YBI Newsletter

The Mystery of Makeup

One of my favorite services that I provide is teaching makeup techniques. Unlike exercise, diet, skin care or wardrobe development, applying makeup gives an instant change in appearance. With pencils, brushes, sponges and applicators we can showcase your best, and minimize the rest. That's what makeup's about. The results are always stunning!

When I talk to my clients initially about makeup I hear a variety of comments. “I don’t wear makeup. I don’t like foundation. Mascara makes my eyes itch. I only wear it for special occasions. I am confused about all the makeup colors and application techniques. If I am wearing red do I need to wear red lip color? Should my eye color match my eye or my outfit? I wouldn’t go out of the house with out my makeup on.”

In this newsletter I will solve some of the makeup mystery and teach some simple techniques that will help you feel more comfortable wearing makeup.

Make It Up, Don't Cover It Up

Makeup is one of my secret weapons for creating your best image. I definitely recommend every woman wear makeup and yes men, there are a few techniques you can use too.

The secret is to use application techniques and colors that will look natural and blend with your skin tone, eye color and hair color. If you are not sure what colors look best on you, have your color analysis done. This analysis will include suggestions for cosmetics.

Your color choices should harmonize with your wardrobe not match it. For example, wearing red lip color just because you are wearing red is not the answer if your skin tone cannot handle red. Pink or a lighter shade with the same undertones as the red will look stunning.

Here is a simple test - After applying the product and blending well, if the color seems to sit on top of your skin it is not the right color for you.

General Techniques

When we begin, we will spend approximately one to two hours together. I will apply the makeup to one half of your face you will do the other half. I think it is very important for you to learn how to do the application on your own. It doesn’t do either of us any good if you leave with a bag of makeup, looking beautiful, but have no idea what I did. I first teach the basics then add additional techniques to take the look from casual to business to evening.

As you become more comfortable with the basic techniques, makeup application should take no more than 10 minutes and last all day.

Quality “tools” always make the job easier. A natural bristle brush set, quality cosmetic sponges and applicators will make the application much easier and the results will look much more professional.

What Cosmetics Do You Need

I use one “set” of cosmetic colors. It is primarily the application techniques that change the look. Yes, we may have some fun with eye colors and there is nothing that updates a look faster than a new lip color, but the everyday routine is simply applying the same base colors.

Simplify, Less is Best

If you have a huge box, bag or drawer of makeup pare it down. Keep only what you use.

Don’t succumb to the latest trendy colors if they do not compliment your skin tone hair color and eyes. Use only the colors that are in your color palette.

How old is the product? Mascara should be changed every 3 months. Lipstick, foundation and eye colors should not be stored for more than one year. If the lip color feels grainy or the eye color has dulled, throw it away - it’s too old.

Foundation

Foundation is just what it implies, the foundation for your cosmetics. If you have ever done any painting, on canvas, your house, or a piece of furniture you know you must first apply the whitewash or the primer to the surface. Foundation does the same thing; it creates a smooth, even surface. Foundations come in many formulas and colors. Finding the one or two that are right for you may take some time and experimenting. Don’t give up; keep trying until you find just the right formula and color for you.

Eyes

The Eyes are the windows to the soul, not to mention the most beautiful feature on your face! Much of the makeup we apply on the entire face will work to accentuate the eyes. Just 4 products, Softsticks For Eyes eyeliner, mascara and 2 eye colors will make a big difference. Simple techniques will take your look from casual to formal.

The cheek area is where we can do some major contouring to change the facial shape. The goal is to create a glamourous high cheekbone and square jaw line. Trends in cheek color or "blush" are very subtle for summer 2003 so don't apply too much color. Instead, use foundation and concealer pencil to create shadows and highlights. A shade darker will create the illusion of shadow; a shade lighter will create highlights.

Lips

The lips are another area that can be contoured and changed easily. With simple application techniques we can make your lips look thicker or thinner.

Before you go for the collagen injections, try this method to get the full lips that are so “in” right now. Apply foundation to the entire lip area, create a thick line around the outside of the natural lip line with Softsticks For Lips liner then apply lip color over all.

Changing your lip color is the easiest, least expensive way to update your look. Check out the latest colors for the season.

Get More Information

There is so much information to share! To get more detailed information about cosmetics colors, products and application techniques please visit our shopping site under Cosmetics 101. The site has everything from step by step basics to contouring and creating an even look.

Contact us if you have questions or would like more information about ordering any of the products mentioned.