Annie has spent years painting the pouts of models and actresses in her work as a makeup artist. After working with all kinds of women, she's learned one makeup rule that applies to all: LESS IS MORE!
Annie's Story
"Using too much makeup signals that you've got something to hide."
When working with actors and models for commercials, I discovered that not caking them with makeup made them looked better on film. I carried that over to applying makeup for models, and I've become known for creating a natural look. I've found that the less makeup you wear, the more flawless you look, the younger you look, the better you look. A ton of makeup will almost always age you.
Less is more works for the basic reason that it doesn't look like you're trying to cover something. You're not alluding to the fact that you have problematic skin, or you have a lot of wrinkles. Simply put, if you try to embrace it and just cover it gently, you look a lot better. Makeup should enhance your features, not mask what you have.
"You can create a natural daytime look in just five minutes."
It's important to start with a clean, well-hydrated face. Use a gentle cleanser, and then moisturize - and don't forget the sunscreen! At this point, you're ready for makeup.
1. Lightly cover the imperfections.
Using your finger, dab a little concealer under your eyes, on blemishes, on sunspots - whatever you really want to cover up. Remember, use only a little, you don't want it to look like a mask.
2. Even out your skin tone with a bit of powder or foundation.
Dust powder lightly on your skin or use a liquid foundation. Regardless of what you do, make sure it's a really sheer layer. Also, using a brush to apply powder or foundation will make it look more natural.
3. Add blush.
With blush, always pick a natural shade that looks like you pinched your cheeks, something that's closest to your natural blush. I like both cream and powder blushes.
4. Make your eyes stand out.
Wear a little bit of eyeliner and mascara. I always concentrate a lot on the lashes, because that's what is really going to open up your eyes and your face. Then fill in your eyebrows, which a lot of women don't do. The reason you should do it is to help frame your face. So if you're blond, you'd want to fill them in to make them a little bit darker to give your face its natural frame.
5. Add some glossy lip gloss or lip balm.
Personally, I don't want to be sticky all day I just want my lips to feel moist. Throw your lip gloss and some powder in your handbag for touch-ups throughout the day, and that's it! You're out the door.
"If you want to spend longer than five minutes, by all means spend it on your skin."
Add an eye cream to your regimen. The more you keep your eye area hydrated, the less it'll age. Put it on after washing and moisturizing your face.
"Every woman has something amazing about her face that she can enhance."
You can minimize the things you don't like, sure, but more importantly, you should embrace what you do have and use it to your advantage. If you have great lips, pout those lips and put on some good gloss. If you have great eyes, play them up with mascara and make them the focal point of your face. Use makeup as a tool to highlight your face... think of it as a bonus to what you already have.