Applying Blush and Mascara

Blush comes in cream, gel, stick, or liquid formulas (in which case it should be applied before face powder), as well as powder formula. Here, I'm going to assume you're using powder blush. A good-sized blush brush - not the dinky plastic one that comes with many powder blushes - is essential for creating a natural-looking result. Run the brush gently over the blush powder, then hold the brush at the apple of your cheek. Using small strokes, softly sweep the brush up the cheekbone, toward the hairline. For an especially realistic look, sweep a bit of blush across the top of the forehead, the chin, and the bridge of your nose.

Where does a natural blush come from? Blood vessels, which lie directly under the skin. When we're aroused, embarrassed, excited, or active, these blood vessels enlarge, allowing a greater amount of blood to flow to the skin. The result of this is visible as flushed cheeks.

Applying Mascara

Mascara is often applied after eye shadow, but it can be applied before in fact, I like to apply mascara before shadow simply because I always spatter mascara everywhere which can ruin a painted eye. Whichever you choose, if you curl lashes, it should be done before applying mascara. After you curl your lashes, you can make lashes look lusher, and help mascara to adhere better, if you lightly dust lashes with a bit of face powder. Next, close one eye and paint the upper side of the upper lashes. Then, open the eye and apply mascara to the inner side of the upper lashes. Yes, I know this sounds weird, but trust me­applying mascara to both sides of your upper lashes gives you an amazingly luxurious look.

Lower lashes are strictly optional. I know makeup artists that won't do them, saying it gives the eye a droopy, overly made-up look. Mascara is also especially prone to smudging when applied on the lower lashes. That said, if you like wearing mascara on your lower lashes, hold the wand vertically and apply a light coat to lashes. let all lashes dry for a minute or two, and then comb through them with a lash comb to unclump them and create a more realistic-looking finish. Clean up any errant bits of mascara with a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of foundation, makeup remover, or moisturizer.

Don't set stuck in a rut. Every once in a while, experiment with your look by trying a new makeup product or playing with new ways to apply old favorites.