Picking out make-up can be a daunting, even scary task for some. I'd like to make it a little easier : ) I'm going to break it down for you by product. I've found the easiest way to choose anything is to know what you want. What do you want your make-up to do for you? Also, make sure that you're using products that work with your skin's needs so that you'll always put your best face first!
Foundation/Powder
Foundations come in a variety of formulas, as do most cosmetics. In choosing the one that's right for you, ask yourself these questions:
How much coverage do I want? Do I want it to be sheer or heavy-duty?
Does my foundation contain an SPF of at least 15 if my moisturizer doesn't?
Do I need a foundation that is going to reduce break-outs or lessen the signs of aging?
Tinted moisturizers, set with a sheer powder, even out skin tone and give you a nice flush of color without being heavy or giving "thicker" coverage. This is what I personally use, because I don't feel I need a foundation that covers a lot. I also can have oily skin at times, so I look for one that is non-comedogenic, which means that it won't clog my pores. Liquid foundations offer a wider range of coverage, based on their consistancy. Cream-to-powder foundations offer a good amount of coverage, too, and are great for those of us who are pressed for time when doing our make-up because it cuts out the powder step in our routine. To choose the shade that's right for you (and to see how to apply your make-up), check out the
9 Step Beauty Routine. Having your shade match correctly is key!
Concealer
The trick to choosing a good concealer is to first think about what you're trying to cover up. Is it acne, a scar, discolorations, under-eye circles? For acne, use a concealer specifically targeted to covering up and fighting breakouts. For harder-to-cover areas, either apply several thin layers or go with a thicker formula. For under-eye circles, I've seen concealers specifically made for that area of your face-they usually contain some caffeine to help get rid of the circles as well as an eye product to help with lines.
Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow is one of the toughest for some women. It comes in all kinds of formulas-there are pressed powder, loose powder, cream eyeshadows, and eyeshadow sticks to name a few. And then there's all of the shades! Don't be afraid to try a new color! The biggest thing you can do to make your eyeshadow always look great is to start off with an eye primer. This helps keep your shadow looking fresh, keeps it from creasing or running and will make it last all day. This is especially key if you have oily lids! As far as what colors you should use, that's up to you! Experiment! There are a few things that you should stay away from, though. If you have deep-set eyes, stay away from dark shadows as they make your eyes look sunken. If you have petite facial features, don't load up on the bright or overly dramatic shadows as they can over-power your face. If you have fair skin, don't shy away from wearing bold colors, just wear them in smaller doses, like as a liner or in the outer corner of your eye.
Eye Liner
Eye liner isn't for everyone. And it can be hard to find one that stays in place! If you have oily lids or teary eyes, choose eye liners that are smudge-proof and waterproof. They even make some in 12 hour formulas, much like long-wear lipstick. If you're using eye liner to bring out your natural eye color, here's some colors to try:
Bronze-y gold for blue eyes, plum purples for green eyes and deeper purples for brown eyes.
Mascara
Mascara comes in all colors and formulas these days. If you have thin eyelashes, look for a thickening or volumizing mascara. If you have shorter lashes, look for a mascara that will lengthen. If your lashes just need some omphh! go with a volumizing mascara. Your mascara shouldn't flake when you comb it out with an eyelash comb or throughout the course of the day, it shouldn't clump when you apply it and it shouldn't run.
Blush
Your blush should compliment your natural skintone. The point of blush is to make you look naturally flushed. Stay away from really bright blush, unless you have darker skin. If you have oily skin, I suggest using a cream blush or a cheek stain, as those tend to have more staying power with that skin type than powder blush.
Lips
Depending on your preferences, you can go with a lip stick or a lip gloss or nothing at all. I prefer lip gloss myself. I look for one that doesn't feel sticky when I apply it, is moisturizing and doesn't fade fast. In a lipstick, I look for pretty much the same things. There are also lip stains that do exactly what it sounds like they do: stain your lips and the color will last all day.
As with most things, I've discovered that finding the colors that work for me is just a matter of trial and error, so I'm constantly trying new things!
So go be adventurous!
