Why And How To Clean Makeup Brushes

Next to diamonds, makeup could possibly be a girl’s best friend. Women all over the world adore makeup and use it in their everyday lives. There is an amazing amount of various types of make ups all over the world, from every shade of color imaginable. This allows infinite combinations and variety so women across the globe can enjoy the benefits of makeup.

In order to apply makeup, generally one needs a makeup brush. Brushes come in various shapes and sizes and allow different ways to apply the makeup. However, it is also important to understand that makeup is generally a combination of natural and chemical compositions, joined together for safe human application.

Knowing this, it is also important to understand why it is vitally important to keep the makeup brushes clean. Every time a person applies makeup, they generally touch their face, and anytime something comes in contact with human skin, it is a general rule that it transfers bacteria from the skin to whatever is coming in contact with that skin. In this case, it is the makeup brush coming in contact with the skin of the face.

If left alone, and the makeup brush is not cleaned properly, this allows the propagation of bacteria to spread all over the makeup brush, and after awhile, mixed in with the makeup applied to the face, the person is basically applying extra layers of growing bacteria. This is hazardous to one’s health and should be avoided whenever the chance.

Luckily, with consistent upkeep, it is relatively easy to keep makeup brushes clean. Anyone can do it, it’s that simple! First, get some nice warm running water, but don’t make the water too strong, as you want to keep the bristles safe and intact. Next, simply run the bristles under the water for a bit, to get the brush nice and wet.

Here is where we really start to get the brush clean. Take some mild shampoo (if it’s too strong, it could damage the bristles of the brush), and work it into the brush, forming a nice, smooth lather. Once the brush is well lathered, place the brush under the water again. If the water is coming out tinted, it means things are going smoothly, as that tint is all old makeup and subsequently, bacteria and dirt that is leaving the brush.

Now, simply let the brush air dry, and it should be perfectly bacteria free and ready to use as soon as it’s completely dry! Keeping the makeup brush clean is very important for anyone who enjoys makeup and staying healthy. Just following these simple steps will keep bacteria and dirt away from the brush, so nothing but radiant makeup will find its way to the face.

Different Types Of Blushers And A Tip To Apply It Perfectly

Makeup is one of the most crucial aspects to a woman’s confidence levels as well as her sense of fashion. When a woman is looking for different types of blushers and a tip to apply it they would not only want to use their common sense but to do the proper research on finding the best techniques for them. In the world of blushes there are a few different options and techniques that a woman can implement when finding the perfect way to do your makeup.

One type of blush that a woman can look into includes powder blush. This is the type of blush that we commonly see the most in department stores or even specialty stores. Even though this is the most commonly seen type of blush it may not work well for every skin type. For example, Powder blush works perfect for those woman who have a skin type that is more oily but it will still work well with all different types of skin.

One type of blush that might not work well with every skin type is the cream blush. This blush is more dense and is better applied with fingers instead of some type of brush. This type of blush works better for those women who have drier skin. For those woman who have oily skin this type of blush would not work well with their skin because it is a creamier thicker blush.

Two more types of blushes include the gel blush and the tint blush. Both of these both have certain qualities which could fit some women perfectly but won’t work with some other women. The gel blush gives a woman more of a sheer color to her face without overdoing the color. This type of blush works best on women who have normal to even oily skin. The tint blush is another fast drying blush, like the gel blush, and if worn with foundation can give the woman what appears to be a streaky face. When using tint blush a woman will want to make sure that they put it on evenly and blend it quickly or it will dry on quickly and destroy the look that they wanted.

A blush that is associated with nighttime but will still add some color to a woman’s face is shimmer. With shimmer a woman will be able to achieve the colored affect without it being caked on. It also gives the wearer more confidence with the touch of glitter that is added to some of the shimmers that are available on the market today.

When a woman is trying to find the right blush for them they would want to make sure that they know what their skin type is before they make that essential purchase. By knowing what their skin type is a woman would be able to find what type of blush would work perfectly for them. Another tip when trying to find out the perfect type of blush would be to know what their skin tone is. They would want to find out whether or not they have a cold tone to their face or if it has a warmer tone. Once a woman has found out her skin tone then going towards a color that emphasizes their favorite feature would be the perfect blush for them.

Blush can be a key aspect to perfecting any makeup look but if a woman chooses the wrong kind their look can be faulty and not perfect. There are many different types of blushers and a tip to apply them can make the blush in your hand become the perfect look on your face. When trying to find the perfect type of blush a woman would want to key in different factors but keep in mind what they want to say about their makeup. There are numerous brands, stores, and even shades that will cater to every woman’s needs.

How to Apply Thick Eyeliner

Choosing the right color eyeliner is the first essential step in making heavy eyeliner makeup look great! If you have a light complexion and light hair, opt for a softer black or a shade of brown so that it matches your skin and hair tones. If you have darker hair, use a dark brown or black eyeliner.

To get a super sexy dark eye liner look, just follow these easy steps:

Begin by applying a neutral eye shadow over your entire eyelid and brow bone. Be sure that you blend the eye shadow in well with a soft round brush so there is no visible line and the blending looks seamless.

Use a darker neutral color, like a medium-brown and apply this eye shadow to the eye lid. Begin at the inside of your eyelid and move towards the outer crease of your eye. Don’t forget to blend this shade in as well.

Apply your liquid liner as close as possible to the upper lash line so that it covers the entire lash line completely. Try to apply a very thin line starting at your inner eye and slightly thicken this line while you move it to the outer eye. To make the liner thick apply a second coat of liquid eye liner. For this step, you will need to apply the liner from the middle of your eyelid and gradually thicken the line as you move towards the outer eye, to achieve a thicker, fuller look.

After application since the eyeliner is wet look down towards the floor for a few minutes to let it dry without smudging it.

Next apply the liquid eye liner just beneath your bottom eye lashes as shown in the photo above or use an eye pencil to line your eyes.

Lastly, apply 1 or 2 coats of mascara and a blusher. A red lipstick looks great with a dark eye liner. You may also use a lighter lipstick shade that will tone down the overall drama of the thick eyeliner makeup.

How to Apply Cat Eye Makeup in easy steps

The cat eye makeup will give you those bewitching cat eyes with a mysterious blend of sexiness and drama. Over the years, the idea behind a cat eye style has come and gone, as fashions and trends fluctuate in and out. Recently, the cat eye style has seen a remarkable comeback, especially in the fashion industry. Many models, celebrities, and famed beauty icons and stylists have been sporting this look. The style is sexy, playful and seductive, and really can be utilized on any face type. The real trick to applying cat eye makeup is to properly apply eyeliner, with the emphasis on creating a hard line around the eye. To achieve this you will need to use a liquid liner in a jet black color.

The simplest way to achieve this look is to use liquid eyeliner to outline the lash line of your eye. It is also acceptable to use an eye pencil. Professionals prefer liquid eyeliners, since they are easier to apply and create lines. One important thing to recognize is that you want a liquid liner that a liquid liner with a short tip to its pen will afford you maximum control over the application process.

Firstly apply a base eye shadow to the entire upper lid. You can choose any color you want, but for a low-key look, be sure to choose a neutral color that will work with your skin tone. A base color that is light and neutral will work best. Be sure to apply it everywhere, from the eyelid to the brow bone. A base eyeshadow will help to even out the skin tone, and give you a perfect canvas to work with.

Next you will want to use a brown or tauoe shade, depending on your eye and skin tone. Apply this shade to the outer two thirds of your upper eyelid with a medium sized makeup brush. Apply a light sweep to the bottom one third of your lower eyelid and blend well.

It’s time to apply he eye liner. Yyou will want to use a sharper eyeliner pencil to dot along the lash root. Start from your inner eye and move to the outer eye following the natural curve of your eye. Using your liquid liner draw over the dots to the outer corner of your eye, making sure to thicken the line as you draw along. Once you get to the point where your pupil ends, slant your stroke upwards slightly and keep the line going for as far as you’d like to. Traditionally, a quarter inch is about right, but feel free to play around with the length. The thicker the lines, the more drama you’re going to attract with the look. Retrace your steps, making the line a bit fatter as you go.

Apply 2 coats of black mascara, and a lipstick. Finished.

Cat eyes look great with a red lipstick or darker lip gloss. But you can use toned down lipstick shades according to your comfort level. Keep the rest of your makeup as neutral-looking as possible. For a softer cat eye look use a black kohl pencil or pencil liner.

Advantages of using Mineral Makeup

Every day, more and more women decide to switch to mineral makeup. Mineral makeup is becoming ever popular because it looks and feels fantastic on the skin without exposing your skin to potentially dangerous chemical substances that are found in petroleum based cosmetics. Here are some of the main advantages of using natural, mineral makeup.

Its good for all skin types: Mineral makeup is great for all skin types. Even if your skin is sensitive or if you suffer from any kind of skin condition, mineral makeup is safe for you. Because it contains no additives, preservatives, fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol, dyes, or talc, this kind of makeup is non-comedogenic as it doesn’t clog the pores. It is also hypoallergenic and will not exacerbate any skin irritation or acne. In fact, it is so safe that you can even sleep with it, but that is usually not recommended.

It naturally covers imperfections: If you want to cover skin imperfections such as wrinkles, fine lines, acne, rosacea, scars, crow’s feet or blotchiness, mineral makeup is ideal for you. No matter what your skin type or color is, mineral makeup gives long lasting coverage without feeling heavy on your skin. Zinc oxide and titanium oxide are physical sunscreens which provide sun protection and are the main ingredients found in formulations of mineral makeup brands. These minerals give an excellent coverage and provide sun protection by reflecting sunlight, thus giving young, healthy and radiant glow to the skin.

It lasts long enough: Even if you need to invest a little more money in mineral makeup, you’ll find that it is totally worth it once you realize how much little of the product you need in order to look great the entire day or night. Once you start using mineral makeup on your skin, you will soon find out that it lasts longer than other types of makeup, so you won’t need to retouch it every couple of hours. And because it feels so light, you won’t even remember you are wearing makeup at all! Finally, since most mineral makeup is waterproof, you can wear it despite the weather conditions.

To sum up, mineral makeup is natural, appropriate for all skin types and is actually beneficial. Once you start using it you will look your best and your skin will feel great. If you haven’t tried mineral makeup yet, buy a starter kit today.

Makeup Application – 5 Mistakes to avoid

Makeup application is an art form. You can use your creativity to experiment with different techniques and color combinations. But it’s always good to know a few “not to do’s”, so that you don’t end up making some of the most common mistakes when it comes to makeup application.

Here are the top 5 mistakes women make when applying makeup:

1. Choosing the wrong foundation color - Plenty of women go through most of their lives wearing the entirely wrong shade of foundation. Either it makes them look washed out or dull. Finding the right foundation color (your shade) is one of the first steps regarding make up. You can never tell whether the foundation colour will suit you or not without trying it first. Investing in a full sized bottle without trying its sample first is either a hit or a miss and if the shade doesn’t suit you, your money will be wasted. Do not be afraid to ask the makeup counter associate for samples. If no samples are offered or if limited samples are given per customer, prefer to buy some instead. Always pick up three shades, two nearer to your complexion and one lighter. Try these samples and see how each one looks on you in natural day light. Also, take some photos of yourself, and see how they show up in photos. A shade bit lighter than your skin tone will be your ideal shade. A lighter shade may make you look a bit whitier but a rather darker shade will make you look muddy and dull. It’s a good idea to go for a lighter shade because you can atleast tone it down.

2. Not knowing when enough is enough - Less is more. When it comes to makeup, its best not to overdo it. If you donot want to scare little children or be mistaken for a clown be careful not to go generous with the product, especially the blusher and the foundation. You have to be careful about how much product you are using while applying makeup. A light application of foundation, just a squirt or two will do. When you do have the occasional breakout, don’t try to cover it up with gobs of makeup. Exceeding a layer or two of concealer will usually draw more attention to the blemish.

3. Flaking Lipstick - Nobody wants lips that look cracked, scaly and dry. That’s why lip scrubs and lip balms are created for – to exfoliate and keep the lips soft and supple. You need a smooth, silky base before you apply your lipstick. So always make it a habit to use a lip balm before going to bed. Make sure that you keep a lip balm handy throughout the day. Next make sure to choose the right lipstick colors after you’ve made your lips kissably smooth. Finding the right colors can be a little tricky, but keep at it and you’ll find some that seem like they were made just for you. Get colors that look great on you and also provide good moisturising and are lead free. As for the lipstick, it’s helpful to use the age old trick of testing out the lipstick on your hand, to see how it looks with your skintone.

4. Bad Blending - There are few things more embarassing, when it comes to makeup, than showing up in public with the dreaded “foundation line” along the side of your face. As a matter of fact improper blending, however, doesn’t just apply to the foundation. It’s important to blend all of the colors together. When you’re finished, the colors should blend seamlessly into each other. If taking a second glance in the mirror tells you where your blush starts and ends, then you’ve got some lessons on blending to learn.

5. Over Plucking - Eyebrows are, arguably, the most important aspect of your face. They are the one feature of the face that is often not noticed if done right, and horribly obvious if done wrong. They are the subtle face changers, with the ability to take your appearance from dull to breathtaking. Don’t overpluck them. Overplucking eyebrows not only cause eyebrow hair loss but also make it difficult for you to convey your feelings or expression (Eyebrows play a major role in emotional expression). Seek a professional if you doubt your plucking abilities, or buy an user-friendly home-kit.

Always try the bestsellers or 5 star rated products until you find your favourites. So the next time you visit a makeup counter you should know what to buy. I’ll leave you with some words of makeup wisdom: Remember, less is often more. Practice is key. Trial and error is the way to go, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it.

How to find the perfect shade of red lipstick for you

The color red is exciting, stimulating and powerful. Red on your lips is bold and appealing to the eyes. Red lip color makes a strong statement; it is a look at me color, it commands attention, and is the color of love, luck, passion and sexiness.

Red lips have been considered beautiful across many cultures throughout history. Geishas painted tiny bright red lips on their faces. Ancient Egyptians painted their lips red and lined their eyes with khol. Snow White is described as “Hair as black as ebony, skin as white as snow and lips as red as blood”. Victorian beauties kept their complexions pale and lips red. Who can forget Hollywood starlets such as Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly, who looked gorgeous with very red lips and perfectly powdered noses. Marilyn Monroe was a screen goddess with her blonde hair and red lips. Elizabeth taylor was the ultimate seductress with her siren red lips.

Throughout history, women have been painting their lips red. Red lips draw attention, can hold a man’s gaze and are the ones that get the second glance, drawing attention to every pout and even the slightest smile. Pick a color that goes with your skin tone, wear it with confidence and you can’t go wrong.

So how to find the perfect shade of red for you? Finding your shade of red is not only powerful, but can make you look beautiful and elegant.

If you have a cool undertone (blue veins in your arms OR pinkish or bluish hues in your skin), you can go for a true red lipstick or any red lipstick with pink, plum or blue undertones. The beautiful thing about a red with a bluish undertone is that it can make your teeth appear whiter!

If you have a warm undertone (green veins in your arms OR yellow or peach hues in your skin), you can use a warm red lipstick with a coral/orange undertone. For warm skin tones, go for coral red/scarlet, or any orange-red lipstick.

For dusky complexions, berry reds or reds with browns and earth tones will suit you. Go for a brick red or one that is brownish or a berry colour.

Here are a few tips and tricks to follow when you put on really red lips:

1) Either highlight the eyes or the lips. Not both at the same time. If you go for a bold mouth, go light on the eyes, and use lighter, more natural eye makeup.

2) Since red lip color can be strong, it’s important to tone down your style and keep it to a minimum. You don’t want to overdo it by wearing red clothes and/or too many red accessories.

3) Red blusher applied too heavy handedly can make you look harsh or clownish instead of sensual.

4) Remember, you can look absolutely stunning in a red bold lipstick and heavy black eyeliner/false eyelashes/dark, smoky eye makeup with a hint of red blusher.

But these rules of keeping everthing else to minimum when wearing a red lipstick does not apply to all. There are some women who can even get away with red lips, coral eyeshadow and look amazing wearing a red gown all at the same time. If you have seen Indian weddings, you must have seen how stunning a bride can look wearing a red lipstick, a red saree or a red bridal outfit. So how much red you can wear at a time varies from person to person and so is an individual decision.

MAC Artist Faves: What does Gregory consider the “LBD” of makeup?

Gregory A is a backstage artist for Mac. Here is an excerpt from his interview.

What is one thing every girl/boy should carry in her/his makeup bag? why?
Their imagination. It’s limitless.

What has been a memorable shoot/show and what products did you use?
I kind of “do it all,” from working with numerous celebrities, to being the key artist on fashion shows in Paris, Milan and New York, to conducting Master Classes worldwide for top tier makeup artists. That being said, the majority of my work involves celebrities: from red carpet to TV appearances to photo shoots to videos, it runs the gamut. I’ve had some awesome and amazing experiences, from being taken on a 10 day trip to Japan with Dita Von Teese to Fran Drescher asking me to head up the Makeup Department on her sitcom. A massive career highlight was working with Cher. I used to beg to stay up to watch her show when I was a kid…a few years later and I’m designing the makeup for her Farewell Tour, then her Las Vegas Caesars Palace show!

How do you feel about men wearing makeup?
If so, what are some of your favourite tips for guys?

I’m all for it; I do it myself! Less is more. For me it’s about a small amount of Pro Longwear Concealer under the eyes or where there’s any darkness or discoloration. A small amount of Blot Powder to absorb excess oils and shine, and perhaps a hint of bronzer on the cheeks and temples for a pop of “health.”

Ecotools bamboo powder brush review and photos

This is a wonderful brush for applying loose and pressed powder. This brush is a bit flat and tapered, the bristles are soft and fluffy. It is perfect for applying a thin dusting of your setting powder over your foundation for a more natural look. This might not be the right brush for you if you prefer a heavier application because instead of giving heavy application it actually brushes away excess powder from your skin. It is a nice brush to remove excess makeup or apply a thin layer of powder by lightly sweeping it over your face.

Maybelline eyestudio lasting drama gel eyeliner review, photos and swatches

Maybelline eyestudio lasting drama gel eyeliner is creamy,easy to use and gives you a perfect intense black line. The product has a very good consistency, blends well and is more creamy than other gel eyeliners that I have used. The black liner is very pigmented and goes on smooth onto my lids. It dries matte. It doesn’t smudge, fade or crease, and stays put all day. You do need to close the lid tighly enough though, to prevent it from drying.

This gel eyeliner comes in a glass pot with a screw on lid. There is also a small brush included which is a perfect bonus! The brush is very firm, and is perfect for applying this product.

How to remove eye makeup

It is important to remove all makeup before going to bed at night, so do not fall asleep with your makeup on no matter how tired you are.

1) Always use reputed brands for eye makeup, never compromise on quality.
2) Always remove your makeup before bedtime. Use a oil based cleanser and not a watery one. Oil based cleansers easily dissolve colors and grime, and make it easier to remove makeup without too much rubbing or tugging the delicate skin around the eyes. Splash water to remove the final traces of cleanser.
3) Be extra gentle while removing makeup without tugging at the delicate skin around the eyes.
4) If you wear contact lenses always remove them first before removing your eye makeup.

Below are the most popular types of eye makeup removers -

*) Liquid cleansers – These are watery, however the formulation varies from brand to brand. You need to take some on a cotton swab and wipe off your makeup. Do rinse with water at the end, even if the brand says “no need to rinse” so that no trace of cleanser or makeup remains on your face. Remember water is a universal solvent.

*) Cream cleansers – These have oils added to a creamy base which makes it easier to dissolve makeup. Luxurious and comforting to use, these can be rinsed off.

*) Balm cleansers – These are a mixture of oils and waxes, which melt on contact with body heat. They dissolve any makeup and can be wiped off with a wet washcloth or rinsed off with a foaming cleanser.

*) Oil Cleansers – These are different oils mixed with each other. There are many formulations available in the market or simply use any nut oil available in your home such as coconut, sesame, or sunflower. Oil readily dissolves any type of makeup. If you prefer foaming cleansers, what you can do is use oil just for the eye area to dissolve stubborn makeup and then rinse off with a foaming cleanser.

*) Oil cleansers (foaming) – These are oils which have surfactants added to them, you need to apply them to dry skin to first dissolve the makeup and then splash water on your face to emulsify the oil. The cleanser gives a gentle lather that needs to be rinsed off.