Thursday, March 22, 2012

Makeup tools every girl needs

If you want your makeup to look flawless, it's important to have the right tools.  The following is a list of absolute must-haves:
1. Makeup Sponge
Have a wedge-shaped one, so you can use the finer edges to help blend in foundation around your nose and jawline.  The flatter edges are great for your cheeks, forehead and chin. However, if you prefer not to use a synthetic sponge try the small, natural ones instead.
2. Powder Brush
Get used to using a powder brush each time you put makeup on. To prevent a caked finish to your face powder, use a large, soft brush to dust away any excess.
3. Blusher Brush
Use this to add a pretty glow to your skin.  A blusher brush is slightly smaller than a powder brush, which makes it easier to control.
4. Eyeshadow Brush
Smooth on any shade of eyeshadow with this brush.
5. Eyeshadow Sponge
A sponge applicator is great for applying a sweep of pale eyeshadow that doesn't need much blending or applying high lighter to your brow bones.
6. All-in-one eyelash brush/comb
Great for combing through your lashes between coats of mascara for a clump-free finish. Flip the comb over and use the brush side to seep your eyebrows into shape, or soften penciled-in brows.
7. Lip brush
Use to create a perfect outline for your lips and then use to fill in the shape with your lipstick for a natural look, without harsh lines.
8. Eyebrow Tweezers
It is essential to have a good pair of tweezers for regularly tidying up the eyebrows.
9. Eyelash curlers
Once used, they'll soon become a beauty essential!  Curled eyelashes make a huge difference in the way your lashes look and help open up the eyes.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Properly Filling in Your Brows

If you're like me, you probably have one brow that is thinner than the other and doesn't have as nice of a shape.  Brows can change your whole face so it's important to get them shaped correctly.  This means that you have to use a pencil or a powder to fill them in and get your brows symmetrical.  Here are a few guidelines to help:
* Choose a pencil and powder in the correct shade. Women with fair complexions should use a blonde shade, those with olive tones should go tawny or brown, and those with with African-American skin should use gray.
* Brush brows downward with a dry, mascara-like wand. To define the arch, use the pencil to draw a line along the upper edge of the brow. Comb the brows upward and outward.
* For added fullness, dust eye shadow into the hairs of the brow with a stiff, slanted brush. Dip the brush into a tiny amount of powder and use short, gentle strokes while applying.
* If your brows have been severely over-tweezed, brush the hairs in the direction of the growth, and fill in any visible patches with powder. Avoid adding to the top or bottom of the brows.
* Comb a clear or tinted brow gel up through the brows to set hairs in place.  I like Benefit's Speed Brow.