The Basic: Powder

Hey Guys!
Powder serves two purposes: it's used to set foundation and to control shine.
if you wear foundation and concealer, it's always a good idea to set it with powder.
To set, lightly press the powder onto your face with a powder puff, or lightly dust on  loose powder.

Types of powder:
The type of powder you use depends on the look you want.




Translucent: 
This is a totally colourless powder and the best thing about this is it can be used on all skin tones and all skin types. it is great for setting concealer under your eye or around your nose. it is also good for setting foundation.


Powder foundation
This is a very common type of powder. This offers full-coverage for an even face while keeping shine under control.
When applied with a wet sponge, it can also be used as a sheer foundation. For you ladies with oily skin, make sure you go for an oil free powder.

Pigmented:
This can be used alone for a fresh clean look or to set foundation for extra coverage and a matte finish (make sure the powder is one shade lighter than your foundation or your skin will look darker)

Illuminating:
These powders usually have light-reflecting properties and a slight simmer.It enhances wherever you apply it to, so if you have a flat nose or round cheeks, it can add dimension by swiping the powder down the bridge of your nose and cheekbones.  it can be used over foundation or alone.

LOOSE Vs PRESSED
Loose is sheer while pressed is more opaque. if you're just looking for a oil control powder, loose powder is best for that purpose (just dust on a bit of loose powder with a fluffy brush)
If you need heavier coverage to even out your skin tone, or to make sure your foundation stays on for long, pat on an oil free pressed powder, and that will get the job done.
In my opinion every lady needs both or at least one of either of the two in her collection.

Brand options: MAC, clinique, NARS, Makeup Forever.... etc
Basically any brand that sells make up will carry one or more of these powder types.


I hope this will be somewhat helpful to you ladies.
Any question please leave in the comment below.


                                                    Mjay xxxo!

The Basics: Concealer

General rule for concealing is to choose a concealer one shade lighter than your natural skin colour. if it's too dark or too light, it'll look unnatural and actually highlight the area your trying to conceal.
Here is how to cover up:

Undereye Circles:
First, make sure you're facing a light source. Covering the undereye circle calls for full coverage, so use a cream concealer or even a foundation stick. Apply from the inner corner or the nose to the outer corner of your eye. Then blend, woman, blend!!

Dark Spots and Patches:
Hyperpigmented skin needs even fuller coverage than undereye circles.
Look for a highly pigmented, dense concealer and with a wedge sponge, apply over dark spots then blend into your foundation.

Pimples:
Use your finger tip or a sponge to lightly apply concealer to the pimple. You would want to dab it on, you should start small to conceal the pimple and spread to blend. You can build up as needed and blend as best possible.

Pointers:
If you wear concealer and foundation, try putting on the foundation first. You may find that it adequately covers the areas you were going to conceal. if you still look uneven, then add concealer and set with powder.

                                  Mjay xxxo!

The Basics: Foundation

For anything in life, we need a foundation. When your building a house, foundation is d most important or else every other thing just comes crashing down... and I know what your thinking...(how cheesy and corny) but its the truth.
Make up is all about foundation. It'll throw everything else off if it's wrong, and if its right you can get away with anything.

What do women want in a foundation? Flawless, Natural-looking coverage. So keep reading to get the right foundation for that flawless look.

Oily or acne-prone skin:
Oil control liquid foundation is a must have: it prevents midday greasiness of the face and leaves you with a clean matte finish

Combination Skin:
Finding the perfect foundation for your skin type can be a bit tricky; its all about balancing a liquid foundation which makes your T-zone matte and hydrates other areas of your face ( which i tell you is pretty close to impossible to get)

Hyperpigmented skin or acne scars:
The best foundation for your skin type is a stick or cream foundation. They perfectly hide discolourations, while blending to a natural-looking creamy finish.

Normal Skin:
I believe you can get away with using any foundation of your choice. But a liquid foundation or even a tinted moisturiser will do just fine. A light hand of liquid foundation will give your skin perfect glow or a tinted moisturiser will provide a natural, ultra-light coverage of barely there makeup with just a hint of tint.

Minor Spots:
 A full-coverage liquid foundation or a cream-to-powder foundation is perfect for this. It is slightly less coverage than a stick, but still great for hiding trouble areas.


Testing your foundation:
1. First, pick out three shades; one that looks just about right, a lighter one and a darker one.

2. Swipe each one on your jawline.

3. The shade that disappears or perfectly matches your skin is the one! :)

You should also compare the shade to your neck, to check if it matches.

There are variety of brands that carry most if not all foundation types; but these are just the common few:
MAC, Revlon, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Make up forever, Estee Lauder, Nars, Black up(this brand specialises in makeup for women of colour).... and so many more.

I hope all my rambling has been somewhat helpful to you ladies.
Any question please leave in the comment below.


                                                     Mjay xxxo!