sprays. My favorites are the All-Nighter (long-lasting) and the De-Slick (for oily skin). They also have one for dryer skin types. 

7. Keep blotting papers or translucent powder on hand. These are life savers, especially if you have oily skin like me. Blotting papers eliminate excess oil WITHOUT removing makeup! How genius is that? You can find them at nearly every drug store. I believe the brand I use is by Clean & Clear. I also always have my Rimmel Stay Matte Powder (in translucent) with me to touch up oily areas as needed. 

Hope this helps! Please, as always, send a comment, question, or e-mail my way if need be.

xoxo