Buff not blend!
It's the newest beauty manta. The funny part, though is, it is blending. For a seamless finish, makeup artists are now 'buffing' their makeup. Here's how you can do it now, and for free:
1. For a blended makeup look, you have to have a base that will distribute your makeup evenly and blend is effortlessly. Try Laura Merceir's makeup Primer. Ideal for combination skin types, this primer works wonders and has a gorgeous pearl finish. It is great for all kinds of coverage and can even be used under tinted moisturizer for a hassle free, non-sticky everyday look.
You can also use Essence Cosmetics Color Control UV Makeup Base. This is one of our favourite bases. It keeps the face moisturised and imparts a dewy finish to the face.
2. Next apply your foundation. The purpose of a foundation is to even out your skin tone and hide the flaws. Use a densely packed, flat kabuki brush and apply the foundation in circular motions. The bristles will absorb the extra product and the circular motion will allow the foundation to melt and blend in seamlessly. You can use a sponge to blend your foundation as well but they tend waste a lot of product so it is best to avoid them. We love to use the Sigma F82 kabuki brush. The evenly cut bristles help to buff the foundation in your skin. Start in the center of your face and work your way towards the edges.
3. Since, buffing gives a very natural and blended look, the goal here is to keep a light hand on the blush. Use a shade that matches your cheeks when they are flushed. You want to use a fan brush to get sheer layers of blush as it picks up minimum amount of product. Apply blush on the apple of your cheeks and the edge of your nose as these parts are the first to flush when you are under the sun. For cream blushes, your hands are your best friend. Directly apply, cream products from the container on your cheeks and working your way from the apple of your cheeks, going outwards. Keep blending until you have a nice flush. Duo fibre brushes are also a suitable option for cream blushes as they pick up minimal amount of product and deliver a sheer application.
Next sweep the bronzer across the bridge of your nose.
Try Sigma's P84 Angled Precision brush. For a complete tutorial on sun stripping, click here.
5. Apply highlighter on the high planes of your cheekbones, the center of your nose and Cupid's bow. Your highlighter goes above your blush, on your cheekbones but there should be no harsh boundary between the two. Use a blending brush for a seamless finish.
6. Spritzing on a facial spray at the end can help to blend it better and last it longer.
