Beauty Quiz: Avoiding Common Makeup Mistakes
When choosing a foundation, make sure you check it:
In natural light
In a magnifying mirror
While wearing lipstick
When choosing a foundation, make sure you check it:
That's the best way to see what looks good on your skin. "Go by the window when you’re in a store," says makeup artist Mai Quynh, whose clients include Emma Stone, Scarlett Johansson, and Selena Gomez. "Or ask if you can borrow a hand mirror and just step outside."
Go in bare-faced, without any foundation on. That way you can tell how well the new one matches your skin.
The best way to fill in your brows is with an eyebrow pencil.
True
False
The best way to fill in your brows is with an eyebrow pencil.
Most women can use eyebrow powder or matte eye shadow on their eyebrows, says Quynh, who is also a makeup expert for Mark cosmetics. Eyebrow pencil gives you a more defined look that can be harsh or severe.
Look for a shade that's a little lighter than your hair. For example, if you have dark brown hair with caramel highlights, pick a color that falls in between.
Where’s the best place to brush on bronzer?
Lightly all over your face
Just on the cheekbones
Where the sun hits your face
Where’s the best place to brush on bronzer?
Take a hint from makeup artist Mally Roncal, founder of Mally Beauty, whose clients include Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, and Beyoncé. "I like to apply it all over the perimeter of the face, then dust a little across the forehead, bridge of the nose, and chin," she says.
Which shade of concealer best hides dark circles under your eyes?
The same shade as your skin
One shade lighter than your skin
Two or three shades lighter than your skin
Which shade of concealer best hides dark circles under your eyes?
Makeup artist Quynh recommends using a concealer one shade lighter than your skin color. Blend it well to prevent telltale white circles under your eyes.
You can use tinted moisturizer instead of foundation.
True
False
You can use tinted moisturizer instead of foundation.
For some women, a tinted moisturizer offers enough coverage, Quynh says. It hydrates and evens out your skin, while foundation puts on a layer of color and gives you more coverage. Tinted moisturizer is always better than foundation that's heavy or cakey.
Wearing blue eye shadow makes you look like an '80s throwback.
True
False
Wearing blue eye shadow makes you look like an '80s throwback.
"In my book, it’s always OK to wear blue eye shadow!" says makeup artist Roncal. "Lighter blues are surprisingly eye-opening, while deeper, navy blues make an amazing smoky eye." Roncal suggests wearing blue eyeliner instead of traditional black or brown. "Try ice blue in the inner corners to fake eight hours of sleep or navy blue to make the whites of your eyes look whiter."
What’s the best way to avoid "clown cheeks" from too much blush?
Don't use it
Wipe some off with a tissue
Smile, then apply it
What’s the best way to avoid "clown cheeks" from too much blush?
"Smile in the mirror to find the apples of your cheeks," Roncal suggests. "Swirl the blush onto the apples, then sweep back toward the ears." Starting at the apples gives your face a more youthful look, she says, and sweeping blush toward the ears gives it a "lifted appearance." Use a brush to apply and blend in the blush for a softer look.
To avoid the dreaded spidery eyelashes:
Use an eyelash comb
Only put mascara on top lashes
Blot your brush before applying
To avoid the dreaded spidery eyelashes:
Eyelash combs take off the extra mascara so you don’t get clumpy, spidery eyelashes. Quynh suggests combing through the lashes after each coat. Do it while the mascara is still wet -- otherwise it will flake. If sharp metal eyelash combs scare you, use a plastic one.
Dark lipstick makes thin lips look fuller.
True
False
Dark lipstick makes thin lips look fuller.
Just the opposite! Dark lipstick can make them look even thinner and more severe. A better choice is bright red or another bright color, Quynh says. If you have full lips, a dark, wine-colored lipstick is flattering for fall, especially in a creamy, satiny, or shiny finish, Roncal says.
Women with wrinkles shouldn’t use powder.
True
False
Women with wrinkles shouldn’t use powder.
Some makeup artists say that powder settles into wrinkles, calling attention to them. But Quynh says it's fine to use powder on aging skin -- as long as you do it sparingly. "Use a puff with it and pat it on where you’re shiny," she says. "Don’t powder everywhere on your face." Blotting papers are also good for taking away shine.
Put foundation on your neck, too.
True
False
Put foundation on your neck, too.
"The neck is one area that doesn’t get much sun," Quynh says. "If your face is light, then your neck is even lighter, so definitely use foundation." Blend it well to avoid a line near your chin and jaw.
Roncal says to match the colors on your face, neck, and chest as closely as possible. "Choose a foundation that matches your collarbone," she says. You may need to switch to a darker color in the summer if you tend to tan.
Glitter -- is it ever the right time?
For a night on the town
On an intimate date
Anytime is glitter time
Glitter -- is it ever the right time?
"I love glitter!" Roncal says. "There are so many different ways to wear it, so it can be appropriate for day or night. A soft, shimmery champagne [eye shadow] is perfect for day and just gives that pretty, ethereal look." Look for finely milled glitters and shimmers. Big chunks of glitter can look too young or costumey.
Why should you apply primer before other makeup?
It helps prevent caking
It covers fine lines
Both of the above
Why should you apply primer before other makeup?
Makeup primer is a cream or gel that fills in fine lines and enlarged pores. Roncal also suggest using a shine control primer. It is designed to keep your face from getting oily or sweaty. It can help your look stay fresh for many hours. "I always suggest prepping skin with a primer," Roncal says. "It will create a smooth, even canvas for your makeup."