With only seven makeup items, you can create several totally wearable looks and be on-trend all summer long!
1. Foundation.
Select a light-textured, liquid foundation that will even out your skin tone. Let your concealer do the heavy-duty work! Using a small amount of foundation on your fingertips, start in the center of the face and blend outwards. Apply it very sparingly near the hairline, eyebrows and jawline. Don’t forget to choose something with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) if you are an outdoor kind of girl.
2. Concealer.
Apply concealer sparingly around the eyes (to disguise dark circles), nostrils (to banish shadows and redness) and on any blemishes. Always dab concealer; never rub it. Also, prime your eyelids with concealer; this will even out the skin tone, help your eyeshadow last longer and stop it creasing. A crème concealer will provide a moist base for metallic eyeshadow, which will help intensify the color and strengthen the sheen.
3. Brow powder.
For a natural-looking, groomed brow line, use a brow powder or matte eyeshadow (a few shades lighter than your brow color) to fill in any gaps in the hair growth. For a much stronger look, use a slightly darker shade and create a sharper edge using an angled brush.
4. Eyeshadow.
An eyeshadow palette equals endless options! Most come with four or five different shades, so with a single palette you can create loads of different looks. Opt for a semi-metallic selection, as opposed to completely matte shadows, because they are easier to blend.
For a flattering nude look, earthy tones of bronze, brown and chocolate, and ochre, gold, beige and cream are great for naturally enhancing brown, blue or green eyes. These are foolproof colors that work well for blondes, redheads and brunettes. If you are blonde with blue, green or gray eyes, and prefer a cooler palette, then slate gray, safari green and navy can also be made to look very natural. To take your daytime look into the evening, simply add more depth with darker shades.
To create an easy look straight off the palette, simply use a wash of mid-toned shadow across the lower eyelid and blend it up to the socket. You can take it under the eye too, but ensure you blend well. Add a hint of the lightest shade to the inner corner of the eye, both top and bottom: this makes the eyes appear further apart and gives them a summery sparkle. Then, starting at the middle of the eye and working outwards, pat the darkest shadow in the palette into the roots of the top lashes. This will define the lashline and make it appear fuller.
5. Mascara.
Curl your top lashes with an eyelash curler, and then apply a generous coat of black mascara. Also add a touch to the bottom lashes, if you have lined them with shadow.
6. Lip color.
Gloss is boss this summer, so slick on your favorite shade to emphasize your pout. For soft, healthy looking lips, lather on the lip conditioner and choose creamy textured lipsticks in neutral tones. Liven up lifeless, pale complexions with cool-edged reds, and choose lippies with blue hues for a whiter, brighter-looking smile.
7. Bronzing powder.
Select a shade which is only slightly darker than your skin. The trick to attaining an even finish without making the face look cakey, is to use a very large, soft brush and to tap off any excess powder prior to application. Apply a touch of bronzer to the forehead, chin and across the bridge of the nose. Add a little under the jawline, along the cheekbones and to the apples of the cheeks for a healthy, sun-kissed glow.
Have fun in the sun, girls!
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Tags: Summer Makeup Look 2009
