Makeup 101

Almost every girl has their own makeup routine that they use everyday or for various different occasions but for those who are just starting to learn how to apply makeup here are a few tips on the basic procedures and how to choose your products.

1. The first step would to be to apply primer to make your makeup stay all day.

However, a lot of people typically moisturize their face first for smoother application followed by sunblock.

Another alternative to primer and foundation would be a BB or CC cream which are both gaining in popularity over the recent years as it has a all in one base, sunscreen, moisturizing and coverage function and offers other skin benefits which a typical primer or foundation doesn’t.

The difference between the BB cream and the CC cream is that the BB cream offers a slightly thicker coverage and was developed mainly for post plastic surgery Koreans. The CC cream is lighter in coverage but evens out redness and skin tone throughout the day.  These two creams are often used as a substitute for primer and foundation.

2. Applying concealer. 
Concealers can come in sticks or liquid form. When applying to conceal your eyebags make sure you apply it as a V shape and not directly under your eye or you can make your eyebags look 10 times worse.

Slowly dab to blend.

3. Apply your blush and do contouring with a suitable bronzer (optional). 
Being able to do professional contouring can do wonders to your face.

4. Apply eye shadow

5.Apply eyeliner. 
There are different methods to apply eyeliner. The wing eyed look is the most popular one to date which involves drawing a cat eye.

6. Curl your eyelashes & apply a coat of mascara (optional)

7. Fill and draw your brows (Optional)

Make up tips for the working professional

Different vocations require or permit different kinds of makeup to look professional and presentable.

Wearing too much makeup is always a common problem and sometimes women don’t realize less is more. Overdoing your eye makeup for certain industries and for interviews is a huge no no. and might end up making you look unprofessional and unsuitable for the position.

Do’s and don’ts for professional workmakeup.

1.     Wear a tinted moisturizer or foundation/ cc cream/ bb cream but be careful not to over do it to make it look cakey. If you have flawless clear skin to begin perhaps you can stick to just some loose powder.

2.     Don’t overdo your eyeshadow unless you are working for the fashion, entertainment industry or at a night club. A classic black winged eyeliner look is still acceptable.

3.     If you apply false eyelashes make sure it is not overly long or dramatic.

4.     Blush and contouring is optional.

5.     Eyebrows should be neat either plucked or threaded and can be filled in with powder or pencil to increase symmetry and for the complete groomed looking effect.

Last but not least, make sure to properly remove makeup as it would damage your skin and clog your pores if you don’t. Don’t neglect having a proper skincare regimen such as applying toner and moisturizer after cleansing to balance the PH of your skin.

Everyday Skincare tips

As you are all aware our skin is the largest organ of our body. It is also reflective of our age, health and vitality.   Therefore, we should not neglect to take good care of our skin.

Here are some general skincare tips

1.     Drink lots of water as according to the general recommendation dosage of minimum 8 glasses a day. Drinking plain water or non sugarated fluids help flush out our bodies toxins and help our skin retains its plasticity.

2.     Get sufficient sun exposure for Vitamin D and regular exercise. Vitamin D has a lot of beneficial health effects and exercising allows us to perspire, which is a skin detoxification process.

3.      Wear adequate sunscreen on your face and other exposed areas when in contact with direct sunlight to protect yourself from harmful UVA and UVB’s. SPF 35 +++is the usual recommended protection.

4.     If you apply makeup regularly, make sure you cleanse your makeup off properly.

5.     Invest in a good cleanser and facial toner to maintain a healthy skin PH balance.

6.     Moisturize, your face, arms and legs regularly.

7.     If you have clogged pores or highly sensitive skin you may want to see a dermatologist to recommend special formulated products.

8.     Regular facials are helpful but optional.

Last but not least try to catch sufficient sleep of minimally 7 -8 hours daily.