Have you fallen into a makeup rut?

You know you want a new look, yet return to the same old routines? Change can be challenging. But switching gears and emphasizing your best features in new ways can be positively thrilling. Not to mention gorgeous.

Let’s start by tossing these tired tactics overboard…
 
Covering up freckles
Freckles are fantastic! Let them show. A lot of models and actresses I work on have freckles and love them. They keep you looking young and fresh.
 
The matte look
Using powder to matte down your face is as dated as the beehive. To control shine, use oil-control lotion, blotting papers, or sheer blotting powders. Or just powder the T-zone area. Look clean, not cakey.
 
Over-lining the lips
Lip liner abuse is the biggest sin I see. Never use liner to draw on big lips unless you’re in a stage show. And don't use liners darker than your lipstick or gloss shade.

Concealer gone wrong
As the old saying goes "if it ain't broke"- Don't apply concealer before the foundation; You might not need it once your foundation is applied, plus you’ll just wipe it off when you apply foundation. And don't use a shade much lighter than your foundation; that highlights rather than conceals.

Finding your foundation shade
Never use the back of the wrist to test foundation shades. For a true match, always use the chin to neck area.

Heavy eyeliner
Using heavy liner is only okay if you're trying to create a look for the evening (like the cat eye), otherwise it is better to gently smudge liner only into the lash line for a more natural effect.

Matching eye shadow to eye color
Get greater impact by choosing colors opposite your eye color. The contrast brings out your eyes. Using the same shade as your eye color will only make you look like you're wearing too much eye shadow.

Bland blush
Using dull blush colors makes you look muddy. Instead choose bright shades and apply them on the cheekbones with a big blush brush for a flushed effect.

Contouring
Unless you are in the theatre, use highlights instead. Contouring is almost always noticeable and it is time we embrace the different shapes and lines of our faces and focus on using makeup to enhance, not recreate.

Plucking gone wrong
We used to think that a thin arch was best, and the butchering began. Put the tweezers down. Modern brows are groomed, natural and soft. Try the threading method for a clean and natural beautiful shape.