3. PREPARE YOUR FACE FOR APPLICATION

Before we move on to the actual application process…

Cleanse and moisturize your face.
(Don't skip this step OR ELSE!)

If you apply makeup without making sure that your skin is clean and smooth first, two things will happen:

  1. The makeup will trap nasty, oily dirt against your skin and you'll break out. Not attractive.

  2. Depending on your skin type, the oil or flakes on your skin will cause your makeup to run or flake off soon after you put it on. Again, not attractive.

Bottom line: wash and moisturize your face before you apply makeup. To find out what type of cleanser is best for your type of skin, click here. After you're done washing, click here to learn how to moisturize properly. Better yet, read our entire article on skin care, "SYW improve your complexion?" Your skin will thank you for it (as will our Webmaster).

Makeup secrets!

There are two secrets to smooth and natural-looking makeup that we shall now divulge to you because we suck at keeping secrets:

  • Blend. If the makeup you put on looks as if it was put on, you're in trouble. So you must blend, blend, and blend some more to achieve an unforced color or effect. Even dark makeup like navy eyeshadow can look completely natural if you blend it along your eye or into your other eye makeup well enough.

  • Match the colors. When it comes to colors, all the makeup you have on your face at the same time should match. That means that earthy shades should go together and pastel-y shades should go together. So don't try to match lavender eyeshadow with jungle green lipstick because it doesn't. (In fact, don't ever put on jungle green lipstick, unless your main goal is to rebel against your parents.)

Okay, the time has come to take a step towards a more glamorous new you! It's up to you to decide if you want to use one, two, or all of the following types of makeup, but make sure you adhere to the order in which the following types of makeup are presented. Applying the foundation after you've put on blush will simply not look right… in fact, people will run from you screaming.