5 Amazing Things You Probably Didn't Know About Make Up

By: Colin McDonald

Applying make up is not a very difficult task, as long as it is done following some proper steps. After all it is an important part of many people's lives so the following is some easy steps, explained in a way that anybody can understand and do.

Step 1. The first thing to do is to apply a proper foundation. So how does one determine a good foundation? Simple, the foundation should match the skin tone. This is the first and most basic step for putting on make up correctly. Rub the foundation onto a sponge or your hands and gently apply it to the face including the eyelids. It should not be applied under the chin or on the neck. After doing so rub away any excess foundation.

Step 2. Next use concealer. Color of the concealer should be lighter than the color of the foundation. For this, use a brush and spread it evenly and apply it on the inside corner of the eye. While doing this do not stretch the skin. You can use the concealer on areas where there may be blemishes such as pimples. The important thing is only lighter shades must be used.

Step 3. Use powder. Powder a small layer using the brush. Powder should not be applied using the sponge. Afterwards take of any excess powder using a clean sponge.

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Step 4. Eye shadow should be a darker shade especially if you have a relatively broad eyelid. If you have a smaller eyelid area then lighter shades can be used. If it is done in this way the make up will have a better finish to it. The important thing here is to do a smooth job.

Step 5. The next step is the eyeliner. Pencil or liquid eyeliner can be used for this part. Whichever one is used, draw a narrow line from one corner of the eye to the other. Making it look darker is not a problem. Generally the upper eyelash should look darker than the lower eyelash.

Step 6. Apply mascara from the root of the eyelash to the tip. Afterwards clear any excess mascara with a mascara wand. Do this to both the upper and lower eyelashes.

Step 7. Shape the eyebrows using an eyebrow pencil. Afterwards use eye shadow using a brush.

Step 8. The next thing to do is to apply blush. Blush is applied on the cheeks using a brush usually a blush brush. If the edges need to be lightened then use a sponge.

Step 9. Apply Lipstick and lip liner. When lip liner is used the color of the liner should not be darker than lipstick. Either use a neutral color or one that matches the color of the lipstick. You start at the center of the lip and then draw the line to each corner of the mouth by following the natural line of the lip.

Before one starts to apply make up there are few more things to be kept in mind. If any of the make up is going to be put using hands then make sure the hands are clean before applying. Make sure that you have already put on the clothes that you will be wearing. There is nothing more frustrating than taking of your clothes over your head after you have put on the make up and messing it up in the process. Once the appropriate clothing is worn put on a towel around the neck to protect the clothing. Its easier to do it that way, rather than redoing the make up after it gets messed up by disrobing.

Interesting Facts

Makeup first made an appearance during early Egyptian times, when women painted their eyes, applying dark color under the eyelid and blackening their eyelashes. Different natural elements were used, such as charcoal for eye painting, flowers for perfume and natural henna for nail polish. It was also common for men and women to use unguent on the skin to keep it soft. The first skin cream was born.

The origin of the word cosmetics comes from the Latin word Cosmetae, which was used to describe the slaves during Roman times whose function was to bathe affluent Romans in perfume

During Victorian times, upper class society women hardly wore any makeup at all. This was left to stage actresses, working class women and prostitutes!

During Renaissance times, women wore arsenic powder on their faces to obtain porcelain white skin. This practice was discontinued when too many husbands became the casualty of this unhealthy fashion!

How to Apply Eye Makeup

Usually, eye shadows come in sets of three colors with three different shades; light, medium and dark.

Start by applying the lightest shade right below your eyebrow along the brow bone.

Next, use the medium shade over your lids. Begin at the inner corner and spread out to the outer edge of the eye lid. Then use your finger or brush to lightly blend the light and medium shades together where they meet near the crease, you don't want a definitive line.

Then, use the darkest shade to achieve that smokey eyed look. Beginning at the inner corner, follow the crease to the outer edge of your eyes. You can also add a little more of the darkest color or an eyeliner on the edge of the lids, just above the lashes. Then use your fingertip or brush to blend and blur the lines.

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When you're done with the eyeshadow, apply eyeliner to the base of your top and bottom lashes, don't over do it and make it too dark. Use shades that fit whether this is for day or night. Darker shades are best used at night.

Lastly, apply your mascara and you're all set. Try to avoid applying too much mascara where it clumps and makes the fact that you applied mascara painfully obvious.

Knowing how to apply eye makeup properly can make the difference between looking stunning versus looking like you've had a rough night.

2010 Summer Makeup Trends

The 2010 summer makeup trends are hotter than ever and you can probably guess why. Makeup trends are usually influenced by the new fashion trends and this summer season the fashion trends are absolutely amazing. A diversity of styles can be seen and this enables women to wear different outfits every time they feel like it without going out of style.

The new summer makeup trends are trying to enhance naturalness, beauty, femininity and style through color and simplicity. This combo manages to give spectacular results without too much effort making the 2010 summer makeup trends suitable for all women.

Selecting the right makeup is a must when it comes to achieving a flawless and stylish look so try to adapt the makeup according to your outfit, skin tone, facial features, etc. Inspire yourself from the following makeup trends selection and you will most definitely look fabulous this summer.

Pastel colored makeup

Pastels are popular colors this summer due to the fact that they exude joy and warmth, characteristics which suit the summer season perfectly. You can choose a monochrome color or a pastel color combination makeup depending on the desired effect and outfit. The dominant colors used to create this makeup style this summer are yellow, green, orange, pink, blue, turquoise, lavender, etc. The more vivid the eyeshadow's coloration the more amazing the result. The cheeks can be subtly defined using a tan or rose colored blush depending on the color of the complexion. The lips can be kept nude or enhanced using a vividly colored lipstick in red or orange shade.

Vintage style makeup

Vintage means elegant and this style suits the current fashion trends perfectly. The simplicity and elegance of this makeup style looks fabulous and suit everyone. Enhance your eyes using a monochrome eyeshadow, define the eyes using an eyeliner and apply red colored lipstick on your lips. You can apply a rose colored blush if you have a paler skin complexion or a tan colored blush if your skin tone is a bit darker.

This type of makeup looks fabulous so don't hesitate to give this style a try if it suits your personality.

Natural makeup

Natural is hot this year so for a more casual occasion you an opt for a natural looking makeup. Enhancing your natural beauty can only be beneficial for you especially because this type of makeup is not heavy and during the summer season you should try to avoid heavy makeup as much as possible due to the heat factor which could ruin your makeup.

Natural looking makeup means a flawless complexion using a light skin foundation, natural looking blush, nude lipstick or lip gloss and a simple coat of mascara.

This look is perfect for day wear so take this style into account whenever you desire.

Makeup can help transform your look completely so try to practice your makeup skills until you manage to become a master when it comes to doing your own makeup.