The transformative power of makeup isn’t lost on me, although I often find myself lost when it comes to keeping up with the latest trends, must haves and rules. I can watch Youtube for hours and my smokey eye still looks more crazed than chic. I will probably never be able to learn how to contour like a pro or put false lashes on myself either. Seriously ask my sister about that one-literal tears have been shed each time I have tried.
I quizzed makeup artist Mary Riley (a makeup artist and friend of mine) with over 10 years of experience in the business some of the most pressing questions I had about all things cosmetic. May the eyeliner Gods be ever in your favor!
What are the most common mistakes women make when choosing and applying makeup?
The goal of makeup is to make ourselves look younger and enhance our natural beauty. Looking younger entails covering up dark spots and sun damage that comes with age and we also start to lose color and radiance over time. Enhancing your beauty means to define your features and make them look bigger and/or brighter. Common mistakes I see often are:
* Choosing the wrong foundation for your skin, it should match décolleté, not necessarily your neck. Always blend past the jaw line. Choosing the right finish should be based on skin needs. If you’re naturally oily, go for more of a matte finish. If you’re typically dry, go for more of a radiant/dewy finish. It’s all about balance.
* When lining your eyes you should stay as close to the lash line as possible, if using a pencil to line, go over with a thin soft brush afterwards to smooth and blend into lashes, if necessary set with a same color powder shadow to prevent smudging or transfer.
* Never just line bottom lash line, it will make your eyes look droopy and smaller. If you want to use liner always line the top with a darker shade, as it will open your eyes, and for definition, use one to two shades lighter on the bottom lash line.
* When choosing blush color, always go for the shade that’s the same as your lip color. This will give you a harmonious and completed look.
* Never skip moisturizer and a good eye cream, it will help your foundation and eye makeup blend better and also extend the life of your makeup.
How can we get out of a makeup rut (or is it OK that we stick with a makeup look that works for us year after year)?
The easiest way to get out of a makeup rut is to explore and try new colors. You may be used to applying your eye makeup and lip color the same way and that’s fine, just switch up the colors. Or if you’re used to playing up the eyes and nude lips, switch it up, try a bold lip color and keep the eyes simple with a soft wash of color and mascara, no liner.
I highly recommend going through your makeup drawer and pulling out all the products you’ve bought in the past and replacing it with the products you have in your makeup bag, challenge yourself to using the untouched items that’s collecting dust in your drawer for a week. You’d be surprised how many people around you start to notice the change.
As a makeup artist, what are the must-have products in your bag?
As a makeup artist that specializes in event makeup and caters to women of all colors and ages, I choose my products based on versatility, longevity, and how well it looks for camera. My favorites include:
* Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth and Blur Primer
* FAME Cosmetics HD Foundation
* Inglot Gel eyeliner in Black and brown
* Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray
* Bobbi Brown Pale Pink Blush
* Neutrogena Hydrating Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes
OK, now for the average woman who is in a hurry, but wants to feel good about herself: what should SHE have in her makeup bag?
I am very practical with my own personal makeup routine. As a mother to two little kids I have a limited amount of time to do my own makeup and I’m pretty sure a lot of your readers can relate. Here are a few items that are great for women who are just beginners in the makeup world and/or always on the go. Try:
* NARS Dolce Vita Lip crayon: great everyday color and plays as a lip liner and lipstick in one
* Christian Dior eyebrow pencil
* Laura Mercier Caviar stick in Cocoa: use it as an eyeliner in and out of the waterline and creamy enough to use as a shadow all over lid where it stays on all day
* MAC Blushbaby: a great blush color that’s versatile to use as a contour, crease shade for eyes, or cheek color. Whether you’re doing a bold lip or nude tone. It goes great with everything
* YSL Touche’ Eclat highlighter Pens
* Almay one coat get up and grow mascara: makes my lashes look amazing and the brush is perfect. Also, the formula helps your lashes grow!
Are high-end products really better than drugstore products?
There are so many ways to answer this question but if I had to give a one-word answer it would be: SOMETIMES.
There are items you would be glad you splurged on:
* Skincare
* Foundation
* Primer
* Setting powder
* Bronzer
*Eye shadow palettes
Higher end products have better ingredients with less fillers, which is a must when it comes to your base. They often offer richer color pay-off and creamier powder formulas due to their advanced formula combinations, great when it comes to blending seamlessly into skin
Items that are great bought at Drug Stores:
*Mascara- shelf life is only 6 months, so no need to splurge on this one
*Lipsticks, lip-gloss, lip liner- you can play with color and not feel guilty if you didn’t like it
*Creamy retractable eyeliner
*Blush- can go both ways
Can you recommend a few organic/sustainable makeup lines or products?
* Benecos- super affordable, cruelty free, biodegradable. Their BB Cream is amazing!
* Alima Pure- offers a full line. Nano, gluten, and cruelty free. Works well with all skin types, even the most sensitive to rosacea
* Physicians Formula- uses natural ingredients such as shea butter, sunflower seed oil, jojoba and avocado oils. Can find at most drug stores
How often and with what products should we be cleaning our brushes?
Cleaning your brushes is very important. Not only does it help your products go on smoothly and evenly. It will prevent breakouts and keeps skin healthier.
Spot clean every 3 days using Cinema Secrets brush cleaner (can only order online but it is the best brush cleaner you will ever use) and deep clean every 10 days using Dawn dish soap or shampoo, reshape and leave it over the sink to air dry overnight. Doing this will help extend the life of your brushes
Tell us a little bit more about you
I’ve been doing makeup for over 10 years and started out working in cosmetic retail which makes me very familiar with beauty products and trends. I started out working for MAC Cosmetics where I developed my artistry skills. After that I branched out and worked for multiple companies such as Bobbi Brown, NARS, Laura Mercier, and Smashbox and developed strong product knowledge.
After two kids, I’m a stay at home mom and work for myself as a freelance makeup artist and owner of FAME Cosmetics. I specialize in bridal, special occasion, and lifestyle makeup. I also offer personal and/or group lessons.
You can follow Mary on Instagram here
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