As a young girl, I loved makeup, but I always seemed to use so much of everything. I know you’ve heard makeup described as looking “cakey,” and let me tell you — mine did. I used products that were too dark, too light, too pink and all around too thick.
When I look at photos, I often wonder why my mom let me walk out the door looking the way I did. I’m sure I told her I knew what I was doing, but in truth, YouTube wasn’t teaching me exactly what I needed to know.
MISTAKE 1: APPLYING WAY TOO MUCH FOUNDATION
Most people think more is better, but less truly is more — especially if you are using a powder to set your foundation or have a more matte appearance. When I first started doing makeup, I used a foundation shade that was extremely dark, which made my skin appear orange. I also used a thick foundation, like Kat Von D, which is way too thick and way too matte for someone with dry, younger skin like me. So, when you are looking for a liquid foundation, let someone color match you. Once they color match you, step outside in the natural sunlight to see if it disappears into your skin like it’s supposed to.
MISTAKE NUMBER 2: USING THE WRONG CONCEALER SHADE UNDER THE EYES
Most of us are guilty of this, and honestly, I still do it sometimes (Whoops! Don’t tell on me!). I used to put shades of concealer under my eyes to “highlight,” but it was like five shades too light.
A rule of thumb, which is also opinion-based, is that you should go one to two shades lighter underneath your eyes to conceal and give a brightening effect. If you go too light, the contrast on your face from concealer to foundation to bronzer/contour will be overly contrasted and give a more over-the-top appearance. Of course, if that’s how you like your makeup, then you do you, sister! I know you’re beautiful either way.
MISTAKE NUMBER 3: CONFUSING CONTOUR FOR BRONZER, AND VICE VERSA
Contour is an ashy shade to add a shadow to your face. Bronzer is supposed to mimic where sunlight hits and warm up your face. I used to always use bronzer as contour, and it was always just a blur. It truly did nothing for my face.
I will tell you a secret, though: The only time I contour is when I’m going somewhere nice. Most days, I just slap on some bronzer and warm up my face, but I only put it on the spots the sun would hit if I were standing outside.
I pray you had the best holiday season and wish you the happiest New Year!
Lauren Riley is a makeup artist and hairdresser on the Coast, specializing in on-location wedding and event makeup, blondes and hand-tied extensions. Contact her or learn more at www.laurenrileyhairmakeup.com or facebook.com/laurenrileyhairmakeup.