Applying makeup correctly and achieving flawless, long-lasting results begins well before you apply the first hint of color to your face. Proper preparation using the right products for both cleansing and moisturizing, as well as selecting the appropriate concealer and foundation, is key to overall success. We will explore the 7 essential steps for flawless makeup application, recommending the best products for each step along the way. From cleansing to adding the final touches, you'll have a flawless complexion in no time.
### Preparing Your Face
Start with a clean, well-moisturized face. If you have oily skin, use a moisturizer specified for your skin type. If you have dry skin, use a hydrating spray before you begin. A brownish eye shadow is generally a natural choice for daytime. If you're attending a formal nighttime party, it should be matched with your dress's color, and usually, a brighter color is suitable. It’s not necessary to match the exact same color as your dress, but they should be within the same color range.
Although there are many colors available on the market, you may not find the one that is most suitable for yourself. In this case, you can use your creativity to develop your own color by mixing two different colored eye shadows. You can simply do this by brushing the powder-type eye shadows onto the back of your hand and mixing the colors thoroughly before applying them to your eyes.
Once the foundation is applied, you can proceed to apply the eye shadow over the brow bone and the crease of the eyelids themselves. The latest trends in eye shadow application have seen a shift from the traditional three-color application (on the brow, the crease, and the lid, from the lightest to the darkest colors) towards a single-layer or even a two-layer application.
### TECHNIQUE:
1. **After preparing your face and eye area**, apply a base color eyeshadow in a light neutral shade over the entire eye area, from the upper eyelid to the brow bone. This shade creates a balanced eye by evening out the skin tone and creating a perfect canvas for the next step.
2. **Setting Powder**: For the grand finale finish and to "set" all of your work, you need to apply a Setting Powder. Setting Powder is a colorless, preferably translucent product that adds that last little bit of polish to your look. It also serves double duty by absorbing any excess oil that may form on the skin while wearing makeup. My pick for this last step is Laura Mercier Mini Translucent Loose Setting Powder. To apply, use a foundation brush and gently swab over the entire face. For women who are a bit oilier, go back with a clean makeup sponge and dab a little extra on your t-zone.
For an evening or mysterious look, you can use more blues or smokey greys. The smokey eye look is extremely popular, and celebrities have been using this effect for years. It can be created pretty easily with the right brushes and eyeshadow. Usually, if you have a really dramatic eyeshadow, it’s best to be a little more neutral with your lip color. If you're wearing red lipstick, that would be the focal point of your face, and neutral eyeshadow would be more appropriate.
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