From Primer Virgin To Addict: The Primers That Converted Me
There’s a first time for everything.
This is How You Determine Which Primer You Should Use
And it will transform the look of your foundation.
8 Products That Will Make Your Makeup Last Way Longer
Because ain’t nobody got time for touch-ups.
What Happened When I Used Only Men’s Products For A Week
Yep, I went there, and it was awkward and awesome at the same time…
Heat-Proof Summer Makeup Tips
While we all want our makeup to last the distance, sometimes the heat and humidity can cause creasing, oily patches and even shiny skin. This summer, prep your face with a few of our beauty-bag essentials for heat-proof summer makeup.
RELATED: How To Wear Pastel Makeup For Summer
Prime
Before applying your foundation, it’s important to use a primer on freshly cleansed skin. Not only will it make your foundation last longer, but it creates a barrier between your skin and the makeup itself so it won’t clog your pores! Wait 1-2 minutes until the primer has completely set into the skin, then apply your foundation as usual.
Modelco Face Base Skin Primer, $39
Blotting sheets
If you suffer from particularly oily skin, you might know that patches are a fact of life. Carry a few blotting sheets in your handbag to soak up the excess oil, and keep your skin matte for longer.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Blotting Tissues, $10
Setting spray
Before leaving the house, set your makeup with a translucent spray to control oily patches and mattify your makeup. Spray it generously over your face and neck, then wipe off the excess with a tissue or cotton pad.
Make Up Forever Mist and Fix Setting Spray, $30
Cream products
Using cream products is the best way to make the most of your natural oils during the summer. A cream highlighter, illuminator, bronzer and blush can be easily applied with just the fingertips, and is ideal if you’re creating a natural makeup look.
Nars The Multiple in South Beach, $56
Oil-free moisturiser
Before prepping your skin for foundation, it’s important to lock-in hydration with an oil-free moisturiser. These formulas are great for summer since they won’t clog your skin with additional oils, and will keep it looking matte for longer.
Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturiser, $86
What are some of your summer beauty tips?
Image via Instagram
Makeup Tips For Ageing Skin
Use makeup to your advantage with a few different tips and techniques which can transform ageing skin and make you look 10 years younger. We’ve hand-picked a few tricks which help to create a flawless base, meaning you can make the most of the skin you’re in.
RELATED: Heat-Proof Bridal Makeup
Moisturise
The secret to any flawless base is consistently moisturising both morning and night. To fight against any signs of hyperpigmentation, sun damage, or even the common dry patches, it’s important to use a hydrating serum before applying your base. Not only will your makeup last longer, but it will keep your skin from feeling too dry.
Bronzer
A liquid bronzer is essential since it warms up the face without any harsh lines. You can also double it up and use it to bring some life to your cheeks as a blush, or apply it as an eyeshadow base – so easy!
Glossy lips
The secret to fuller looking lips is all about a lip liner and lip gloss. Use a rose or nude coloured liner to highlight the shape of your lips, and apply a gloss over the top to make them appear larger.
Neutral eyeshadow
Rather than going for a dark smokey eye, which can actually make your eyes seem small and droopy, it is wise to opt for neutral or earthy tones for your shadows. Cream products are amazing since they can just be applied with your hands, and melt seamlessly into the skin.
Primer
Most mature skin seems to lack the moisture and collagen, so it’s important to always prime before applying your base. A dewy primer is best since it draws light to the face without making you look like a disco ball.
Highlight
As with a primer, to draw attention to certain parts of your face, it’s important to highlight and illuminate with the correct tools. Add some dimension to your face by applying a cream highlight onto the top of your cheekbones before heading out. We promise it’ll make your entire face glow!
Curl your lashes
Draw the attention to your eyes by curling your lashes before applying mascara. This makes such a big difference, especially if your lashes are naturally quite straight.
Do you have any makeup tips for mature skin?
Image via Projeckt Machinery
5 Primers For All Skin Types
Make your foundation last the distance by using a primer which is packed with skin-loving nutrients, but won’t clog your pores.
To get the most out of your primer, remember to gently cleanse, tone, and moisturise the skin so it has a chance to look its best and last the distance. Browse through some of our favourite primers, which are suitable for all skin types below.
RELATED: Eat Your Way To Glowing Skin
Nars Pro-Prime Pore-Refining Primer, $46
If you suffer from enlarged pores and dehydrated skin, then this is the primer for you! Create a smooth base with just a pea-sized amount of this primer, and apply over problem areas such as the t-zone and forehead. Filled with essential vitamins A, C, and E to nourish skin, and keep dry patches away.
Stila One Step Correct, $48
A multi-purpose colour correcting serum which evens out skin tone without making skin feel heavy or tacky. The lightweight formula is ideal for women suffering anything from oily skin to acne-prone blemishes, and won’t cause any additional irritation after each use.
Smashbox Photo Finish More Than A Primer Blemish Control, $54
A line-smoothing primer perfect for mature skin since it controls shine, and leaves nothing but a flawless complexion. The gentle formula contains 2% salicylic acid which treats impending blemishes without aggravating existing acne.
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15, $69
A lightweight formula used by celebrities and makeup artists around the world to achieve a porcelain-like complexion. You don’t have to worry about blocked pores or impending breakouts, since Hourglass is known for its gentle ingredients.
By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Primer, $79
A clear makeup primer which blends seamlessly into all skin types, and doesn’t leave a sticky residue afterwards. Use on lips and eyes to ensure the longevity of your makeup, and keep skin feeling cool and moisturised. For a cost-effective alternative with similar results, choose Hydraluron by Indeed Laboratories.
Image via Total Beauty
Long-Lasting Makeup Tips
Whether you need flawless makeup for a special event, or simply want something long-lasting for a night out, choosing a routine which is right for your skin is often the best way to make this happen.
Rather than spending an unruly amount of money on expensive products which have a 50/50 chance of working, take it back to the basics and start with your skincare and primer.
RELATED: Essential Makeup Tips For Beginners
Cleanse
Clean your skin of the impurities by using a mild cleanser before applying your makeup. Don’t use anything harsh such as an exfoliator which could only irritate your skin, and leave it looking red and itchy.
Puretopia Rinse Away Purifying Fresh Face Cleansing Gel, $9.99
Toner
To minimise your pores, tone the main places of your skin which are prone to breakouts. This includes the t-zone (nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin), by applying a splash of toner to a cotton pad, and pressing over the top of your skin.
If your skin is far too sensitive or acne prone for this, keep it calm by using a product which contains aloe or tea tree oil, since it will calm every thing down.
Natio Rosewater and Chamomile Gentle Skin Toner, $13.95
Moisturise
Lock in the moisturise by using a fast-setting moisturiser before applying your makeup. Don’t use anything which is too thick and creamy, since it will cause your makeup to move around!
La Roche-Posay Toleriane, $27.99
Prime
If your skin is super-oily, use a primer on your t-zone to keep your makeup staying in place all day long. The trick is to let the primer set for 5-10 minutes before then applying your base.
Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron, $34.99
Setting powder
After you’ve applied your foundation, allow it to set (this could take up to 5 minutes), then use a setting powder over the areas of your skin which are oil-prone. Anything nude or white in colour is perfect to lightly dust over the skin, since it will absorb any oil over the next few hours.
bareMinerals Mineral Veil, $40
Eye primer
Does anyone else suffer from oily eyelids? Prime your eyes using a lightweight cream which will lock-in your eyeshadow, and won’t cause creases on your eyelid. Wait for it to absorb completely before applying eyeshadow.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, $25
Cream eyeshadow
If powdered eyeshadow just doesn’t work for your eyes, choose a cream formula instead. Not only are they fast drying, but cream formulas are also designed to stay on longer without creasing. Set with a light powder before each layer of eyeshadow.
Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Stick, $12.95
Setting spray
Just before applying your mascara, mist a lightweight setting spray all over your face and neck. If there is any extra product on your face, lightly dab with a tissue or cotton pad to absorb the spray.
Makeup Forever Mist & Fix, $29
How do you keep your makeup lasting longer?
Image via Gleam it up
The Best Makeup For Flash Photography
Do you want to know the secret to flawless makeup for formal events such as a wedding, baptism or simply just a picture-perfect photo? It’s true, you do have to pay more attention to detail when getting ready – but it’s all worth it when the pictures come out truly flawless!
Use these tips the next time you’re getting ready for an event that requires lots of flash photography.
RELATED: Essential Makeup Tips For Beginners
Get matched
If this is your first time doing your own makeup for a formal event, then it’s always a good idea to get your skin matched by a professional. Not only will they recommend a shade that is close to your skin tone, but it will actually blend in with your neck and the rest of your body. Foundations are either pink or yellow based depending on the undertones of your skin, and a professional makeup artist will guide you through the colour process as best they can. This process might take a little longer, but is so much better than just purchasing any colour via the internet because you can’t see how it interacts with your skin.
Stay matte
Regardless of oily, dry, or combination skin, it’s always good to keep your foundation matte if you want an airbrushed look in your photos. Always carry around a compact powder, or blotting pads so you can easily remove the shine from problem areas such as the chin, forehead, and cheeks.
No SPF
Stick to SPF-free foundation and primer if you know that you will be photographed for an event. Products containing SPF can result in a white and shiny cast on the face, which show-up in photos like a ghost-like colour if you’re using flash photography.
Oil-free primer
Use a primer to even out your skin tone, and act as a base for the rest of your makeup. It’s best to use an oil-free alternative since this will work to keep your skin matte and shine-free. Only apply a face primer to your cheeks, nose, and forehead. Applying this over your eyes can make the area look oily.
Blend it out
To avoid any harsh lines of contour from showing up on camera, it’s a good idea to invest in high quality brushes which won’t have your makeup looking too dramatic. Make sure to properly blend out your bronzer, highlighter, concealer, and apply blush with a light hand, building up the colour instead of packing it all on at the same time.
Set your makeup
Keep your makeup looking fresh and matte by setting with a translucent powder or even with a spray. This will keep your foundation from oiling up throughout the day, but also won’t have your under-eye makeup from creasing either.
If you are going to use a setting spray, make sure to apply your mascara after you’ve sprayed your face. If applied to freshly painted lashes, this can often ruin the formula and make your lashes look and feel clumpy which makes them hard to manage.
Long-lasting makeup
The secret to flawless makeup in photos is by using high-quality products that are made to last. Foundation, concealer, and eyeshadows are all important products to invest in, since they will really allow your makeup to look flawless regardless of the weather. Keep a small mirror in your handbag to quickly touch-up any problem areas throughout the day.
Natural light
When applying your makeup, choose a setting which is filled with natural light. Any artificial light or filters can often give the wrong impression of how your makeup will actually look.
Image via On Sugar
How To Avoid Oily Eyelids
Whether you choose to blame the eyeshadow, lack of primer or simply just the heat, oily eyelids can ruin an entire makeup look in no time. Although, there are little ways to switch up your current skincare and makeup routine which could make a significant difference to your eyelids and overall look. Next time you’re dealing with makeup which doesn’t hold, try these tips to keep it looking flawless for longer.
Primer
Not only will a primer help your to create a flawless base for eyeshadow, but it will prevent the makeup from moving around on your face. Eyeshadow primers can come in many variations including pressed powder, liquids and balms. The best time to apply a primer is right after moisturising your face and applying the rest of your foundation. Let the primer sit for 2-3 minutes, then apply eyeshadow or any other product onto the eyes to finish the look.
Cleanse
If you’re suffering from oily skin, dry skin or a combination of both, your skin type could be a large factor leading to oily eyelids. Stick with a regular routine which will not only improve the appearance of acne, scarring or future breakouts, but will control the amount of oil which is produced on the surface. Use a light cleanser on those days when you’re avoiding makeup, and a tougher one when you need to remove your makeup in the morning or before bed.
Powder
Just like the rest of your face, try setting the eyelids after makeup has been applied. Using a smaller brush, simply dab into a translucent setting powder and lightly push the product onto the eyelid, directly into the problem areas. This will help the shadow to stay on for longer without creasing. If you’re heading out, bring a small compact with you for a touch-up.
Setting spray
Why not try a setting spray if you’re still experiencing some creases on both your shadow and eye liner. These are best applied all over the face, but remember to use this before you apply a coat of mascara (since it could cause lashes to clump up and stick together). Then simply wait until the spray dries, or alternatively pat gently with a cotton pad or tissue.
Tips
- If you’re experiencing some issues with black eyeliner which just won’t stay in place, why not try using a gel liner instead. This often takes a little longer to apply but will keep your cat-eye looking flawless throughout the day or night.
- Cream shadows generally last longer so try using these instead of a pressed shadow if you’re suffering from oily eyelids. You could also layer these products to create a more defined look.
- Keep an eye out for alternative products which are oil-free and don’t include as many ingredients. Big brands such as Clinique have a variety of products which are oil-free and should help to combat oily eyelids.
Image via Popsugar UK
