Makeup for Small Eyes!

Small eyes can be a challenge to apply makeup to and for someone to do on themselves. I am going to drop a few tips and tricks on how to accommodate for this. Now, remember, give yourself some grace and practice to make the process your own.

My first tip is to get yourself a double sided flesh colored pencil. One side can be a highlighter with a shimmer and the other side can be a matte finish. You may also find ones that have a concealer on one side…whichever the case, these type of pencils will suit you. The matte color is going to be placed on the lower water line of your eye which is right above your bottom lashes. I know this may sound weird to you but trust me, it works! After applying, blink a couple of times for the color warm up. This acts as a highlight against the whites of your eyes and inherently makes them look bigger and brighter. An old Hollywood trick. With the shimmery side, place that highlight on your brow bone under the mid point or highest point of your brow and blend. You want to give the illusion that there is as much space as possible from brow to eye. If you do not have an arch to your brow then get one ;))) !

Next, if you do not have a half size eyelash curler, then you may want to purchase. I have one from MAC that I use. Just think of a full lash curler but half the size, Sometimes those that have smaller eyes, can’t fit their full set of lashes into a curler so that can be frustrating. This smaller lash curler enables you to curl your lashes section by section. Then in this same category….mascara. For the best results, I think a mascara that has a smaller thinner, more detailed wand is best for smaller eyes and lashes. You will be able to coat your lashes from root to tip much easier because you will be able to control the wand much easier in comparison to a much thicker or larger wand. Try out SENNA Cosmetics Lash Detail Mascara! It’s only $5!! If you are so inclined, you can always layer another mascara type on top for volume and length added.

My final makeup tips for smaller eyes is to not to use darker shadows like black around your eye area as this can close up the eye even more. Try using shimmery shadows or lighter matte colors depending on your skin texture. Also, try and highlight the inner corners of your eyes as this also gives the impression that your eyes are farther apart and more wide and awake. If you have hooded eyes as well…try using a neutral shade on your crease like in the picture above to give the illusion that it’s pushed back and not coming forward.

Check out my Instagram to see this post come to life!

The Reverse Cat Eye Trend!

The reverse cat eye makeup trend was created by @paintedbyspencer on Social! It has become a fun trend to try and it flips the script on the traditional winged liner look! Let’s talk about what exactly this look is and then break down how to achieve it.

A reverse cat eye starts underneath your lower lash line and wings out at the outer and inner corners which still lifts and shapes. Here are the steps to creating this look. Products that you will need is a black or brown kohl eyeliner, matching eyeshadows to smudge it out and a couple of makeup brushes.

1. First use a neutral shade of eyeshadow(I used the NAKED Smoky Urban Decay shadow palette color Whiskey for my lids)… brush this onto your eyelids and bring into your crease and blend just to create some depth. You can also add a bit onto the lower lash line. I used a flat rounded shadow brush and a dome blending brush for this.

2. Take your fave kohl black or brown liner and line your lower water line( I used Loreal’s Black Kohl pencil) and then smudge or gently buff it under your lash line and into the lower inner corner (the brush I used to smudge was MAC 144).

3. Then take another brush…(I used an angled liner brush-you can use any brush that has more of a pointier tip to it but not too hard of bristles to gently work the liner from the outer corner up to a wing ) for this signature look. You then do the same thing on the inner corner of your eye.

4. Take the original neutral shade of shadow you used on your eyelids and soften the edges of your black liner just on the bottom, not the corners. You can use your MAC 144 brush again for this.

5. Tight line your upper water line with the same Kohl liner.

6. Optional: You may take a black shadow or whatever color you have chosen to be the tightlined color and layer the powder over the liner for a more satiated shadow look and for longevity.

7. Add Mascara and Lashes for a more dramatic feel only if you are feelin’ it! This is pretty much it!

8. If you are also wanting to be adventurous …feel free to use this method with different colors as well!

   Have fun and let me know if you tried it and your thoughts! This trend is HOT and super easy to accomplish. This look and the products I used is featured on my Instagram page if you would like to see more @makeupthebride .

Vitamin C benefits for your SKIN!

Who doesn’t like Vitamin C? It’s one of nature’s most effective nutrients for our bodies in helping get over a cold, protecting our immune systems and necessary for growth and development. So, how does Vitamin C get an ‘A’ for being an amazing skincare product, let’s take a look!

Vitamin C in an antioxidant, meaning it protects the skin from free radicals caused by UV exposure and air pollution. It helps lighten hyperpigmentation while evening out skin tone and enhancing radiance. It helps your skin repair damaged skin cells naturally. Everyone over 40 should be integrating a Vitamin C product into their skincare routine STAT!

When used topically, due to it’s highly acidic properties, the skin responds in the active reproduction of collagen and elastin that help to keep the skin plump and firm. So, Vitamin C can actually help in the premature aging process. As mentioned earlier, it also helps to inhibit melanin production which causes hyperpigmentation with it’s brightening ability.

When looking into the most effective Vitamin C products to integrate into your skincare routine, look for the term L-ascorbic acid which is the most effective form of it out there and to use it in a serum form. When combined with Vitamin E the effectiveness doubles. Use these serums under your moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin…start out with around a 5% and you can work your way up to 20%.

Vitamin C gets an ‘A’ for being apart of your skincare routine. If you are over 40, bring the C factor into your routine! The benefits are exponential! Here are a few examples of products on the market to choose from!

1. La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum

2. OLEHENRIKSENBanana Bright™ Vitamin C Serum

3. SkinCeuticals C E FERULIC® WITH 15% L-ASCORBIC ACID

How to FIX Dried Out Makeup!

As a consumer and a makeup artist, sometimes makeup products get dried out and it is extremely frustrating. I spend money on products that I can’t wait to use and then suddenly, they seem to lack the consistency or texture that was apparent when brand new. So here are my best suggestions on how to fix dried out makeup!

For the most part, cream products are at the center of this happenstance. If you have a cream makeup like a Brow Pomade, you can use a Setting Spray to help it come back to life.

You can also use HEAT. Try to put item under a lamp for about 30 seconds to one minute and when you see it start to glisten or sweat, then it’s reactivated. Use a hairdryer too, this can be done with dried out eyeliner pencils! You can also mix the cream with an emollient skincare product like 100% Argan Oil or Coconut Oil to get the life back. Don’t use any oil that can irritate your skin like peppermint oil etc.

Contact Solution can also be used especially to revive dried out mascara. But add minimal amounts at a time to not make it too watery. Along these same lines you can use Eye Drops to help a dried out cream but use it as a last resort because usually these drops have an antihistamine in them so it’s not the best to put onto skin.

A Mixing Medium like Inglot’s Duraline can also be used to transform a dried out cream makeup. Combine the elements and use somewhat quickly as it dries somewhat fast once mixed.

Use a Hydrating Primer and mix with your cream to bring it back to useable life. An oil free moisturizer can also be a great option to mix.

Remember to always try and keep these makeup products closed tightly and securely to avoid dryness. Also, try and keep these cream products stored upside down so the oils can travel to the surface to keep it from going sideways. Hope these solutions and tips help.

Do you have any HACKS to add to this list?! Let me know :))

Makeup Consultation Do's and Don'ts

Since weddings are revving up again and makeup consultations are in a BRIDE to BE’s immediate future, here are some of my Bridal Makeup Consultation Do’s and Don’ts!

Do have Bridal Makeup Inspo pics to show your artist.

Do wear the color of your dress to your appointment so you can see the makeup against the color.

Do try and schedule your Bridal Hair Consultation on the same day as your Makeup Consultation.

Do try to have makeup consultation appointment on day that something special is planned like a Bridal Shower!

Do come to your consult with a clean face.

Do tell your artist if you have any skin sensitivities.

Do tell your artist if you will want any body makeup or covering of tattoos.

Do bring any makeup products that you would like to show your artist if you feel more comfortable in doing that. For eg. if you want to use your mascara, then that is definitely ok to do!

Do tan if you plan on doing so about 3 days beforehand, to see the coloring before you commit to it on your wedding day. Also, the artist will have to match the color which can be done on the day of but it’s still better to see the whole picture.

Do take pictures afterwards to see what it looks like and if any modifications are needed.

Do voice your opinion and give feedback, remember this is Makeup not brain surgery. We want to make you happy!

Don’t get waxed the day before as your skin may still need some time to calm down before a makeup consult.

Don’t get a facial the day before, as your skin’s texture may be way different and slippery. Your skin will need to balance out for a few days before a makeup consult. I suggest a week in advance. Think of washing your hair right before curling it, most hair will not curl when it’s super clean and slippery.

Don’t show up with lash extensions that are literally on their last leg and are falling out. This will not give you a great finished and polished look at the end of your makeup consult.

Don’t be afraid to change your mind if you would like a different lip color or something to that effect, just let your artist know ahead of time and they will make any necessary adjustments the day of for you.

Don’t wait til last minute to schedule your consult. Give yourself and the artist at least 4-6 months prior to wedding date to book it. This gives plenty of time for any rescheduling or if the artist needs to acquire assistants.

Don’t show up to appointment from another makeup consultation!

I hope these Bridal Makeup Consultation Do’s and Don’ts help! Share it with a future Bride to BE!! If you have any other helpful tips, please add in the comments!!

Book a Makeup Consultation today with Makeup the Bride!