MeltProof Makeup, Pt 3

This is the third and final installment of my MeltProof Makeup series! After this, I should hear no more complaints about makeup fading mid-day. ; ) Let's get to it, shall we?

Ok, so once you've got a good base for your makeup, and applied beauty products that have substantial staying power, you've done most of the work. All that's left now is to find a little something to "set" the look, keep it fresh and vivid all day long. This is the job of a good face powder. Loose or pressed, it's your choice-- I have always preferred pressed as it's more compact and easier to tote around, but I think it all comes down to personal preference. Once your makeup has been applied, a dusting of powder will take care of nay leftover shine, and help set your makeup so it won't budge. My current fave is Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Transluscent Oil Control Powder ($10.99 at drugstore.com). Many people also swear by Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil ($19).


While perusing the latest Benefit catalogue I came accross an interesting beauty tool- She Laq ($28), a liquid "sealant" that can be brushed over eyes or lips after makeup aspplication to seal in your makeup and keep it in place. It comes with a nifty brush set so you can easily apply the stuff over your eyeliner, shadow, mascara, or lipcolor. I have not tried this stuff and am not sure what to think of it-- I'd love to hear reviews from any of you who may have tried it.

Well, ladies, that's all I've got. I hope this post series has been helpful to some of you. As always, let me know if you've got extra tips for us! Other than that.... have a safe and happy halloween, everyone. =)

Meltproof Makeup, Pt 2

We've already taken a look at how to prep your skin in order to help your makeup stay put longer. Now let's take a look at the kinds of makeup items themselves that have great staying power.

Eyes

Let's start with the eyes. I find that a cream-to-powder eyeshadow formula tends to have better staying power than regular powder shadows. I don't have particular recommendations for this category, so I invite you to leave yours as comments! I know Revlon also has a line of Colorstay eyeshadows that may be worth a try.

For eyeliners, liquid or gel liners are almost completely budge-proof. I have yet to master the art of liquid liner application, but adore MAC Fluidline ($14.50) and Bobbi Brown Long Wearing Gel Liner ($18). Depending on the kind of brush (and color) you use to apply, you can make the line thick and dramatic, or fine and subtle.

Cheeks

I've heard claims that powder blush stays better than cream, and vice versa, so this is a bit more trial and error (and may have more to do with the texture and oiliness of your skin). But if you really want flushed cheeks that last, your best bet by far is a stain. Benetint($28) by Benefit is amazing. Another good choice that's a bit mor economical is Sonia Kashuk's Lip and Cheek Tint($7.99 at Target stores). Be careful when using either of these, they're called stains for a reason. Also, be sure to start out with just a little bit (a dot or 2 on the apples of the cheeks) and blend quickly. You can always add more color if you want a deeper flush.

Lips

If you want subtle color that lasts, dab a bit of Benetint (or any other stain) onto your lips. This will be more of a rosy look. But if what you crave is true color that stays put all day long, your best bet is a long-wearing lipstick such as Cover Girl Outlast Double LipShine ($8) or American Beauty Super Plus 10-Hour Lipcolor ($16.50, though currently on sale for $13.20). These can be a bit drying on the lips, so keep the accompanying gloss (or your favorite gloss or balm) on hand for touch-ups. It may also help to put on some lip balm about 5-10 minutes before you apply the lip color.

To help your regular lipstick stay on better, find a lipliner that either matches your lipstick or your natural lip color and fill in your lips entirely with it. This will give your lipstick a little something to cling to. Then apply lipstick with a lip brush. Go for thin coatings of lipstick, and more of them, rather than slathering on a thicker coat. I've been impressed by Revlon ColorStay Soft & Smooth Lipcolor (approx $8 or $9 at drugstores) and MAC lipstick($14).

MeltProof Makeup, Pt 1

Discom asked how to keep makeup from fading. In typing an answer, I realized it was going to be a long one, so.... she has inspired what will be a 3-part post on how to keep your makeup from melting by mid-day. Today we will take a look at prepping your face for makeup by using primer and foundation. Part 2 will look into long-wearing makeup products, and finally part 3 will be about powders and other products meant to keep makeup in place once it has been applied.

So, let's get on with it!

First off: Primer. This is a new concept to me, and still seems a relatively new idea in the makeup world (or, well, it was only recently that I started hearing about it). Primers are meant to smooth out your face, filling in any lines and wrinkles, so as to create a smooth working surface for your foundation and other makeup. They help absorb oil, to help keep your skin matte and shine-free (oil is often a culprit in makeup melt-down, as it's harder to make makeup stay on a slippery surface). Many primers also have vitamins in them to help keep your skin healthy and happy. I have already blogged about my experience with Philosophy's The Present clear makeup ($25), but I'm definitely curious about trying other brands as well and seeing how they work. I've heard wonders about Benefit's Dr. Feelgood ($26), and Smashbox's Photo Finish Color Correcting Face Primers ($38) look very intriguing.

Second: Foundation. A good foundation will even out your complexion, hide imperfections, but still keep your skin looking "real." It will also provide a great base for your makeup, to help keep it in place. Put a bit of foundation directly onto your eyelids or lips before applying lipstick or eyeshadow to give them a bit more lasting power. Foundations come in liquid, cream, and powder formulas. It's best to go to Sephora or your favorite department store makeup counter for your foundation-- you need to be able to talk to someone about what kind of formula is best for you, what kind of coverage you want, and, most importantly, be able to test the colors to find the one that best matches your skintone. A popular pick is BareEscentuals bareMinerals Powder Foundation ($25, though I strongly suggest getting the Get Started Kit for $60), and Benefit's Some Kind-A Gorgeous ($26) is supposed to be amazing.

That's what I've got. If any of you have suggestions about certain products or experiences to share, please feel free to leave comments with them! And stay tuned for next week, when I'll be posting parts 2 and 3 of my Meltproof Makeup Series. ; )