FanSided-sabshernandez

Choosing a foundation can be very tricky. Most women have a hard time picking the correct color for their skin tone, much less the proper brand and coverage their looking for.

But a proper foundation is key to even up tone and texture of your face. Your foundation is the base that the rest of your makeup will rest on, hence the name... "Foundation".

The most common misconception of foundation is that the color should match that of your face, when in fact the best-matched foundation will blend with the color of your neck. This allows the foundation to not only provide adequate coverage on your face but to bring the color down slightly past your jaw line and blend into your neck. Eliminating those unsightly lines of demarcation.

In addition, when choosing the correct color steer clear of those pinky tones. You will most likely look GREY. Most women (specially Asian women) have a more yellow to olive skin tone and the chances that a pink based foundation will match is highly unlikely.

Next is picking the type of foundation that's best for you. This is based very much on personal preference; however, there are a few things to keep in mind before you try the whole store.

First of all, always remember, you get what you pay for! Second, consider how long you wear your makeup a day. Are you a nine to five working girl? Do you cleanse your face and re-apply before you go out or will you makeup be on all day and night? These questions are important because some brands make foundations that will last 12- 14 hours while others begin to disappear 6 hours after application.

And last but not least, consider you skin type, tone and texture before you buy a foundation. A lot of brands now have specific foundation products for skin that is prone to breakouts and blemishes as well as foundations for aging, dry, or oily skin. These special foundations can prove useful to obtain that healthy glow you are looking for. In addition, foundations made for blemish-prone skin typically include a small amount of acne medication; so your skin has a chance to heal while your makeup is on.

After spending so much time picking the proper foundation, it's key to apply that foundation correctly. Use a makeup sponge when applying foundation onto the skin. Some women like to use their index and middle finger for application, I too prefer this method when I apply my own base because the heat of the fingers will warm the foundation and make it easier for your facial skin to absorb the product. Using a makeup sponge whether it be square, triangle, or round (based on your preferences) allows for the foundation to be applied to the skin evenly and not be smeared. The only disadvantage is you tend to use up more product because the product gets absorbed too quickly by the sponge.

Just one last reminder, remember to blend, blend, blend! Your face and neck should not have a line where the foundation ends. Here are some foundation tools that would aide you in applying your foundation evenly:

• Foundation Brush
• Stippling Brush
• Cosmetic Wedges
• Sea Sponges

I can't stress it more that investing in a good makeup foundation is very important. You can scrimp on everything else but not your base. A good base is all you need to have a perfectly applied makeup!


PHOTO CREDITS
Model Photographed by Pocholo Ignacio
Hair and Makeup of Model by Sabs Hernandez
Model: Carolina Machado
Product Shots from Google Images

BIG, Sexy, Romantic Curls


Many women with long hair complain a lot about the lack of styling options. They are tired of the straight hairstyle, ponytails, and chignons. The complaint is that to change their look will always require a lot of work and seldom gives satisfactory results.

Here is a great and easy way for a soft, romantic look that's very easy to do, with a free, unconstructed curl that has a very stylish, up-to-date feel. Of course, it takes some practicing too. These instructions work well with hair that is either all-one-length or cut into long layers. Thanks to hairstylist Lynne Chapman, I was able to use this easy tip on Carolina for our shoot with Pocholo Ignacio!

Long, shiny hair with big individual curls, is always in style and while this great look takes a little styling effort, it is well worth it.

Start by shampooing your hair and conditioning with a light (not too strong) conditioner.
Next, divide your towel-dried hair into five sections and secure it with clips or bobby pins.



Starting with section #5, apply a styling gel or lotion, to add texture, and begin to dry that section using a large round brush and your blow dryer, directing the air flow downward, flowing from the root to the ends. The air direction and round brush produce a sleek shine. Dry section #5 thoroughly before continuing on to sections #4, #3, #2 and then #1 using the same technique and remembering to apply a styling gel or lotion to each section.
At this point, you should have very smooth, shiny hair but if the drying technique frustrates you, don’t worry about it, just make sure your hair is completely dry through out.

To finish creating the style, you will need a set of heated, bendable rollers.

Start with an approximate three-inch square section at the crown. Take the ends of the hair and wrap them around the roller.



Complete the set by rolling all of the rest of the hair in three-inch square sections with the exception of a one-inch section around the face. You will use a curling iron to put soft waves into this area while the rollers are cooling. This is done by holding the curling iron in a vertical position and rolling the hair toward your face. It isn’t necessary to put a lot of curl into this hair, just a soft bend.

Remove the rollers when they are cool and finish your style by turning your head upside down and running your fingers through the curls. Flip your hair back right side up and smooth slightly, using only your fingers and you will have achieved big, sexy, romantic curls. And without a lot of work!




CREDITS
Photographed by Pocholo Ignacio
Hair and Makeup by Sabs Hernandez for Lancome Paris
Modeled by Carolina Machado (Brazil)
Text and illustrations by Lynne Chapman