The Perfect Makeup That Brightens Your Day!

WELCOME!!!

Hello Elegant World, Welcome to another edition of the magazine that adds a little spice to your life. Seasons greeting from BEACON OF ELEGANCE magazine, I hope this season brings more joy, peace and prosperity into your lives. BEACON OF ELEGANCE is always here to help in the way we can, to add that special touch that will make you look ELEGANT. Everyone needs a little touch of elegance, especially in this season. Just a flash reminded, BEACON OF ELEGANCE magazine (eBook version) is available on konga.com ; including past and recent editions, it's less than a thousand naira and gets delivered to your personal email in less than an hour. Just follow the link www.konga.com/jewel

On this edition we'll be talking about makeup and all the special touch you need to get the job perfectly done, first of all let's know makeup is

Definition

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Makeup is substance (Such as Lipstick, Powder, etc) used to make someone's face look more attractive

BRIEF HISTORY

The history of cosmetics (MAKEUP) spans at least 6000 years and is present in almost every society on earth. Some argue that cosmetic body art was the earliest form of ritual in human culture, dating over 100,000 years ago from the African Middle Stone Age. The evidence for this comes in the form of utilised red mineral pigments (red ochre) including crayons associated with the emergence of Homo sapiens in Africa. Archaeological evidence of cosmetics certainly dates from ancient Egypt and Greece. According to one source, early major developments include the use of castor oil in ancient Egypt as a protective balm and skin creams made of beeswax, olive oil, and rosewater described by the Romans. The Ancient Greeks also used cosmetics. Cosmetics are mentioned in the Old Testament—2 Kings 9:30 where Jezebel painted her eyelids—approximately 840 BC—and the book of Esther describes various beauty treatments as well. Cosmetics were also used in ancient Rome, although much of Roman literature suggests that it was frowned upon. It is known that some women in ancient Rome used various substances, including lead-based formulas, to whiten the skin, and kohl was used to line the eyes

20th century

During the early 1900s, makeup was not excessively popular. In fact, women hardly wore makeup at all. Face enamelling (applying actual paint to the face) became popular among the rich at this time in an attempt to look paler. This practice was dangerous due to the main ingredient often being Arsenic. Pale skin was associated with wealth because it meant you were not out working in the sun and could afford to stay inside all day. Cosmetics were so unpopular that they could not be bought in department stores; they could only be bought at theatrical costume stores. A woman’s "makeup routine" often only consisted of using papier poudré, a powdered paper/oil blotting sheet, to whiten the nose in the winter and shine their cheeks in the summer. Rouge was considered provocative, so was only seen on "women of the night." Some women used burnt matchsticks to darken eyelashes, and geranium and poppy petals to stain the lips. Vaseline became high in demand because it was used on chapped lips, as a base for hair tonic, and soap. Toilet waters were introduced in the early 1900s, but only lavender water or refined cologne was admissible for women to wear.Cosmetic deodorant was invented in 1888, by an unknown inventor from Philadelphia and was trademarked under the name Mum (deodorant). Roll-on deodorant was launched in 1952, and aerosol deodorant in 1965.

21st century

Beauty products are now widely available from dedicated internet-only retailers, who have more recently been joined online by established outlets, including the major department stores and traditional bricks and mortar beauty retailers. Although modern makeup has been used mainly by women traditionally, gradually an increasing number of males are using cosmetics usually associated to women to enhance their own facial features. Concealer is commonly used by cosmetic-conscious men. Cosmetics brands are releasing cosmetic products especially tailored for men, and men are using such products increasily more commonly. There is some controversy over this, however, as many feel that men who wear make-up are neglecting traditional gender roles, and do not view men wearing cosmetics in a positive light. Others, however, view this as a sign of ongoing gender equality and feel that men also have rights to enhance their facial features with cosmetics if women could. Today the market of cosmetics has a different dynamic compared to the 20th century. Some countries are driving this economy:

• Japan:

The Japan is the second largest market in the world. Regarding the growth of this market, cosmetics in Japan have entered a period of stability. However, the market situation is quickly changing. Now consumers can access a lot of information on the Internet and choose many alternatives, opening up many opportunities for newcomers entering the market, looking for chances to meet the diverse needs of consumers.The size of the cosmetics market for 2010 was 2286 billion yen on the basis of the value of shipments by brand manufacturer. With a growth rate of 100.1%, the market was almost unchanged from the previous year.

• Russia:

One of the most interesting emerging markets, the 5th largest in the world in 2012, the Russian perfumery and cosmetics market has shown the highest growth of 21% since 2004, reaching USD 13.5 billion $.

WHY WOMEN MAKEUP!

Makeup can make women appear more feminine.

That's one reason why it's much more desirable for women to wear makeup than it is for men to wear makeup. Makeup has a deeper value; it enhances the contrast of the human face, allowing for faster recognition of gender. In just about every human culture, and throughout all our strange history, people have worked to exaggerate the subtle differences between the sexes. With women, for example, anything which can be immediately recognized as a feminine characteristic often has the volume turned way up. Depending on the conventions of the era and the norms of the culture, all sorts of things may be amplified. Breast augmentation, high heels, neck rings, foot binding, corsets, bustier – there are many examples. . When you see faces, you naturally look for this contrast, along with many other cues, to help you quickly determine if the person you are meeting is male or female. Without makeup, male faces tend to have less contrast between the eyes and mouth, females more. Cosmetics enhance this natural contrast. Lipstick and eye shadow make the eyes pop and the mouth stand out. Makeup could be used to decrease contrast. You'd have to get the colours right to increase uniformity since you'd be toning down colours as opposed to adding colors. I'm also not convinced it would be as powerful or noticeable. Conversely women's makeup can be quite noticeable. It's certainly desirable for women if their key features become more noticeable. That draws attention to their appearance and can highlight things about them that are attractive. It is possible for men to use makeup to contour certain features and make them stand out, but upon closer inspection, the true facial shape is revealed. In contrast, women's makeup is more often than not designed to draw attention to facial features as opposed to contouring the face. It's worth noting that some women do some contouring though. Beyond that psychological research demonstrates that men care more about women's appearances than women care about men's appearances. There is a strong cultural expectation that women should pay more attention to their appearance than men do. This also helps explain why women are more likely to use makeup to cover up acne and perceived skin flaws. Makeup can also even skin out, making appear smoother and more flawless, which is generally desirable. Overall, makeup can increase attractiveness, which is generally desirable for women. Beyond that, sometimes it's simply a style choice. Sometimes women wear makeup like jewellery, clothes or accessories. It's fun. It's a statement. It's just something they want to do. Part of the reason it's more acceptable for women to wear makeup to make a stylistic statement is that it is culturally connected to women's identity because it is worn for beauty reasons by many women anyway. At some point in history, makeup that used to be worn for beauty got worn for style or got worn simply because women felt like it. It can become habitual. It can be fun to try different styles, just as its fun to experiment with different types of clothing. It can be associated with an increase in self-esteem as a woman begins to feel better about her. Makeup is used on the stage for male actors to make their facial features more noticeable, but that's primarily so that people can see them from a distance and so that their facial expressions can be more easily discerned. It's rare to see men wear makeup when they are not doing work in the entertainment industry.

Make Up Kit

Hands up if your make-up bag is fit to burst? Most of us have far more make-up than we actually need but which items are actually essential for a basic make-up kit?

Foundation

For most women, foundation is a complete godsend. It can cover blemishes and freckles, and evens out your skin tone. They also act as a protective barrier against the elements, as well as stopping dirt and grime from blocking your pores. It can be challenging to find the exact shade of foundation that best suits your skin tone, but several ranges are now available that claim to adapt themselves to match your skin tone. The liquid and cream varieties are the most popular. Oil-based liquid foundation is best for dry or more mature skin. It gives a matte finish. Water-based liquid foundation gives a lighter coverage, and is more suitable for oily or sensitive skin. Creams are also good for dry skin. Although the coverage they provide is heavier than some liquid foundations, they still offer a glossy finish.

Blusher

Blusher adds that all-important healthy glow, and can act as a highlighting tool by emphasising your cheekbones. Powder blusher is still the most popular type of blusher, as it is less fiddly than the cream variety. As a general rule, look for a blusher that is the same colour as your natural blush. This will create a healthy-looking glow, rather than one that looks like you’re permanently embarrassed.

Powder

Powder sets your foundation in place, which gives a smooth finish to your make-up, and blots any shiny patches along the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin). Loose translucent powder is usually the best choice. They give a more natural finish than pressed powder, which often streaks. A matte translucent powder is a good idea for oily skin, as it will absorb oils in your skin.

Concealer

Concealer is supposed to cover up blemishes, scars and dark circles that your foundation can’t. As it’s not meant to be noticeable, opt for a shade that’s half a shade lighter than your skin tone. A yellow-based shade is recommended for under the eyes, as it will cancel out the dark circles.

Lipstick

If you only wear one item of make-up, lipstick is a good choice. It can add a splash of colour to your face and brighten your complexion. As with all types of make-up, the key is to choose the right shade of lipstick to suit your colouring. It’s always tempting to pick a shade that’s currently in fashion, but it won’t necessarily suit you. It’s far better to opt for a shade that works with your features and helps them to stand out.

Eye shadow

The right shade of eye shadow can really open up your eye area and make your eyes look a lot bigger, but the wrong shade can make small eyes look even smaller. There are so many different shades available at the moment, but you can’t go far wrong with neutrals, as they tend to suit most skin tones.

Eyeliner

Eyeliner comes in two main forms: pencil and liquid liner. The pencil is the most popular as the look it creates is less, and can be smudged for a soft, smoky appearance. The liquid liner is perfect for creating dramatic looks (think Amy Winehouse’s edgy eye make-up), but it can also make your eyes look smaller, so it’s not for everyone.

Mascara

Mascara finishes off your eye make-up, and frames your eyes when applied to both the top and bottom lashes. Brown is the best option if you have fair skin, whereas black is better suited to darker colourings. It’s not just the products that you apply to your face that make the difference - the brushes that you use to do so can also have a big impact. If you can afford it, splash out on some good quality brushes, as they really will have a big effect on how well you can apply the make-up. It goes without saying that they need to be kept scrupulously clean to avoid infections. If you’ve had your make-up for more than six months, now is the time to throw it away. Old make-up is a breeding ground for bacteria.

Choosing the Right Foundation

Along with wearing the wrong size bra, picking the wrong colour foundation's one of the most common mistakes women make - but technology's developed so dramatically in the last few years that there's no excuse for getting it wrong any more. If you're looking orange or there's make-up settling into the lines around your eyes, read this guide and then hit the shops for a brand-new brand of facial base.

Step 1: Decide what your needs are

Whether you feel naked without foundation on, or if you only wear it once in a blue moon, assess your personal preferences before you attempt to decide between brands. For example, do you prefer a powdery base, a liquid or a creamy formula? Will you be applying it with a sponge or do you blend with your fingers? Consider your environment - working in an office where the air-conditioning dries out your skin needs different make-up from a job that requires you to get sweaty rushing around on your feet all day. And don't forget to account for changes in season, as your summer tan will darken your skin for a few weeks every year.

Step 2: Assess your skin type

Once you've worked out what you want from a foundation, learn to speak make-up experts' language by finding out what sort of skin you've got. • Dry skin can look dull and reflects light badly because of its lack of oil. It gets itchy and irritated easily, and can be prone to flaky or scaly patches. • Oily skin's the opposite - skin looks shiny and feels greasy, and may have larger pores than normal skin. Spots can be a problem for those with oily skin, as is reducing the shiny appearance. • A lot of people have combination skin, where the T-zone (the T-shaped area of the face formed by the forehead, nose and chin) gets oily, but cheeks can be dry. Knowing what kind of colouring you have will also help you get the right match for your face. If you're white, you'll either have pink or yellow undertones in your face - something you may already have figured out when deciding whether you suit 'warm' or 'cool' colours. Asian skins usually have yellow undertones, while black skin has its own palette in shades of brown.

Step 3: Get ready to test

Armed with your personal preferences and skin type, it's easy to go out and visit a few make-up counters to decide on a new foundation. Don't just take the assistant's word for it - it's important to test the product, as much to find out whether you like the feel of it as to ensure the colour's right for you. A very common mistake is to test the foundation on your hand, rather than your face. You won't be putting it on your hand, so why test it there? The best place to test foundation is just above your jaw line. Dot on a little of the product and blend it in using your fingertips. Check whether the colour is similar to your own skin tone and blends into your neck without leaving an obvious 'tidemark' between the two. Don't forget to make a note of anything you like before moving on to the next counter for advice. It's important to shop around, especially if you haven't bought foundation in years, to find out what's available and which range carries the best shade for you.

Step 4: Bust the jargon

Here's a guide to some of the more common types of foundation on the market so you can find the one that's right for you. • Moisture-rich/hydrating - this moistens skin and stops the make-up from feeling tight or irritating on the face. Good for dry skins. • Mattifying/oil-control - reduces the appearance of oil on the skin, making the face look less shiny. Good on oily skin or the T-zone. • Light-reflecting - brightens up dull or dry skin by providing a surface that allows light to bounce off, making your skin look brighter. Best on dry or more mature faces. • Line-smoothing - a formula that fills out facial lines to reduce their appearance rather than sinking into the skin and emphasizing wrinkles. • 'Colour match' - the newest types of foundation come in a limited palette of shades that 'adapt' to an individual's skin tone. There's some debate about how well they work, but they're worth a shot if you're struggling to find an ideal match. Go for the shade nearest to your natural skin. Finally, don't forget to check the new product works with your current shade of concealer and powder - cover-up should be a little darker than foundation, while powder should match it closely. And don't be afraid to spend money on something that works - used over a year, a 2000 naira bottle of foundation costs just 5p per day!

Make-Up Masterclass

Are you the sort of person who isn't sure why people use foundation, concealer and powder before applying their 'real' make-up? Do mascara clots and lipstick smudges regularly appear on your face? Prepare to be demystified - here's a guide to the basics of any good make-up bag and how you should be using them. Foundation The starting point for all well-groomed faces, foundation is a liquid, powder or cream smoothed over the whole face to provide a layer of coverage that evens out skin tone, minimises pores and covers light blemishes.

Do:

Apply your foundation with a proper cosmetic sponge. The little foam applicators that come in compacts are not only too small to allow you to sweep colour on evenly, they're also a breeding ground for bacteria and dead skin cells.

Don't:

'Save' on concealer by applying very thick foundation. It doesn't cover spots effectively and makes your face look mask-like and artificial.

Concealer

Used to hide spots, blemishes and dark circles, concealer is a cream or liquid added in small dots to the areas where it's needed and blended into the skin. It can be used without foundation for those with generally good skin, or while you're in hot climates, where too much base can feel clogging.

Do:

Try using a brush to add concealer. It stops you putting too much on and gives a very professional finish. Don't forget to clean the brush regularly, though.

Don't:

Apply normal concealer to eye bags - it'll only make them look bigger. Ensure you've got a light-reflecting formula if you want to cover dark circles.

Powder

Loose powder (which comes in small pots) or pressed powder (in compacts) is applied to 'set' foundation, reduce oiliness and help eye and cheek colours stick to the skin.

Do:

Apply loose powder with a puff so you can press it into the skin, but use a brush on pressed powder, which needs to be stirred up a bit so it doesn't 'sit' on the face.

Don't:

Use powder as a substitute for foundation. It doesn't give the same sort of coverage, and a tick layer of powder just makes you look chalky.

Blusher

Also known as rouge, blusher is colour for the cheeks and comes in powder, cream and occasionally liquid (cheek 'tint') formulations. Use a brush to apply powder only to the 'apples' of your cheeks - the bits that bulge out when you smile. Apply small dots of cream blush in the same place before blending lightly over the whole cheek.

Do:

Pick peachy-toned blushers, which suit everyone - pinks can be difficult to wear and dark bronze colours only work on very tanned or black skin.

Don't:

Paint streaks of blusher along your cheekbones to 'shape' your face. You'll end up looking like an escapee from Dynasty.

Mascara

A perennial staple of any woman's make-up bag, mascara is painted onto eyelashes to lengthen, thicken and darken them and define the eyes. While some firms still make 'block' mascara, which comes in small chunks and is applied with a brush, by far the most common sort comes in tubes with a bristle-covered 'wand' to apply. After removing the wand from the tube, wipe off the excess mascara with a tissue before beginning to apply a thin coat to the lashes. Use an eyelash comb to stop the lashes sticking together and get rid of clots, then apply a second thin coat. Putting on two layers instead of one thick one will help the colour last longer.

Do:

Experiment with different formulations to find the one that works best on your lashes. Not all 'lengthening' mascaras give the same result, while the thickness of your own lashes will have a bearing on the heaviness of your preferred brand.

Don't:

Ignore all the other colours on the market and plump straight for black - brown mascara will look more natural if you have fair skin and hair.

Lip colour

Whether lipstick, gloss, stain or tint, a groomed face isn't complete without colour on the mouth. Ensure your lips are primed before adding colour by applying a moisturising lip balm, then apply two thin coats, 'blotting' lips with a split tissue between each coat. For bold lip colour, use a matching lip liner to outline your lips so the colour doesn't 'bleed' outside the line, and add a smudge-proof top coat to ensure lasting colour.

Do:

Spend that bit extra to get a decent formulation. Cheap lip gloss that sticks to everything, or waxy lipstick that comes off in seconds, isn't worth the money.

Don't:

Use the very odd trick of outlining your lips with dark liner, but leave the rest lipstick-free. It just looks like you've forgotten to finish your make-up.

Bridal Beauty

Every bride wants to look her absolute best on her wedding day and make-up is a big (albeit subtle) part of this. Most of the emphasis is placed on finding the perfect dress, and make-up is often neglected. This isn’t a problem if a professional make-up artist will be doing your make-up on the day, but for most brides, this simply isn’t an option. Simple make-up is the best option. It won’t detract from your dress, which is the main focus for most brides, and lets your natural beauty shine through.

Base

Unless you have lots of scars and blemishes that need heavy coverage, a light foundation should do the job. Concealer can touch up any remaining imperfections without creating a caked-on look. Setting this with powder is a good idea when you consider that your make-up is going to have to stay put through the ceremony and reception. While you’ll probably touch up your lipstick at some point, it’s unlikely that you’ll want to reapply foundation and concealer as they wear off.

Blusher

You’ll probably be glowing on your wedding day, but a soft blush is all you need for an extra helping hand. The appropriate shade is closely linked to your skin tone and hair colour. If you have pale skin, stick to pale pink and pale apricot shades. Pale pink is better suited to blondes and brunettes, while apricot compliments redheads with pale skin. For Asian and Mediterranean complexions, opt for apricot (for pale olive skin) or pale orange (for darker olive skin). For black skin, try a burgundy or wine shade as you can get away with wearing deeper colours.

Eyeshadow

Avoid bright or strong colours, as they can be too harsh against a white dress. Neutral shades will subtly emphasise your features whilst making it look as though you’re not wearing any make-up. Neutrals tend to suit all skin tones.

Mascara

A coat of mascara will help to avoid the washed-out look that often happens if your dress is very white. Brown mascara suits those with pale skin as black can be too harsh, but black mascara will suit most other skin tones.

Lipstick

Lipstick is another good way to add subtle colour to your bridal make-up. As with eye make-up, avoid colours that are too strong and overpowering (such as fire engine red), as the basic idea is to create a barely-there look. You still want to look like you, but an improved version of that, so look for a lip colour that is only one shade above the natural colour of your lips. Pale skins are often advised to choose a bold red lip colour, but you run the risk of that being the centre of attention in your wedding photos - rather than the dress you spent months searching for. A softer red shade is a better option, and will add still colour. Brunettes and redheads both suit deep shades, so warm terracotta shades are a good bet. Cinnamon and red-brown shades will also look good. Asian and Mediterranean skin tones suit red-brown and light brown shades, while black skin can wear much deeper and richer shades, such as rose or dark plum. Blot your lipstick before you apply a second coat to make it last longer. You can also dust powder over your lips before the second coat to help it stay in place throughout the day. You’ll probably find that you still need to reapply at some point though. You can switch to a more dramatic lip colour for the evening reception. Keeping your bridal make-up light and simple will emphasise your features whilst creating the impression that aren’t wearing much make-up - even if you actually are. It also allows your wedding dress to be the focal point. However, you do need to get the right balance between too much colour and not enough or your wedding photos won’t be quite what you’d hoped for!

Best Looks

If you have darker black skin you can generally pull off much stronger make-up looks than those with white skin. You can get away with wearing deeper shades on your lips and cheeks, as well as the bright or dark eye make-up that tends to make pale skin look even paler. Bronze, olive green, emerald green, sapphire blue, grey, plum and pastel shades can be good looks for eye make-up. Make the most of the fact that you’re not so restricted in your choice of colours by experimenting with bold eye make-up or lip colour, but keep in mind the golden rule of wearing eye-catching make-up - it's either the eyes or the lips. If you have paler black skin, try caramel, coffee, toffee, chocolate brown, wine, deep plum gold, bronze, emerald green, violet and navy blue shades for eye make-up. Berry shades will work well on your lips, as will coral, bronze, terracotta, dark apricot and most deep warm pink colours. For blusher, pick a shimmery golden-pink shade to emphasise the golden undertone of your skin. If you don't feel confident enough to wear dramatic eye make-up, take a leaf out of Halle Berry's book instead. The actress is rarely seen wearing strong eye make-up, and instead prefers to stick to the neutral shades that let her natural beauty shine through. The emphasis is usually on the lips, with a healthy glow and subtle eye make-up completing the look. An apricot or deep rose blusher will complete the look. Darker skin tones can carry off richer lip colours, so you can experiment with coral, rose, light brown and dark plum shades of lipstick and lip-gloss. Shimmery lip-gloss in one of these colours will look particularly good, and will show off the natural fullness of your lips. Lip liner usually isn't necessary as many women with black skin have full enough lips to forgo this. It's the same story with mascara. As your lashes are likely to be naturally dark in the first place, a coat of clear mascara is all you need to separate and emphasise the natural colour of your lashes. If you still feel that you need to wear mascara, a touch of light brown mascara will usually do the trick. For more glamorous occasions, metallic eyeshadow in shades such as silver and plum will create an eye-catching look. The eyes are the focus of this look, so keep your lips simple with a slick of lip-gloss in a deep red shade such as wine or burgundy. Women with black skin have lots of make-up options available to them. You can carry off dramatic colours on your eyes and lips - but not at the same time, or you'll look like you've put your make-up on in the dark! Generally speaking, you've got a wider range of colours that will suit you than is the case for women with pale skin, so you can really take the chance to try out different shades and see which ones you like best.

Find Your Own Make Up Style

We're constantly bombarded with fashion and beauty advice but much of this isn't much good to us. It's all too easy to fall into the trap of wearing certain fashion or make up styles, just because they're fashionable right now. It's far better to find and stick to your own natural beauty style, as this will make you look your absolute best at all times.

Which Colours Suit you?

It sounds obvious, but a lot of women don't wear the right make up to suit them. If you're easily swayed by the ever changing beauty trends, you're probably not making the most of your natural look. The right colours for you will brighten your complexion and make you look like you - but better! The wrong colours will make your skin look pale or even grey.

What Make Up Basics do I Need?

Unless you've got lots of blemishes and scars, a light coverage of tinted moisturiser or foundation will provide a natural looking base that doesn't look too heavy, especially during the sticky summer months. A touch of concealer will cover up any imperfections that are still noticeable, and hide dark circles or bags under your eyes. As long as you choose the right shade to match your skin tone, this should create a flawless but natural base. Setting this with loose powder will counteract shiny skin, particularly in the oily t-zone area (forehead, nose and chin). Blusher will add a rosy glow to your face.

Eye Make Up

Your eyes are often one of the first things that people will notice, so it makes sense to play them up. It's worth spending some time finding an eye shadow or eyeliner that makes the most of your eyes without overpowering them. Neutrals suit almost all skin tones, but they can be too subtle for some pale skin tones, as they tend to sink into the overall colour of the skin. Pastels can provide a subtle emphasis without attracting too much attention. Alternatively, you can experiment with eye-catching colours, but these won't necessarily make the most of your natural looks. Mascara will emphasise your lashes, but you don't need to use the black variety unless your lashes are exceptionally pale. Most women will find that brown or black-brown mascara will give their lashes enough emphasis without looking too harsh.

Beauty Tips for Lips

Beauty experts recommend making your lips the centre of attention if you're keeping your eye make up simple, but this doesn't have to be the case. As long as you choose a lip colour that works with your skin tone and hair colour, it will emphasise your features and doesn't have necessarily have to overpower them - unless you want it to! For more advice on choosing make up colours, check out our articles on the Best Looks for English Skin, Asian and Mediterranean Skin, and Black Skin. Finding your true beauty style is mostly a case of enhancing your natural features, perhaps through make up or the right hairstyle and colour. If they’re done right, these can all make you look a lot better than before, but if they’re wrong, they can really detract from your looks.

How to Apply Makeup

Wearing makeup is common place in today's society, worn for anything from a day at work to a formal night out. However, if you're a newcomer to the world of cosmetics, you may find yourself at a loss with the infinite varieties of makeup and styles that can be found. Luckily, it's not too difficult to learn what the most elementary makeup products are, and how to use each one.

Part 1 of 3: Preparing Your Face

Remove any old makeup.

When you’re applying makeup, it is necessary to start with a clean palette. Therefore, remove any of last nights makeup that you might have slept on, or wash off makeup from earlier on in the day. If you try to apply more makeup over the top of old makeup (not including touch ups), your end look will look caked on and more unnatural than makeup put on a fresh face. You can use a good makeup remover or a mild baby oil to get rid of all makeup residues. • Keep in mind that you should always remove your makeup at the end of the day; sleeping with your makeup on can clog your pores and cause blemishes and wrinkles. •

Wash your face

. For the same reason you remove your old makeup, you should also wash your face; leaving grease and sweat on your face can give a fresh cover of makeup a shiny, caked on look after several hours. Use a mild face cleanser to gently wash your face, spending about one minute of scrubbing to remove all bacteria and dead skin cells in your pores. Finish up by applying a facial moisturizer. Dry skin will look flaky to start with and gain oil to compensate later on, so be sure your skin has been treated with a bit of lotion.

Apply your concealer.

The purpose of concealer is to even out uneven skin tone as a result of blemishes or dark under-eye circles. Use a concealer brush or your (clean) fingertips to blend concealer on your bottom eyelids, on any red patchy areas, or over any acne or dark spots. Blend the edges of your concealer spots so avoid having discolored marks around your face.

Put on a coat of foundation.

There are several types of foundation, but they are generally applied the same way. Liquid, cream, and powder foundations all act to create a totally even complexion, working to blend your natural skin tone with the concealer you’ve already applied. Use a foundation brush to apply foundation to the entirety of your face, blending into your neck and earlobes if necessary. Keep in mind that your foundation should be the same color as your natural skin tone, not much darker or lighter. Your foundation should go over the top of the areas that have concealer to blend them. • You can use a concealer brush to add a little extra foundation to cover up stubborn blemishes. • Liquid foundation can be applied with your fingertips, although this is more likely to introduce bacteria to your skin and cause future breakouts.

Set your foundation.

This step is optional, but if you’re looking for long-lasting makeup you can use a setting powder to hold your foundation and concealer in place. Use a large, fluffy brush to cover your whole face in a neutral or matching setting powder. This step is particularly important or useful if you’re using liquid foundation, as it will help to set the foundation and remove any sheen that might be making an appearance.

Apply a highlighter.

With your foundation completed, it is likely that your face now looks contour-less and flat because of the uniform color. In order to provide some depth, you’ll need to create the illusion of highlights and shadows. Use a cream or powder highlighter to brighten up the deepest areas of your face: the inside corners of your eyes, underneath your eyebrows, in the center of your cupid’s bow, and on the tops/sides of your cheekbones. This will make your face look more bright and awake than it would otherwise. • Create a ‘3’ shape on your cheekbones, into your eyebrows, and up to your forehead for the perfect highlight. • You can use your fingers or a small highlighter brush to apply the highlighter. •

Add depth with contouring.

The opposite of bringing out the highlights on your face, contouring involves adding a powder that is a few shades darker than your actual skin tone (different than a bronzer) to the areas you want to look minimized or further away. Typically, you should contour under your cheekbones in the hollows of your cheeks, and on the sides of your nose. This will make your face look thinner and longer in appearance, and provide the shadows that naturally occur without foundation. •

Apply a little blush.

The final step in prepping your face is to add blush to your cheeks. Everyone’s cheeks have a bit of color, but this color varies for every person. Apply your blush with large brush on the apples of your cheeks (the round part that forms when you smile). Don’t go too heavy with your blush, just add enough to replenish the color that would form naturally. •

Fill in your eyebrows

. This step is optional depending on the fullness of your eyebrows, but is generally recommended for those who have thin or sparse eyebrows. Select a color of brow pencil or powder that is close to your natural hair color. Start by outlining the edges of your eyebrows, and then fill in the center with a bit of color. Use short strokes that mimic the look of your hair, going in the same direction of your hair growth •

Part 2 of 3: Adding Your Eye Makeup

Apply an eyeshadow primer.

This is another optional course of action, but applying an eyeshadow primer will help your eyeshadow to stay on for much longer. If you’ve gone without it, you may have noticed that your eyeshadow fades or becomes oily and collects in the creases of your eyelids after several hours. Use your fingertip to dab on your eyeshadow primer, blending it from the roots of your lashes to the top of your crease.

Put on your eyeshadow.

There are many ways to apply eyeshadow, although the most basic and classic look is to apply a single color over the entirety of your eyelid. Use an eyeshadow brush to apply your eyeshadow to your eyelid, starting in the center near your lash line and blending outwards. Fade your eyeshadow into your natural skin tone near your crease and the inside and outside corners of your eyes, to prevent any harsh lines from forming. If you want a bit more dramatic look, apply a second darker color of eyeshadow in a ‘C’ shape from the outside corner of your lash line up to the top, outer ⅓ of your eyelid crease.

• Your eyeshadow should never go all the way to your eyebrow, and should not extend further of your lid than the end of your eyebrow (unless you’re going for a very dramatic look). • You can blend your eyeshadow onto your lower lend, as long as you are careful not to extend it lower than your bottom lashes. • If you use multiple colors of eyeshadow, always be sure to blend them together.

Apply your eyeliner.

The purpose of eyeliner is to provide the illusion of a fuller lash line; therefore, choose a color that is similar to your natural hair color (or brown if you have blond hair) to go along your lashes. For a smudgy look, use an eyeliner pencil, or create a sleek and smooth look by using cream or liquid eyeliner. Create a dashed or dotted line across your lash line, and then connect the dots to create a full, continuous line. You can choose to wing the end up and outwards a bit if you want, otherwise you simply need to follow your lash line from the inside corner to the outside corner. • Adding eyeliner to your bottom lash line should be done for special occasions only, as it will create a much darker/bolder look and appear a bit more unnatural than eyeliner on your top lash line only. • If you feel comfortable, try tight-lining your eyes by using your eyeliner on the waterline of your eyelid.

Finish off with mascara.

To complete your eye makeup, you’ll need to top off your eyes with a bit of mascara. There are several mascaras to choose from depending on the look you want; if you have short lashes, use a mascara that will add length, or if you have thin lashes, use a volumizing mascara. Dip the brush in the mascara once and lightly wipe off the excess onto the edge of the container or a paper towel. Looking downward, apply it to the top lash with upward strokes. Start with the inner part of your way and work your way outward. Do both eyes with two coats, then let dry. • Wiggle the brush as you apply it, as this will help to coat between lashes instead of just the under layer. • Never pump your mascara brush in and out of the mascara, as this causes air pockets. • You can add a coat of mascara to your bottom lashes, but this can make your eyes seem darker which is a look some people prefer to avoid. • Avoid applying more than two coats of mascara, as this will take away the natural darkening look and give a cake-y thick look that is much less natural. • A good trick for making your lashes look fuller is to apply a coat of baby powder between coats of mascara; this will add a bit of length and volume to your lashes.

Part 3 of 3: Adding Color to Your Lips

Smooth out your lips. Apply lip balm, primer, or sealer. This will help make all lip products applied last longer and much more vibrant. Additionally, who doesn’t prefer soft lips? Adding a good balm or salve will prevent your lips from flaking later in the day, which lipstick and gloss can both cause.

Apply lip liner.

Line your lips with a liner that matches your lip color. Sharpen your lip liner, and line around the natural line of your lips. With your lips outlined, use the pencil to continue filling in your lips. This works to even out the color and texture of your lips, making it easier to apply a gloss or lipstick later.

Apply lipstick or lip gloss with a brush

. Select a lipstick or gloss of your choice to go over your lipliner; for a natural look stick with a nude shade, or pick a bright hue for a more bold appearance. Start in the center of your lip, and blend the color outwards. Be sure to apply the color as close to the edges of your lips as you can without overdoing it and going outside your lip line. To prevent any lipstick from getting on your teeth, stick your index finger straight into your mouth and pull it out quickly; any excess color will stick to your finger and avoid being transferred to your teeth later on.

Finish off your look.

With the completion of your lips makeup, your look is finished! Give yourself a once-over to make sure there aren’t any smudges or loose eyeshadow that needs to be removed with a fluffy brush. If you have any mistakes, use a q-tip dipped in makeup remover to rectify them

Tips

• Focus on one part, or two at most, of your face. Don't use a bold hue of lipstick with stand-out eyeliner and a bright shade of blush. Instead, zero in on the eyes and lips, or blush/skin. Keep it simple; don't over-do your makeup applications. • Always apply a foundation that contains at least an SPF of 15. If your foundation does not contain sunscreen, apply a separate sunscreen before starting your makeup routine. Wearing sunscreen will keep your skin looking healthy and decrease the likelihood of wrinkles. Look for something that is oil-free to reduce the chance of getting acne. It will also smell less strong. Your make-up might also turn a different (darker) color that will not blend with your skin tone as well. • Keep in mind the difference between day makeup, night makeup, and special occasions. Day makeup is light and tinted with neutral colors. Night makeup is more strongly tinted but never very heavy or caked on - use stronger colors. Special occasions take special items like false eyelashes, liquid liners, and highlighting under the eyes - look at the magazines around awards season. • To prevent a make-up line make sure the foundation you chose is the correct color for you. try matching it to your jawline. • Apply your blush after you've done your eye make-up. This will prevent you from accidentally wearing too much blush. • Quality is always better than quantity. I • For the best results, apply your makeup with good, natural lighting. • Avoid tugging on your under-eye area. This can cause bags and wrinkles. • The amount and type of makeup that you wear is completely up to you. You know your face better than anyone - take the time to experiment. Makeup is, quite literally, the art of painting faces. Experimenting allows you to find what works best for you. • Use Visine before applying makeup to make your eyes whiter, brighter, and more awake. This also helps keep eyes lubricated throughout the day to prevent drying-out due to the makeup.

That's it for this Edition.........Watch out for STYLE/FASHION Edition (SHOE EDITION) coming next! Always remember to be awesome.

To subscribe for beacon of Elegance Magazine, contact us via victorymediaempire@gmail.com SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS- Free monthly E Magazine (Recent / any edition requested), Membership card, Free Monthly E photo book of sexy models/ fashion tips/ style tips/ make up tips/ hair tips / shoe tips and much more, Birthday shout out & Birthday present for members, Free wedding photo publication, Free publication of any article, notice etc., Early notice of recent E magazine monthly release, Free article of skill guide, Send an email:victorymediaempire@gmail.com

Beacon Of Elegance Online Magazine is proudly supported by Victory Media Empire

BEACON OF ELEGANCE magazine (eBook version) is available on konga.com

follow the link www.konga.com/jewel