"Face" Facts: Makeup Series Part Two : Highlight, Contour, Bronze, and Blush

Today we are going to cover the basics of highlighting, contouring, bronzers and blush. This will explain what each does and the difference it can make in your makeup routine.

 

Highlighting and Contouring

The purpose of highlighting and contouring your face is to create dimension and depth. It can elongate, lengthen, thin, minimize, and accentuate your features depending on how you use it! Each face shape is different so usually you will highlight and contour based on the shape of your face. Here are a few examples :

 

                                                                              

 Round Face and Heart or Oval

Highlighting - You can buy a "highlighting" cream or foundation type product or use lighter foundations and powders for this. I also use a white shadow for highlighting which works well. Having a white liner pencil is great too!

Contouring - Contouring can be done in steps by using a deep foundation in the "contour" areas and a dark powder or bronzer or just the powders. You can even pick up contouring compacts that come with your contour shade and a blush. Elf sells a perfect due to MAC's compact for $3.00. You can't beat that! That is an easy no fuss way to have your blush and bronzer on hand!

 

Another great option for everything you need is in this Coastal Scents Pallet. This is a great option if you aren't sure what shades to pick and are trying this out for the first time. Its also great to have everything you need all in one convenient compact!

 

 

 

Bronzer and Blush

 

Your bronzer is going to simply go in areas that should be contoured and will give you a great sunkissed glow! Just remember not to go to dark and always remember to blend!

 

Blush should stay on or near the apples of the cheeks depending again on your face shape. You want to make sure you pick a flattering shade that compliments your skin. Your makeup should never overpower you! You don't want to have big red circles on your cheeks or look like you have on clown makeup! Here is an excellent chart on blush placement for your face shape!

 

 

Here is a basic breakdown of what goes where via Too Faced:

 

 

I hope this helps with the basics. I plan on showing a few before and afters on the difference highlighting and contouring can make. Stay tuned for the next post which will cover the different face shapes and your brows!

 

 

 



"Face" Facts : Makeup Series Part One - From Primer to Powder

Part One : From Primer to Powder

 

What girl or woman doesn't love makeup? I know I do! Makeup is a fun way to express yourself, and a great way to enhance your features! Today's post is going to cover basic "face" makeup. We will start with primer and work towards powder with details about each. Are you ready? Ok, lets go!

 

1) Primer

Primer is your basic "pre-makeup" makeup. The purpose of a primer is to conceal any issues with uneven skin, large pores, lines, wrinkles, etc. BB and CC creams are also a good primer. These are available in almost every makeup line from your cheaper drugstore brands to expensive designer brands. Even Avon makes a primer called "Magic X" that works great too.

Most of your primers will essentially "prime" or prepare your face for the rest of your makeup routine. Each primer does the basic neutralizing function of covering, but some will specialize in certain areas like wrinkles or redness for example. Here are a few choices of primers below. You can pick up primers for as little as $3.00. Drugstore or Target prices tend to average about $8.00.

  

2) Concealer

A concealer does just what is says! It conceals! A concealer is a great way to cover smaller problem areas like a breakout or dark circles. In my opinion the best way to conceal dark circles is not to just apply directly under the eye, but to bring the concealer down more nearest to the nose and down the cheek. Check out the diagram below to see how I apply mine for dark circles and spot treatments!

Concealers can also be found in almost any brand. Prices start as low as $1.00 and go up. Here are a few variations below.

 

3) Foundations

Trust me when I say there are tons of variations to foundation! There are so many types to choose from that it can seem overwhelming! I think a lot of it is pure trial and error. You have to see what works best for you by testing them out! Check out the variety below. I did a post about a year ago and listed the various foundations. I did include concealer in this since it was in a previous post. Your powder and primer will also be on the list. This will just give a more detailed explanation. You will find foundations starting around $4.00 but Target or drugstore brands will average $8.00-$10.00.

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.

4) Powder

Powder is what sets or finishes your face. It will help the primer, foundation, concealer, etc. stay on your face! It will also smooth things out and provide a more finished and polished look! Some of the varieties will include :loose powder, mineral powders, pressed powder, and even cream(liquid) to powder. Here are a few of those.

 

Today we covered the basics of your "face" makeup. If you have any questions or want to see swatches or demonstrations of how these products work let me know! The next post is going to cover your highlighting, contouring, blush, and bronzer! Check back for that!

"Face" Facts : Six Part Makeup Series to Break it all Down!

While under my blanket and cozy in bed I had an idea..."What about a makeup series?". That's when I normally get my ideas...when I'm laying there trying to fall asleep. It seems like right before I doze off something hits me and I'm back up jotting down notes or full out writing.

I will be doing a six part series on makeup and everything you need to know. We are going to break it down! I will go into detail about all the various makeups, brands, types, etc. It's going to be great! I will try to add in a few tutorials or instructional pictorials too. I've had several emails asking various questions that I will be answering in this series.

The six part Face Facts makeup series will include :

Part 1 - From Primer to Powder: this will be everything you need to know from primers, concealers, foundations, and powders.

Part 2 - Highlighting, contouring, blushes, and bronzer.

Part 3 - Your face shape and brows

Part 4 - Eyes

Part 5 - Lips

Part 6 - Nails

Keep in mind each part will have details on what the different products do, how to use them to your benefit, tips and tricks, and more! Stay posted for part one!

 

 

Fall Shopping List

There are quite a few things I'm eyeing for fall, but I thought I would narrow it down to just five. First on the list is a handbag! I love buying handbags, so I plan to get a new fall bag in a great dark color. I really like purple and wine colors right now and think that will be perfect for my new fall bag. I was also browsing online at Belk and came across this amazing Michael Kors watch! It is on my must have list! During my last shopping trip I picked up some awesome brown boots, but think its time for some black ones too! I think black riding boots might do the trick. Another cute trendy find is this great denim sleeveless vest. These are fun to add to dresses to make a more casual look. I love the look of these denim vests when paired with a cute print and some great accessories! And last on my list is these great boot socks! Hoe cute are these? I love the way they look peeking out of the top of your boots! I was also thinking of making some DIY boot socks, so stay tuned for that possible DIY post!

What's on your fall shopping list?

I hope you are all having a great Saturday! Happy Weekend!

 

 

This Weeks Favorite Pins and an Insta Update

Whew! I actually have a few minutes to catch my breathe. So much has been going on the past two weeks. My stress level has been through the roof! During some of my down time I had a chance to sit back drinking my coffee and enjoy pinterest! Here are this weeks favorite pins and an insta update!

                                      How great is this! In case you forget or wanted to know a certain type or style here is a great visual shoe guide!

 

 

 

 

This Michael Kors watch is definitely on my shopping list!

Great Idea!!!

 

Sometimes we can't help it!

 

Very cute combo!

 

 

INSTA UPDATE

 

Doodle time

 

 

Painting tiles

 

 

Moe's taco salad. So Yummy

 

 

Mom's B-day

 

 

A few scarves I just bought

 

 

I hope you are all having a fab week! Don't forget to follow me on pinterest, instagram, facebook, and twitter for daily updates!

 

 

Check it Out : Insta Update

Summer vacation is finally over and everyone is getting back into the grove of things. I have been one busy person over the past couple of weeks! I haven't had much time to write since Monday, but hopefully things will slowly calm down and everyone's schedule will get back on track! Here is my past couple weeks via instagram! Don't forget to follow me there for more updates! You can do that by clicking here or in your instagram search for flairbybrandi!

Coloring Time                                                      My grandmother, me, and mom in 1999


My ombre nails                                                     Cute coral purse I just got


Me                                                                         Loose curls for the day


Nails                                                                      Me again


Date Night at Bottles N Brushes                           Our Pictures we painted. So fun!



Back to school                                                       Love these two!


My new Madden boots                                          Trying to organize my purses



I hope you are all having a great week!

Your Shadow and Lipstick Guide : What Works

Makeup is meant to enhance your beauty, not cover it up. When someone looks at you they should see you, not a crazy amount of makeup that hides your features. If you want to play up your eyes, then tone down on the lips. If you want dark vibrant lips, then the eyes should appear softer.

If you have ever questioned your shadow and lip combinations here is a quick guide to help you avoid overdoing it! I know at some point all of us have run into someone caked in makeup. They may have had a deep smokey eye and some dark violet lips. Or maybe it was a Vibrant shadow combination mixed with dark coral lips. That is definitely the wrong color combination!

Don't let your makeup overpower you! Here is a quick guide to help you avoid overdoing it!

Here are some more good shade combinations:

 

 

I hope this helps some! Have a fabulous day and let me know what your favorite combinations are!