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Foundation & Bronzers Tips

Read these 28 Foundation & Bronzers Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Make-Up tips and hundreds of other topics.

Foundation & Bronzers Tips has been rated 3.8 out of 5 based on 2058 ratings and 11 user reviews.
How can I get a natural look with bronzer?

How to Apply Bronzer

Bronzers add overall color to your face and give you a sun-kissed glow. Above all, you want your skin bronzer to look natural-- not too dark or orange. Choose a bronzer color that is just a shade or two darker than your skin tone. Avoid bronzers that look orange and choose products with more gold undertones.

The two primary forms of bronzer are liquid and powder. Liquid formulas are ideal for those with dry skin, while powder formulas work best in humid weather and on oily skin.

To apply liquid bronzer, add a few drops of the product onto a makeup sponge. Dab it onto the apples of your cheeks, your forehead, nose and chin. These are the areas that the sun would naturally hit. Blend the bronzer in a circular motion toward your hairline. You can also use your fingertips if you prefer, but be sure to wash your hands first. Keep blending until the color looks natural.

To apply powder bronzer, use a large fluffy brush and dip it into the bronzer. Tap the brush on the edge of the container to remove any access. Remember that too little is better than too much. Apply the bronzer in a swirling motion to the same areas listed above. Blend until the color resembles a natural glow.

If you use too much bronzer, don't worry. Try blotting tissues and then use a powder puff with loose translucent powder to diminish the color. At Makeup.com, you will find bronzers and bronzer brushes from Becca Cosmetics, Cargo, Lola Cosmetics, Paula Dorf and several other top brands.

   
How do I make blush last all day?

Blush Twice For a Flush That Lasts All Day

No product will give you that little bit of color and fresh look like a good blush will. It perks up the whole face, even when you aren't feeling your best. However, all good things do end. Powder blushes tend to disappear not long after you apply them. The key is to double up with your application. Start with a cream based blush and gently tap it into the apples of your cheeks with the pads of your fingertips. Then, take a swirl of color from your powder blush and layer it right over the top of the cream. Blend upward along the cheek bones. The correct placement of most of the color is on the apples, where you would naturally flush like if you had been running around. This layering process will add hours and hours of wear to your blush.

   
Where should bronzer be applied?

Bronzer in the Right Place For a Beautiful Glow

Bronzer can be a blessing, or an unfortunate beauty disaster. Bronzer is not meant to be slathered on your entire face. You don't want a bronze mask, but instead a pretty, "glowing" highlight. Use these tips when applying bronzer:

Use a big, natural hair makeup brush for your bronzer. The focus of the bronzer's placement should be approximately where the sun would naturally hit your face; across the forehead, the bridge of the nose and the apples of your cheeks. Don't forget to dust a little on your neck and chest too, if those are exposed. If you overdo it and it end up looking a little too much orange, just grab a clean makeup sponge to wipe off some of the excess.

   
How do you neutralize a red complection?

Neutralizing Red Complexion

To counteract redness on your face, use a green-tinted cover up. Green effectively hides redness from rosacea or broken capillaries. Merle Norman makes a wonderful green cover up; you need only a small amount to neutralize redness. Almay also makes a similar green cover up. To calm and decrease red skin, try Clinique's skin repair system from their "Rx" line. This is a white cream that you apply to red facial areas to actually tone down the redness. Then you can apply a green cover up over these areas, and you're ready for your foundation make-up.

   
Where do you apply blusher?

World's Best Blush Trick

Jeni Lee, the makeup artist who keeps stars like Salma Hayek and Denise Richards flawlessy flushed, gives these tips for getting the most natural glow.
1. Start by looking straight into the mirror and placing your finger on your cheek bone right under the outer edge of your eye's iris. That's where you should begin applying color.
2. On that spot, place a large, soft brush dipped in a blush that's slightly darker than your skin tone - like the flush you get if you pinch your cheeks - for the most true-to-you effect.
3. Sweep color straight back -not up- toward ear.

   
How do you get rid of shiny skin during the day?

Stop The Shine

If you have oily skin, your face is probably shining by midday. Apply a regular powder or additional foundation will only sit on top of the oil and create a blotchy and cakey look. Instead, invest in from blotting papers. These sheer sheets of paper contain a light layer of talc to absorb excess oil. Just press lightly on your forehead and nose area, or wherever you feel you're too shiny. Keep a package in your handbag for touchups throughout the day!

   
How can I hide my deep pores and not have oily skin by the end of the day?

Oily Skin Problems

Deep pores can be hidden or camouflaged by foundation. Most foundation will cover your open pores and give your face a smoother look. In order to minimize your oily skin you should wash your face with an oil control face wash at least twice a day. Also use an oil-free moisturizer and an oil-free, water based foundation. You can try oil-blotting sheets for your touch-ups through out the day. Touching up your face with powder can help control the “shine” that is common with oily skin.

You might also want to try a “deep pore” mask or a mud mask to help shrink your pores and clean them out so they will reduce in size.

   
What is the best way to apply foudation?

Foundation Application

If you want your foundation to look sheer, apply it with a sponge. For more coverage apply it with your fingertips. Professional makeup artists prefer using a makeup brush as this will apply and blend the foundation beautifully.

   
My foundation looks greasy by the middle of the day, and starts to fade away -- any advice?

Long-wearing Foundation for Oily Skin

Many women with oily skin find their foundation starts to "disappear" mid-day. A typical foundation tends to wear off faster if your skin type is oily or combination.

There are formulas on the market that are called matte foundations or longwearing make up that is specifically formulated to stay in place. Estee Lauder has a foundation called "Double Wear" that is a longwearing formula it is a stay-in-place makeup. It stays on until you take it off and absorbs excess oil so you don't get the mid-afternoon shine. Lancôme has a foundation called "Tient Idole Ultra" that lasts for 14 hours and is touch-up free. Cover Girl makes a foundation called Outlast that has a 10-hour wear. Maybeline also has a foundation called "Pure Stay" that is long lasting.

   
How can you make a round face look slimmer?

Making a round face look slimmer

You can make a round face look slimmer by placing blush or bronzer where the hollow of your check should be (you can find it if you make a fish face!!) and use a back and forth motion with the brush, not circular as that would make your face look fuller. Dust translucent powder over makeup when complete to set the look.

   
What's the best way to match foundation to your skin tones?

Foundation Needs to be a Perfect Match

Foundation is made to accentuate your features. It should look natural and match your skin. The first step to matching your foundation is to determine your skin tone.
In order to find a "perfect match" for your foundation you must test it on your face. Testing it on your wrist is a “no, no” because your wrist has a different color and undertone than your face. Also, other parts of your body may tan easier or be exposed to the sun more often than your face. Make sure the lighting in the store is close to natural light. Ask for several opinions and test a couple of color shades so you can compare. See if you can take a sample home to try before you buy.

   
I tend to blush a lot and I always seem to have red cheeks. Is there anything I can use to minimize the redness without looking unnatural?

Natural "Blush"

Red cheeks would be considered a blessing to some women. Usually we want what we don't have though. The best way to minimize your redness is to even out your skin tone with your foundation. You can lightly brush some powder over your cheeks if you don't like to wear foundation. I would recommend wearing a brown-based blush (light, natural color) or a bronzer on your cheeks instead of the pink tones. If you leave your cheeks bare after applying foundation you may look “washed out”. The brown color will help offset the redness.

   
Should I use face powder?

Face Powder

You can set your foundation with a light dusting of loose powder. Choose from translucent or a variety of colors. It can be applied allover or to the T zone (forehead,nose,chin) only. If your skin is oily, you may want to use an oil free foundation that comes in powder form. This can be used alone or over foundation for maximum coverage. This can be made loose with a big brush or applied with a sponge to touch up the T zone area during the day when shiny.

   
Which is best? Loose or pressed powder?

Loose vs. Pressed Powder

Loose powder is used in the morning to set the makeup.Use only in the T zone unless your skin is oily all over. It is best to let the cheeks look moist. Pressed powder is used during the day to touch up. The added benefit in a compact is that it contains a mirror which is handy in applying lipstick.

   
Should I follow my bronzing gel with powder?

Powder Over Bronzing Gel

If you are wearing a bronzing liquid or gel, you can go solo or add a face powder. The powder will give you a smooth finish. Be sure to choose a color that compliments your skin tone. Use a deeper tone if you are tanned. Apply the bronzing gel, then a blusher, perhaps in the form of a bronzing powder, then use a face powder with a big powder brush. This will blend the edges of your blusher also.

   
Does Illuminare makeup need to be reapplied?

Illuminare Makeup Stays Put

When you're wearing Illuminare Liquid Mineral Makeup there will be no need for reapplications—that is unless you remove some by rubbing your face abrasively (like with a facial cloth). If you want no fuss makeup, formulas such as Fantastic Finish and Extra Coverage will stay put as long as you avoid harshly rubbing them.

If you want a formula that won't budge regardless of what you rub it with, however, invest in the Ultimate All Day variety of Illuminare. Then, when you are ready to remove your all day makeup, you can do so easily with a cleanser.

*Not only will your Illuminare makeup not wear off during the day but the SPF level will not degrade either. In other words, you can stop worrying about reapplying for any reason.

   
What is the difference between powder, cream, stick and liquid foundations?

Types of Foundation and Their Uses

There are several formulas and types of foundations on the market. The big difference is consistency.

Powder foundation is a smooth, dry formula that is common for oily skin types. The powder helps absorb oil and keeps your face looking smooth and fresh. Dry skin types usually don't like the powder because it tends to have a drying effect and leaves flakes.

Cream foundation has a thick consistency, which is common for dry skin types. It provides moisture and adds luster to dry, tired skin. This type of foundation is often used by middle-aged and older women who like something to "fill-in" the lines. Cream foundation tends to be heavier and provide more coverage. It's best to use a moisturizer first before applying foundation.

Stick foundation is similar to the cream foundation as far as texture. The "stick" design provides a convenient way to transport your make up without an awkward bottle. This formula is often used for touch up jobs and spot treatments.

Liquid foundation is used for all skin types. It is a "universal" formula. You can purchase liquid foundations that are oil-free or non-clogging. This type of foundation is versatile and can come in different coverage levels.

If you know your skin type and know the coverage level you are most comfortable with then you can decide the formula of foundation that will best fit your individual needs. Remember you need a good canvas to start with so use your three step skin care regime (cleanse, tone, moisturize) before applying foundation.

   
What's a good foundation for oily skin?

Great foundation for oily skin

Having problems finding the right foundation that covers well and doesn't add a dewy look to your skin? Try GloMinerals Oil-Free Liquid Base. This is great for oily skin types because it's natural antioxidants and skin care benefits work together to give you matte coverage while improving skin tone. Or, stick with a good three step skin care regime (cleanse, tone, moisturize) with alcohol free products as to not irritate the skin anymore.

   
How can I make my face appear thinner?

Make Face Appear Thinner

Use contouring to make your face appear thinner. Apply your blush below your cheekbone. You can also apply a bronzing powder on either side of your throat to extend the lines of your neck.

   
How do skin pores become clogged?

Removing dead skin cells

Facial skin constantly renews itself and as new cells are formed, the old cells shed onto the surface. One of the most important cosmetic tasks is to assist the natural skin's scaling process by removing dead cells completely. Without proper care, the old cells will combine with skin oils and clog pores causing blackheads and pimples. Use an exfoliator once a week to help remove dead skin cells and keep skin healthy and hydrated.

   
What's the best way to match foundation to your skin tones?

Matching Foundation Accurately is a Make up Must

Foundation is made to accentuate your features. It should look natural and match your skin. In order to find a "perfect match" for your foundation you must test it on your face. Testing it on your wrist is a “no, no” because your wrist is a different color than your face. Other parts of your body may tan easier or be exposed to the sun more often than your face. Try a few swipes down the chin to the neck and the color that you can't see is the one you should be using.

Test the foundation on your cheek or chin. If the foundation appears to disappear into the skin when your stripe it with a Q-tip in the test area and there is no discoloration then you probably have a pretty good match. Make sure the lighting in the store is close to natural light. Ask for several opinions and test a couple of color shades so you can compare.

   
How to get that "shine" glow on my skin, without looking sparkly?

Make up that makes you shine

There are several products on the market that can add, "shimmer" to your look. Many eye shadows contain glitter and other additives that add a "shimmer" or "glow" to your eyes. There are cosmetic lines that make face powder with an extra "sparkle" to it. You can buy body powders that have some pizzazz. Try a bronzer with sparkles and a matte bronzer and compare the difference. Shimmer is in ladies!

The Body Shop sells a product called "skin focus face illuminator" that is supposed to make your skin shine. They also sell "shimmer cubes" which are an eye shadow that adds shine to your eyes and literally changes the color of eyeshadow.

Estee Lauder sells a product called “Spotlight” that reflects the light off of the imperfections in your skin and give your face a healthy glow.

NYX Cosmetics has shimmering powders, eye shadows and blushers.

Try searching for these types of products next time you are at the cosmetic counters and you are sure to find something to give your skin and face the "shimmering glow" that you desire.

   
How do you make a nose look slimmer?

Narrowing Your Nose

Try using a bronzer that has no sparkles in it and blend up and down on the sides of your nose. Dust loose powder over and blend, blend, blend.

   
Why do Illuminare blushes and foundations have the same names?

Copy Cats

If you've recently invested in Illuminare mineral makeup you've probably noticed that the blushes have the same names as the Illuminare foundations.

That is because each Illuminare blush is designed to match an Illuminare foundation.

Instead of providing a noticeable reddening or pinkening of the cheeks, these blushes are meant to mimic the natural color that would appear if you were to squeeze your cheeks. In addition, they are also equipped with SPF protection to prevent sun damage.

   
I am a woman and would like to know how can I minimize face hair?

Minimize Facial Hair

Several options now exist to decrease the appearance of facial hair. There are invisible beaching creams such as Invisi-Bleach and hair removal creams such as Nair. Depilatory creams dissolve the hair at the base of the follicle. They are ideal for widespread areas (like the legs), but can be problematic when used on the face because they irritate the skin and usually don't remove all of the hairs. On the plus side, depilatory creams are a relatively inexpensive option. On average, results will last for one to two weeks. Waxing really does make your hair grow in lighter over time because the wax gets into the hair follicle and pulls the hair from the root so it grows back less thick than when the shaft is shaved. Laser procedures can be used more as a "laser waxing," or temporary hair removal.

   
What makes Illuminare make up different?

Be Careful When Applying Illuminare

If applied correctly make up can give skin a flawless, beautiful appearance. Illuminare formulas have an extremely high concentration of pigment that exceeds that of ordinary, non-mineral make ups. For this reason, the application process can be very tricky.

To achieve optimum results, clean your face with a dermatologist recommended cleanser and apply a moisturizer that is free of oil before beginning to apply Illuminare cosmetics.

   
What is SeaCreations?

Luxurious Skin

When it comes to aging who wouldn't want to put the clocks on hold? Impossible, right? Not necessarily—there is a new line of Babor products that boast of such an ability. The new SeaCreation line by Babor promises that with proper use, the natural age process can actually be turned around.

The SeaCreation complex stimulates the skin's natural self defense system, which allows it to take a break from ordinary aging processes. The main ingredients in this line are actually found 7,500 feet below the Pacific Rim. Active ingredients include such luxurious items as sea-silk and pearl protein.

   
What make-up is best for freckles?

Makeup For Freckles

If you visit your favorite cosmetic counter you will find that foundations vary according to coverage. If you decide on sheer coverage, your freckles will show through slightly. If medium or full coverage is used, you will most likely cover the freckles. Remember to match the color of the freckles, not your neck. Also decide if you want a foundation with or without oil.

   
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PJ Campbell