Tag Archives: makeup

You Know You are a Classic Beauty if…

Beauty, Personal Style, , , , ,

Character: The Classic woman is the epitome of elegance, especially if she is a Summer or Spring; although she can be any season.

Classic women are very refined and poised. They are thinkers and planners. They watch what is going on around them, they study, they gain wisdom and they act on their knowledge without concern for their reputation. They do what is right even if others do not understand them. In fact, once they are convinced of something it is very hard to get them to change their mind.

Classics live a balanced life, they tend to eat right and exercise, they work hard and take the vacation time they earn. The Classic is not only organized and orderly, but she needs to be; in fact, chaos will quite often bring out the worst in her. When things get out of control she may get stressed, but rarely does she get caught up in the moment. She may be emotional by nature, but she is controlled and rational in mannerism.

RoseI use the rose to represent the Classic because she is a refined beauty. She is dignified and sophisticated and stable in all her ways. She is graceful and conservative and a pleasure to look at. She has a balanced figure and proportionate features and tends to have her professional look all together, with everything coordinated and accessorized, (though it may be outdated).

This woman is hard to get close to. Like the rose, she has a guard about her. In her younger years she is tight and withdrawn and a bit protective of her heart and habits. When she is upset she may speak with sharp words, but she doesn’t have to say much. People respect her. As she matures she opens up and those willing to risk knowing her can easily remove her thorns. Her wisdom and skills are often a sweet aroma to those who need her.

We all need a Classic in our lives; they make great mentors. Unfortunately, many Classics are left to pursue their great ambitions alone because those who don’t understand her passion to make things better may consider her critical, or stuck in her ways, but those that know her will agree that her stability brings security and her wisdom and administrative skills are valuable.

If you are a Classic, I encourage you to remember that you elegant beauty is best enjoyed when it is complimenting other types of beauty. A single rose in a vase is lovely but a rose properly placed in a bouquet, or surrounded by baby’s breath is captivating and inviting. Most women guard their hearts by determining to not need others. As a Classic, you may need to fight the tendency to stand alone even more than most women. Others need what you have to offer, and, honestly, you need others to accentuate what you have to offer.

One example of this is in home decorating. You may very likely be a Classic if your home has high quality furnishings but is missing the finishing touches and decorative details. Most Classics have excellent, detailed dreams and ambitions but often their efforts are left incomplete. If this is you, I encourage you to trust others to complete you. No one is good at everything, you are not less of a person when you allow others to finish what you are so good at starting. In fact, being vulnerable makes you more enjoyable–like a rose that can be embraced without fear of getting pricked.

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Learn more about Supreme MakeOvers

As an “Image consultant without the shopping obsession,” Catrina’s passion is in helping women and girls overcome confidence conflicts by unveiling the power and purpose of their personal Image Identity (Img.ID) and teaching them to accentuate their authentic beauty so they can forget about their appearance and think about others. Please consider having her as a speaker for your next event. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linked In, Goodreads

The Overlooked Cause of Acne

Beauty, Confidence, Personal Style, , , , ,
When acne flairs up a girl’s confidence deflates.
Google how to treat this common skin condition and you might find an ad promoting a suicide hotline. Not only does acne cause a huge conflict with our confidence, but it has a way of rearing it’s ugly head in times when our self-worth is so crucial. I’m not just talking teen age years. How many times have you woken up the day of an important event ( your wedding, a recital, concert, ceremony or basically any time you have to be in front of a camera or crowd) and found a huge blemish taunting you in the mirror?
Why is that?
Some say it’s emotional: our nervousness causes the oil gland to be more active, perhaps a way of keeping us humble.
Some say it’s physical: hormones, diets, habits and genetics.
Others say it’s a cycle of life and we should just let it run it’s course.
clear skin mom & daghterBut it doesn’t happen only in adolescence.
And it doesn’t happen only on our face.
Acne happens anywhere, and for any reason, that the sebaceous glands in our skin become clogged, infected or inflamed. Getting to the root of the reason may require professional help, but before booking your appointment with a dermatologist, you would be wise to start with the basics.
Perhaps there is a simple reason your pores are being blocked, like the products you use. And I’m not talking about your skin care or makeup because most girls who struggle with acne make sure that anything they put on their face is noncomedogenic. (If not, by all means, start there to find your solution.) I am talking about the conditioner that runs down your back and face when you rinse it off, and the hairspray that doesn’t restrict itself to landing only on your lovely locks. Many women struggle with face, shoulder and back breakouts simply because their hair product is blocking their pores causing the oils in their glands to build up.
If this is a possibility for you, and you don’t want to stop using or change your products, I recommend you change your routine:
  • Most conditioners should be left on awhile in order to penetrate the hair and do their work. Therefore, you may be in the habit of rinsing it out just before stepping out of the shower. I suggest you lather up your body and wash your face after rinsing out your conditioner. That way all residue is off of your skin and only on your hair.
  • Most women finish styling their hair after doing their makeup and then set their style in place with a sticky, pore-blocking spray. I suggest you finish your hair before washing and making up your face (and remember, your face includes your décolletage). This can be tricky with some styles but where there’s a will, there’s a way and if holding your bangs back illuminates your acne you may find it worth the effort.
By no means do I suggest that these simple solutions will fix every cause of acne, but too often in life we overlook the simple things that create big problems. Acne, like so many Confidence Conflicts, can flair up almost instantaneously. One pore gets blocked; one word, thought or deed blocks our confidence and our self-esteem is rocked. And it takes time to heal once there’s an infection or irritation but unless a change is made no healing will begin and the problem will only persist.
If you are struggling with acne or any other kind of confidence conflict, I encourage you to consider the root or the reason and then get back to the basics of taking care of yourself so that your skin and your confidence are clear, clean, strong and healthy.for more information, visit me at www.CatrinaWelch.com

A Great Makeover Starts with Clean, Quality Brushes

Beauty, Confidence, Personal Style, , ,

As a builder’s wife I have learned that there is one trade that can make or break a home. In the beautiful custom properties that my husband builds, every detail is done with excellence. Most of his customers know better than to cut corners; seldom does a homeowner say, “I want to do this part myself.” But every once in a while a homeowner feels they may be able to cut costs by doing this one trade themselves: painting.

I did a little of this creative work when I was younger and loved it. It is very rewarding to cover a surface with paint. When we were building our own home I  wanted to paint the bedrooms. My husband knew that poorly applied paint could make beautiful craftsmanship  suddenly look ghetto. I had to convince him that if I could paint nails, I had motor skills fine enough to cut in walls correctly. And before he would let me have my fun, he bought me quality brushes and told me that I must wash them thoroughly and lay them flat to dry after each use or it didn’t matter how skilled I was, paint can not be applied correctly with poorly conditioned tools.

I wasn’t going to tell him that cosmetologists know all about that, too.

Makeup brushes may not need cleaning after every use, but they, too, should be treated with respect if we expect our “face paint” to be applied correctly.

It’s a common response that most professionals get: whether it’s home maintenance or a makeover, most of us wish we could do as good a job ourselves without having to pay for the service. Well, I’m not sure about any other industry, but I am here to tell you that you can give yourself a professional makeover if you treat yourself like a professional would.

So let me share a few tricks of the trade:

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“Blenders” like these reusable Blending Buds, are a great tool for liquid foundation application.

First of all, buy quality brushes and blenders. Like with paintbrushes, it doesn’t matter how skilled you are if you are using disposable brushes, you will not get quality application.

Secondly, care for those tools. Makeup artists are required to clean their brushes after each use. You don’t have to worry about sharing bacterias if you are the only one using your brushes, but bristles that are cleaned and conditioned will not only apply makeup more accurately, but also make the experience more enjoyable. I recommend you wipe them on a damp face cloth after each use and really wash them out monthly before they get too saturated with product or become ratty and disheveled.

Lastly, always store your brushes handle-side down in a cup to keep their fluffiness. 

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Washing a brush that is used for powder can seem a bit foreign, so let me walk you though this easy process. But before you do this, be sure to apply your makeup, because you won’t be able to use your brushes again until they are dry again.

Step 1: rinse all brushes and blenders to remove the majority of residue.

Step 2: fill the sink (or a bowl, cup, whatever) with warm soapy water. You can use a soap specific to makeup brushes or I recommend your own shampoo or facial cleanser–especially if you have sensitive ski
n. Another common option is dish detergent with a drop of olive, almond oil. 

Step 3: add another drop of soap to the palm of your hand, and swirl your brushes into the soap, one at a time, dropping the into the sink.

Step 4: drain sink and rinse each brush thoroughly while separating bristles without confusing their order.

Step 5: gently squeeze water out of bristles from butt to tip and lay flat on towel or hang upside-down to dry.

There are many services–in my field as well as my husbands–that I would never recommend you do for yourself, but every woman should learn the techniques, skills and habits of giving herself a makeover. If you would like more tricks of the trade, please visit my site at www.CatrinaWelch.com and consider having a Supreme MakeOver. You can have Confident Beauty, which doesn’t wear off like makeup does!

for more information, visit me at www.CatrinaWelch.com

 

One Important Rule, One Essential Tool for Great Makeup

Beauty, Confidence, Personal Style, ,

makeup accentuates beautySometimes the only difference between an amateur and a professional is the fact that one of them gets paid. While this may be insulting to some professionals, it can be true in my business. While I realize there will always be times when a woman needs to spend a little money on image services, I’m not so naive as to think that an amateur cannot do some of the things I do. In fact, part of my job is to coach a client out of needing me. This is especially true when it comes to the makeover. Every woman should be able to do her makeup like a professional.

But that doesn’t just happen.

Any homeowner can paint their house. But it will never look professional unless he invests in the proper tools, a little knowledge, a lot of practice. The same is true with “face paint”. If you are willing to learn, invest and practice then your morning makeover could give you the same confidence you would feel walking out of the spa.

I’m not going to give you a bunch of makeup techniques today; I have already written a number of blogs on this in the past. You can find them here. Instead, I simply want to give you the most important rule and the most essential tool for a professional makeover.

The most important rule: 

Blend, blend, blend, blend, blend. Your foundation, your blush, and eye shadows–blend them all well and when you are done, fill your biggest brush with loose powder and blend again.

The most essential tool:  

The cotton swab. Yes ma’m, this simple tool is the secret to all your makeup dilemmas.  Add a little moisture to keep the fibers from catching on the eyelashes, and you have the perfect blending tool. No eyeliner should end abruptly; use the soft tip to blend the line into a slow fade. No makeup should be where it’s not meant to be; use the wet tip to erase any speck of distracting mistakes.

Makeup is designed to accentuate a woman’s beauty, not rob it. You do not want any streaks, spots or smudges to demand the attention that you deserve. A makeover that blends well, and has smooth, even lines will draw others to your eyes–the window of your soul–without them even thinking about your artistry.

By the way, this is why most people think they don’t like makeup: because when they do like it, they don’t even notice it!

If you are like most women, who want to do a good job with their makeup, then I want to encourage you to simply learn, invest and practice because you don’t have to be a professional to look like one!

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Catrina Welch is an inspirational author and speaker whose personal experience with overcoming rejection, betrayal and loss–as well as her expertise as a cosmetologist, image consultant and Biblical life-coach–is empowering women to BE and LET BE.

Her latest book, CONFIDENT BEAUTY: Reflecting the One Who Made You, with the Images in your Mirror and in your Soul, is now available in your favorite bookstores. Autographed copies of all her books are available on her website at www.CatrinaWelch.com

Does Makeup Make you Feel Phony or Confident?

Beauty, Confidence, Life, Personal Style,

Many women don’t like how makeup feels on their face and the sensation makes them self-conscious. It doesn’t mater how beautiful you look; if you feel self-conscious, your beauty will be hindered. I’m not going to tell you to get over it and wear it anyway but if wearing makeup is something you wish you did enjoy, then there are ways that you can overcome the discomfort of what is commonly known as “face paint.”
makeup brushesFirst, be sure your face is clean and conditioned before application. A freshly cleansed and moisturized face is the only canvas any makeup should be applied to. Even if you showered hours before and think your face is still clean, your natural oils will break up the makeup causing it to feel heavy, and making it difficult to blend.

Secondly, use quality skin care and a foundation of the right weight for your skin type. Using products made for oily skin when yours is dry, or visa versa, can cause your makeup to streak and make its presence on your face very obvious to you and to others. A good makeover starts with good products that go on smoothly and even out your skin’s porosity.

Lastly, use quality tools that are cared for. I don’t care how good an artist is, if her paintbrushes aren’t appropriate for the job her work will be compromised. Also, if she doesn’t clean them out regularly they will begin to fail her quickly. Invest in good makeup brushes, keep them clean and store them standing up so they don’t get disheveled. Another important tool to invest in is makeup sponges. For very little money you can purchase a bag of these handy devises that will make a huge difference in how foundation feels on your face. Instead of using your oily fingers, use these to create a smooth and silky skin tone that you won’t even remember you are wearing once you are done applying it.
Try these “tricks of the trade” and let me know if it changes how you feel wearing makeup. One of the most important keys to having confident beauty is in doing what it takes to take care of yourself and then forgetting about yourself and focusing on others. I’d love to know that these simply habits helped you do just that.

*****

Catrina Welch is an inspirational author and speaker whose personal experience with overcoming rejection, betrayal and loss–as well as her expertise as a cosmetologist, image consultant and Biblical life-coach–is empowering women to BE and LET BE.

Her latest book, CONFIDENT BEAUTY: Reflecting the One Who Made You, with the Images in your Mirror and in your Soul, is now available in your favorite bookstores. Autographed copies of all her books are available on her website at www.CatrinaWelch.com

 

Color, Confidence and the Summer Palette

Beauty, Personal Style, , ,

 

 Summer colorsIf you have soft contrasts in your hair and skin, and have cool undertones, you are likely a Summer. Also, your hair may be “mousy” brown, light, medium or dark brown with auburn highlights, silvery gray, or light, medium or dark ash blonde (with a gray cast at the root).

The Summer palette of colors is soft, dusty and grayish with a blue-based undertone. Like the landscape and sky on a beautiful summer day with the humidity casting a misty quality that softens all the colors. Think pink, lavender, soft whites.

If you are a Summer, choose clothing with soft, muted colors that have cool or blue undertones. If you choose to color your hair, ask for highlights and/or lowlights, diversity in colors is beautiful on you and gives your hair depth. Stay away from warm undertones; cool, ash colors will look best.

When choosing your makeup, be sure your eyes are defined and have an appropriate cool color; without a little mascara or eyeliner your eyes can be washed away. For more tips, click the word “makeup” below the Topics bar to your right.

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To request an image consultation (what I call a Private Supreme MakeOver or SMO, which includes an color analysis and Img.ID assessment. I also do group SMOs) click on the Image Coaching tab:  

Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their image issues. It is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books includeFootprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Loosing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available soon.

Color, Confidence and the Spring Palette

Beauty, Personal Style, , ,

imagesIf you have strong contrasts in your hair and skin, and you have warm undertones, you are likely a Spring. Your skin may be ivory or milky white; peachy; ruddy and golden beige when tan. Also, your hair may be golden, honey or strawberry blonde; light, medium or deep red; golden brown (usually light); or dull, yellow gray.

The Spring’s seasonal palette has hues that are clean, clear and somewhat delicate in quality with a yellow-base. This season brings with it a fresh and clear feeling in the air. It may be hard to visualize it right now as the color is fading to brown now, but think of the crisp, new greens, reds, yellows and blues that will be budding again before we know it.

If you are a Spring, choose clothing with bright, clear colors that have warm or yellow undertones. If you choose to color your hair, be sure to color all the hair one shade. Stay away from cool undertones. You will do best with neutrals and warm tints.

When choosing your makeup, be sure your lips have an appropriate warm color, as this will bring attention to your eyes. For more tips, click the word “makeup” below the Topics bar to your right.

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To request an image consultation (what I call a Private Supreme MakeOver or SMO, which includes an color analysis and Img.ID assessment. I also do group SMOs) click on the Image Coaching tab:  

Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their image issues. It is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books includeFootprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Loosing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available soon.

Color, Confidence andthe Winter Palette

Beauty, Personal Style, , ,

imagesIf you have strong, sharp contrasts in your hair and skin, and you have cool undertones, you are likely a winter. Also, your hair is most likely dark (black, dark, medium or light brown) or salt-n-pepper. Very rarely are blondes Winters, unless they are platinum or white blonde, or were as a child (sometimes tow-headed children grow up to become more honey-colored in adolescence, and more brown by the adult years, and can be mistaken for a spring).

The Winter palette of colors has hues are pure, clean, bold, and sharply contrasting–like the true primary colors. They are blue-based in undertone, like freshly-fallen snow and the deep blue waters on a cold winter day. Think black, white, navy and true reds, greens and yellows like you find on a color wheel.

If you are a Winter, choose clothing with colors that are crisp and clear with cool or blue undertones. If you choose to color your hair, be sure to color all the hair one shade. Stay away from warm undertones; you will do best with neutrals and cool tints.

When choosing your makeup, be sure your lips have an appropriate cool color, this will bring attention to your eyes. For more tips, click the word “makeup” below the Topics bar to your right.

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To request an image consultation (what I call a Private Supreme MakeOver or SMO, which includes an color analysis and Img.ID assessment. I also do group SMOs) click on the Image Coaching tab:  

Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their image issues. It is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books includeFootprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Loosing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available soon.

If you are interested in getting these books or having Catrina come speak at your event, you can contact her at www.CatrinaWelch.com or on facebook.

Color, Confidence and the Autumn Palette

imagesIf you have soft contrasts in your hair and skin, and have warm undertones, you are likely a Autumn. Your skin may be very fair ivory or peachy; light to dark golden beige; golden black; or ruddy. Also, your hair may be strawberry or auburn red; honey or drab blonde with golden highlights; coppery red-brown; deep chestnut or golden brown; golden or dull gray; or maybe even charcoal black (although very rare).

The seasonal palette of an Autumn is rich, earthy and mellow with a golden undertone in the yellow-base side of color–like the colors we see now in New England. Golden, orange and red hues dominate all the leaves, flowers and bushes. Our sun sets right now glows with warmth unlike other seasons.

If you are an Autumn, choose clothing with soft or muted colors that have warm, or yellow undertones. If you choose to color your hair, ask for highlights and/or lowlights; diversity in colors is beautiful on you and gives your hair depth. Stay away from cool undertones; warm, red colors are usually best for you.

When choosing your makeup, be sure your eyes are defined and have an appropriate warm color; without a little mascara or eyeliner your eyes can be washed away. For more tips, click the word “makeup” below the Topics bar to your right.

****

To request an image consultation (what I call a Private Supreme MakeOver or SMO, which includes an color analysis and Img.ID assessment. I also do group SMOs) click on the Image Coaching tab:   Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their image issues. It is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books includeFootprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Loosing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available soon. If you are interested in getting these books or having Catrina come speak at your event, you can contact her at www.CatrinaWelch.com or on facebook.

Tuesday’s Tip: Loose Powder

Beauty, Personal Style, , , , , , ,

The final step of a good makeover is one that often women dismiss, and seldom do routinely. It is the loose powder application. This product may be translucent, have a bronzing effect, or even give a bit of shimmer, but it’s effect is essentially to blend together the artistry you have just created and to give it a flawless appearance with staying power. It is mostly made of micro-fine talc, which absorbs the oils your skin produces as you go throughout your day and controls the shine so you look fresh longer.

There are no separate tips for the various Img.IDs on this finishing step, although I have found that the women who do not like makeup tend to resist giving it a try, until they do… then it becomes their favorite product and the often the only one they wear because it has great benefits, is simple and quick to apply, and it actually feels good on your face.

Remember when I blogged about blush lines and eye color, and I told you not to erase anything, but to wait til the final step? Well this is it. Applying loose powder over all your face, including your décolleté, brings it all together so the lines you have created have their effect in creating illusions you want, but are now much more natural in appearance. To do this, fill your largest, fluffiest brush with the powder and then tap the excess off. Stroke your face downward to avoid causing the peach fuzz to stand up. (If you have extra oily skin yo

u may want to use a powder puff to pat the product onto the face, creating a layer of product versus a dusting.)

 

Waa laa, you have completed your makeover.

 

One final reminder: loose powder is actually done before lip color, but I blog about it last to accommodate those who only do the simple makeovers. Also, remember that if the powder dusts your mascara, another application to your lashes is appropriate. (see Tuesday’s Tip: mascara)

Tuesday’s Tip: Eye Shadow

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Eye Shadow can be a lot of fun, but not every woman is enamored by it. It can be a bit challenging to apply, and if not done correctly, it can rob all our attention, making many of us uncomfortable wearing it. However, when we wear it according to our image identity (Img.ID)’s  guidelines, the effects of accentuating our eyes (the window of our soul) we can become women of Confident Beauty.

If eye shadow makes you feel more self-conscious, then do not give in to the pressure to wear it… unless of course your self-consciousness is because you simply haven’t found your look yet. Let’s talk about that.

There are a lot of techniques and trends out there pressuring women to get their eye makeup right, I do not want to overwhelm you with tricks that may not suit your style: I prefer to keep it simple. Here is my advice:

Let all the beautiful women in this world be who they were designed to be, don’t stress about applying your makeup like theirs; you be who you are. Follow the guidelines for your personal Img.ID (below) and remember two simple rules of thumb:

  1. Dark colors create depth; light colors bring that area forward. Wherever you want to cause your eye to pop out, use your lighter color; wherever you want it to sink in, use your darker color.
  2. Blend, blend, blend, blend, blend. But do NOT use your fingers to do so, use a quality brush. And do NOT do erase your work before it has had time to settle in with your body chemistry. Next Tuesday’s Tip will help with the “this is too much” crisis that keeps so many women from wearing makeup. (and not just Naturals and Gamins!)

 

If you know your Img.ID, the following information is what will help you most. If you don’t, email me, and let’s book you a Supreme MakeOver edition of your own!

Eye Shadow Tips for each Img.ID:

  • Classics: Your makeup needs to be polished and flawless. Choose natural colors within your seasonal pallet and simple, well blended application.
  • Naturals: You may be happy to learn that you do best without eye shadow, unless you stay in neutral, skin-toned colors and keep it very simple.
  • Dramatics: You become much more alive with striking makeup. Have fun trying various methods of shadow application to accentuate your eyes.
  • Ingénues: Your makeup should be delicate and luminous, as if you have on no makeup at all. You may want to try a soft, lustrous color or two, but avoid the fashion trends unless they are very youthful.
  • Romantics:  Your look is glamorous and sensuous, if you are comfortable wearing eye shadow, do it; but be sure it is not too heavy or harsh or your sensuality will come across as inappropriate. Choose soft colors within your seasonal pallet and be sure to blend well.
  • Gamins: You may not want to wear eye shadow, but when you do you become so much more alive! Especially if you are of the Summer or Autumn pallets. Consider it. Choose real colors like blues, greens and whites to make your look defined, fresh and fun. (like you!)

 

One more thing: I must share the tip I have found to be the most helpful to all personalities: time yourself, and then evaluate the minutes you invested. Do you feel lovely? Was it worth the extra effort? Did you have more vigor through out your day? Were you more apt to think of others than of what they were thinking of you? If so, do it. Take that time for yourself, so that you can spend the other 15. 75 waking hours less self-conscious and more productive, energetic and others-conscious.

Tuesday’s Tip: Eye Liner

Beauty, Personal Style, , , , , , ,

Not every woman should wear eyeliner. And every woman who does should be sure it is applied correctly or this one product could rob all the attention from her beauty. If the eye is the window of the soul, eyeliner often is the curtain that regulates wether you are seen for who you are or not. This is especially true for the Ingénue, whose beauty is youthful and innocent, and the Romantic, whose femininity is too strong for heavy eyeliner; it is simply too harsh for either of them and makes them appear to be striving for beauty that they already have. If you are an Ingénue or a Romantic, I recommend giving away your eyeliner and focusing on your mascara instead. For those adamant about lining their eyes, try using a eye shadow to do this; it is a much softer, more appealing look on your soft, sweet beauty.

The sporty Naturals are not often favored by eyeliner either; it tends to make them look a bit awkward since it competes with their simple and inviting beauty. Most Naturals seldom want to wear makeup anyway, so if you are a Natural beauty, you may find my advice not to wear it to be liberating.

Classics and Gamins may find that eyeliner is a great asset for their image if applied simply and correctly. Those of the Summer and Autumn coloring will agree with me most, since lining they eye brings so much more life to their face and attention to who they are. If you are a Classic or a Gamin, be sure your choice of color and application is not too strong, or it too will challenge your beauty. Do not use black eyeliner (although a Winter Gamin can get away with black), find a softer color within your seasonal pallet, or try using eye shadow with a fine, angled brush.

It is the Dramatics who should really focus on this product since  she looks most stunning in a full makeover. If you have ever loved the look of  heavy eye liner, it was probably on a Dramatic, since she is the one who can carry it off well and not look unapproachable. This Img.ID tends to love fashion and makeup and seldom needs advice on how to wear it since she is usually experimenting on her own, but  quite often I find Dramatics who are afraid to try what they have seen on other Img.IDs as “too much.” I think sometimes she doesn’t understand how influential she is, and she wants to quite down her beauty so others are more comfortable around her. If you are a Dramatic who has not given eyeliner a try, break out your wings! You were designed for drama and excitement, let your image show who you are; heavy makeup is not too much on you.

No matter which Img.ID you are, find the look that you are comfortable with and wear it with confidence. Keep in mind that eyeliner can make or break your femininity. If it squelches your approachability, avoid it or soften it up; if it brings life to who you are, wear it with pride, and be sure that you are the one approaching others to make them feel comfortable around you.

Here are a few general guidelines for applying eye liner:

  • Choose a color within your seasonal pallet.
  • Choose liquid, gel or infallible liner for heavy application; powder or pencil for light application.
  • Use quality tools (brushes, sharp pencil, etc) to be sure the line you draw is smooth, clean and precise. No-liner is better than dashed-liner.
  • Accentuate the lash line; do not apply liner to the waterline (rim) of the eyelid, this is unhealthy, unattractive, unsustainable and only makes the eye appear smaller.
  • Know the shape of your eye and which application best compliments you:
    • Average eye should accentuate the outer corner, bringing the upper and lower lash lines together with a sideways v.
    • Narrow set eyes should only line the outer corner of eyelids, fading the line at the middle to inner lash line.
    • Wide set eyes can be lined completely (if Img.ID appropriate).
    • Deep set eyes should use light colors to draw them out illusionally.
    • Bulging eyes should use darker colors to create depth illusionally.

Have fun experimenting! Next week we will discuss eye shadow. Talk with you then.