How do I apply makeup without a) looking like a clown and b) looking like I’m this frumpy mom trying to look young?
I stopped wearing makeup for a long time after I had kids. I literally would only put on mascara now and again, feel like crap, and basically look like it too, UNTIL I decided to start caring and putting minimal effort into me! Over the past year and a half, I got involved in the cosmetics industry, and currently, one of my favorite things to do is help moms get a little bit of their sexy back! I know I have a little more pep in my step when my makeup is on point, and I can actually say I feel pretty!
Tip #1: BB Cream and Bronzer
I love to use BB Cream and a little bronzer for a day-to-day look to make my skin look even and alive! I love golds and slight shimmers to play with the slight tan I may have gotten from chasing my kids at the beach. Pair that with a bit of mascara and a pink gloss. Boom. You’re good to go!
Tip #2: Concealer
You have zero time to get ready but need to look like you were in the bathroom longer than your husband. Concealer! I like to use a concealer that is two shades lighter than my foundation. For darker skin and darker eye areas, in particular, try and match your concealer to your foundation for a more even look. Think of a Ninja Turtle, where their masks cover their eyes is where concealer would go. You can use it to highlight your whole eye area! This is the “I look like I get a good night’s rest” fixer.
Tip #3: Lip Color
You really want to try a bold lip color, but you don’t know if you can pull it off. Here’s a trick. Buy a bold lip color; it’s fall, so this is the perfect time to experiment. Put it on and go shopping a few towns over so not many people know you. I promise you; it will build confidence when you wear that lip color like you own it! It’s usually in our heads with us criticizing ourselves as to why we can’t “pull it off.”
Tip #4: Makeup Bag
Every makeup bag should have a concealer, foundation of sorts, blush, nude lip color, bold lip color, eye shadows (look for palettes that have 5-10 colors that are in the same color family – you can’t go wrong picking one light and one dark to use at one time if the palette has like colors!) and a good mascara!
Tip #5: Brows
Brows shape your face and make your eyes pop instantly. You will want to ask friends for a referral to a good brow lady. Yes, brow lady! We have nail ladies, hairdressers, and brow ladies! Then find a pencil with a thin point to fill in your brows and give them shape!
And when in doubt, THROW OUT the old and start with new! Did you know that industry standards say you should throw out makeup every 3-6 months? Who’s guilty of keeping it longer? ME!
If you are lost and don’t know where to start, ask a friend or make friends with someone in the industry. I learn a lot from YouTube too! Contour anyone? Just kidding, what mom has time for that?
