Our teenage and early adult years are spent experimenting with our style, trends and makeup, figuring out what works for us with the raw material God gave us.
However, as we grow older and what is available on makeup stands gets better in quality and efficacy, isn’t it time to revisit our beauty routine? Shouldn’t we try something new?
Over the next three weeks, ChenAlly Makeup Studio and Mobile Spa founder Lorna Mutegi is going to take us through the basics when it comes to make-up. This week, we start with foundation, what works for us and how to lay it.
Cleanse, tone and then moisturise
When you clean your skin, does it feel dry and tight if you do not apply a moisturiser? Then you should use a cream cleanser, very mild toner and a heavy moisturiser.
If, on the other hand, you wake up in the morning with a shiny forehead and cheeks, then you should be using a gel cleanser, non-alcoholic toner and a light moisturiser.
Lay foundation
Choose the correct type of foundation for your skin type. For oily skin, choose an oil-free foundation; for dry skin, use a water-based liquid foundation to hydrate you.
When buying, test a drop of it on your jaw and rub it in. If it is the right colour then it will disappear into your skin.
Start with a small drop on your finger and put a few polka dots on the face, starting with your forehead, side of the face and centre of the face.
Now distribute the foundation evenly over your skin, making sure to rub some down past your jawline.
Start of by applying little foundation and build it up as the need arises.
Have any dark or pigmented areas? Cover this up with concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your skin, and then apply your foundation colour on top of that area by dabbing rather than wiping it on.
Contouring and Highlighting
This has been made famous by the Kardashians, who use the technique to highlight their beautiful bone structure.
Basically, you use a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your skin to draw a T on your face, and foundation that is about two shades darker.
When you blend it all together with a makeup blender sponge, the lighter parts (forehead, nose and cheekbones) really pop against a slightly darker background. The sponge costs about Sh250.
Next week, it’s all about eyes, but until then, check out this video showing all the above steps: Quest to True Beauty, by Lorna Mutegi.
Product review
Lorna was hesitant to go any cheaper than Sh1,200, saying: “Any cheaper and you really do not know what you are putting on your skin.”
Shs 4,000 - Sh5,000: Black Up; MAC
Shs 2,500 – Sh3,000: Revlon; Mary Kay
From Kshs 1200: Sleek, Black Opal
