Toner
The toner is instrumental in closing pores and serves as a disinfectant and astringent after the skin has been cleansed. It aids in the removal of dead skin cells from the face and neck. To apply, dampen a cotton pad with a small amount of toner and gently swipe it across the skin. Once dry, follow with a moisturizing cream.
Foundation Cream
Foundation cream is applied to the skin prior to makeup application. It is distributed evenly across the face and neck. There are several types of foundation:
Liquid Foundation
Compact Foundation
This is a type of pressed powder that provides a matte finish. It is best suited for oily or combination skin types.
Creamy Pressed Foundation
This foundation combines the properties of cream and powder, gliding smoothly onto the skin while offering a soft texture and good coverage.
Powder
Powder enhances the beauty of the skin and is applied after foundation to create a velvety finish. It is ideal for oily skin and those with enlarged pores. Powder helps to prolong makeup wear, absorb excess oil, reduce shine, and conceal blemishes and imperfections. It also stabilizes the color of lip products and eyeshadows. Types include:
Loose Powder (also known as «Luz Powder»)
Illuminating powder is used to brighten the face and under-eye area, providing a radiant glow when applied with an airy brush.
Concealer
Concealer is one of the essential products for evening makeup, effectively hiding blemishes, spots, and dark circles. Available in a variety of colors and with a thick, creamy texture, it typically comes in five shades:
- Green to cover red blemishes
- Brown for shading areas we want to minimize, such as the sides of the nose and under the eyes
- Dark beige with an orange tint can be lightly applied over dark circles, using a fingertip for blend
- Light concealer in beige is ideal for covering spots and as a third light layer for dark circles
- A bright light shade leaning towards yellow is used to highlight areas such as the nose and cheekbones. Alternatively, leftover foundation can also serve as concealer.
Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow comes in palettes containing a variety of colors, allowing you to use individual shades or blend coordinating colors that match your outfit and skin tone. Some palettes feature a single pressed color.
Shimmering eyeshadows are ideal for evening events and parties, while liquid eyeshadow is typically used for daytime looks where a heavy application isn’t necessary.
Pencil eyeshadows are convenient and easy to use, particularly for light daytime outings, making them perfect for beginners. Top brands for eyeshadow include MAC, Lancôme, Bourjois, and Chanel.
Liquid Eyeliner
This form of eyeliner is applied around the eye, rather than inside it. It comes in various forms, either as a pencil or in a bottle with a fine brush. Mastery of liquid eyeliner application requires practice, and it’s crucial to avoid pulling on the eyelid while applying to prevent uneven lines. Lancôme is one of the best brands for liquid eyeliner.
Eye Pencil
Used for defining the eyes.
Brow Pencil
This tool is essential for shaping and defining eyebrows, giving them a polished and tidy appearance.
Mascara
Mascara is used for lengthening and thickening eyelashes.
Blush
Blush, or cheek color, is available in various forms:
- Powder Form: Applied after foundation and setting powder for a translucent color pop on the cheeks. It is best used with a brush, ensuring to shake off excess product to avoid over-application.
- Bead Form: Provides a velvety hue for the cheeks, applied in the same manner as regular powder.
- Cream Form: Requires precision during application, typically used for special occasions and applied after foundation.
Makeup Brushes
- Foundation Brush: Specially designed for evenly applying foundation on the face, although it is not always necessary as fingertips can suffice.
- Powder Brush: Utilized for applying powder, particularly when a puff is not available.
- Setting Brush: Used for light powder application on the face and neck, helping to remove excess product.
- Concealer Brush: Essential for distributing concealer in shadowed and highlighted areas, especially beneficial for evening makeup.
- Shadow Brush: Helpful for applying eyeshadow precisely, especially for smoky looks. Available in small and large sizes — the larger brush is used for broader applications, while the smaller brush is for detailed work on the mobile eyelid.
- Shadow Sponge: Provides the finishing touch to complete your makeup look.
Lip Gloss or Lipstick
The final touch for enhancing beauty, lip products are applied to the lips for a polished look.