Mackenzie Wagoner - How to Wear Makeup: 75 Tips + Tutorials

A mystery-inducing smudge of smoky eyeliner, an instant-upgrade bolt of crimson lipstick, a cheekbone-sharpening dash of contour powder, a complexion-warming wash of BB creamthe transformative power of makeup has been known to sway mood, seemingly alter bone structure, and make even the most sleep-starved person look well rested.

Makeups limitless variety of shades, depths, applications, and finishes means that even a single tube of lipstick can be worn in any number of personal permutations. How to Wear Makeup is an introduction to exploring the products you already love in new ways and to adding a few future classics to your regimen. In these pagesdivided among common colors, exotic executions, and bespoke suggestionsyoull find 75 ways to apply makeup and care for your skin masterfully.

Consider this an invitation to reconsider the contents of your makeup bag and to dip into some more adventurous shades.

Complexion perfecting creams and liquids have the power to take you from natural to supernatural. Knowing how to navigate BB creams, foundations, and beyond is a lifelong skill, because good skin never goes out of style.

Whether youre looking for a sheer wash of color or a full complexion overhaul, theres a base for every skin need.

TINTED MOISTURIZER

This straightforward mix of sheer color and moisturizer supplies subtle coverage and hydration to your face. Best for those searching for a discreet pick-me-up for their complexions.

BB CREAM

The BB in BB cream stands for beauty balm, which marries the benefits of targeted skincare (think: hydration, SPF, and anti-aging properties) with a sheer wash of color. Best for those who want to tint with a focus on prevention and maintenance.

CC CREAM

The CC in CC cream stands for color correcting, making this product group adept at combating redness or sallowness with, most often, light-diffusing particles and a skin-tone-warming tint. Best for those with uneven complexions looking to conceal existing issues.

FOUNDATION

The most opaque of bases, foundation provides a uniform color to your complexion. Available in sheer, medium, and full-coverage formulas, its best for those looking to significantly improve their complexions in a pinch, or for anchoring more dramatic makeup looks.

A good trick for finding the right shade of base makeup (foundation, tinted moisturizer, etc.) is to match it to the skin tone on your neck. You can also use the back of your hand if youre consistent about wearing sunscreen on your face and are fairer-skinned there than the rest of your body. Leave the product on for a few minutes to see how it adjusts as it is absorbed into your skin. Note that your shades will likely change seasonally with your sun exposure.

Using your hands or a large foundation brush, apply a small amount of product to the center of your forehead, cheeks, and chin. Brush the product down to your chin, up to your hairline, and out toward your ears, creating the thinnest layer of coverage at the edges of the face for a seamless transition to your actual skin. If you need more coverage, add slowly. Remember that its easier to build up coverage than it is to tone it down.

TIP To blend further, buff over product gently with a kabuki brush or makeup sponge, working in small circles.

TIP For concentrated coverage under eyes or on blemishes, pat additional product onto problem areas with your fingers.

Color-correcting makeup camouflages dark circles, sallow complexions, and redness when applied beneath your base or concealer. And theyre surprisingly simple to navigate.

To cover dark circles, redness, and blemishes, concealer can be applied on clean skin or over foundation.

Look straight ahead into the mirror and dab a small amount of product under your eyes, wherever youre dark (this varies from person to person based on the shape of your face and the shape of the space under your eyes). Its better to build up coverage thoughtfully, step back, and add more where you really need it than to put on too much all at once.

TIP Using a thin concealer under your eyes will help avoid getting pigment stuck in fine lines.

Using a small concealer brush or your finger, gently dab and blend the concealer together.

Blend the edges into your natural skin tonebe careful to only lighten the dark areas of your face. Adding concealer any lower than your dark areas will cancel out the dark coverage.

Cover areas of hyperpigmentation, red patches around the nose and chin, and blemishes. Be sure to blend edges away seamlessly. Applying concealer just beneath and above the eyebrows will give the appearance of a subtle facelift.

TIP On the rest of the face, thicker concealers will provide more coverage without the danger of caking up.

Setting, finishing, and translucent powders are fairly interchangeable products that are designed to mattify areas of excessive shine, blur lines and imperfections, and set makeup for longer-lasting looks.

While the product is still closed, turn it over and tap once to release the powder to the surface of the package. Turn the product upright again, and, after opening, swirl a large powder brush to pick up the loose powder.