Experts give tips on makeup usage

Experts give tips on makeup usage

The older a woman is, the less makeup she should use. Once she's over 30, heavy coverage will only emphasize problems like under-eye circles. Your best bet: concealer in the right shade and applied only where you really need it.

Good Housekeeping recently talked to leading makeup experts to get their concealer advice:

FIVE SIMPLE STEPS
You can hide problem areas on your face by taking five simple steps:
1. Prep your skin with moisturizer. Concealer is thicker and more concentrated than foundation, so it often cakes up on dry skin. To fill in fine lines and create a smoother canvas, moisturize a few minutes before you apply your concealer, says Philadelphia dermatologist Richard Fried. That way, your skin will have time to absorb the moisture.

2. Decide if you really need foundation. Even if you've always used it, try experimenting with concealer only - you might end up looking better than you expected. However, if you really do want full face coverage, apply your foundation at the right time: after a moisturizer but before the concealer. "If you do concealer first, you risk blending it away when you put on foundation," explains Los Angeles makeup artist Niki Pashalidis. * A shade tip: Foundation should match your skin perfectly, but concealer needs to be a little lighter.

3. Identify your problem areas. You'll use concealer only in specific spots, such as on under-eye circles or pimples. Leave the rest of your face bare. "The point is to even out your skin, not to cover it completely," says stylist Erin Porteous, of Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont in Banff Springs, Alberta. "Clear skin shining through looks younger and prettier."

4. Be a minimalist. Concealer contains more pigment than foundation and powder do, so a little goes a long way. Start with a dab and add more only if you must. For larger areas, apply with a finger, tapping gently until the makeup blends into your skin. For smaller areas, use a small, angled brush.

5. Preserve your work. Concealer generally lasts longer than foundation, but it needs help to stay in place all day. Sweep a large brush over translucent powder, shake to remove excess, then whisk the brush over your face to set the makeup. (But don't powder under your eyes - they'll look cakey.)

THE TOP CONCEALERS
Which concealer is best? That depends on what you're looking for:

* Best for allover coverage: CoverGirl Fresh Complexion Under Eye Concealer. Don't let its name fool you: This magic wand will blend away anything, from under-eye shadows to oversized pores.

* Best for fine lines: Revlon Age Defying Concealer with Botafirm. This little pot contains a wrinkle-fighting ingredient to treat lines while helping to hide them.

* Best for under eyes: Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Under Eye Concealer. Just a dab helps to brighten dark circles and tighten puffy skin.

* Best for blemishes: Eucerin Conceal & Heal Treatment Pencil. This precise, oil-free pencil contains salicylic acid and chamomile to calm angry-looking pimples.

* Best for pigmentation problems: Estée Lauder Lucidity Light-Diffusing Concealer. The sponge applicator acts like an airbrush to downplay dark spots.

Lorette
http://www.make-up-tip.com