Face Makeup

There are all different types of face makeup to try. Depending on the look you are going for, you can achieve full coverage or sheer coverage; a dewy, shimmering or matte finish; highlighted and sculpted features; naturally flushed cheeks or high pigment cheek color. Here is a rundown of the most commonly used face makeup:

Foundation comes in cream, liquid, and powder formulas and offers coverage that ranges from sheer to light to medium to full. It can provide a matte finish, a dewy finish, or an iridescent finish. Whatever coverage or finish you need, there is something for you.

Face Primer is used under your foundation to smooth and refine your skin, blur your pores, prevent creasing, even out imperfections, adjust skin tone, absorb oil, and eliminate unwanted shine. It creates a smooth, even canvas for the rest of your makeup while helping grip your makeup. It can come in a liquid, cream, or gel form.

Concealer is used to brighten the dark areas of your face including under-eye circles and recessions around the mouth or nose. They also can help cover up blemishes, discoloration, redness, or scars.

Bronzer helps to give your skin a warm, luminous glow—as if you’ve spent time in the sun. They can also lightly sculpt your face. Bronzers come in cream or putty and powder form and may be matte or shimmery.

Contour is typically a shade or two darker than your foundation or concealer. Contouring is used to create the effect of shadow and define your facial features.

Highlighter is placed on the high points of the face that naturally reflect light, including the crests of the cheekbones, the bridge and tip of the nose, the forehead, the cupid’s bow of the lips, the top of the chin, and even the center of the eyelids. Highlighter gives your face a radiant glow. It comes in many forms including a stick, powder, liquid, and cream.

Face Powder helps even your skin tone, absorb oil, set your makeup, and achieve flawless-looking skin. It comes in a variety of formulas, such as e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation for buildable coverage; e.l.f. Halo Glow Setting Powder that veils the skin for a luminous finish and e.l.f.'s Prime and Stay Finishing Powder which sets makeup and keeps skin free of shine. You can also use face powder for touch-ups throughout the day.

Blush adds color to your cheeks where a natural flush would occur. It normally comes in natural-colored tones like pink, peach, rose, and plum. Blush is available in many forms, including powder, cream, liquid, or in a versatile blush stick.

Setting Powders, Sprays and Mists are applied once you have applied all of your makeup. It can help your skin look smooth and polished as well as help your makeup last longer.

Face makeup looks best on skin that is clean, hydrated, and healthy. To that end, always apply your makeup after cleansing, toning, and moisturizing your skin with formulas that are suited to your skin type—whether it’s oily, dry, or combination. Moisturizer is particularly important because it can help plump your skin. Don’t forget your eyes—a good eye cream can help soften fine lines and wrinkles and hydrate the delicate skin around your eye area.

1. Cleanse and moisturize your skin

2. Apply a face primer and let it set

3. Next apply your concealer

4. Follow with your foundation, liquid, or cream

5. Apply your highlighter and contour

6. Next comes your blush and/or bronzer

7. Set your makeup with a setting powder and/or setting spray or mist

Applying your makeup often depends on your personal preference. You may use your fingers, a makeup sponge, or a specific makeup brush, depending on the product formula. Creams and liquids can be applied with any of the above; if you’re applying a powder, you can use a sponge or a brush. For example, if you’re applying a powder foundation use a sponge for full coverage or a fluffy brush for light coverage. A cream like e.l.f.’s Cream Contour or Putty Bronzer can be applied using a sponge or brush.