There are some who wouldn’t be caught dead in public without make up and then there are some who refuse to wear make up at all and prefer the natural look.

Some people have told me they like to let their skin breathe. Well don’t worry about it! There’s plenty of skin on your body, let the rest of it do the breathing! Your skin is fed from the inside and won’t suffer so long as you make sure you cleanse at the end of the day.

But you can actually create a natural look using make up. That way you can have that clean fresh appearance while being able to disguise those flaws that you (and probably only you!) dislike.

So let’s have a basic lesson on how to apply make up to create a fresh natural look.

Natural make up techniques

We’ll look at base (foundation), concealer, powder and blush this time and in part 2 go on to how to apply make up for the eyes and mouth.

In the case of applying make up the term "less is more" definitely applies! If your going to enjoy a big night out on the town that’s different - use your bright eye shadow, lippie and glittery mascara. You can put on a bit more foundation too, to create a flawless palate on which to "paint" your masterpiece!

But during the day whether you’re at work, at home or hitting the shops you don’t want to look like Coco the clown! Too much makeup can actually appear very ageing.

So let’s start with a really clean face. For daytime use a moisturizing sunscreen or sun block. If your skin is oily use a non oily one, if it’s very dry use both moisturizer and sun block.

Make up base (or foundation) comes in many types, liquid, stick, cream etc. Mostly this is a matter of preference although the stick or "solid" base usually has a better coverage and will hide things like broken veins almost completely. The liquid bases have a lighter coverage and will give a more natural look.

If your skin is oily, the dry compact bases work well, or opt for an oil free liquid one. Dry skins like the cream bases which give a moist ‘dewy’ appearance.

Make sure the base you choose matches the colour of your skin as closely as possible. Don’t try and create a darker sun tanned look with your base, there are bronzing powders specially created for this. Go outside the store when selecting different colours and make sure they look ok in natural light. It’s best to test on your jaw line rather your wrist.

Don’t buy pre-packaged make-up bases from the supermarket, you’ll not be able to try them on!

Concealers are great for that natural look, you can cover blemishes and broken veins with a concealer without having to use a heavy base all over your face.

Concealers also come in different forms but they all do the same job. You can buy them with built in sunscreen and also with anti bacterial additives if you like. Try to find one just slightly lighter than your skin tone. Pat the concealer onto the area you wish to cover. Don’t rub hard or it will disappear into your pores. Make sure it is blended well and has no "tide marks".

Now dot the base onto your face. Use the sheerest one you can. Don’t use too much at first, you can always add more.

Blend really well. Some make up artists recommend a damp sponge, but fingers work just as well. Make sure you blend into the hairline, sides of face, around the nose and particularly the jaw line. Don’t just stop at the jaw, your face will look like a mask. Just blend away to nothing before your throat, that way you won’t get make-up stains on your collar.

Powder is optional but I like to use it as it "sets" your make-up and absorbs excess oil. Press the powder onto your face with a puff or you may prefer to use a powder brush. After a couple of minutes brush the powder off using light downward strokes.

Next apply blusher. Brush this lightly on the apple of your cheeks and up towards the temples. Don’t put too much on your brush, you can always go over it again. If you are using a cream blusher, apply this before powder. Dot onto the apple of your cheeks and blend in up to the temples. Blend really well!

Now for my special tip. Place a cool damp (not wet) face washer over your face and press very gently. this will give the whole face a fresh look - Gorgeous!

Copyright 2005 Wendy Owen

Like to have better looking skin? http://www.holistic-facial-skin-care.com will give you detailed information on natural skin care. The author, Wendy Owen has had a lifetime interest in general and alternative health and beauty. Sign up for a free book "75 Beauty Tips" and other gifts!

Mineral Makeup is made from pure minerals from the earth. Unlike regular liquid foundations, mineral foundations have a powder consistency but are much different than your usual pressed powder. Mineral makeup foundations have the same coverage as liquid, without the oily mess you may be used to. Mineral makeup is all natural and is made up of crushed minerals and inorganic pigments found in nature. They contain no oils, and are light on your skin. This is perfect if you have sensitive skin.

Not only does mineral makeup give great coverage, but it has also been found to be good for your skin. Since Mineral makeup contains no oils it is less likely to clog your pores and cause breakouts. There is also a natural SPF found in most mineral makeup that will help prevent sun damage on your skin.

Another one of the great benefits of mineral makeup is that it won’t run off your face in the heat like most liquid foundations. Mineral makeup is great in humid weather, so even if you sweat, your makeup will stay in place.

Most major cosmetic companies are starting their own lines of mineral makeup. Most lines include foundations, concealers, blush, eye shadows, and even eyeliners in the most popular shades for the season.

Once you try mineral makeup you will not want to go back to regular foundations and concealers. The benefits of mineral makeup far outweigh what traditional makeup has to offer.

Kat White is the resident Bare Minerals fan at Bare Mineral Reviews

For more great reviews on your favorite mineral makeup visit http://www.baremineralreviews.com

It seems that for every type of mineral makeup there is also a different technique to apply it. Now, each company may have slight differences in their makeup that when it is applied a certain way will make it look or adhere better. However, there are some very basic guidelines to applying mineral makeup that will work with almost any brand you buy. Of course, it’s always preferable that you develop your own personal style- your own touch. You know how you like your makeup to look, so practice, practice, practice until you get your application method how you like it. After all, it is your face.

Applying Foundation/ Finishing Powder

Foundation is admittedly the hardest to apply. You see some brands that say “swirl, tap, buff” and other brands that say “don’t!” What are you supposed to do?

The general rule of thumb is that if a mineral makeup contains bismuth oxychloride, you’ll likely have to buff it in, and buff it in well, for the makeup to look its best. Generally a kabuki brush is used with this technique.

What’s A Kabuki?

Good question! It’s a very densely packed brush. It gives very heavy coverage because so much more makeup is left on the bristles after you tap. It’s a good option for people who want a more opaque look or need heavier coverage. Usually with a kabuki you must buff the minerals into your skin, or else you’ll look streaky, emphasize your pores, etc.

Buffing techniques, usually with a kabuki, are known to irritate sensitive skin. Even women without sensitive skin have problems with irritation. Remember, it’s “swirl, tap, buff.”

Fluffy Brushes

Using a fluffy face brush is the other popular way to apply mineral makeup. Better quality makeup is more pigmented, so using a kabuki is out of the question for most women. But a nice fluffy brush is just the ticket since a little makeup goes a long way. Whether you choose synthetic or animal hair brushes is up to you. Both can be equally good, depending on the quality. The same basic rules apply as with the kabuki- swirl your brush in the makeup, tap off the excess and the brush in a downward motion over your face. No need to buff. If you’d like more coverage, just repeat the steps again.

“Swirl, tap, brush.” Almost the same words, but incredibly different effects.

Applying Foundation Wet

Wet? Yup. There are some gals who prefer the finish when mineral makeup is applied wet. There are a couple of ways to do it.

With A Brush- Mix your foundation and some water/moisturizer/lotion, etc. until a creamy consistency. Then dip your brush in it and apply in a downward motion. It will dry to a soft powder.

With A Puff/Sponge- You can either dampen your puff or sponge and dip it into your foundation and apply in a downward motion or mix the foundation with water/moisturizer/lotion and apply with a sponge. It will dry to a soft powder.

Finally, you can apply your foundation dry, then mist with a hydrosol or something similar and either use a brush or a sponge to smooth the moisture into the powder. Be sure to use a downward motion. Some gals even like to layer their makeup this way. Powder, mist, smooth. Powder, mist, smooth.

Why The Downward Motion?

Good question. Your pores and facial fuzz lay that way naturally. When you smooth your makeup that direction it makes a more “natural” look.

Other Facial Applications

For your other color cosmetics applied to face, here are the general outlines.

Concealor- Using a taklon concealor brush or an all-over eyeshadow brush, dip it into the concealor or foundation you’re using, tap off most of the excess and apply directly to the area you want to conceal. Blend very, very well. If you’re using an all over concealor, complexion enhancer, finishing powder, etc. use a fluffy face brush and swirl, tap and brush lightly in a downward motion.

Blush- Swirl, tap, brush in a slight curve from the apple of your cheek to your hairline. A nice fluffy blush brush works best.

Eyeshadow/ Eyeliner Application

This is the really fun stuff. You can apply mineral makeup wet or dry. Applying it wet is called “foiling” and makes the colors more bold and can even change them slightly in some cases.

For regular application, simply dip your brush into the color, tap off the excess and apply like you normally would.

For foiling, mix some minerals with water, hydrosol, eye primer, etc. until a creamy consistency. Then apply as you normally would. When dry you can buff with a dry brush to blend (but this may cause some of the mica to come away).

The foiling method works very well for eye lining. Colors that might be too bold to wear on your eye make great liner colors. Foiling them will help them last longer and show up better.

And that’s it! These basic tips should help you apply mineral make up like a pro. Play around with it, develop your own style and technique, and most of all…Have Fun!

Lynn Starner is the proprietor of Beauty Bliss Mineral Cosmetics at http://www.beautyblisscosmetics.com as well as http://www.ultimate-skin-care-tips.com

Although concealer is one of those “optional” products, I personally would never leave the house unless well concealed. (Shades will work if you’re in a pinch, but on a cloudy day, it’s a dead giveaway.)

Foundation, what is the purpose of foundation? Simple, the purpose of foundation is to even out your skin tone (not to make it darker, we have bronzing products for that). There are oh, so many types to choose from out there. The sheerest of all looks would be a loose powder. However, you have many more options and today’s formulas are mostly all non-comedogenic (will not clog pores) and safe for sensitive skin. Some even have SPF built right in for extra added protection. Whether you choose cream, liquid, oil-free, powder or cream-to-powder foundation, always choose a color that completely disappears or is a very close match to your natural skin tone. Most cosmetic companies have formulas in a wide range of shades for a perfect match. (You can always look for a 100% satisfaction guarantee to ensure you don’t accumulate several mismatched and unusable foundation products. Mary Kay offers such a guarantee.)

Concealer and foundation lay the groundwork for a well made face. Hide those dark circles that make you look tired, stressed and drawn out. Even out your skin tone for a polished, put together look and a radiant glow. Take pride in your appearance and those around you will begin to take notice. Because, when you know you look fabulous, you feel great about yourself.

Have a great day!

Dawn Hull Professional Skin Care Consultant http://www.MaryKay.com/ShopOnline

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I continually remind my clients of the importance of applying makeup to a clean, fresh face. Cleansing twice a day with a gentle, non-drying cleanser is best. Avoid using soap on your face. Soap has a tendency to strip the skin of its natural oils and leave the skin much too dry. Over drying the skin can lead to many undesirable consequences, like flaking skin, a burning sensation, pre-mature fine lines and wrinkles and even acne in some cases.

The next step is moisturization. However, many women, especially those with oily skin, have a tendency to skip the moisture step. Oil and moisture (hydration) are not the same. Moisture seals the skin and protects it from the environment. It keeps the skin from flaking and chaffing as well as giving the skin a smooth appearance and soft texture necessary for laying your makeup well. It is also a good idea to use a product with an SPF of at least 15 every day of the year.

The next step is eye cream. Although this step is optional, I highly recommend it. The skin around the eyes is delicate. There are very few oil glands there which increases dryness, leaving your concealer or foundation cake-like and crackling. Eye cream deposits moisture to this otherwise barren area, helping to reduce the signs of aging as well as provide a smooth canvas for your makeup.

Occasionally, throughout the year, we may find that our skin needs extra hydration. It is perfectly okay and highly recommended to supplement your every day moisturizer with an extra hydrating cream or lotion. Keeping your skin properly hydrated year round will help you look and feel healthy, radiant and just plain gorgeous.

Have a great day!

Dawn Hull Professional Skin Care Consultant http://www.MaryKay.com/ShopOnline

Sign up to receive a FREE monthly beauty newsletter: Beaut-e-News - Discover what’s new, what’s now — what’s changing the face of makeup and skin care! You’ll find beauty secrets revealed and tips and techniques that will help you look your beautiful best. Click here to register: http://www.marykay.com/PWS/MyMK/Login.aspx?Moniker=SHOPONLINE

Your best and least expensive tools are your very own fingers. How do you use them appropriately and effectively for a natural looking makeup application? First and foremost, wash your hands! You can easily transfer bacteria onto your face causing breakouts or worse, you might transfer bacteria directly into the makeup causing it to grow and multiply. Yuck. Use a delicate, gentle touch, especially around your eyes and avoid tugging or pulling your skin.

Brushes are the second best tools to complete your makeup tool-kit. Invest in a good set of various brushes for cheeks, eyes, brows and lips. Look for brushes that are soft to ensure a gentle application. Brushes provide the least harmful way to transfer makeup to the face.

Brush Types: Powder Brush-The largest brush in the set. It is used to blend or to apply loose powder and cheek color. It can also be used to soften the foundation coverage.

Cheek Color Brush-Also a large fluffy brush. If possible, try to avoid using the brush that comes with the compact. Typically those brushes are too small and hard, leaving streaks of color on the face. Using a larger brush will help you blend for a more natural look.

Eye Shadow Brushes-There are several types of eye color brushes. However, two simple brushes are probably all you will need. One that is slightly slanted for application in the crease and another for applying color to the entire lid.

Lip Brush-A brush is a great way to use up the last bit of your favorite lipstick. You can also precisely cover your lips without disturbing the lip liner. A small retractable lip brush can be very handy to keep in your purse. Many brands of lip balm come in small jars or tins, requiring you to use your fingers for application. However, if your hands not particularly clean, you run the risk of contaminating the product and transferring bacteria to your lips.

Eyebrow Brush-Used to keep your eyebrows under control. Try applying a little clear mascara to keep your eyebrows in place. A fuller brow is “in” now, but we don’t want you looking like a mad scientist. Just follow the arch that nature has already provided you. Clean up the stray hairs under you brow and above the bridge of your nose.

Caring for your brushes:

You probably know what I am going to tell you by now. You must wash your brushes regularly. Gently and carefully wash with warm water and mild dish soap or baby shampoo. Wash the bristles only. Never soak the brushes as that might loosen the glue that holds them together. Rinse until the water runs clean. Let the brushes air dry standing up in a cup. (Laying them down on a tissue will leave dampness on the area facing down and may pick up tissue particles.)

Have a great day!

Dawn Hull Professional Skin Care Consultant http://www.MaryKay.com/ShopOnline

Sign up to receive a FREE monthly beauty newsletter: Beaut-e-News - Discover what’s new, what’s now — what’s changing the face of makeup and skin care! You’ll find beauty secrets revealed and tips and techniques that will help you look your beautiful best. Click here to register: http://www.marykay.com/PWS/MyMK/Login.aspx?Moniker=SHOPONLINE

Do you need a make-up makeover? You can easily spruce up your look by adding a few key seasonal products to your make-up bag. The goal is to have fun and find products that create a look that makes you look and feel great. Many Professional Beauty Consultants will let you try-before-you-buy and will assist you in making smart color choices. Still feeling a little intimidated? Here are some steps you can take to prepare for your first color consultation:

1.Take an inventory of your current makeup bag. Keep in mind that cream and liquid based makeup like foundations and concealors have a shelf life. If your makeup begins to separate, in the bottle or cake and break…get rid of it. Mascara should only be used for one season. Bacteria could develop on the brush. Your products should be fresh and bacteria free, after all, you are putting them on your face! Taking an inventory will also help you determine what you need and what you can live without.

2.Note colors you like and colors you absolutely hate. How many times have you gotten home from the store, so excited about your new lipstick, only to find that you have 3 others in almost the exact shade? Bring your favorite colors with you to avoid duplicating or to match up colors you love that are getting low.

3.Be willing to try. It’s only makeup. The beauty of cosmetics (no pun intended) is that they are temporary. If you don’t like the look, it will wash right off.

4.Have fun. Remember, when you were a little girl playing with your mother’s makeup. You and your best girlfriends crammed in the bathroom, pink, blue and bright purple powder everywhere. Sparkly, glittery pale blue lips with hot pink eye shadow and enough body glitter to light the Lincoln Tunnel. Oh yes…those were the days. Playing with makeup is fun. Sit back and enjoy the ride!

Have a great day!

Dawn Hull
Professional Skin Care Consultant http://www.MaryKay.com/ShopOnline

Sign up to receive a FREE monthly beauty newsletter: Beaut-e-News - Discover what’s new, what’s now — what’s changing the face of makeup and skin care! You’ll find beauty secrets revealed and tips and techniques that will help you look your beautiful best. Click here to register: http://www.marykay.com/PWS/MyMK/Login.aspx?Moniker=SHOPONLINE

When it comes to cheek color, the question I seem to get asked the most is, “Exactly, what color should I be wearing?” That’s simple. Just pinch your cheeks gently, you’ll find that your cheeks will become flushed with a subtle hue. This is your natural blushing color, which you should attempt to match.

Others are not quite sure where to put their cheek color, in round circles on the apples of the cheeks or in a line of color up towards the temples? Once again, let’s revert back to nature to answer this question. Gently and with clean hands, press your fingers against your cheek area and find your cheek bone. Follow with your finger from the apple of your cheek (the puffy part that appears when you smile) and back towards your ear. This is where you will apply your cheek color. Be sure to blend…blend ladies blend! Use a large cheek color brush to avoid strong lines of color. If you do not have a large, fluffy brush, simply use your fingers or even a cotton ball. Just let nature be your guide.

When it comes to lips, try to stay within the same color family as your cheek color, just vary the color intensity for different looks. Don’t be afraid to be a little bold, your lips are the one area on your face where you can afford to play around with color. Intensity is the brightness or dullness of a color. You can lower the intensity by adding a lip gloss, making the color itself seem lighter or darker. Many cosmetics companies have made it easy for you to choose lipstick within a color family by grouping them as reds, pinks, chocolates, neutrals and so on. Generally, the darker your skin tone, the deeper the intensity of color you can wear. Your natural blush color will tell you where to start, you decide the intensity of color based on your comfort zone. It’s as simple as that.

Have a great day!

Dawn Hull
Professional Skin Care Consultant
http://www.MaryKay.com/ShopOnline

Sign up to receive a FREE monthly beauty newsletter: Beaut-e-News - Discover what’s new, what’s now — what’s changing the face of makeup and skin care! You’ll find beauty secrets revealed and tips and techniques that will help you look your beautiful best. Click here to register: http://www.marykay.com/PWS/MyMK/Login.aspx?Moniker=SHOPONLINE

I get many inquiries on the topic of blemish prone skin. So, how do you go about trying to reduce the appearance and occurrence of blemishes? Above all the best solution starts with a proper cleansing routine. There are many over the counter skincare products that can help.

My suggestion to start would be:

Start with a Deep Cleanser formulated for blemish prone skin: Use twice per day-morning and night.

Next try a Blemish Control Toner: Start once per day at night. If your skin is not feeling overly dry, increase to morning and night.

Lastly, you must moisturize!! Try an Oil Control Lotion: Use twice per day-morning and night. This will hydrate your skin, yet help control the production of oil throughout the day.

Keep this simple routine for at least a week before adding in any optional products. An example of an optional product would be an Acne Treatment Gel with benzoyl peroxide, no greater than 5%. More benzoyl peroxide isn’t always better and it could overly dry out the skin. Over drying the skin often triggers more oil production, making the process counter-productive.

If you find that your skin feels tight, you may need to add an Oil Free Hydrating Gel. And lastly, you may find that a product like an Oil Mattifier, helps to control excess oil production.

So, the routine might look like this:

Cleanse (2x per day)
Treat (with toner and/or benzoyle peroxide)
Moisturize (with an oil-free hydrator and/or oil-control lotion)
End with an oil mattifier

Find a line of Blemish Control products that works for you. If you can, try-before-you-buy, or look for a 100% satisfaction guarantee. This way you are only purchasing the products that actually work for your skin. If these over-the-counter remedies do not work or you experience an adverse reaction, consult a dermatologist immediately, who may suggest other treatments.

Above all, DO NOT squeeze your pimples. This can cause bleeding, infection and possibly scarring. Keep your hands off! Touching your pimples, transfers bacteria from your hands to your face. I don’t mean to sound obsessive, but who knows where your hands have been…the grocery cart, counting change, the ATM machine…? Blah!

Once you find what works best for you, you should notice a relief from those pesky pimples and your skin will feel clean, calm and fresh.

Have a great day!

Dawn Hull
Professional Skin Care Consultant
http://www.MaryKay.com/ShopOnline

Sign up to receive a FREE monthly beauty newsletter: Beaut-e-News - Discover what’s new, what’s now — what’s changing the face of makeup and skin care! You’ll find beauty secrets revealed and tips and techniques that will help you look your beautiful best. Click here to register: http://www.marykay.com/PWS/MyMK/Login.aspx?Moniker=SHOPONLINE

A cosmetic case that won‘t zip closed, that basketful of make-up on your bathroom counter, the vanity drawer crammed with products and colors you’re saving just in case. We all have a stockpile of make-up that is either impractical, a little too glitzy or just plain old. You don’t need to stockpile your cosmetics. In fact, you really shouldn’t for a few very good reasons.

WHY?

Your beauty supplies may not be marked with a specified shelf life, but they have one. Write purchase or throw away date on bottom new products with a permanent marker. Old products are not safe, do not wear correctly and subtle changes in color may occur.

Cleansers/Moisturizers - good for six months.

Foundation - six month shelf life if applied with fingertips, one year if applied with a sponge.

Lipstick - one year.

Eye and Lip Pencils - one year.

Powders and stick concealers - one year.

Eye shadow and blush - two years.

Mascara - good for three months

WHEN?

Shop when seasons change - new season, new colors – when products have gotten old, and when things are on sale. Keep an eye on those pharmacy and department store circulars. You can find great deals if you’re a smart shopper.

WHERE?

Local pharmacy/health and beauty chains are convenient and inexpensive. Shop sales, sometimes you can even buy two items for the price of one. Department stores with high end products and trained cosmetologists often have giveaways.

Look for in-store banners. Some product lines will even mail you invitations/reminders for sales. A purchase as small as lipstick may get you a goodie bag full of trial and even full size products. If you shop during bonus events, you’ll get your money’s worth.

Independent Beauty Consultants are in everywhere. There are good products available, but be prepared. These sales people are often friends and it’s hard to say no when a friend must meet a sales quota. If you can stick to buying only what you need, this is a great way to get individualized service in the comfort of your own home.

On-line beauty catalogs may save you a lot of money. But you need to do your research first. Only purchase make-up that you have used in the past. Orange pancake foundation is still orange and thick, even if it was on sale. HOW?

Carefully and with an honest friend at your side. Take someone with you who has your best interests at heart. Trust your friend’s opinions, and don’t get upset if she tells you not to buy that gold shimmer lip gloss.

There are many, many ways to look great and not spend too much… develop your own unique personal style.

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Allison Saunders is a MAC qualified Make-up Artist and the author of an amazing new course, "Hollywood Makeup Secrets" a step-by-step simple video system for maximizing your inner and outer beauty potential. You can learn more about Allison, and subscribe to her free newsletter by visiting:

http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

(c)2005 HollywoodMakeupSecrets.com. All rights reserved. ———————————————————-