18 makeup tips for gorgeous skin

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18 MAKEUP TIPS FOR GORGEOUS SKIN

How to even out skin tone with foundation, concealer, blush.

1. Always Slather on Primer or Moisturizer Before Foundation.

If you apply a primer to your face first, your concealer and foundation will glide on smoothly instead of settling into your fine lines or wrinkles. Moisturizer works, too, just not as well. The trick is to apply foundation within a minute of the primer or moisturizer application — you don't want it to soak into the skin completely.

2. Apply Concealer BEFORE Foundation.

Once you apply concealer, you won't need as much foundation, according to makeup artist Bobbi Brown.

Use concealer under eyes, along the nose and on the chin.

When you do apply concealer, pay special attention to the red areas around the nose. Dot concealer on these areas and then step back and look at how much brighter your face is.

3. Avoid Full Foundation Coverage.

Few people need to apply foundation all over the face — a look I lovingly call "cake face" (read more about cake face). Apply where you have uneven skin tone (usually along your nose). In wintertime, if your cheeks tend to get ruddy, apply there as well. For more sheer, natural coverage, consider a tinted moisturizer, which goes on much lighter than typical foundations.

4.Blend Foundation Correctly.

If you do want more coverage, use a foundation brush (more on this below) and always start in the center of your face, blending outward. Pay special attention to the neck, otherwise, people will see the line where you stopped, giving you a "mask face."

5. Pick the Proper Color and Formula for Your Skin Type.

Choose a color that's as close to your natural skin tone as possible. Never try to darken your complexion with foundation, it will look very obvious (use a bronzer for a sun-kissed look). But do consider two shades of foundation: One for summer when skin is naturally darker, and one for winter when skin is lighter. Mix them in the in-between months.

For oily skin, go for a matte foundation. Dry skin? Try a hydrating formula. One last tip: It's a myth to test foundation colors on the back of your hand. The best spot is actually along your jawline.

Use a Sponge, a Brush or Your Fingers

There's really no right or wrong way to apply foundation. It's just by preference.

Here are 3 options:

A foundation brush. Some makeup artists prefer foundation brushes to apply foundation (I loved bobbi brown's foundation brush). A brush allows you to get into all the nooks, crannies and pores on your face. To do this, put a glob of foundation or tinted moisturizer on the back of your hand and dab with a foundation brush, then apply to face.

Your fingers. Other makeup artists believe using your fingers warms up the foundation, which helps it melt into your skin better.

A sponge. I use a sponge when applying tinted moisturizer or foundation. I find the coverage is smooth and goes on perfect and I don't muck up my fingers. See The Best Foam Sponge for Applying Foundation for more information.

Any of the 3 methods above work fine. It's up to you which you prefer.

6. Don't Throw Out Wrong-Toned Foundations and Concealers.

Finding the right color foundation and concealer can be daunting, which is why I suggest you get professional help makeup. This way you can try before you buy. But if you do have a few foundations and concealers that are just a bit off, do like the makeup artists and blend a couple of mismatched colors for the perfect one.

7. How to Conceal Dark Under-Eye Circles.

If you want to neutralize dark under-eye circles with peach- or yellow-tone concealers. Dab concealer on the inner corner of the eye by tapping it into place (never run a concealer on like you would sunscreen or foundation).

8. Invest in Great Highlighters and Watch Your Skin "Glow From Within"

Apply above your brows on the browbone, on tops of the cheeks and down the center of the nose for best results.

9. Don't Be Afraid of Bronzers.

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