Makeup Advice for Men

In response to an e-mail from J.A.:

“Do you recommend men to use some makeup before doing any headshots? If so, what would you use? Minimal concealers? What?”

Let’s face it boys, don’t we all want to look good in pictures? Not to upstage the ladies and take away a bit of the spotlight, but it’s also nice when the light shines on us.  My advice: keep it simple. With the quality and clarity of digital film, if you see makeup on your face in the mirror it will show on camera.

"KISS" obvious makeup goodbye

We all know what it is like to ask for directions, but rules are different at the makeup counter. The ladies are generally more than happy to battle the other sales associates to take a few moments to help you. Go in to the department store with a purpose and a list. As coy as these cosmetic femme fatales may be, they can sniff out inexperience and a credit card with space. Start by finding a lightweight tinted moisturizer that matches your skin tone. You need a color that matches your face NOT YOUR HANDS. Choose a shade that “appears to disappear” on your jaw-line. Generally a tinted moisturizer is enough to even out the skin, but if you have other areas that need a little help such as blemishes or razor burn, a matching concealer can be used. Do NOT use a light concealer, especially under your eyes. You will look like you’ve spent the day on the slopes with a pair of goggles on.

With the skin tone even, I also like to add a gel bronzer such as Tarte’s Sunkissed Gel Bronzer.  Apply the product lightly to the boney features of your face such as your cheek bones, forehead, nose, and a small amount on your chin. Ensure that you blend the product to appear that you have a light tan. You are not trying to achieve a George Hamilton tan.

If your eyelashes are light, you can apply a light coat of mascara to enhance your lashes, such as Kiss Me Mascara in black. Tube mascara will not run or smear on your eyes, and they are easy to remove with soap and water. If you find that your skin is too shiny, apply a light amount of TRANSLUCENT powder in your t-zone to blot the shine.  You don’t need to invest in brushes. Just purchase disposable sponges from your drug store to apply the powder.

Finish the look by adding a bit of moisture to your pucker. Nobody wants to kiss lips that feel like sandpaper.  Use a lip balm, such as Dr Haushka for an intensive daily lip treatment. It helps renew and protect rough, dry, cracked lips without encouraging product dependency.

Use these tips for any day or night that you want to impress the best. Embrace the metro-sexual in you and a whole new bevy of beauties clamoring for your contact info.

Tips and Tricks

TIPS AND TRICKS

Moisturizer: It is important to wear a good SPF. Find one that will protect your skin from UVA (protects against aging) and UVB rays (protects against burning). When you come out of the shower in the morning, make sure you treat your skin to a good moisturizer. Keep your skin fresh and young day and night. Take the time and remove your makeup at the end of the day. Clogged pores are not happy pores. Use a gentle exfoliant to slough dead skin cells and refresh your skin.

Foundation: Finding the correct shade is important. Do not warm your complexion with a darker foundation. You can always add a gel or powder bronzer for added warmth. If you are unsure of your skin tone, test the color on your jaw-line. A foundation that “disappears” on your skin will be your shade. No need for a full face of makeup when you find the correct color. Even out your skin through your T-zone, taking care to not apply foundation on your eyelids. The shadow will crease throughout the day and not wear as well. Tinted moisturizers will give your skin the lightest coverage, liquids medium coverage, and crème makeup full coverage.

Concealer: Similar to finding a foundation, find a shade that matches your skin tone. Do not date your look by using a concealer that is 2 shades lighter under your eyes. If it matches your foundation, your skin will look flawless. A shade too light will appear ashy on the skin, and enhance discoloration.

Eyes: Find shadows that you can use wet or dry. Wet shadows will wear longer and stay where you put them. When shadows are used wet, the pigment will also be a bit deeper. Base shadows are also a great way to keep your shadow on all day. Use a base shadow that does not contain shimmer. A matt shadow will be easier to blend. Use a warm peach to brighten your eyes.

Eye Liner: Use a waterproof liner such as Stila smudge pot, or Makeup Forever’s gel liner. Great for contact wearers and people who do not have time to check their makeup several times a day. A navy blue liner will brighten whites, and help during those days your eyes are a little tired. Black is perfect for everyday use.

Cheeks: “Pop” the life back in your skin with a hint of color. Apples of the cheeks will give a youthful glow. The day of the 80’s racing stripe should remain in the past. Blush is used to create the illusion of health and youth. Soft peach tones are great for the spring season.

Bronzer: Diamonds sparkle, but make bronzer a “girls best friend”. A stain or gel will leave the skin with that extra little glow and give the radiance of a sun kiss. Winter spring summer and fall; a bronzer will finish your look.

Lips: Avoid the rogue seagull flying above your lip. Match your liner with your lip color. Blend in your lip line and your products will last longer. Stains are great for long wear.