Makeup is one of those things that make our very imperfect lives a tiny bit less imperfect.
By KARISSA YZERMAN-GLEASON
Herberg Middle School
Makeup is one of those things that make our very imperfect lives a tiny bit less imperfect. Makeup can do wonders for our faces. It highlights our great features, and hides the not-so-great ones. But some girls don’t really know how to properly apply makeup. They may misuse products, or put on way too much makeup and look like a clown. Yikes!
This makeup how-to uses neutral colors, and is perfect for school, or for a pretty everyday look.
Step 1: Wash your face well. Make sure you are opening your pores, and getting out the gunk. Follow with a toner, witch hazel being a good generic one. Apply it with a cotton ball or cotton square.
Step 2: It is good to apply your eye makeup, before the rest. That way if you mess up, starting over will be easier. Start with a little bit of loose powder. Put a little on your eyelid, so your makeup will stay better. Now apply eyeliner. Black or brown are OK. Any type of eyeliner is good too. I use a black pencil. Apply eyeliner to the lash line on your upper lid. Just drag the eyeliner across your lash line. Make sure you are making a straight line, and make sure the line isn’t too thick. Try to keep your hand steady.
Step 3: Once your eyeliner is on, you can use eye shadow. Use an eye shadow that matches your skin tone. When you use other bold colors, it tends to have that “clown effect.” Most eye shadows come with an applicator, but you can also buy separate eye shadow brushes. Dust your brush with eye shadow, and then gently sweep the brush across your eyelid. You may need a second sweep.
Step 4: Apply mascara. The color of mascara you have depends on your hair color and what you are comfortable with. I use black. To apply, gently swipe the wand from the base of your lashes to the tips. Make sure you get all of the lashes and swipe at different angles. Apply a second coat.
Step 5: Now you are done with your eyes. Use a concealer that matches your skin tone exactly. Cream concealer is the best for covering blemishes. Apply to any blemish with your finger tips or a flat concealer brush. Be sure to blend the concealer around the edges.
Step 6: Apply a foundation that matches your skin and concealer exactly. I think powder foundation is the best, because cream tends to make you look cakey. A lot of powder foundations come with applicators, but if yours does not, then you can use a foundation brush. Make sure you cover all of your face with foundation and blend it at your neck so it is not visible.
Step 7: Put on blush. You can use cream blush or powder. Whatever kind you use, just make sure the color isn’t too outrageous for your skin tone. When you apply your blush, smile at yourself in the mirror. Put the blush on the apples of your cheeks with a blush brush. If you use a cream, blend it in with your finger tips.
Step 8: This is the last step, and it’s pretty much up to you. You can finish off your look with a lip gloss, balm, or light colored stick. Any of these look great and will wrap up your look perfectly. When you apply any of these, make sure you smack your lips together a couple of times to smooth it out. Once your lips are beautiful, you are ready to go!