As a makeup artist I find myself noticing the makeup mistakes that girls make (as I'm sure others have noticed on me!). One of the mishaps that drives me crazy is when it is so obvious that she, we'll call her Sue, has chosen the wrong shade or kind of foundation. First off we'll start with color...
Choosing a color foundation can be difficult if you shop at a supermarket for your makeup because you cannot test the shades of makeup before buying. Honestly, I always have bought higher end foundation (like MAC!) largely due to the fact that the makeup artists will test several shades on your skin before recommending one, asking what kind of coverage and use you are in need of, then you are set! If that is not within your budget, however, I would recommend buying two less expensive foundations that are as close to one shade lighter and one darker to your natural color as you can possibly find in the ill-lit cosmetics aisle.
CMA tip: Lancome is owned by the same company as MAC, so as far as generic brands go they are a great alternative and tons less expensive!!
They do not need to be the same brand but definitely the same consistency (ie, liquid vs mousse). I often mix two shades of foundation to customize the color for a client, as well as myself. Just pour a little on the flat part of your hand ( a makeup artist's palette) between your thumb and wrist
and mix the two shades adding a little of each to lighten or darken. This is also very useful when it comes to the change of seasons. Too often we see Sue wearing makeup that suited her in August when she was tan but it is now February and her face looks like it was pasted onto the rest of her body!
CMA tip: If you have bought a foundation that is too light or dark, until you can buy more just mix it with a little face moisturizer to make it thinner and less noticeable.
Secondly, type of foundation/powder. On a day to day basis I recommend Sue wear a sheer-ish foundation with loose powder. It gives you coverage but does not look like you are totally done up which really begins to loose its allure when it becomes your "everyday look"... not to mention that is really hard on your skin. Some great choices are the mousse foundation sold at all grocery stores (if you've read my article on Utah Baby Blog you know I love Neutragena's!) or MAC's face and body foundation- it gives you enough stickiness for your loose powder to stay in place and a teeny bit of color but looks very natural too!
For a dressy look swap out either the foundation OR the powder with Studio Fix by MAC. Studio Fix is a great line of product both liquid and powder foundations that have medium to heavy coverage (depending how thickly you apply it). The only time I recommend using both a heavy powder and base is when you are getting your pictures taken. Between the lighting and the lense anything less won't stand a chance.
The title picture shows a "natural look" which for photoshoots actually requires a lot of makeup but for an every day basis requires little. Nothing is more beautiful than the bare, raw, you. In the latest InStyle Natalie Portman said in an interview that "It is very French to celebrate something about yourself that others might say is your flaw." Its what makes you beautiful and uniquely you so... Celebrate yourself!
love you girls!
xoxoC
photo credit: http://www.superstock.com/stock-photos-images/1439R-995767, http://www.maccosmetics.com
