Start with an illuminating primer, such as Dior Skinflash Primer $42, all over your face and down your neck. This will not only give you a solid base for the rest of your makeup, but also give you a subtle glow. If you have mostly even skin tone, apply a sheer foundation or BB Cream such as Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Illuminating Beauty Balm, $38, rather than a full coverage foundation. You want your skin’s natural texture to shine through and for the makeup to just enhance the tone. Applying your foundation with a buffing brush such as Real Techniques’ Stippling Brush $9.99 will ensure a near-flawless base. If you have dry or normal skin, skip the powder and leave your skin with a dewy finish. Women with oily skin should only apply powder where they know they get shiny, like the forehead or nose.
Valentine’s Day isn’t the time for statement makeup, unless that’s your normal look, so start with a bone or sheer pink eyeshadow such as Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Sellout $17 across the lid for a light and shimmery base. If you’re going to apply a colored shadow, try applying a cream formula or applying it with a damp brush. This will ensure a long-lasting look. A gel or liquid eyeliner can give you a more polished look if you apply it very close to the lash line. If you feel comfortable with it, a small wing can look feline and feminine but otherwise thin the line towards the corner when you get to the outside. Curl your eyelashes and apply a mascara such as Dior Diorshow in Black $25, which will give you definition and length.
Stains and other long-lasting formulas work best if you want to apply your makeup then forget about it. Look for a cream blush such as Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge $24, which can easily blend into the skin. Similarly, if you’re looking for color on your lips, either apply a stain such as Smashbox Limitless Lip Stain & Color Seal Balm $23 or pat your lipstick on with your finger. This will give you a subtle wash of color without the inevitable smudging and reapplication process.
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