A little of this and a little of that......

Hello guys and dolls! Have you ever wondered what techniques or tricks could be used for some of the latest makeup trends??? Let me take you back to 1994, the year I started as a professional makeup artist. I was taught and trained by a very seasoned beauty guru herself, Mrs. Love. And what I loved about her was the ease of her techniques and teachings. She was my mentor, my muse, and my dear friend.

The first technique I was shown was how to brush and lay the eyebrows in place and frame them to one's face shape. The eyebrows determined and brought the entire face together. To keep the hairs in place, you were to take a small brow brush or even a child's tooth brush and spray hairspray along the bristles. This technique kept them in place and would be now known as a brow sealer.


Interesting isn't it?? Later, our store came out with this wonderful product and the first of many companies back then. Secondly, another technique was with concealer. Are you getting excited yet?? Oh yes, let me share more with you! You were take the concealer and pat along the eye area if your client had darkness, no rubbing to blend--just patting along the area working into the darkened area....poof darkness is gone!


 Now if you had circles and puffiness there was this really cool trick to do-- are you ready?? You were to go along the circle of puffiness and pat the concealer on top, going a little over and downward. This would create the illusion of evenness and flatness. Another client was so loving you and therefore calling you a magician!  


Contouring was another trick I learned and this one will surprise even more!! I have seen many do their magical wonders of contouring and while some are better than others, this will shock you the most!!! I was taught to only conceal the eye area first and then apply the foundation lightly......contouring came only after you applied the foundation and was for special occasions.

This makes sense to me and I will tell you why! Your client's face and shade have already been matched and blended--right?? Ok, stay with me. You can now take your contouring powders/sticks and enhance, decrease all you want then blend softly. The eye area was never meant to be white or lightened to the point that you see it in pictures or in person. Cheekbones needed to be brought out while drawn in to give, that fabulous model fashion cover look.  Brushing along underneath the chin would slim one's face and across the jaw. Temple contouring was last and was what framed the face most!


Highlighting the nose downward to the tip, cupid's bow, center of forehead, and chin was most fun. Sometimes if the client had far apart eyes, you were to darken the inner corners to draw them in, if you did not do it with eye shadow.  Too much contouring and highlighting your client left them looking overdone and cakey. A very well blended face always looks best!


Eyes were another asset that some had learned a few shortcuts on while using other tools that were meant for other uses as well. The famous q-tip could be a girl's best friend! Q-tips were also used to line the eyes, smudging the liner downward in one sweep stroke. This created a great smokey eye look. Now, I could go on and on since there are so many, but I hope this gave you some great information. These other techniques could still be used today.  


I love learning new techniques and seeing the latest makeup styles. Always experiment with your makeup and face for some of the greatest techniques were made by mistake! Have FUN and LOVE your makeup!!!!


Much love and hugs,
JOY