Ipsy Glam Bag Reveal – September 2015
It is my favorite time of the month! YAYYYY!! That's right, it's Ipsy time! If you don't know what Ipsy is already, it is a monthly beauty subscription service that you pay just $10...
As with many things in life, usually less is more. I truly believe this is the case when it comes to makeup. Providing yourself with a more natural look is a lot more attractive than caking on makeup. I've found that most agree with this statement as well.
This is the perfect look for makeup beginners as well as those who are experienced. Here are six tips on how to achieve an easy, natural makeup look:
1. Use concealers to hide any imperfections on your skin.
I typically use this Jane Iredale Active Light Under Eye Concealer. It has a convenient brush to help put what I need in exactly the right places.
However, I was recently sent a few items from It Cosmetics and they happened to include the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Waterproof Concealer in a Neutral Medium. Being the fair skinned person that I am, I wasn't sure how well this would work for me. But I have to say on one recent morning as I was getting ready to speak at a conference, I broke this out when I ran out of my concealer above.
At first, I was startled because the consistently is a little like spackle or tacky glue. But once I got it on, it gave me 16 hour coverage and still looked great. No one could tell I had those tired under eye circles. I should also mention that this fabulous creation also has Collagen and Vitamins C & K in it. This might be my new favorite “must have” beauty product.
PRO TIP: Always apply in a dabbing motion, with a light sponge or with the tools provided along with the product. Never rub the skin under your eyes.
2. Use light liquid foundations or powders only. No heavy foundations.
PRO TIP: Apply with a light hand. It is much easier to add a little more than to have to take everything off and start over. I sometimes use one coat, many times two depending on how tired I am and then I use three coats when I am going out for the evening for a more dramatic and polished look.
3. Apply neutral eye shadow colors such as golds, browns, and tans.
Neutrals can really bring out the colors in your eyes and really does go with everything as well as lend to that truly natural look.
PRO TIP: For quick eyeshadow application on the go, the CoverGirl eyeshadow above has directions on the back making it the easiest thing to use ever.
Another way to get an impressive and natural look is using falsies. You should keep the extension in glue, choose one extension and apply it to the natural lash, then separate them with tweezers, and you are ready. To reach the maximum volume when applying natural lash extensions at home you can use a thin layer of mascara or eyeliner. Choosing the right extension according to your eye shape is essential to achieve a more flattering look.
4. Apply eyeliner to the lower waterline.
This really opens up the eyes causing them to appear bigger and brighter. If you want it to be very natural looking, don’t wear any eyeliner at all.
Now I kind of switch around between eyeliners. I use the Chanel Le Crayon Khol Intense Eye Pencil pictured above in Black Jade. This was based on a tip given to me by a professional makeup artist. She said to really bring out my blue eyes, use a liner with a little color in it besides black and she was absolutely right. I love this eyeliner!
I also use Mac Kohl Smolder Eye Color for Women in Teddy which is a nice chocolate brown that really looks good on my eyes and e.l.f. Brightening Eye Liner in Coffee
PRO TIP: Don't be afraid to experiment with different eyeliners. Try them out in various ways on your eyes and take pictures. I do this with my phone (in natural light) so I can see what looks best on me. This can differ from day to day.
5. Don't forget the eyebrows.
They say that the eyebrows frame the face and once I adopted this policy, I never feel completely finished if I have not used my eyebrow powder. For years I used a pencil which always gave me a harsh look until I blended it in. The day I found Vanity Mark Cosmetics Ultra-brow Powder in Gingerella is the day makeup became much more fun for me.
This powder is about the best thing ever and it makes me feel good just having it on. With minimal to do once applied, I highly recommend any of the brow powders from Vanity Mark. Make certain to get the Brush/Blender tool they sell for perfect application every time.
PRO TIP: Make certain to always highlight your eyebrows as this gives a more defined look to your face. Play around with a few colors until you find the right shade for your skin. The shade that was perfect for me doesn't exactly match my hair color but blends in perfectly and looks great.
6. Apply a thin layer of mascara to your upper lashes.
Be sure to not make it clumpy, this comes off as very unnatural looking. Properly applied mascara can really make your eyes look amazing. I never would ever consider another mascara besides CoverGirl Lashblast Waterproof Mascara in Black.
I love that it is waterproof because I live in a humid state and occasionally suffer from allergies yet my mascara stays on through all of this. The coverage, the lack of clumps and the overall look means that they might have to pry this from my dead hands to get me to stop using it!
PRO TIP: Make certain that your lashes are free from any mascara before applying. Start at the bottom and pull up slowly as you coat your lashes.
7. Use a bronzer or illuminator on all of your most common sunspots such as your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose to provide a natural glow for your skin.
Make certain not to skip this step even if you are fair skinned like I am. I tend to have a little natural redness is my skin but I have found that by picking my bronzer wisely, my red looks more bronze. I always choose bronze over red and the best bronzer for my skin is definitely the Avon Mark Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes – All Over Face Palette in Warm Glow (pictured above).
It has been a long time since I have had anything from Avon in my makeup (although my mother used to sell it in the 70's & 80's). But when I got this bronzer at an event this summer, I instantly fell in love. It can be used as eyeshadow and just really gives amazing coverage so I love it!
PRO TIP: Always go light with the bronzer and add more if you need to to complete your natural look. This bronzer is perfect for contouring as well.
8. Complete your look with some light lip coverage.
Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Watermelon offers the perfect light coverage in a light, shimmery pink without caking or needing a lot of re-application. I probably have about 20 tubes of this product laying around my house. Everyone in my family now uses it and I love giving Burt's Bees as gifts.
PRO TIP: Find as many products as you can that contain SPF. The more coverage the better. I even apply a moisturizer with SPF before I put on any makeup.
I keep all of my makeup organized with the Trina Vivien Essential Travel Train Case in Blue:
Natural and professional looking makeup not only looks good but it can make you feel good as well. Use these tips and products to achieve the perfect natural makeup look for you!
So this is a little peak in my makeup bag. I guarantee on any given day that all of the products above will be with me in my makeup bag. They are a critical part of my beauty routine. While tt doesn't help that I am a total beauty product junkie, I really do love trying new things but they must be pretty spectacular to make it into my makeup bag for everyday use.
These are awesome tips, I may actually wear makeup following these
I typically don’t wear makeup, but these are great tips for those who do 🙂
I think with makeup… less is more also. I have seen women who look like you would need a pick and a shovel to get the stuff off their face.
I love natural makeup looks. I love natural brown colors too! I always have to have some mineral makeup, mascara and lip gloss.
I so needed this! I’m awful at make up!
Great tips! And, also, super cute bag.
I need the “find the time to do it even though it only takes 5 minutes” tip:)
I’ve never used makeup in my life and I have to say that I truly don’t know how to use any of it (except lipstick and I bet even that one I do it wrong). So these tips are really welcome here.
Great tips!! I love wearing mascara, eye shadow, and pencil since my eyes are definitely my best feature!
I love a natural look. Unfortunately I don’t have time to put on makeup very often anymore but when I do, I think less is better and can really play up your features!
Great tips. Sometimes it has been sooo long since I have worn makeup that I forget some of the basics. Thanks for the refresher.
Thank you for the tips…when it comes to make up, I am all thumbs, but you explained this so easily, and I love neutral/pearly colors, so I can do this!
Fantastic tips thank you so much – I do love to go for the natural look but I’m not that good at it 🙂 x
The natural makeup look is so trendy right now! These are great tips for how to achieve it – thanks!
Great tips and I love the colours, I love my look to be natural as well.
I love the natural look! I can’t get away with too much make up. I usually feel like a clown! LOL!
I love those colors. I want a new look and that might work.
What a fantastic post!
I recently found that Cover Girl Lash Blast I LOVE IT!!! It has become my new favorite make up
Great tips! I’m with you on makeup. Less is definitely more. Sometimes too much makes you look like a clown.
Great tips, thanks for sharing!
I will share this with my daughter
Concealer is my go to product even when I don’t have anything else on. It really does make the difference.
I wish I have those makeup, too!
But anyway.. I super love having a no-makeup makeup look! <3
Due to super sensitive skin and not wanting chemicals on my face, I don’t use make up. When I did, I liked the mineral make up. I was never into heavy but like to just enhance the face not “make it up”.
I agree that less is more when you are talking about makeup! I think my must have makeup item would be powder. I really don’t like having a shiny face.
Great picks! Your makeup is amazing!! I need more tips!
I really love this look because it does look very natural. I don’t like wearing a lot of makeup, especially to work, so this would work well for me.
I generally don’t wear makeup. Just lip gloss and maybe some eyeshadow every once in a while. But this is great for people who want to achieve a natural look with makeup. 🙂
The under eye concealer sounds great, I have been given the genetic gift of under eye bags (thanks Dad!) and am always looking for products to cover them up.
simplicity is beauty and having natural beauty is really great but still makeup will boost your confidence
I don’t wear makeup, but these are cool tips
i like that this adds vitamins to your skin
Natural look is always my first choice.
I am not good in putting makeup, thanks for the helpful tips.
You have great tips, I think I need to come back to check again what I need. I love this cute Trina Vivien Essential Travel Train Case in Blue, need something like that as my make up is all around. And Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer in Watermelon would be nice to have.
Thank you for listing what brands of makeup you use. I love learning new makeup tips, but half of the people’s posts I read don’t list the brand names. I need to find a great bronzer. Do you use it during the winter too?
I do use it during the winter. However, once I add it to the brush, I tap a little off before putting it on my very white face. LOL
I was wondering, since my face will be very white too.
Thanks for the tips! The concealer is a must for me as I have Chicken pox scars on my face and neck.
I’m not a makeup person so I will send this along to someone I know would like it
What great products! I always try to achieve a natural look as well. I want to try the undereye concealer. I am always looking for the best one in that department!
I love makeup tips. I always feel like there is always something to learn. And I am definitely all about the natural look. So bookmark!
Great list and tips! I rub the lotion under my eyes, but now I know not to. My bag only has under eye concealer and sunblock. I’m too lazy for full-out makeup!
I’m a huge advocate of the whole eyebrow thing, ever since I tried it! I feel incomplete without doing my eyebrows now!
looks like fun times and nice products. not really my thing but glad you enjoy them 🙂
Great tips! I’m definitey wanting to try and wear more make up, and the natural look is my favorite, so I’ll definitely be using some of these tips! Thanks for sharing!
great tips! Would be really useful!
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