Makeup Q & A

Everything you've wanted to know but never got a chance to ask.....

"It ain't for everybody"

Q: I was wondering is there any type of foundation that doesn't break you out. I've never tried it but I have seen people break out from it.

A: Depending on your skin type, you may or may not be more prone to breakouts. While you can only be sure about the foundations you use personally, there are foundations on the market that were created to give the frequent makeup wearer a clearer complexion. Neutrogena skin clearing foundation is designed to help clear your skin as you use it. Each individual will have to find foundation that works for their skin type, but there are a few key points to remember when using foundation in an effort to maintain your clearest possible complexion.

1) Always remember to apply your foundation to freshly washed skin that has been moisturized. Using moisturizer is important for skin care, but it also creates a small barrier between your skin and the foundation itself.

2) You want to use a foundation that is oil-free and noncomedogenic. This is so that it will not cause you to have clogged pores or blackheads. Using a hypoallergenic foundation will also decrease your chances of having an allergic reaction since it will contain little to no potentially irritating substances.

3) Cleanse face properly and exfoliate after removing makeup to get rid of any residue.

4) Do not sleep in your makeup. Give your skin a chance to breath and be chemical free!

5) Try buffing your foundation into your skin with a Kabuki brush instead of applying it with a sponge, your fingers or some other brush. This type of brush has shorter hairs and is very dense. Because of that this brush blends perfectly causing less foundation to go much further. This technique makes it easier for you to maintain coverage using less product.

6) Finally, if you continue to search and still don't find a solution you can always go to the makeup counter of a brand that you trust and explain your specific skin needs and they may be able to help you find something that was over looked.

Q: Are there any ways to make your face appear a little more tan without using a tanning booth or spray tans?

A: Bronzer can be applied to the cheeks, brim of the nose, chin & forehead (matte bronzer looks most natural). You can also use a trick that JLo is known for and that is to wear a lip color that is just one shade lighter than your skin so that it gives you a faux tan. It works quite well as long as you don't over do it by going too light.

Q: When wearing red lipstick, what should the eye makeup look like? Is there a rule?

A: Yes and no. When choosing red lipstick you want to be careful and find shades that compliment your skin tone. Don't be afraid to wear that red lip bold and with confidence. When done right it can give you the most classic look. In some cases women may wear red lipstick with a bold eyeshadow, but this is always going to be an eye shadow in one color and probably for a major event rather than an everyday look. Also be ware that not every one's face can handle that much makeup. The general rule is that you either play up the lips or the eyes and not both or you will resemble a clown. So with a red lip it would be best to keep the eyeshadow very low key with something soft giving you that barely there look. You can even just make your dark eyeliner and mascara the focal point on your eyes only coating the lids with concealer or foundation and let your lips steal the show. In this case you don't want your eyes competing with your lips, so less is more.

Q: Any tips on blending?

A: Blending is super important when it comes to makeup application. It makes all the difference in creating a makeup look that is flattering. You want to make sure that you are using quality brushes since it is your tool for blending. Even if you can't afford expensive brushes you can still find quality at a lower price just by shopping around and knowing what you are looking for. You'll want to make sure that the brush you use for blending is the appropriate brush for the part of your face you are making up. For instance, you could never blend your eyeshadow in the crease of your eye with a blush or contour brush. Educate yourself and it will save you money and improve your skills. Its going to be easiest to blend eyeshadow by applying it little by little rather than applying too much and trying to remove some and start over. Your face is your canvas and you'll want to keep it as clean as possible to achieve the best results so take it slow. You can always add more. Blend your eyeshadow with a fluffy dome shaped brush and make sure that both eyes have the same intensity. Lastly but most importantly practice, practice, practice! Blending is so important so don't cut any corners and blend as much as you can because it will only make your look more polished.

Q: What are some tips for creating a smokey eye in colors other than black?

A: Its fun to do a smokey eye and play with colors. The important thing to remember is that you should apply the lighter shades towards the front of your lids and always put the darker shades towards the end of your eye where your crease is to smoke and blend it out. Having that lighter shade on the inner corner along with using a highlighter will give your eyes the appearance of being more open. Doing this backwards would only make your eyes look more closed and you wouldn't achieve that bright-eyed effect that women desire. Whether using pigments or shadows just keep in mind that blending is important so that it all works together. You don't want the colors conflicting with each other or looking clumpy. A smooth blended look is desired. If you are doing a smokey eye with just one shade, the smallest amount of black shadow can be applied in the crease and will create depth for a perfect monochromatic look!

Q: How do I find the right red lipstick for my skin tone?

A: Not knowing the answer to this question is the reason so many women are afraid to take the plunge. We never have to let anyone tell us that we can't wear red lipstick because we are African American . It simply isn't true. No matter what shade you are, there are reds that you can at least try. The ultimate choice will be left to you. As for the rules about reds, fair skin women look better in lighter shades of red lipstick like corals or peachy pinks and should stay away from dark lipsticks that are brown-like. For the lip shade to be flattering on you it should be a shade or two darker than your natural color. If you are a medium shade you can go a little darker with tones that look rosy or a cherry red. You will look best in the rich reds instead of the bright reds. If you are a dark-skinned woman you will look gorgeous in the deep plums and chocolate shades as well as the richest of reds. Remember that whatever shade you are, any lip color is worn best with confidence.

Q: How do I find the perfect nude lipstick for my skin tone?

A: Stick to a color that is very close to your own natural lip color or you will be defeating the purpose of wearing a nude lip. It doesn't need to be exact, but don't stray too far. If you are of a lighter skin tone, you will most likely look best in a pink or purple shade of nude lipstick. If you have a warmer skin tone you will look best in a nude lipstick that is closer to a peach or brownish shade.

Q: Bronzer vs. Highlighter

A: Bronzer is used to warm up the face and create a golden sun kissed look. Highlighter is used to brighten the face and is applied in slightly smaller amounts than the bronzer is. Highlighter is shimmery whereas bronzer can be matte or shimmery. The highlighter is designed to "highlight" certain features about your face and make them more prominent. Light will hit these areas of your face and reflect off the highlight color making these features look more prominent.

Q: Brushes. what are the sizes and what are they used for? Also, how do you keep them clean?

A: There are so many brushes that can be used to do makeup. I'm going to focus on what I think are the basic brushes that everyone who cares about makeup should use. You may choose whichever brands you like to supply your brush collection, but I will use Mac's collection as a reference since its the most well known.

1) Basic powder brush used for all over the face to apply things like powders, blushes & bronzers. (Mac #129 powder/blush brush, or #150 lg powder brush)

2) Angled face brush used to contour the cheeks. (Mac #168 brush)

3) Kabuki brush used for buffing the cheeks and rest of the face. (Mac #182 brush)

4) Foundation Brush used to apply foundation all over the face. (Mac #190 brush)

5) Stiff angled brush has some different uses, mainly filling in the eyebrows. (Mac #208 brush)

6) liquid/cream liner brush (Mac #210 brush)

7) Short shader/smudge brush used to smudge eyeshadow or eyeliner & dense shading of eyeshadow (Mac #214 brush)

8) Eyeshadow brush for your lids (Mac #213 & or #239 brush)

9) Fluffy dome brush for blending eyeshadow (Mac #217 brush)

10) concealer brush. (Mac #195 brush)

11) lip brush (Mac #316 brush)

12) Flat definer brush used to line eyes with color giving them instant definition. (Mac #212 brush)

All makeup companies sell makeup brush cleaners. These are designed to clean & disinfect makeup brushes and extend their shelf life. Brushes can also be cleaned with shampoo.

Q: Any tips on easy ways to apply eyeliner on the lid? I have a terrible time making the line straight.

A: Applying liner on the lid along the lash line is a great trick for making lashes appear fuller and giving the eyes that crisp finished look. As a beginner it is perfectly fine to start off using an eye pencil to draw this line. Just like anything else it takes practice. Instead of trying to do the entire line all at once take shorter, smaller strokes until you have it filled to your desire. Once you feel confident enough with this you should begin to try using liquid liner. Liquid liner can be intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it you'll be glad you did. Remember, short slow strokes to begin and practice makes perfect. For a natural looking "cat eye" gently shut your eye and just trace the line of your lashes to the end of your eye. Keep it thin, and it will be just what you're looking for. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't turn out right on your first couple of tries. You'll get it soon enough.

Q: Is there a proper way to apply bronzer?

A: Bronzer is intended to give the face a bronze glow in the same places that the sun would naturally tan the face. You apply bronzer to the forehead, cheeks, brim of the nose and chin.

Q: How do you create a dewy look with makeup?

A: There are many different ways to create a dewy look. Trying different things out will help you find what you like. Here are some things that work:

1) You can try using a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation.

2) Use a gel or cream blush instead of powder

3) Use a very shimmery highlighter for your cheek bones

4) Use cream eye shadows or all purpose gloss on your eye lids

5) Mix a little bit of shimmery cream bronzer in with your foundation before applying it.

6) Use and all over the face shimmer for your cheeks and eyes.

7) A high shimmer eyeshadow can be used to highlight your cheeks and make them look dewy.

Q: How do you keep your eyeshadow vibrant?

A: Always apply a base or primer before applying eyeshadow to keep it from falling out. This will make the eyeshadow pop and last all day.

Q: What's an easy ay to do a smokey eye?

A: Stick with a light color for the front of the lid and blend out just a little bit of a darker shadow from the crease to the outer ends of the eyes. If that gets too messy for you, practice by adding a little at a time and blend as much as possible. A quick smokey eye can be done with just a soft eyeliner and a brush. You draw along your lash line and then smudge and buff it out lighlty with a brush. It will be very subtle but very sexy still.