Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Experimenting with makeup means trying new colors, trends

makeup face for The Sunday

The only thing out of style this season: “Being intimidated by makeup,” Gregory Arlt, a makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics, says. “Being afraid to try new things and worrying about what people think — that’s out of style. Have fun with makeup. It’s the ultimate disposable accessory.”

With that in mind, Arlt provided guidelines and tips for applying makeup and taking care of your skin.

Before you start

The keys to good makeup application are time and tools, Arlt said. Finding a good skincare system doesn’t hurt, either.

1. Shampoo your brushes once a week. The bristles can collect bacteria and old makeup, which will make them both less effective and unhygienic. Wash the brushes in warm water and a gentle baby shampoo or an antibacterial soap, then lay them flat to dry.

2. Visit a dermatologist. Instead of splurging on products you aren’t sure will work for your skin type, ask a dermatologist for recommendations first.

No time for an appointment?

Do a quick self-analysis at home before you shop.

■ If you have dry skin ...

a cream-based cleanser and hydrating lotion can even your complexion.

■ If you suffer from acne ...

find a skin-care system with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

■ If your skin is oily ...

use masks and washes with kaolin clay or that specialize in pore tightening.

Highlight and contour

If you’ve ever envied super-high cheekbones and a chiseled jaw line, this is the best way, short of plastic surgery, to get them.

A little highlighter and a matte bronzer are all you need. Highlighters add light to your face, making particular features stand out. Arlt suggests dusting highlighter on the bridge of your nose and upper cheek bones.

Use a matte taupe bronzer to get a chiseled look by applying it under your cheekbones, to the sides of your forehead, under your jaw line and to the sides of your nose.

Eyes

The easiest way to amp up your look is to complement the features you have. “You want people to say, ‘You look good,’ not, ‘Your makeup looks good,’ ” Arlt says.

Start by enhancing your natural eye color:

For green or hazel eyes: Blackened plum and eggplant shades

For blue eyes: Browns and golds

For brown eyes: Almost any palette works. But to make your eyes appear lighter, play with color. Electric blue and jade green liner accentuate your brown.

More colors to try

Arlt says this season will be all about pastels and sherbet colors, bright cheek blushes and fun crimson lipsticks.

Lips

Whether you want a bold red lip, a natural pout or some Kylie Jenner plumpness, this regimen will keep your kissers picture perfect.

1. Exfoliate. Use a warm washcloth to remove dead skin from your lips.

2. Condition. Apply lip balm, then let it set in while you do the rest of your makeup.

3. Blot. Press a tissue on and around your lips.

4. Powder. Use a translucent powder above your lip in your cupid’s bow, above your chin and at the corners of your mouth.

5. Line. Sharpen your lip liner, then dull it by buffing the tip on the back of your hand. A perfectly sharpened pencil will give you a line that’s too thin and harsh. Line your natural lip. For added plumpness, you can play with shape by extending the color slightly above your natural lip line.

6. Blend. Use your finger to dull the liner slightly and to make sure the line is not too heavy.

7. Fill. Using your natural shape as a guide, fill your lips with your desired color. Invest in a lip brush to apply color evenly across your lips.

If you are in a rush

Not everyone has time for a seven-step lipstick application.

For moms or others on the go, Arlt suggests one essential product: a beauty or blemish cream, known as a BB cream. These multipurpose creams even and correct skin tone, provide a light tint and moisturize. Many include SPF sun protection.

From there, play with the areas that have the most flexibility — your eyes and lips. Apply mascara and a lip color. Dual products such as lip and cheek stains also can save you time.

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