Are You Applying Makeup in the Proper Order?

 I “changed someone’s life” today with a conversation about face powder.

My client was putting her powder on at the wrong time, which caused other problems. So that’s the inspiration for this post.  Are you applying your makeup in the proper order? Check yourself:

1. Exfoliation. A must!

Why do we exfoliate? So skin can absorb lotion.

If you choose not to exfoliate, you may as well kick the night cream, too, because you’re basically washing it off in the morning. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub two or three times a week, more if your skin reacts well. It will clear dead cells, uncovering fresh cells that absorb lotion! Please begin exfoliating today. Your skin will look radiant and feel smooth.

2. Moisturizer, then foundation.

I think everyone should wear foundation—to protect skin, even out tone, reduce the look of pores. Foundation also acts as a perfect base layer for makeup. If foundation is too heavy for you, mix it with moisturizer. Or try one of the BB Creams on the market. BB (Beauty Balm) Creams are all-in-one replacements for moisturizer, sunscreen, and foundation. They are light and smooth. My client was not using foundation before, but she now loves BB Creams.

3. Powder here.

Apply translucent powder after your foundation. Then a little concealer, if needed. Powder here helps set your makeup. My client applied makeup first and powder last, which dulled all the makeup she had just applied. But here’s the life-changing part: she no longer needs concealer, which highlighted the lines under her eyes because she was using too much.

4. Eye shadow next, before eye liner. No mascara yet.

Eye liner goes on after eye shadow. My client was doing the opposite, and the shadow muddied her eye liner. Try shadows that compliment eye color. Brown eyes can wear almost any shadow--green, purple, pink, blue, brown. Blue eyes should try earth tones, beige, gray, pink, but no blue. Green eyes look great in purple, orange, lavender.

5. Now blush. Then mascara. Lipstick after you’re dressed.

Just so you don’t stain your clothes.

AF offers makeup services because I worked ten years for Origins and Clinique, behind the counter and in corporate makeup training.  If you have any questions, please post a comment, email me, or stop in the salon.

That’s Amore!