Applying foundation is a quick and easy way to achieve flawless-looking skin. But even if you find the perfect shade and formula for your skin-type, you still might need a bit of trouble-shooting. If your foundation feels blah - try one of these fixes and take your makeup from adequate to fabulous!
There's nothing worse than walking outside and realizing your makeup looks like a mask. One of the easiest ways to get a natural finish - even with a thick foundation - is to use a specially designed sponge to blend it in place. The original and most famous is the Beauty Blender ($26), while Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge ($9.99) is a good drugstore option.
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To use, wet the sponge, wrap it in a paper towel to squeeze out excess water, then dab it in foundation and bounce the sponge across your skin. Use the tapered tip for under the eyes and around the nose.
For long days when you don't have time to worry about touching-up or reapplying make-up, use a fixing spray to set your look in place. Urban Decay All-Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray ($36) and L'Oreal Infallible Pro-spray & Set ($16.99) dispense a fine mist that fixes your makeup in place and keeps it looking fresh all day.
While foundation can conceal skin imperfections, it may need a boost in the form of a primer. Primers prepare a smoother base for foundation, while correcting underlying issues. The Body Shop Wonderblur face primer ($25) targets large pores and fine lines, while the L'Oreal Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer ($16) makes skin look dewy and luminous.
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Prep your skin pre-foundation by cleansing, moisturizing and then applying primer where needed.
Powder is essential when you want foundation to stay in place. While some people apply powder all over their face to set their foundation, I prefer to powder only where necessary. I dab Vichy Dermablend over any concealed acne scars, and I set my under-eye concealer with Ben Nye Banana powder ($14.75) - a yellow-based powder that provides a brightening effect.
Hope you liked these four simple tricks! I would love to hear about your foundation tips in the comments below!
"You're hot then you're cold, you're yes then you're no..." With the weather being SUCH a tease this year, it's hard to get excited about dressing for Spring. How can you shop for florals and skirts when you still need to bundle up every time you step outside? Thank goodness for handbags. They're an easy way to freshen up your outfit - even when the weather is not cooperating. Here are three bag trends that will be popular this spring:
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Their resurgence in popularity can be linked to the highly coveted Mansur Gavriel bucket bags - the slouchy drawstring style works well with casual looks.
1. Bucket bag, Express, $59.50
2. Bucket bag, H&M, $29.95
3. Bucket bag, Forever21, $29.90
Seventies fashion is a strong influence this year (hello flared jeans!) so it's no wonder that fringe and pom pom details will be super-popular for spring and summer.
1. Hardegree, ALDO, $60
2. Straw Tote, Old Navy, $25
3. Fringe Crossbody bag, Le Chateau, $39.95
Large totes are always a life-saver - from kids' snacks to laptops, there's space for everything! Spring totes are colorful - with perforation and studding details to brighten up your whole look.
1) Hadley Tote, Nine West, $100
2) Perforated Faux Leather Tote, Old Navy, $35
3) Large Perforated Tote Bag, Express, $59.90
It's hard for me to pick a favorite from the nine bags featured above... but I'm especially loving the studded Hadley Tote from Nine West - did you know it made it on to the list of Oprah's Favorite Things last year?
What type of bag do you like to carry?
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