Find out how to keep your makeup looking beautiful with tips from beauty Youtuber Nikki Phillippi.
Deep clean your pores
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It
doesn't matter how expensive your foundation is or how much you cake
on, if your pores are clogged, those spots are bound to stick out.
That's why Youtuber and beauty guru Nikki Phillippi
takes the extra step of deep-cleaning her pores. "I take a nice hot
bath or shower and exfoliate my skin with a gentle exfoliant," she says.
Phillippi rotates the products she uses, between masks and a chemical
exfoliator (like a glycolic acid wash),
for the best results. Even if you don't have fancy products on hand,
the steam from the warm water alone can help improve the appearance of
your pores. Find out the bad habits that could be clogging your pores.
Always wash your face first
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Just
like your body needs an a.m. pick-me-up, so does your skin. "I always
wash my face with a gentle cleanser each morning so I have a clean slate
before applying any cosmetics." Pick a calming, rejuvenating face wash
that cleanses your skin without stripping away healthy oils. These are secret signs your skin products are damaging your face.
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Moisturize generously
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As
a general rule of thumb, the more hydrated your skin is before you
apply any cosmetics, the better your makeup will look—and last.
Moisturizer also helps prevent your complexion from flaking and looking
dull and creates a smooth surface so your foundation won't crease in any
fine lines or wrinkles. To get the maximum benefit, massage a small
dollop of your favorite moisturizer into your face using small, circular
motions, and allow it to absorb completely before moving on in your
routine. The extra minute or two this takes is well worth your time.
Primer is key
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Primer
may seem like an unnecessary step in your makeup routine—after all,
it's a clear, colorless gel that might not seem like it's doing anything
when you first put it on—but there's a reason why beauty enthusiasts
sing its praises. "Primer is key! It helps keep my makeup from oxidizing
and blurs uneven skin texture and tone," Phillippi says. Primer helps
your makeup go on more smoothly and last longer, too. But remember, a
little goes a long way. If you use too much, it can start to pill under
your foundation. And like with your moisturizer, you need to give it a
few minutes to set before applying other makeup. Follow these 13 genius tricks to help your makeup last all day.
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Pick the best shade for your skin
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A
good trick for finding the perfect shade of foundation is to match it
to your neck or inner wrist. When you're trying them on at the store,
leave the foundation on for a few minutes to see how it changes as it
mingles with your skin; some may oxidize and start to look orange over
time. "Identifying the undertones of your skin can really help you pick
the correct shade," says Phillippi. "Try out different brands and shades
to find the right foundation for you." Bobbi Brown and Tarte Cosmetics
are two lines that she likes that have a wide selection of shades. Here
are more tricks for finding the best foundation for you.
Blend, blend, blend
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For
the most natural-looking flawless finish, it's vital that you blend
your foundation with a brush or sponge. And it's not enough to stop at
your jawline, you should blend into your neck too, says Phillippi. "I
sometimes bring the foundation down lightly onto my chest as well, if
I'm wearing a low cut or strapless top, so it's seamless with my actual
skin." Blending isn't only for foundation, you should also blend your
blush and eyeshadow for the most flawless look.
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Carry a makeup bag for touch-ups
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No
amount of long-lasting sprays and setting powders can keep your makeup
looking perfect through sips of coffee, long commutes, and dinner dates.
Trust us, women who always look fresh-faced are touching up on the go. A
dusting of blush, a coat of mascara, and a swipe of lipstick and you're
back to new.
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Don't be afraid to try something new (or a little different)
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While
it's all too easy to get stuck in a rut once you know what works for
you, Phillippi encourages women to have fun with makeup and play around
with trends. Not sure how or where to start? "Watch beauty tutorials
online and practice different looks. I didn't think I would love
contouring my face until I practiced it, and now it's a go-to look for
me." You may not even have to invest in new products, for example a
standard kohl eyeliner can create a sexy smokey eye and a pink lipstick
could do double-duty as a gorgeous cream blush. Read on for 10 makeup mistakes the pros wish you would stop making.
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