While I’m a seasoned pro when it comes to applying eyeshadow (I learned a few things back in my modeling days), I am definitely still a newbie to the world of contouring — which is actually kind of crazy, considering how much more a little contouring can do to emphasize your strong points and change the way you look for the better. I also wear very minimal makeup usually, so a refresher on how to create a full-faced glam look was definitely in order.
For someone who loves the natural look, and is always pressed for time, contouring has become my magic secret, thanks to the tutorial I got from Make Up For Ever. With just a few strokes of bronzer and maybe a little blush and highlighter, I can make myself not only look much prettier (especially in photos), but still look completely natural, as if I wasn’t wearing makeup at all — in about 2 minutes flat. Brilliant!
I’m sure you’ve already heard of the super-famous makeup brand called Make Up For Ever. Their Director of Artistry, Lijha Stewart recently taught me a few new tricks for my beauty arsenal. Specifically, she showed me the best ways to contour, while giving me a “modern Grace Kelly” look. The end result was pretty glamorous, if I do say so myself!
Here’s a fun little video they put together of my transformation from a plain Jane to glam starlet:
Here’s a quick rundown of what they taught me:
1. Foundation doesn’t have to look obvious. You can put a lightweight foundation all over your face or just on certain spots (which is what I normally do) …but that’s a bit more risky and could end up looking blotchy, so if you’re going to be on a red carpet, make sure to check yourself in natural light and take a quick selfie to see if it shows up on film before you go out. Make sure you match the color exactly to your chest so your face doesn’t look like a different color than your body.
2. Contouring can subtly modify your face shape and nobody will know. All you have to do is use some contouring powder or bronzer with brush-strokes from the middle of your ear to the side of your mouth, and from the outside of your eye in a half-circle to the top of your head. See the video for more details on that.
3. A great brow and false eyelashes can make a huge difference. Seeing is believing. My straight eyelashes were given major Oomph! with false lashes, and my brows were filled in with brow pencil (but eyeshadow applied with a small angle brush works just as well).
4. Shiny lips and flush cheeks are uber sexy. Try a few to find the perfect shade that looks natural on you. The result? Va-va-voom!
I thought she was going to give you a super bold lip and bold eyes and it scared me. I have always loved your simple look and you have always been pretty with or without makeup. What’s your skincare routine? I thought you already had foundation on but you’re flawless. Geez, do you even get breakouts? Or is it because you’re a healthy eater and you don’t get acne? Your face is flawless. No acne marks or any discoloration. I’m so jealous. ?
What sets apart Make Up Forever from other makeup brands is that they’re not hard sell but they make it up for the quality of their products.
The 1950s were such a classy era. All the ladies were fine and had timeless beauty.
It was funny that you had to walk down the street wearing that. I bet people were staring! ??
I’m really curious about what you said about you being a model back in the days. What did you model? I’ve always thought that you’re stunning and that you can pass as a model with your body and looks. I really admire how photogenic you are! I really wish that we could catch a glimpse of your modeling life. A model will always be a model, right?! I also can’t help but ask about the brands you’ve worked with! You would definitely be a great model for makeup brands!
Actually, your foundation really shouldn’t be obvious… It wasn’t meant to be!
One thing people need to take note of when being in Red Carpet and night time events is that they should avoid foundations with SPF. Be careful with translucent powders as well. We’ve seen celebrities make terrible mistakes about this.
Contouring doesn’t even stop with your face. They should have contoured your neck and collar bones. It would have made the look better. I really love the look she’s done on your face though. At first I thought it was a terrible mistake that she placed dark eyeshadow on your lids, but the brush of gold (is it?) on your lids made the look even better. You have really gorgeous eyes and this look made it look more beautiful! You made me want to try Make Up Forever.
I’ve been saving up for Make Up Forever products. I want to buy a full face of products because I think it’s worth spending on.
Those aquamatic eyeshadow pencils are really nice. They do look very creamy and easy to glide on. Not bad for a pencil!