Fresh Face

Now everyone is always looking for ways to have a flawless face, while reading in the Winter 2011 Canadian FASHION magazine, I came upon an article by Lesa Hannah on how to get exactly that! Lesa sat down to talk with top makeup artist Laura Mercier ( who just happens to be Sarah Jessica Parker's go to girl!) and author of  The New Beauty Secrets: Your Ultimate Guide to a Flawless Face. 

Now to begin you must be sure to exfoliate weekly, and to make sure to apply moisturizer immediately after you shower (after dabbing your face with a clean towel) while the skin is still moist and work in the lotion into your face and you will see the difference.

One quote from Mercier and her most important tip is:  It's not which products you use, such as  foundation, but how you apply them that can be the difference between looking like you're wearing layers of base and being able to say, "Who me? Why yes, I come by this glowing flush naturally...."

Here are the steps!

1. USE A PRIMER!
 This is used to smooth over your whole face, to make it even textured. This allows makeup to go on to an even surface. Apply primer after your lotion and before foundation.

I recommend Revlon Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer.

2. Concealer and Camouflage 
These two are from the same family but should be used for two different things. Concealers (you should use a shade lighter then your skin and foundation) are creamy and serve well when being used on the under eye , where the skin is delicate and dry, although concealers are prone to melting so a Camouflage is better suited for blemishes. Camouflages are usually thicker and should be dabbed on to places only where it is needed. Use translucent powder to set the look, this especially helps prevent the concealer from melting.

 Here are my recommendations: Maybelline NY Mineral Power Concealer, Rimmel London Hide the blemish concealer, Revlon PhotoReady translucent powder.

3. Foundation
You should use foundation very sparingly, this is where you can go from looking flawless to the awful pasty face. Use a sponge with very little foundation on it and work it into your skin until it is like a second skin. Work it into your neck so that it blends well enough and there are no lines. when choosing a foundation color you should always try to match the color of your neck for it to be the correct color for blending.

My choice of Foundation is by Almay, Smart Shade Makeup.

4. Highlighter

This is a magic tool to allow the light to catch the contours of your face, giving it dimension. Whether you prefer a liquid or a powder, rub it on your cheeks to give the illusion of higher set cheek bones, or the bridge of your nose.

I recommend Revlon Highlighter.

Well those are the steps, feel free to test it out yourself and leave a comment!