I generally wear Clinique make up products for all the basics, and then I have a few eyeshadows from other brands, just because I love variety of colours and some brands don't have as many options.
I think I have mastered the art of putting on make-up on myself, never had any complaints and many friends often ask me for tips on how I did this particular look on my eyes or how to apply bronzer.
So, tips for you Medi!
For daytime, I don't apply very much. I like to look natural. I may apply a cream foundation with my moisturizer, to get a sheer look, or just go without. I always apply a little concealer in any red or darker areas, like under the eyes, or nose and cheeks which tend to be more troublesome. Always blend well otherwise you'll look like there are some weird light stains on your face. Only apply as much concealer as necessary, don't go too heavy. Concealer should be applied before foundation, as the foundation will even it out a bit.
After this, one step many ladies skip, is to apply some loose powder, or bronzer, depending on how you like to look. For very pale skins, I thoroughly recommend bronzer. Loose powder should be in a shade the colour of your skin. Bronzer should be a couple of shades darker, and also if you can get one with shimmering particles it can add a lot of brightness to your face. Seriously, I have introduced a few friends to bronzer and it can totally transform your look from tired to a healthy glow. Dip a fat brush in the bronzer and dust off the excess, otherwise you will look like a clown. Brush your cheekbones, then your temples, then your nose and chin, and finally a light dusting all over. Lightly dust your neck and chest, adding a little in your cleavage area if it's on show.
After the base for your face is ready, move on to the eyes. In the daytime, I apply only a little black mascara. If you want it to look softer, apply some dark brown mascara. Optionally you could go for an eyeshadow in a light brown nuetral colour, with a little shimmer. Just apply it on the eyelid. Adding to that, you can smudge in some brown ( or even plum if you're feeling brave) eyeliner or cream shadow on the top rim of your eye.
I only apply my blush after I'm done with the eyes. I think it's easier to balance it out once the eyes are done. If you do it before, you may go too light on it. I always brush towards my ears and just under the cheekbones. Always dust the excess off the brush or it will look too heavy. I don't like rosy or light blush colours because I'm so white it makes me look washed out. I go for warmer tones.
So once the eyes are done, for daytime I apply only some pink tinted lipgloss with a little shimmer an I'm ready to go.
If it was night-time, I may apply more foundation, not just with my moisturizer. Though many days, I don't apply it and go bare. That just depends on how even your skin is naturally. If you can get away with it, then do, because it's a lot more flattering than a layer of artificial paint.
I also do a lot more on the eyes. Always try to choose one feature to stand out. If you do heavy eyes, then don't go heavy on the lips. On the eyes, I will sometimes use liquid eyeliner, but then go over it with a dark crea shadow because I like the defined line but with a little smudge around the edges if possible. I don't often line the bottom rim, I think it makes me look old and not that many women can really get away with it. If you must, definitely do it in a smudgy way and not with a hard line. After the liner, I apply some dark brown eyeshadow on the lid. Over that I may apply a shade of colour that I like, to match my outfit or mood. I do this because the dark shadow makes the eyemakeup stand out more, and it also masks the garish brightness of the colour applied over it. I usually apply the colour in the outer corner of the lid and in the center. Sometimes I take the colour and apply it over the edge of the lid and brow, gives it a little movement.
Then I take a white pearly shadow, or an equally light and matching shade, and apply it in the inner corner of my eye, and over the brow area. This gives the eye contrasts of dark and light and makes them pop. Sometimes when I'm feeling daring I apply the white shadow in the inner corner quite obviously, and it looks quite striking. This totally appears to change the shape of your eye. It's also another tip my friends love.
On days when I want to stand out even more, I bring out the glitter. I apply a little on my brow and outer corner of my eyelids, and sometimes also just on the top of my cheekbone, near the eye. This looks quite pretty.
For the lips at night time, I recommend a plummy colour that isn't too deep or dark. I think dark lip colour makes lips look thinner and it makes women look old. After the lipstick, I apply the same lipgloss, or a funkier one with added sparkle.
Blusher for night time, as usual only applied a little more intensely.
Hope that gave you a few ideas, I wish I could come over and play make-over with you
