by BR Kellie
I'll be honest - the moment I impose a rule upon myself I'm inclined to break it. That being said, after being a makeup addict for nearly three decades, it's fair to say at this point I've come to adhere to some very basic rules that make a world of difference to my cosmetic application, and in the interest of sharing is caring I've decided it's time to drop my pearls of wisdom. You're welcome.
Start Fresh
Trying to put fresh cosmetics on top of old cosmetics leaves me looking a cakey, janky mess. So whenever I do my makeup I start with a clean canvas. My skin is cleansed, toned, serumed, then moisturised. Then, and only then do I go in with the goodies.
Sunscreen
If there's one rule I wish I'd paid more attention to in my youth it's this one. Sunscreen should be applied daily before heading out into the sun. It's good for your skin. It's good for your health. Apply it after skincare and before makeup. I love this sunscreen from La Roche-Posay, and find it acts as a primer and creates a lovely base for my makeup.
Makeup Is Not A Mask
It's glorious seeing a 90s resurgence in the shops. I walked into Cotton On the other day and it was like seeing my wardrobe circa 1995/1996 on display. Bring on the parachute pants and A-line maxi skirts! However, one 90s trend that can stay away is the makeup mask - created by choosing the wrong colour foundation and then layering it on with narry a blending tool in sight.
Blend. Blend. Blend.
It's not just your foundation that needs to be blended into the hairline and down the neck, your blusher, bronzer, contour and highlight ought to be bounced over too in order to create a seamless look.
Know Your Undertone
One makeup-must that I've come to accept is simply for my own good is to choose colours that suit one's skin tone. Luckily my undertone is neutral so most colours look okay on me, except for green. If I dare to colour correct using a green tone I have to be sparse or I look ill, and if green eyeshadow goes anywhere near my eyes I look like I've been in a fist fight. Not pretty. Need help figuring out your undertone? Check out this article.
Natural Light For The Win
Where possible, apply your makeup in natural light. I have a mirror sitting on my office's windowsill, and it's the perfect spot to put my face on in the morning. I can see every inch of my face, making it easy to spot any areas that need blending, any errant brush lines from my foundation application, and every single spot that needs to be concealed.
Easy Does It
It's a heck of a lot easier to apply more makeup in order to build it up than it is to fix an overly enthusiastic application, so going lightly as you apply your face is a must. (But if you do find yourself having a 'whoopsydaisy' moment, then bouncing a dampened sponge over a colourific area can help remove the excess.)
The Brows Have It
I've never been one for a bold brow look, however I keep on top of my brow care as they really do frame the face, and a bushy brow moment can make you look unkempt, even if the rest of you is immaculate. That doesn't mean you have to be getting plucked and waxed every week, but do take the time to run a spoolie through the face beetles during your makeup routine, and maybe add a little wax if they're prone (like mine) to looking like they've been dragged through a hedge backwards.
Swipe On. Wipe Off.
I don't care how tired you are, or tipsy you are, or how much you can't be bothered, before bed you need to take your makeup off. Leaving it on is just asking for a break out.
Tidy Your Tools
It's not just your face that needs regular cleaning, so do your tools. Brushes, blenders, sponges, whatever you use to apply your makeup, be sure to give them a wash with a gentle soap or shampoo on the regular. Not only will it keep them in tip top condition, it'll help keep break outs due to bacteria at bay.
So, do tell... what makeup rules do you strictly follow? Are there rules you ought to abide by but don't? And are there other rules you think would make our makeup wearing lives even better?
As I said earlier, sharing is caring so get chatting below!
Clean and sunscreen first and foremost!