makeup

ALL DOLLED DOWN

photo: russell james/design: eunice chun

I’m the first to preach that we should dress only for ourselves; and maybe occasionally for our girlfriends… but never dress for guys (because sexiness comes from a confidence within). Well, we all know that Valentine’s Day is the one day of the year that it’s fun to wear what he’d like us to wear! And since that translates to makeup as well, the truth of the matter is, guys like girls with as little makeup as possible. I know some of you are all over that as you can’t be bothered with makeup, but a lot of us rather die than not wear any makeup, especially around a guy we like! So here are some of our top no-makeup makeup secrets that will define and bring life to your face without him knowing you’re wearing anything! And this concept can be applied for any dates, not just Valentine’s Day…

FACE

Switch from foundation to a tinted moisturizer. Or add face lotion to your foundation to thin it out. Apply it with a sponge for sheerer coverage. I always wet the sponge first, then wring out any excess water.

Spot correct any blemishes with concealer.

EYES
Skip eye shadow. I promise you it’s merely a bonus product, not a necessity to look pretty!

Do what I call the Sneaky Liner Trick. Using a black kohl liner in your dominant hand, reach around and above with your other hand and place your ring finger directly on top of your lid, then gently lift it upwards, pulling your lash line up and away from your eye. (You can also do this by placing a guitar pick or business card on your lash line then lifting it upward.) Then trace your liner back and forth along your lash line, directly between your lashes but NOT above it.  This way it’s not detectable but still adds definition by framing your eyes.

Use a “pet-able” mascara, meaning one that is soft and not stiff or starchy. You want your man to feel like he could reach out and pet your lashes, the same way we hate it when they wear stiff hair gel and you can’t run your fingers through his hair! Maybelline Full and Soft mascara is Lauren and my personal favorite (she actually introduced it to me!). Only apply one coat and make sure to comb through or gently pull out any clumps with your fingers.

CHEEK

Since the name of the game is “who me? I’m not wearing any makeup!” opt for a cream blush instead of a powder one so it looks more natural. And choose a shade that mimics a flush, like you’re blushing. I love RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in Modest because it’s an organic line that melts into your skin and the shade is a perfect blushing rose.

LIP

Most guys hate lipstick. Especially if it’s going to end up on them! So opt for a tinted lip balm if you have to have a little color, or just chap stick. You also want them to be soft and healthy, so make sure to give them a little scrub first by brushing them with a toothbrush or disposable mascara wand. I always tell my clients “every time you brush your teeth, brush your lips before you’re done.” Because that means they’ll get a nice polish twice a day, every day and won’t have the chance to get dry and cracked.