8 Tips For Creating THE Makeup Routine!
Updated: Oct 20, 2022
Do you want to know the secret to a perfect makeup routine?
Well, there isn’t one. Every individual has different skin types, concerns, budgets, styles, and motives, so there isn't one recipe that is going to give everyone their desired results. Instead, I'm going to share eight simple tips that I learned along the way that helped me to create THE makeup routine that currently works for me.
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Tip #1 Skin Prep Is 🔑
It took me a few years to understand that having a solid skin prep routine that worked best for my skin type and concerns was very important in getting the smooth finish and lasting wear of my makeup that I desired for so long. I would consider my skin type to be a combination of normal and oily skin, with my t-zone area being where oil builds up the most specifically on my nose. Understanding that I have to pay attention to my nose area the most during my makeup routine, I invest in skin care products that are considered to be 'light weight' by using a gel cleanser and moisturizer.
These three products have not only helped me to transform my skin concerns of dark spots, dullness, and texture that I have but also my makeup game by helping me achieve the seamless makeup look that I had spent years trying to achieve. These products were created by the company Olehenriksen which can be found in retailers such as Sephora, Amazon, and of course Olehenriksen.com. Along with these three products I also use the company's dark spot facial toner and eye cream which has solidified my skincare routine. A rule that we live by here at BlackBoujeeBeauty is to try the sample or travel size of a product first before committing to the brand. I found that by doing this I have saved myself money in the end on products that I thought I would like due to reviews and suggestions from online but just didn't do it for me. Every purchase should be viewed as an investment and you want to ensure that you are getting the most value and use of that investment.
Tip #2 Don’t Fall Victim To Current Trends
I know, I know—this is a sound piece of advice when it comes to fashion, but it very much so also applies to makeup! The last thing you want is for your routine to be dictated by what everyone else is doing and what the media is deeming as the new "It Thing" Makeup trends and techniques are constantly evolving so please do not feel like you have to keep up with every one of them now if you truly like it that's your business. If you feel like your beauty routine needs a revamp, do it because YOU want to change things up, not because someone told you “this is the year of contouring your nose with a fork” or whatever else might be popular that month/year/century.
Tip #3 What Works For One May Not Work For Another
Everyone's wants and needs are different when it comes to makeup. What works for one person might not work for another. For example, have you ever watched a makeup tutorial or product review from two different creators and one rave about the product and the other despises it so now you're like damn do I buy this or not? One of the best things you can do for yourself is to trust the research that you do on something to form YOUR own opinion, investing in something because you truly think it will enhance your routine and not because your fave said to go buy it.
So how do you know what products are best suitable for you? There are lots of options available today and it can be overwhelming to try them all! The key is patience—and experimentation! Remember that even if one product doesn't work for you, that doesn't mean others won't. You might need to try several times before finding something that suits your needs perfectly, I also learned that sometimes it isn't the product itself but the way that I was using it which is where focusing on technique comes in handy.
Tip #4 Focus on Technique
It isn't always about the quality of the products that you are using but sometimes about the technique and steps that you take to optimize the full capability of the product. An example of this would be the way that I now apply concealer compared to just two years ago. When doing my version of what glam means to me I love the look of a bright, full coverage under the eye but for so long could not figure out why I wasn't getting the results that I desired. Thinking that my problem was the concealers and setting powders that I was investing in but after watching a few tutorials on application I realized that my issue was in the way I was applying and blending out the products. Once I got this part down I was now able to practice more and more using the new techniques that I learned, fast forward and now I have achieved that desired look.
Remember the product is just a tool to help achieve what you want to do. There is no one size fits all solution, however, the best way to learn is to try new things and practice! Try different techniques for your makeup routine to become more personalized so that it works for you personally
Here are some examples of techniques:
To get the best coverage out of your concealer (this does not apply to matte products) First use a concealer brush and place the product on the back of your hand to warm it up, then apply it to your desired areas and allow the concealer to sit on your face just a bit before blending it out. Before blending out your concealer with a beauty sponge use a small buffing complexion brush to buff the concealer in and then go over your work with a beauty sponge to seamlessly blend away any harsh lines.
If you are a blush lover like myself and are looking for a more lifted look on your cheeks apply your blush on the higher points of your cheek rather than on the apples of your cheeks to avoid a more rounded look. Blend out the products in an upward motion starting from your cheek and into your hairline.
3. Trying to achieve that seamless under-eye? When you are ready to set your concealer, ensure that you have blended until you can't blend anymore, then go in with a blending brush and pick up some of that loose powder to lightly set the concealer in place before baking. After, use a damp beauty sponge for baking and press the powder into your skin rather than swiping it across your under eye, allow the powder to sit until you're ready to dust off the excess with a fluffy tapered brush, when brushing away the excess brush it away in an upwards and out motion rather than just outwards to keep the desired shape of your concealer in place.
Tip #5 Youtube & Pinterest for Tutorials. It's FREE!
Have you ever looked at someone's makeup and thought, “I can’t do that?! That looks so hard to achieve!”? Well, if you are in the process of learning how to apply makeup or just want some new ideas for your daily routine, YouTube and Pinterest are great resources. You can find multiple tutorials for every look you could want on YouTube.
There are different tutorials for everything out there and sure enough, there is someone for everyone out there. If you are looking for a tutorial on a certain product it would be in your best interest to find someone that shares a similar complexion to your own so that you can see how the product will show up on your skin. Keeping in mind how color theory works, a product such as lipstick, blush, and highlighter is not going to show up the same for everyone. What may be someone's nude may be a deeper shade on the next person.
Similarly, Pinterest is also full of amazing tips and tricks when it comes to applying your favorite products. Whether it be mascara or foundation... You name the product; they have instructions on how to use it best or looks to get inspiration from for that next out-and-about makeup look, bridal looks look, or just a simple everyday look. You can check out the BlackBoujeeBeauty 'FACE' board for more makeup inspiration, standard tutorials, and just to take a look at all of the beautiful faces featured on there!
The best part about these sites is that they're free! So if you're looking for some help getting started with your routine this year—or just want some helpful hints along the way—then check out these two platforms today!
Tip #6 Don’t Be Fooled by Filter & Photoshop
The internet is a wonderful place to find inspiration, but don't be fooled into thinking that every photo will translate the same in person. Filters & Photoshop are there to enhance and alter, nothing wrong with a little touch-up but there is something that needs to be understood and that is when we start comparing our finished look to what we saw online wondering why our photos aren't coming out the same and it is because a lot of what we see online and in photos is an illusion. Please do not allow social media to cause anxiety and a lack of confidence over how you compare to others—if anything, these platforms are an excellent way to show off your individuality and showcase your style. It is important to embrace the fact that yes a lot of us have textured skin, hyperpigmentation, breakouts, and scars and it can show through makeup but that does not make what you have achieved any less beautiful than what is showcased online.
Tip #7 Practice & Time Are Your Best Friend
Practice and time are your best friends. The more you practice, the better you will become accustomed ago and comfortable doing your makeup. Practice also makes you more confident in the steps that you are taking to achieve your desired results. With confidence comes efficiency and it all pays off in the end!
Tip #8 Enjoy Yourself!
Makeup can be a lot of fun and it is a great way to express yourself. If you are not having fun while doing your makeup then make it something you enjoy doing by setting that mood. Makeup is ultimately a form of self-care so when you take that time for yourself try incorporating things that you enjoy whether that is listening to your favorite artists to get you in that feeling yourself mood, burning some incense or a candle and something You enjoy doing is drinking a glass of your preferred wine, champagne or beverage of choice. When you're having fun with what you're doing It will show in your results as well.
With that all being said the key to a good makeup routine is to find what works for you and enjoy the beauty of becoming. It's not about what everyone else says you should use or what they're doing, it's about finding out your own needs and deciding how best to meet them. The more comfortable you are with yourself and your skin, the better you will feel! I hope these tips have helped make that easier for you! I would love to hear how you cultivate a beautified makeup routine and what products you enjoy using currently. You can leave a comment below or chat with me directly with our chat box option. Can't wait to hear from you!
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