By Cassandra Rae Ferguson - Professional Makeup Artist
Using a large, rounded brush, sweep over the face, neck and chest in a circular, downward motion, to settle the fine hairs on the face, blending well. Apply lightly to entire area before adding more if desired - it is much easier to add than to remove the excess!
If applying only to smaller areas such as the cheek hollows or the sides of the nose, use a smaller blush brush or foundation brush, for more control and precision.
Also referred to as an illuminator/illuminiser, liquid bronzer can come in liquid or stick forms and adds a glow to the skin. It makes a great highlighter as it often reflects the light, grabbing attention to those areas on which it is applied. However, these bronzers offer no coverage and can bring out uneven texture in the skin if overused. Liquid bronzers are best used on the brow bone, eyelids, cheek bones and the centre line of the nose, to add a lustrous glow to the skin, without unwanted oil or shine.
Applying Liquid Bronzer
Using a latex makeup sponge, foundtion brush or your fingers, blend well into desired area in a circular motion, a small amount at a time until the desired look is achieved.
Whether you wish to add a subtle hint of warmth or an all-over summer glow, bronzer is a quick and easy solution to healthy-looking, glowing skin. However, remember that bronzers offer little or no protection from the sun's dangerous UV rays, so sunscreen in summer is a must!
Have you ever noticed photographs in which a person’s ‘made up’ face is quite pale in comparison to the skin on their neck and shoulders? This is caused by the reaction between foundation and the camera flash. Some foundations reflect flash light, as sunscreen can. Skin without makeup absorbs it, so if only the skin on your face has foundation on it, a mask effect can be produced.
Hence, next time you are having photographs taken (particularly at night when a strong flash may be used) you may want to extend your foundation down to your neck and chest, to avoid a mask effect in the shots. Wearing a matte pressed powder may also prevent this from happening.
There are professional foundations and powders on the market that are suitable for photography, as they do not react with camera flash. Ask at the counter before purchase.
Bronzer is an extremely versatile product, but sadly, many people find it intimidating as they lack knowledge of how to best apply it. With the right know-how, bronzer is very easy to use.
There are several types of bronzers available on the market. Which one you choose will depend on which look you wish to achieve.
There are several types of bronzers available on the market. Which one you choose will depend on which look you wish to achieve.
BRONZING POWDER
Bronzing powder gives the skin a natural sun-kissed glow. It can be used on its own instead of foundation, particularly in summer. Available in loose or compact forms, it has a very light coverage. The pressed compact forms will have more coverage than the loose powders. It can be swept over the entire face, neck and dcolletage, or only on the cheeks and temples to add warmth. Using a very large, rounded brush specifically for bronzers is recommended, making sure to shake off excess before use. Many of these powders have a brush provided with them. If using a bronzing powder, choose a shade just deeper than the tone of your skin, to give a more natural-looking glow. If you use a self-tanner, you may wish to take this into account when choosing a bronzer shade.
Tip: Avoid applying bronzer directly over liquid or crme foundation, as it will result in a patchy finish. Setting your foundation first with powder will provide a smooth base for bronzer.
Tip: Avoid applying bronzer directly over liquid or crme foundation, as it will result in a patchy finish. Setting your foundation first with powder will provide a smooth base for bronzer.
Tip: Gently shaking a brush after dipping into powder will remove any excess before applying. If you have applied too much, dampen a sponge and lightly dab it onto the skin to remove excess powder.
If you are using a matte bronzing powder, it can also be used as a contouring shader on the cheek hollows (underneath the cheekbones), along the jawline, the sides of the nose and in between the breasts to enhance the appearance of cleavage. If using a reflective, shimmery bronzer, it is best used as a highlighter, similar to a liquid bronzer. In addition, powder bronzer is great swept over other exposed parts of the body, such as shoulders, arms, back and legs.
Applying a Powder Bronzer
Using a large, rounded brush, sweep over the face, neck and chest in a circular, downward motion, to settle the fine hairs on the face, blending well. Apply lightly to entire area before adding more if desired - it is much easier to add than to remove the excess!
If applying only to smaller areas such as the cheek hollows or the sides of the nose, use a smaller blush brush or foundation brush, for more control and precision.
Tip: try to avoid using the same bronzer to contour all your facial features. Rather, try limiting it to one or two and using other products as well, to add depth and interest to your face. Using all one product in the same tone may achieve a 'flat' result.
LIQUID BRONZER
Also referred to as an illuminator/illuminiser, liquid bronzer can come in liquid or stick forms and adds a glow to the skin. It makes a great highlighter as it often reflects the light, grabbing attention to those areas on which it is applied. However, these bronzers offer no coverage and can bring out uneven texture in the skin if overused. Liquid bronzers are best used on the brow bone, eyelids, cheek bones and the centre line of the nose, to add a lustrous glow to the skin, without unwanted oil or shine.
Tip: Using a matte foundation, matte face powder and a liquid bronzer to highlight creates a shimmering, healthy look without looking greasy.
Applying Liquid Bronzer
Using a latex makeup sponge, foundtion brush or your fingers, blend well into desired area in a circular motion, a small amount at a time until the desired look is achieved.
Whether you wish to add a subtle hint of warmth or an all-over summer glow, bronzer is a quick and easy solution to healthy-looking, glowing skin. However, remember that bronzers offer little or no protection from the sun's dangerous UV rays, so sunscreen in summer is a must!
Photographs & Makeup
By Cassandra Rae Ferguson - Professional Makeup Artist
Have you ever noticed photographs in which a person’s ‘made up’ face is quite pale in comparison to the skin on their neck and shoulders? This is caused by the reaction between foundation and the camera flash. Some foundations reflect flash light, as sunscreen can. Skin without makeup absorbs it, so if only the skin on your face has foundation on it, a mask effect can be produced.
Hence, next time you are having photographs taken (particularly at night when a strong flash may be used) you may want to extend your foundation down to your neck and chest, to avoid a mask effect in the shots. Wearing a matte pressed powder may also prevent this from happening.
There are professional foundations and powders on the market that are suitable for photography, as they do not react with camera flash. Ask at the counter before purchase.
Q&A With Cassandra Rae Ferguson
Cassandra has a few answers to commonly asked questions about makeup.
Q. can older skins wear face powder?
Of course. However, you may choose to apply it lightly, to avoid creasing in fine lines & wrinkles. Applying it only where it is needed rather than the entire face may help. Cornsilk is a very soft powder suitable for mature skin.
Q. can I wear red lipstick?
Everyone can wear red lipstick; you simply need to find a tint of red which suits you best. If you are fair, you may wish to opt for a blue red, such as burgundy or crimson. For olive skin, try a brick red or terracotta.
Q. someone told me I shouldn't wear eyeliner on the inner rims of my eyes. Is that true?
You can most certainly wear your eyeliner on the inner rims, as long as you understand that this can make your eyes appear smaller by closing them up. If you are okay with this, then by all means go ahead! Applying eyeliner along the upper lashline and underneath the lower lash line will help to open the eyes up.
Q. if I want my lips to appear more full, should I wear light or dark lipstick?
Lighter-coloured lip colours help to create the illusion of full lips, especially if they are glossy or shimmery, as these textures reflect the light. A dab of a lighter colour on the centre of both lips also adds fullness. Darker lip colours can make thin lips appear smaller, or at the very least, do not help to make them appear larger..
Q. what is the difference between false eyelashes and lash extensions?
False eyelashes are adhered with a washable latex glue & are designed to be worn for one day only. They can be applied DIY or by a makeup artist. Lash extensions are applied by a beauty therapist and are designed to last until the natural lashes they are glued to fall out, which is about six weeks.
Q. Which makes eyes 'pop' more: wearing a similar shadow to your eye colour (eg. blue on blue) or going for something from the opposite end of the colour spectrum?
Wearing a complimentary eye colour (opposite on colour spectrum) or a harmonious colour (one adjacent on colour spectrum) will definitely bring more attention to your eyes than a colour in the same tone. For example:
Brown/Hazel eyes: try bright blue, purple turquoise, green, gold
Blue/Violet eyes: try gold, bronze, peach, chocolate, pink, olive
Green/Turquoise eyes: try dark blue, silver, gold, slate, bronze
For more of Cassandra's makeup tips, visit www.diaryofamakeupartist.blogspot.com