What I wish I’d known about make-up at 16

You know how they say you get older and wiser as you grow up? Well, it’s true, kids. I’m older and wiser and so I know what to do with my make-up. But that wasn’t the story back when I was sixteen.

Oh, sixteen. What a glorious age. What a glorious time.

NOT.

So you know when you’re just starting off with makeup for the very first time in your life and you hear that voice inside your head that whispers, “Go ahead. This is going to look great on you.”? Yeah, it’s wrong most times. I don’t want you to have to look back and think, “If only someone had told me this about my make-up back then…” So here’s my list of what I wish I’d known about make-up at 16.

Play up one feature

You know that urge you feel to play up all your features? Your eyes? Your lips and your cheeks? STOP! You don’t ever want to go overboard with your make-up so if you want to make a statement the right way, play up one feature- just your eyes, just your lips or just your cheeks.

Keep it minimal in summer

Summer months are hot and sweaty. So the last thing you want during this season is to look greasy with make-up caked on your face. Keep your make-up minimal in summer- tinted moisturizer, a quick brush of mascara and tinted lip gloss should work well for your summer look.

Quick solution to a nasty breakout

NOBODY likes a breakout. Not when you’re 16. Not when you’re 60. It just doesn’t happen. So I know how mortifying it can be to have a breakout just days before a special occasion. What helps? Oral cortisone. Taking it a few days before a special occasion should help clear out your skin right up.

How to apply blush the right way

First choose a formula that is best for your skin type. Choose powder or gel blushes for oily skin, cream for normal skin (I use ELF Studio’s cream blush) or dry skin. Remember that blush should actually resemble your natural blush, so choose a color closest to your skin type. You can’t go wrong with soft pinks and coral shades, so when in doubt, choose the soft pink blush. Suck your cheeks in and brush the blush onto the apples of your cheeks then blend it along your cheekbone.

Wash and moisturize your face before applying make-up

Wash your face to have a clean surface to work with and then hydrate your skin by applying moisturizer to your skin. This helps hold the make-up to your face longer.

White eyeliner will make your eyes look less tired

A lot less tired. When you want your eyes to look alive and alert and essentially not sleepy, apply white eyeliner along your lower lashline. You’ll be glad you did.

Exfoliate lips for fuller look

Want fuller lips? Grab that toothbrush and brush over your lips to rid them of dead skin. This will make your lips plumper. Then when applying lipstick, apply a dab of glitter right in the middle of your upper and lower lips. Take my word for it.

Exfoliate skin twice a week

Exfoliate your skin twice a week to get rid of the dead skin. This only makes your skin dull and takes away some of your skin’s natural glow. Instead, exfoliate your skin to keep it looking and feeling fresh and young.

Shimmery eyeshadow compliments matte lips

If you apply a matte shade to your lips, be sure to apply a shimmery eyeshadow to your lids to make the most out of the look.

Make-up isn’t always easy. Most times you learn as you go. But hey, it never hurt anyone to know a thing or two about make-up beforehand, did it?