Work Makeup

Makeup. It's a delicate art, and takes a lot of practice. And then there's the problem of which makeup look is appropriate for which situation. Everyday makeup shouldn't be too heavy, formal occasions allow for more intense colors, etc etc etc etc. The list goes on forever. Today I'm going to cover doing your makeup for a day at work. Your makeup in the office (or wherever you work--I have an on-campus job) should be classy, look natural, but also look like you put some effort into it. There are some obvious dont's.

This is too much makeup. Your foundation should not be totally caked on your face.

So let's go over a simple makeup look appropriate for work.

Much better than the previous picture, right?

1. Moisturize.

First of all, be sure to start with a clean face. After any previous makeup is washed off, moisturize! This step is so important for your skin. Do NOT skip it!

2. Primer

This step is not necessary, especially if you're in a rush, but it really does help throughout the day.

I use a drop about the size of a pea.

3. Foundation

Wait for the primer to dry, then apply foundation. I use the Dream Fresh BB Cream, so I just put a little bit on my fingers and rub it into my face.

And this is with just the primer and foundation on.

4. Concealer

Again, this step is not necessary, but if you have blemishes or red spots or anything, I would highly recommend this step.

5. Powder

Depending on the time of year, I use a different product with this step. I have a powder that came with a foundation during the winter when my skin is lighter, but as my skin starts getting darker I use Bronze Goddess bronzer. I don't powder my face on normal days because I don't think it's necessary for a natural everyday look, but for work it makes the face look more put together.

6. Eyeshadow

I move on to my eyes next. I use this Estee Lauder eyeshadow with two colors inside, but you can use any eyeshadow you like, just make sure that you have two colors: a dark color and a light one. To apply this, I first use the darker color and apply a little bit under my eye. On my upper eyelid, I apply from the outside corner up into the crease. With the lighter color, I simply apply it on the lid of my eye (don't go all the way up to the crease) and on the brow bone.

My left eye (the one on your right) has the white eyeshadow applied on the lid, while my right eye doesn't. Notice how it opens up your eye and makes you look more awake?

 7. Eyeliner

I use some black E.L.F. eye shadow as my eyeliner. My brush is actually a concealer brush, but different types of brushes would probably work too.

 I apply a line of the eyeshadow lining the top of my eye. (My left eye has the line, my right doesn't).

I then put a little more eye shadow on my brush and smudge it up from the previously applied line into the crease. (Again, my left eye has it, right eye doesn't).

8. Mascara

I usually use two different mascaras. I have an Estee Lauder sample or Covergirl that I will use first, then after that dries I apply Covergirl highlights on top. I have the color designed for blue eyes and it is seriously magic in bringing out my eye color.

9. Bronzer and Blush

I went to the Mac counter and had the lady there help me pick out colors. I would really recommend this, my makeup automatically looked so much better without changing anything except for the colors I was using! So I apply my bronzer from my ear towards my mouth, just below the cheekbone. Then I apply the blush just below my cheekbone again, but coming more towards my nose. However, I do not apply blush any closer than two fingers width from my nose. If you put blush super close to your nose you look like a baby doll with red cheeks. 

Here is my bronzer and blush. I try to do it really lightly so it looks natural.

10. Lipstick/gloss

I don't always put something on my lips, but when I do I usually put this MAC lipstick. It's called "Hug Me" and is a great neutral color.

Finished!! Here is the completed look! Thanks for reading my tutorial. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please comment below!