In my last article, we covered the very basics that most fresh makeup artists use - eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner, and lipstick - and now it's time to cover the cover-ups.
Whether you want to fix up your complexion, cover a small blemish, hide redness, or de-shine your face, there's makeup for everything. The only thing standing in your way is finding one that works for you and learning just how to use it.
Foundation
Foundation is used to cover the entire face, and hides redness while fixing up your complexion. This will probably be the most expensive makeup you will buy early on, but once you find a formula that works well for you, it is well worth it.
Foundation comes in many forms and variations, such as liquid foundation, pressed powder, loose powder, foundation sticks, tinted moisturizer, etc. Different types serve different needs, and it's best to address your skin type and what you want when choosing a foundation. Powder foundations should be used if you have oily skin, although liquid is fine as long as you buy it oil-free. You who have dry skin, never use powdered foundation, as it will flake. Instead, buy a liquid foundation.
When choosing a foundation, it must match your skin exactly. You are not trying to change the color of your skin; rather, you are creating a seamless finish to work on. This may take time, but you'll be thankful when you find that your face actually matches your neck.
When finding a foundation to match your skin tone, compare it to the skin on your jawbone, not your hand. If a tester is available, try a little on your chin. It should blend into your skin and you should not be able to tell that it is there. Some foundations dry orange, giving you a masked look. When trying foundation, rub a little onto your hand and see if it's orange when it dries.
The best bet to finding a foundation that matches your skin is using a "True blend" foundation, such as Covergirl TruBlend makeup or L'Oreal True Match foundation, which can be found at most drugstores. These makeups blend to match your natural skin tone, so finding one is made easier.
Application
Liquid: Using either a stippling brush or a foundation brush (easily found online or at Walmart/other drugstores) fill up your brush and apply evenly to the entire face. If the makeup looks streaky, use a sponge to blend the makeup.
Powder: Using a powder brush or a pouf (also easily found at Walmart/other drugstores) fill up the brush/pouf and tap off any excess powder. Apply evenly over the entire face, making sure not to use too much. If you use too much, it will cake on and look fake.
Concealer
Concealer is used to cover blemishes on your face, such as redness, dark circles, and zits/pimples. Finding one is very easy: all you have to do is make sure that when you use it, you aren't going to have light spots where you've applied it. Also, you may need to find a concealer to match your needs.
Covering redness: Green concealer is used to cover redness, such as rosacea, zits, blemishes, and red blotches on your skin.
Covering dark circles: Yellow concealer is used for covering dark under-eye circles, bruises, and mild blemishes such as small zits or redness around the nose.
Lavender concealer: Used to cover yellowish bruises and sallow complexions, as well as other yellow-tones imperfections on the skin.
And then, you have your overall concealer - concealer that can be used to cover pretty much anything. These are usually tan, and to find one, you need to match it to your skin color. It does not need to match your skin color exactly, but needs to be one or two shades lighter than your skin. Do not go darker, and do not go too light, because these will be noticeable when applied.
Application
Using a concealer brush, fill up the brush with the concealer and apply to the area you wish to cover. Using either your ring finger or a sponge, blend in the makeup. If the concealer comes with a brush (most concealers at drug stores come in small bottles with screw-on lids that double as brushes) simply apply and blend. If your concealer is liquid and in a bottle, squirt/dab some on the back of your hand, and then fill up the brush and apply.
Face Powder
Face powder is generally used to set your foundation and concealer, so that it does not smudge. This is probably the easiest item to find. It does not need to match your skin color exactly, as you use very little of it to set your makeup.
Pretty much anywhere, face powders range from light to dark, and you simply need to find the one that matches your skin tone best. You have the choice of loose or pressed powder. Both provide different results: Pressed powder will result in a set, matte finish while loose powder will result in a more natural-looking finish. Pressed powder often comes in a small compact with a pouf or other applicator of some kind, and is more portable than loose powder. Loose powder is very fine, and usually comes in a container with a shaker, so you can shake out a little at a time for use. The difference between powder foundation and face powder is that face powder is not used for covering things up, while foundation is. Face powder is used for covering shine and/or setting liquid makeup.
Note: If you use powder foundation, face powder is not necessary.
Application
Using a powder brush or pouf, fill up your brush/pouf and pat off any excess powder. Apply this all over the face or on areas where needed, such as shiny places on the nose and forehead. As with powder foundation, you do not want to apply too much, or it will become cakes on and look fake and noticeable.
Thanks for reading! I will probably be covering more items later on, we're just getting started!
- iBeBekah
Author's Note: I got some feedback from my last article preceding this one - "Beginner's Makeup: Part 1" - that pictures would be useful. I considered taking pictures for this article, but it turns out that my camera hates me, and my makeup really doesn't show too well in the photos. I apologize for this, and hope that I have done an efficient job at describing the application of different makeup.
