Since I was a teenager, makeup has been my Achilles’ heel. Anything with bright packaging, funky colors, or a cool concept would lure me into shelling out bucks. Since then I've learned that quality is far better than the latest marketing ploy (though I can't help myself every once in awhile!). The tips and products I describe below have come from my own personal "vault" of experience (and trial-and-error).

Eye Color:

I've had oily skin for nearly a decade! Aside from the obvious skin woes this has created for me, another effect has been eye shadow that slicks off easily and doesn't last. I finally found a solution to this problem: Mary Kay's Eye Primer. This product goes on under eye color and helps it last. Another trick to use with eye shadow is to use a light color on your whole lid that acts as a buffer between your lid and the color you want on top.

I've used pencil and cream-based eyeliners for awhile. However, I've never found one that provides the staying power needed to keep up with me. I switched to liquid eyeliner and have had great results. One challenge with liquid liner is that it's difficult to apply. The best way I've found to apply it is to hold your lid taut and apply it in several strokes. It also helps to wipe excess product from the tip before applying (too much product can cause clumps and really thick lines!).

Lip Color:

The right lipstick can make or break your whole look! Too bad so many of them wear off after a sip of water or a kiss. The best stay-true color I've found is Cover Girl's Outlast. I love it because it stays on for hours. However, my lips are often pretty dry by the time I remove the color. So, before applying, I make sure that my lips are moisturized by using some lip balm or gloss (make sure not to use chapstick or Vaseline as they prevent the lipstick from lasting and will actually take it off if applied on top of lipstick!). This also helps the color to go on more evenly. The special lip moisturizer that comes with each lipstick helps ensure a glossy finish and less drying.

Foundation:

There's nothing worse than spending time applying foundation, only to have it all wear off a few hours later. One way to prevent this is to make sure your skin is properly cared for before applying foundation. Moisturizer helps foundation go on more smoothly and evenly, which, in turn, will make it last longer. It's also important to use powder! I prefer to use loose powder with a big, poofy face brush. Using a sponge to apply powder might remove some foundation in the process. It only takes a light dusting to set the foundation, and the results are well worth it.

Cheek Color:

Blush is a great product to use if your face needs a little color (like mine!). To keep it strong, make sure to apply it after using powder to set your foundation. Another idea for making blush last longer is to use a cream blush instead of a powder blush. Cream blushes blend into skin and allow the color to last longer. My favorite trick to use is to use a mild cream blush first and apply a powder blush over it. You'll be blushing all night long!

Nail Polish:

Too often I've applied nail polish and seen it chip and crack after a day! To help prevent this I use a base coat before applying color. Choosing a quality nail polish over a $0.99 will help to ensure longer-lasting color (though I do enjoy "going green" from time to time). Finally, finish it off with a top coat that will seal in the color and help it last.

Thank you for reading this guide!  I hope that these tips proved helpful to you.  For more information about these products and you have any questions, feel free to contact me!

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