The world of cosmetics – enhancing your beauty, or covering up a small weakness. That’s what cosmetics are for. There’s a cosmetic product for every need. That’s basically how cosmetics work – they allow you to enhance, cover up, camouflage, illuminate, emphasize or minimize – whatever you feel necessary to create a picture of beauty. So let’s explore the methods you can use to do just that.

Cosmetics basics

Before you apply any kind of cosmetics, you need to have a clear idea in your mind of what you’re trying to achieve. As we just mentioned, cosmetics can do many things, and there are many different products designed to do just those things. But you need to be sure before you start that you know what you’re applying and what kind of effect it’s going to produce.

If you’re going for the natural look, then you need to use cosmetics that match your skin color and type. If you want to go “glam”, then, of course, you want everything to be in contrast to your natural look.

And consider, too, how much makeup you need. Some women are blessed with great complexions that don’t need much makeup, while others need a bit of help.

When you’re shopping for makeup, find a store that has qualified professionals who can answer all your questions. Most cosmetics departments and stores do have them. And the ones that are there know their stuff, so don’t hesitate if you have any doubts.

You’ll also need to know your budget before you shop for cosmetics. They range from the drugstore discount cosmetics to the more expensive department store cosmetics. One advantage to shopping at the department store for your cosmetics is that the staff are very well trained – many of them estheticians, who can guide you to achieving the look you want.

Also, you can choose from all the brands – Colosé, Christian Dior, Clinique, Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden, Shiseido, Biotherm, Iman, and more. They all have their own separate counters and beauty advisors. Many will give you a free consultation, including a full makeup application – or a complete makeover, if you want.

So take your time and you’ll end up with the look that’s just perfect for you.

Cosmetics combine to make a perfect picture
Since most cosmetics are applied to the face, we’ll look at the basic products and their purposes. First of all, the base is, of course, the foundation, just as it sounds. Anything that’s built well has a solid foundation, and that applies to your face, too.

It’s important to use a foundation that matches your natural skin color as closely as possible. So try it out. All cosmetics stores have samples. And don’t try it on your wrist – the skin on your arms isn’t quite the same color as that on your face. Try it on your jaw line. If you have time, it’s a good idea to go outside because the foundation will look a bit different in natural light as opposed to the store lights.

When you apply your foundation, you should use a makeup sponge, for more even coverage. That’s, of course, if you’re using a liquid foundation; if you’re using cream-to-powder, there’ll be an applicator with it.

Many women like to use concealers. They do a great job of hiding blemishes, covering up dark eye circles, or just helping keep their makeup in place, especially if they have oily skin. Just as with foundation, you need to make sure that you get a concealer that matches your skin color. And concealer works best when it’s dabbed on, not rubbed in.

A quick application of blush can be a great way to “wake up” the color in your cheeks. It’ll also help to blend the colors of your makeup. But make sure you use one that suits your skin tone; that is, whether you’re a warm or cool skin tone.

There are three types of blush – powder, gel, and cream. Powder is the most popular – probably because it’s the easiest to apply. Cream blushes are great if you have dry skin. Gel blushes are really good, too, but they’re hard to apply evenly, so it’s recommended that they’re only applied by professionals. The key word to remember when using blush, or any makeup, for that matter, is “blend, blend, blend”. Use it to create an all-over natural look.

There are two kinds of powder – loose and pressed. Pressed powder usually comes in a compact, allowing you to do a quick application any time you need to throughout the day. Loose powder serves as a good replacement for foundation in the summer heat. They’re both good at taking away the shine on your face. Whichever you prefer, you need to make sure it matches your skin color.

Another convenient cosmetics product is blotting paper. You can use it throughout the day, instead of applying more makeup, which could eventually cause a caked-on look.