Face It, by Meleah

We all want perfect skin. It is a nice dream but nature, lifestyle and the environment may say otherwise. Magazines show flawless complexions when, in reality, those shots are heavily retouched. Human skin has a variety of interesting colors and textures. We are all naturally imperfect. If you want to hide some of your imperfections, follow these tips to creating your own flawless finish.

 Always use moisturizer- All skin from oily to dry needs some moisture.  The trick is finding the correct formula.  It needs to absorb within five minutes with out leaving excess oil on the surface.  Moisturizer protects and softens the skin so foundation can blend in easier.  Foundation also adheres better and lasts longer on soft moist skin.

 Use a primer-It is just like painting a wall. You have to clean and prep the wall before adding any paint.  Well the face needs a primer too, especially if you have oily skin, or unevenly textured skin with larger pores.  Primer evens out the texture, holds in moisture, and keeps make up smooth and even.  Primer comes in formulas for oily to dry skin.  It goes on clear but you can see the difference immediately.  Foundation will last much longer over a primer.

Pick a formula for your skin- Decide how much coverage you need.  Tinted moisturizer is the sheerest, then the liquids, then come the creams for heavier coverage.  Powders fall somewhere in between.  Mineral make up is the newest, providing weightless coverage.  If you need more coverage in a few selected areas, use a more opaque formula only where needed and lighter coverage everywhere else. 

Apply the lighter coverage first, and then dab the heavier coverage on top in selected areas.

 Choose color carefully- Choose a color that matches the main color of your face, neck, and chest.  Stay away from pink undertones as they give the most “mask-like” appearance.  The most common undertone is yellow.  Look for warmth in the tone.  Test some on the cheek; let it sit a few minutes then blend.  If it seems to disappear, you have the right shade.  Do not try to add color to the face with foundation; it will look painted and unnatural. 

Build layers- Start with the lightest weight of foundation and layer the more opaque formula on top.  You will use much less this way.  Using too heavy of a formula all over just because you need to cover a few spots results in a “mask”. Buy two formulas and layer them only as needed.

Lighten under eyes- Choose a creamy yellow-based concealer for most under eye circles: it should be two shades lighter than the foundation.  Apply with a small brush or sponge under the inner corners and blend the edges.  Keep it away from any crow’s feet or lines around the eyes.  If the concealer creases, try mixing it with a light moisturizer to give it some flexibility.

Conceal carefully- For blemishes, acne or other imperfections, get the red out first with a yellow-based light concealer that is a dry pasty consistence.  It will be less likely to rub off if it is dry.  Dot it exactly on the mark with a tiny brush.  Set with powder.  Dab your foundation color gently on top and blend by tapping with your finger.  Follow with powder to set.

Always use a sponge- Pour a dime-sized circle of foundation in your hand.  Take a small amount from the edge on a dry sponge.  Apply using downward short strokes.  Be sure to do eyelids and lips.  Blend into a sheer finish.  For areas that need extra coverage dab several times.  Using fingers can result in using too much or rubbing it off by pressing too hard.  The sponge distributes foundation evenly and lightly.

Apply powder with a puff- Dab the puff in translucent powder and press into the skin, using a firm rolling motion.  For drier or combination skin, use the puff in the T-zone only.  Blend in the excess with a powder brush in circular downward motions over other areas.

Blend, Blend, Blend- As you apply each layer, blend the edges and be sure to check around the eyes for even coverage.  Use good natural light so you can be sure it is even.  Blend using short strokes, foundation should look natural, like second skin.