Highlighting and Contouring : Tutorial, Product Info, and What Works

Ok, several people have asked me how I do my makeup. I've had requests to do a video tutorial, but didn't get the chance to do that yet. I'm working on it!

I had a long discussion with someone a few days ago about highlighting, contouring, and the best foundation types and colors for skin. That can get tricky! First I'll show you a a quick picture tutorial with directions on a quick full makeup look. We will go with a natural look today. Below that I'll touch on brands, types, and colors of foundations.

Highlighting and Contouring are similar for every face shape. Check out the chart below to see what I'm talking about, then we will get into my routine. Keep in mind everyone has a different routine or different way of putting on their makeup. Each person is different and you need to do what suits you best! This is the way I do mine. There is no right or wrong way to do this...unless you are using some crazy un-matching foundation, blush, bronzer etc.

Here is a numbered picture guide of what I did. Check below for the how to directions. This is for a simple natural look.

 

1) Start with your base foundation. Prep your skin and apply concealer where needed. I used my NYC skin matching foundation that I picked up in my mini super cheap makeup haul! 2) You can apply your foundation in 3 ways. With a brush, sponge, or your fingers. Keep in mind if you do use your fingers make sure they are clean. Your skin absorbs oils left on your fingers and can further clog pores! I use a brush to apply and then smooth the edges at my neckline with a sponge. 3) This is the smoothing part. 4) There are several ways to highlight, but I am using a slightly lighter foundation. This is NYC smooth skin foundation in Ivory. This is another one of the products I grabbed on that makeup haul! 5) Put your highlighter on the areas shown. It looks like I put on a ton, but I really didn't! Then you are going to blend it in. 6) Next I put on a bronzer. I use a fan type brush for this, but couldn't find it today. You are going to use this to contour. 7) Check the picture and the chart above to see contour areas. 8) Next grab your blush. I used Avon's Smooth minerals in "blushed rose". 9) If you smile when you apply your blush you will see where to apply it. Blush goes on the round cheek area, bronzer goes below in the "hollow" area to contour. 10) If you put on a little too much blush or bronzer it can easily be toned down with translucent powder. 11) For my shadow I used the Neutral tones pallet from Avon. 12) I swept a light color all over the lid.13)  I took a dark brown and swept it across the upper lid and crease. 14) Then I took the darkest brown and put it in the crease area then came down to the outer edge of my eye. 15) Next grab your liner. I used Glimmersticks in black today. 16) Since this was a neutral look I stayed close to the lash line and made a thin line. 17) Mascara time. I used Maybellines Falsies today in brown/black. 18) Do a thin coat on top and bottom lashes. 19) Fill in your brows. You can use a powder base (even eyeshadow) or a pencil. If you use a pencil be careful because you don't want that "drawn on" harsh look. 20) Gently fill in brows. I used Glimmersticks brow liner in Blonde. 21) It will look something like this. Make sure you blend your shadows so you don't have harsh lines. 22) Grab your powder. You can use loose powder or a pressed powder. Don't over do it! Just lightly dust it on to set the look. 23) Time for the lips. I used Dollhouse pink. I dabbed it on my lips because I didn't want a lot of color, just a hint for this look. 24) That's it. The finished look.

Now, let's talk about brands, types, and colors!

Brands :

 To be honest I have tried everything from expensive designer brands to cheaper drugstore brands. The brand isn't the issue it's how well it works! Don't focus on the name focus on the results!

Types:

 

 

Foundation's have come such a long way over the years! There are so many different types and each type has several choices from there. Here is a brief list of foundation types and what they do!

Foundation 411 by flairbybrandi featuring mac cosmetics
 

1) Cream to Powder : These come in compact style cases. They start as a creamy foundation and turn to powder on the skin. These are said to minimize oil and to last through the day. This is an easy option for those who don't like to deal with a lot of fuss with their foundation.

2) Liquid Foundation : There are so many varieties of liquid foundation. This one is the most common. It applies smoothly and you are able to put more where it is needed. There is waterproof, smudgeproof, long lasting, oil free, skin matching, etc. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts stay away from the waterproof and lean towards and oil free.

3) Powders : These are great for setting foundation and eliminating shine. Be careful as to how much you put on, because you don't want to clog pores or look like you have on a mask. If you can see it, then it's too much!

4) Mineral Foundation : These is a more natural approach to foundation. Some mineral powder can actually be good for your skin, while other's only claim to be. Mineral foundation should lightly lay on the skin. If you put on too much, or there are other additives in the product it will also look "cakey" like regular powder.

5) Whipped and Mousse Foundations: These are great because they go on smooth. They are great for aging and dry skin because they go on thin. Make sure not to over apply!

6) Concealer : This stuff can work miracles! It can hide dark circles, blemishes, and imperfections in skin. Even with concealer you want to watch your application. Putting too much will again cause "caking".

7) Tinted Moisturizer : This option is great for women who need a hint of color, but don't like the feeling of thick makeup. This is a minimal coverage option that evens skin tone and moisturizes at the same time.

Colors/Shades:

 (Image c/o Avon)

 Finding the right shade is tricky. I explained in a post a few day's ago on how to correctly pick your shade and test samples. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out here! If you follow those guidelines and test on your cheek where I showed you will be able to find your shade. Another option that I am a huge fan of is mixing colors to create your perfect shade. I have done this several times to get as close to my natural skin tone as possible! Try it!

I hope some of these tips helped you guys out! Thanks for reading check back soon for my latest posts!

Xoxo,

Brandi  

L.A. Colors Lipgloss/Lipstick Duo Review and Swatch

This is my third review from my mini super cheap beauty haul! I got this great duo for $1.00! This is a lipgloss and lipstick duo from L.A. Colors in Sensual #824. It is a vibrant pink lipstick with a pink sparkle gloss. The gloss almost looks really glitter based in the tube, but comes out a great shimmer color.

I really loved the shade of pink lipstick. It is super vibrant, but can easily be toned down. It's all in the application! The gloss is great too. Both of these can be worn alone or together to create totally different looks. The packaging is great and really convenient. There is no need to carry a separate lipstick and gloss, this is both in one! These duo's come in several different shades and even a neutral/clear. This was totally worth the $1.00 I spent. I love finding products I love that are this inexpensive! You can't beat that!

Xoxo,

Brandi

 

 

Smokey eye with a pop of color : Tutorial and Review on Wet N Wild Pallet

I haven't done a fun shadow look in a long time, so I thought I would try one out with the Wet N Wild "Blue Had Me at Hello" Pallet. These was one of those super cheap finds that I wanted to try out! These pallets are under $6.00.

The Look : Glam Rock- Blue, Teal, Black

Here's a quick photo guide with the directions below. Don't forget to check out my review!

 

 

1-2) I started with a primer. This is from Mary Kay. You can even use a dab of foundation to prime your lids. This helps hold the shadow on.

3-4) Dust the lightest color over lids.

5-6) Take the royal blue shade in picture 6 and pat on lid.

7-8) Take the similar shade of blue in picture 7 and sweep over upper lid and crease area.

9-10) Take the teal shade in picture 9 and do inner corner of upper lid and blend towards outer edges.

11-12) Take the sparkle black in picture 11 and put in crease and outer corner of eye.

13-14) Take light teal shade in picture 13 and blend darker shadows on upper lid and brow bone area. You are also going to take the lightest color and highlight under the brow bone continuing to blend.

15) Take the darker shadow and brush under lashes. Take the teal and line the inner corner of the eye.

16) Using black liner line the upper lid and smudge.

17) Line your waterline. This is the inner part of your bottom lashes.

18) Top off with mascara and you're done!

 

Review :

I was actually impressed with this Wet N Wild pallet! The pigment in the shadow was great. These were very bold colors that went on very easily. These shadows are easy to wear and last throughout the day. Definitely worth the five or six dollars I spent! There are a couple other 8 pan pallets as pictured above, so there is a shade family perfect for everyone.

 

Xoxo,

Brandi

 

 

 

NYC Skin Matching Foundation Review and Swatch

This is the second review from my mini super cheap beauty haul that I posted about a couple days ago. I picked this foundation up at Walmart for around $3. It is compared to several of the higher end skin blending technology foundations, so I thought I would give it a try.

I have light skin somewhere between an ivory and light beige. Ivory shades are usually way too white and make me look pasty. That's not a good thing. I bought the NYC Matching Foundation in "687 Light to Medium".

*Important Tip* When matching your foundation to your skin do not I repeat DO NOT match it to the skin on your forearm or any other part of your body except your face! The best place to test foundation is on the side of your cheek. If you are testing several foundations put them in lines across the side of your cheek one above the other closest to the jawline not the blush area. This will show you which resembles you natural skin tone best and you will be able to pick the best shade! Check out the diagram below to see!

Foundation testing placement by flairbybrandi featuring dolce gabbana

Now, back to my review of NYC's Skin Matching Foundation! I did do a "no-no" on the swatch because I showed the swatch on my arm rather than my cheek. The reason for this is because I wanted to show the consistency of the foundation. I will do a before and after makeup look with this product soon!

 

 

Review:

NYC Skin Matching Foundation works great. It is not heavy feeling or oily and gives just enough coverage. I purchased "687 Light to Medium" shade and it blended very nicely. It didn't leave any harsh lines and matched my skin very well. It was definitely worth the $3.00! I was happy with the results!

Xoxo,

Brandi

L.A. Colors Loose Shimmer Shadow Review

I told you about my mini super cheap beauty haul yesterday, but if you didn't get a chance to read it you can check it out here! I also mentioned I was going to review the products I purchased on this haul! Today I am giving you the heads up on L.A. colors Loose Shimmer Shadows. I purchased Snow White and Black Pearl for $1.00 each.  Here are a few pictures, color swatches, and my thoughts on the product!

 

Review : Here I showed the two color swatches. They both have quite a bit of shimmer. The white is great for a highlighter. The black is also good for a smokey eye. I like the shadows, but I don't recommend using the brushes they came with. While the packaging was cute and well packaged, the usefulness of the brush is not so great. It would be fine for a quick sweep of the lid, but not if you intend on holding any color on your lid! You need a better brush to do the trick. I will be sure to do a makeup look soon using these shadows and using better brushes so you can get the full effect. The swatches were done using only the brush that came in the shadow bottle. Overall this was an ok product and worth the $1.00 I spent on each.

Xoxo,

Brandi