Applying Make Up Tips

Applying make up is not a very difficult task, as long as it is done following some proper steps. After all it is an important part of many people's lives so the following is some easy steps, explained in a way that anybody can understand and do.

Step 1. The first thing to do is to apply a proper foundation. So how does one determine a good foundation? Simple, the foundation should match the skin tone. This is the first and most basic step for putting on make up correctly. Rub the foundation onto a sponge or your hands and gently apply it to the face including the eyelids. It should not be applied under the chin or on the neck. After doing so rub away any excess foundation.

Step 2. Next use concealer. Color of the concealer should be lighter than the color of the foundation. For this, use a brush and spread it evenly and apply it on the inside corner of the eye. While doing this do not stretch the skin. You can use the concealer on areas where there may be blemishes such as pimples. The important thing is only lighter shades must be used.

Step 3. Use powder. Powder a small layer using the brush. Powder should not be applied using the sponge. Afterwards take of any excess powder using a clean sponge.

Step 4. Eye shadow should be a darker shade especially if you have a relatively broad eyelid. If you have a smaller eyelid area then lighter shades can be used. If it is done in this way the make up will have a better finish to it. The important thing here is to do a smooth job.

Step 5. The next step is the eyeliner. Pencil or liquid eyeliner can be used for this part. Whichever one is used, draw a narrow line from one corner of the eye to the other. Making it look darker is not a problem. Generally the upper eyelash should look darker than the lower eyelash.

Step 6. Apply mascara from the root of the eyelash to the tip. Afterwards clear any excess mascara with a mascara wand. Do this to both the upper and lower eyelashes.

Step 7. Shape the eyebrows using an eyebrow pencil. Afterwards use eye shadow using a brush.

Step 8. The next thing to do is to apply blush. Blush is applied on the cheeks using a brush usually a blush brush. If the edges need to be lightened then use a sponge.

Step 9. Apply Lipstick and lip liner. When lip liner is used the color of the liner should not be darker than lipstick. Either use a neutral color or one that matches the color of the lipstick. You start at the center of the lip and then draw the line to each corner of the mouth by following the natural line of the lip.

Before one starts to apply make up there are few more things to be kept in mind. If any of the make up is going to be put using hands then make sure the hands are clean before applying. Make sure that you have already put on the clothes that you will be wearing. There is nothing more frustrating than taking of your clothes over your head after you have put on the make up and messing it up in the process. Once the appropriate clothing is worn put on a towel around the neck to protect the clothing. Its easier to do it that way, rather than redoing the make up after it gets messed up by disrobing.

Interesting Facts

Makeup first made an appearance during early Egyptian times, when women painted their eyes, applying dark color under the eyelid and blackening their eyelashes. Different natural elements were used, such as charcoal for eye painting, flowers for perfume and natural henna for nail polish. It was also common for men and women to use unguent on the skin to keep it soft. The first skin cream was born.

The origin of the word cosmetics comes from the Latin word Cosmetae, which was used to describe the slaves during Roman times whose function was to bathe affluent Romans in perfume

During Victorian times, upper class society women hardly wore any makeup at all. This was left to stage actresses, working class women and prostitutes!

During Renaissance times, women wore arsenic powder on their faces to obtain porcelain white skin. This practice was discontinued when too many husbands became the casualty of this unhealthy fashion!

And finally some interesting ingredients used in cosmetics

The Strange: Cochineal beetles, Snake venom, Cow dung,Chicken bone marrow

Not so Strange: Butane, Triethanolamine, Alcohol denat, Boron nitride