Avoid the clown look: 5 simple steps to natural looking make up from a pro

Over the years I’ve heard many questions regarding makeup application. As a professional make up artist I could go into complicated explanations and techniques that can certainly help, but I prefer to follow what my 9-5 boss calls the KISS method – Keep It Short and Simple.

Here are some quick tips to avoid wearing your makeup like a clown.

Face: If possible visit a makeup counter to be color matched. If this isn’t a possibility try matching your foundation color to your neck. When applying blend foundation beyond your jaw line and into your neck. This will help transition your foundation smoothly into the neck and make the face look smooth and uniform.

Eyes: Whether one eyeshadow color is being used or eight blending the harsh lines is of the essence. If you aren’t sure how to blend your eyeshadow the quickest tip is to use a blending brush and use windshield wiper motions until the harsh eyeshadow lines are blended or smoked out.  Also, when applying mascara allow the product to dry between applications otherwise you may end up with spider lashes. Yikes!

Eyebrows: These are, in my opinion, what frames the face and a harsh black drawn-on line isn’t framing much of anything. Instead, I recommend using eyebrow powder and a thin slightly angled brush to apply the product.  Don’t reinvent the wheel nature has given us the eyebrow shape that naturally looks good on our face – work with that you have.

Cheeks: Unless its Halloween and you are a Porcelain doll do not apply blush solely on the apples of the cheeks. Instead apply blush in the area where you would naturally blush. Be sure to use a nice fluffy brush to blend the product out well. Don’t forget blush is buildable start off with a light handed application and reapply once you have achieved a nice flush of color.

Lips: Yes, of course you’re allowed to wear it. Be it lipsticks, lip stains or tinted lip balm, whatever your heart desires but be sure to use it on your lips not beyond your lip line. That is unless you’re going for the “I just had lip plumping surgery” look.

And there you have it five relatively simple steps to avoid looking like you’re wearing clown makeup.

Guest contributor, Luz Elena Avila, is a professional make up artist based in Chicago, Illinois.