Makeup Tips From The Mall
I don’t know about where you live, but around here when it comes to le maquillage, the words “subtle” and “mall” are rarely uttered in the same sentence. Painted-to-the-hilt cosmetic counter Sales Associates are always ready to explain why you need three different colors of eyeshadow and two different eyeliners (all at once) and how the foundation won’t work optimally without the primer AND the finishing spray. So it’s always with a bit of trepidation that I’ll allow one of these Gilded Lilies to “do” my makeup, but will sometimes relent if I know I’ll be able to go right home and remove 90% of it. (I get it, I do. They’re paid to move product. That’s their job.)
But I often learn a technique or something useful, even with my own limited repertoire. Here are a couple of new tricks for this old chien that are great even if you subscribe to “le no makeup look.”
1. For foundation, tinted moisturizer or concealer:
You already know it’s best to apply with a brush rather than a sponge or fingers, yes? A sponge will soak up too much of the product, and the oils in your hands can cause accelerated oxidation (don’t they have a pill for that yet?) which can turn pigments orange. So don’t use the back of your hand as a palette either. Cut or tear up some wax paper into 2-3″ squares, lay one down on your work surface and dispense your goop there (squeeze or pump a single application’s worth), then pick up with the brush. Easy clean up too!
2. For hooded, crepe-y or puffy upper eyelids:
Using an eyeshadow brush, apply a light dusting of bronzer from lash line to almost up to the browbone. This will make heavy lids recede and even out the appearance of skin on the eyelid, while still maintaining an au naturel look. (Word of warning, avoid bronzers that have a lot of pink and/or shimmer. I use the one above and it works beautifully.)
Here are the brushes I use, BTW.
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| MAC 190 Foundation Brush |
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| MAC 24 Tapered Blending Brush |
(Keep an eye out during the holidays, as these brushes are often available in shorter-handled versions in travel/gift promotional sets. I find a shorter handle much easier to use.)
Do you have any new or favorite makeup tips and tricks to share? Clever uses for wax paper?
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Wait, I’m dense. Are you saying to apply LIQUID makeup with a brush? C’est bizarre! And then wash it out afterwards? Je ne comprends pas.
Oh yes! I use a dense, flat top foundation brush and it provide a seamless, airbrushed, perfectly blended, look. They’re easy to clean and SO worth the end result!
No tips, but an amusing story. While visiting my son at college, I went to the local Nordstrom. At one beauty counter, I was convinced by the lovely saleswoman to have a makeover. I mentioned that I never wear red lipstick. She said, “Oh, but you must!” And she proceeded to do my makeup. On the way back to the hotel, I noticed people smiling at me and I thought,”She really did a good job–so many people nodding to me and smiling.” Imagine my surprise when I got to the hotel and looked in the mirror, My “red” lipstick had migrated up the lines over my lip almost to my nose. I looked like Lady Frankenstein! I have never again worn red lipstick.
My wax paper trick is for pastry-making, so I’m guessing that’s not what you’re looking for . . . 😉
I line my cookie sheets with wax paper. I find the “advice” offered at the mall terrifying. I do use your same brushes. They’re great. Have a terrific weekend!!
Once a week, usually on the weekend, I take my makeup brushes into the shower with me. I typically wash them with facial cleanser. It gives me an excuse to stand under the shower longer. The brushes spend the rest of the day drying on a washcloth and I wear a lot less makeup that day (not that I wear a lot)
I have never gotten the hang of a foundation brush so I apply with my fingers, then use a big sponge to even it out.
I use pretty much the whole Trish McEvoy system as I travel about 50% of the time these days, and the Trish system is made for travel.
I also have the Trish McEvoy system and love it. I wish she would also sell the lip gloss that came with the set I bought. It is beautiful, but after checking the website, I don’t see the color sold separately. I am hooked on her serum.
Ditto on the brushes. Thanks for the wax paper idea.
Sam
A saleswoman mentioned using a small mirror as a pallet. She thought you could use it the next day as well. Perhaps folding liquid makeup up in the waxed paper would preserve leftovers better.
I forgot to add that if you use brushes, be sure to buy a brush cleaner. The cleaners do a great job and keep your brushes nice.
Sam
I use a plastic Pringles (potato-chip can!) lid as my foundation palette. I do my makeup at the bathroom sink, so cleanup is easy.
I’ve found that “higher” end department stores understand the less is more makeup concept better. The price of the product is the same too. I usually go to Neiman Marcus or Saks when I need help and the Bobbi Brown assistants are great at the no makeup look.
And I don’t use all Bobbi Brown products – just a few.
Like the Guerlain trick must try it. I have discovered Mac fast response eye cream. I put it on under my concealer and it stops the concealer from sinking into those pesky under eye wrinkles.
I need this wax paper idea…thanks so much!!
I work in theatre, and was taught to use ceramic tile as a makeup palette. It doesn’t create waste, it cleans up easily with water or a baby wipe, you can cover it with plastic wrap to prevent leftovers from drying up, and if you somehow ruin it then you can just buy another super-cheap.
@rb: I think running the entire brush under running water will eventualy loosen the ferrule. I’ve always been told to rinse the head of the brush only.
I used my Terracotta 1 as eye shadow today [read this earlier today] and got a great result. Thanks.
I just learned the brush trick this year. I didn’t know about the skin thing.
Yes, two things. To apply brow powder, brush the brow hairs down toward the eyes. Apply your powder along the top edge of the brow and that helps find a natural arch. Then brush brows into place and fill in from there. If some of the hairs are too long, same idea – comb down and trim from below. I like to set my brows with Anastasia clear gel. Secondly, it is possible to tightline the upper lashes using a pencil liner rather than a liquid. I have smallish deep set eyes and could never master using a liquid liner. I am going to try your idea of a bronzer in lieu of eye shadow. Just don’t have much eyelid real estate. Thanks for the idea.
I just cannot get into using a brush for foundation. I love to use my fingers and also love using a creme blush!!
xoxo
Karena
2012 Artists Series
I’m afraid on my bad days the only thing wax paper would be good for is wrapping around my head to help keep me slightly fresh for the day. One must not forget to put in two little peek holes before going out. Seriously, great tips. Thanks.
Um, does baking meringue cookies on wax paper count?
Why is the only thing coming to mind using kleenex or toilet paper as a quickie blotter? For when you’ve forgotten your essential oil-absorbing papers?
Thank you for the bronzer tip… I shall try that one.. I always sweep blush under the brow but I haven’t tried the bronzer… Happy weekend… xv
I love Bobbi Brown’s gel eyeliner. Easier to use than liquid. Stays put better than pencil. I use a wide, flat eyeliner brush from The Body Shop. It took awhile to get used to, but it works much better than the long skinny ones that come with liquid eyeliner.
Just bought the gel eyeliner too, and love it.
That Guerlain looks very intriguing…
Some great tips and think I will have to try the bronzer one. My most favourite ‘go-to’ product is one that was recommended by you – Cindy Joseph’s Boomstick colour. Even if I have just got up and have no other make up on an application of this wonderful product makes me look totally presentable first thing! Trouble is I have to buy online and get it shipped here! x
I’m back to say I’ve tried the wax paper tip and it’s fabulous. So easy to mix foundation with liquid bronzer, then slide the brush through the two to mix, then on to your face. Easy cleanup as I throw away the wax paper afterwards and clean the brush with a spray cleanser. No more mess on my hands.
Merci,
Sam
Great to hear, Sam! Thanks for the feedback!
MY tip is about layering eyeliner. I have pale skin, dark hair, and brown eyes. Black eyeliner is too harsh, but brown eyeliner doesn’t emphasize my eyes like an eyeliner should.
Generally, purples are recommended to “set off” brown eyes… but purple eyeliner is a little extreme for my conservative job. I apply the purple eyeliner first, then do another coat in brown.
Works beautifully! I have done it with pencils and with gel liner… works either way.
Layering would probably work with a green eyeliner underlayer if someone wanted to “set off” green or hazel eyes.
I think I will try your wax paper trick, or some variation thereof. I am getting tired of having foundation stuck in my hands even after I wash!