When starting to use make-up for the first time, most of us believed our friends, sisters, or even magazines when they told us certain rules about how to apply products.
And over the years, these ‘truths’ have become so engrained in our thinking that we can’t imagine putting on make-up any other way. However, we are about to challenge these myths, which could change the way you apply make-up forever.
How to put blusher on
When applying blusher, most ladies look in the mirror and grin like a Cheshire cat. This isn’t because we are super excited to be dabbing on pink powder, but because we have come to believe this is the best – and maybe even the only – way to put blusher on.
However, we could all be doing it wrong, as celebrity make-up artist Amanda Ramsay told FEMAIL that adding blusher to the apples of our cheeks could even make us look worse.
She said smiling when applying the product could result in it sitting too far down the cheek, which will “visibly drag your face down”.
“For a more lifted look, place the blusher higher on your cheekbones and blend out towards your hairline,” Ms Ramsay, who has 15 years experience in the make-up industry, told readers.
Is powder even necessary?
Something our mothers and grandmothers might have told us when learning how to use make-up is how crucial powder is to a make-up kit.
They set your look and prevent shine from forming, so you don’t end up with an oily forehead or nose. However, in this day and age, with make-up products as good as they are, it seems powders might have had their day.
YSL’s Fred told Cosmopolitan that powders can leave a “cakey and heavy finish” and advised those with oily skin to look at modern primers that mattify the shine first.
“My personal preference is to avoid using powder unless as a last resort to control and pore size, as it can cause build-ups and surface dehydration in the long run,” the make-up expert stated.
Get a concealer to match your skin tone
Anyone who suffers from dark circles under the eyes knows how important a good concealer is. And they have probably fallen victim to the myth that choosing a shade of concealer that is lighter than your skintone is the best way to disguise these bags.
Well, Vanessa Ungaro, make-up artist at Lauren + Vanessa, based in New York, told Reader’s Digest this isn’t strictly true.
Instead of picking a colour that is too light, which can make your eyes appear ashy, choose one that matches your skin colour so the concealer blends into your face, instead of highlighting your imperfections.
In addition to this, many of us believe concealer should be applied prior to putting foundation on, but not so. If you do this, you might end up using too much concealer that may not be necessary, as foundation can hide a multitude of sins all by itself.