5 Basics of Makeup

1. FOUNDATION- Covers blemishes and darks spots and creates a flawless complexion. If you use a wedge or the palm of your hand so there will be no streaks.
2. BLUSH- Adds rose and color to brighten the cheeks. Start on apples of cheeks and move up toward the ears.
3. EYESHADOW- Natural colors like browns work on most eye colors. A blending brush is vital.
4. MASCARA- Lengthens lashes. Small wands for the corners are best.
5. LIPSTICK/GLOSS- Can finish or make a look.

The 10 Commandments of Mascara

There’s an old joke amongst makeup artists that even the woman who insists she doesn’t wear any makeup won’t leave her house without mascara. A beauty staple that has been referenced in literature and dictionaries since as far back as the 1400’s, mascara instantly makes eyes look brighter and bigger; it helps darken and define pale or sparse lashes, and it is the final flourish on just about any outfit. But with so many choices crowding cosmetic shelves today, how to know which formula is best? By thinking a bit about what outcome you want from your mascara and following a few simple rules, you can master this popular beauty tool in a flash.
#1: Mascara is a one-woman tube. Even if your best friend begs and promises the world and all that is in it will fall down in shambles around you if you don’t share your mascara – don’t do it. One of the most susceptible cosmetic products to bacterial infection, the warm, dark, moist environment of a mascara tube is the perfect atmosphere for microbes and other unsavory elements to flourish. Sharing mascara encourages cross-contamination and could introduce one of these bugs into your mascara or worse, your eyes. Instead, keep a few tubes of inexpensive mascara on hand for sharing emergencies and save the sharing for shoes, handbags and phone numbers.
#2: Respect the shelf life. Mascara has a shelf life of three to four months, maximum. To truly get the best performance out of any mascara, it’s important to respect this timeline and promptly replace. Help remember the expiration dates by writing the purchase date on the bottom of the tube in permanent marker or put a note in your phone or day planner. Fresh mascara not only looks better, it’s safer for your eyes.
#3: DNR: Do Not Resuscitate. Dried out mascara is just that – dried out mascara. Introducing oil, water or worse yet – saliva – into the tube won’t miraculously give you more mascara, nor will it return your favorite mascara back to its former creamy, velvety glory. What will? Buying a fresh tube. Adding water or any other liquid to your favorite mascara only increases your chances of getting an infection or contaminating your product.

#4. Say bye-bye. Lashes are hair, and just like any other hair on your body, they need to be cared for and treated to a regular skincare regimen. Always remove mascara every time you wear it with the appropriate eye makeup remover. For non-waterproof formulas, look for a gentle, non-oily option such as Sephora Collection Instant Eye Makeup Remover or Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads Oil Free. For waterproof mascara, try a bi-phase remover which has special optimizers to help soften and whisk away water-proof mascara without pulling, tugging or ripping at eyelashes such as Kate Somerville True Lash™ Lash Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover

#5: L is for Length. One of the leading types of mascara available and for good reason – nearly everyone wants longer, fuller, sexier lashes, just like the ones we see on TV, in movies and in ads – and lengthening mascara is the answer. A perfect formula for women with denser lash growth or even a bit of natural curl, lengthening mascaras are often formulated with fibers or lash-extending polymers (such as elastic) that build-on themselves seamlessly to create extra length. Often, this type of mascara (as well as volumizing and curling formulas) also feature added lash benefits such as vitamins, conditioning oils or nut butters and vegetable proteins to strengthen lashes. Try Rimmel Lycra Lash Extender Mascara, Cover Girl Lash Blast Lengthening Mascara or Laura Mercier Long Lash Mascara.

#6: V is for Volume. Just as lengthening mascaras stretch each lash out to long, sleek lengths, volumizing mascaras build up the density or diameter of each lash to help create the appearance of more lashes. Sometimes featuring a special thick brush, volumizing mascara is great for the woman who already has enough length, but really wishes for thicker, fuller lashes overall. Look for a formula with the same added extras such as conditioners or proteins to really help protect and strengthen lashes while also building that coveted volume. Good options include: FairyDrops Scandal Queen Mascara, Korres Volcanic Minerals Volumizing Mascara and L’Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes.

#7: Something for everyone: the happy hybrid. And for the woman who wants both lengthening and thickening (as well as curling and enhancing), look no further than catwalk or multi-function mascara, so called because the formulas are based off of mascara used on runaway models at fashion shows to give them a ‘catwalk’ appearance. Usually featuring the queen of all mascara brushes, the extended teddy bear brush for precise application, catwalk mascaras build incredible volume and length, as well as help many women achieve the appearance of wearing false eyelashes without having to go to through all the trouble. Great options include Tarte Lights (photo, above), Camera, Lashes!, Diorshow Mascara, Benefit BADgal Lash and Maybelline Cat Eyes Washable Mascara.

#8: Good growth! Arising out of the popularity of lash growth products (both over-the-counter and prescription), lash growth mascara is hot. But take note – not all formulas are the same, and new lash growth may come in different than you may imagine. For example, if your eyelashes are normally curly, you may find that lash growth mascara can bring about the odd stick-straight lash here or there, rather than the curly lashes you expected. Still, they are a great way to strengthen and help encourage thicker lashes. Check out Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara, Almay Get Up and Grow Mascara or Urban Decay Lush Lash Mascara.

#9: What about tubes? Created to fight the eternal struggle against flaking, smudging and smearing, tube-technology mascara is one of the newest offerings on the mascara market. Made with tiny ‘tubes’ that cling to the lashes, these mascaras are not formulated with the traditional waxes or pigments that tend to flake off or smudge. Instead, they are crafted with a polymer tube technology that actually creates long, exceptionally fine tubes that encircle each lash, stretching and enhancing the lashes with absolutely no smudging – even if you cry, swim or sweat. And perhaps one of the most exciting aspects – tube mascara does not budge until you take it off, typically with nothing more than warm water and a washcloth. And, you can see the tiny tubes in your hand after removal! Good options include Blinc Mascara or L’Oreal Double Extend Lash Extension Effect Mascara.

#10: Color, color everywhere. When it comes to choosing the right color of mascara, I like to think no hard and fast rule applies. Typically, women with dark brown to black hair are encouraged to wear inky black to deep brown; women with medium brown hair tones are encouraged to wear deep brown or light brown, and lighter hair colors to wear brown or light brown. However, I find this isn’t always good advice, and often – not indicative of what women actually want. Choose a mascara color that makes you happy and will allow you to achieve the effect you seek. If it’s bold, big, bright eyes – a darker shade is a great choice as it will make the eyes pop – especially lighter colors. However, if you prefer a softer, more natural look, then a lighter shade of mascara will probably give you a better outcome. Experiment and play to find your best fit, and don’t forget that sometimes, color makes all the different. Brown eyes sparkle with plum, hunter green and especially navy mascaras, and many brands offer mascara with a hint of gleam or glitter, perfect for holiday or party looks.