Makeup artist Julia Dalton-Brush recommends cleansing, toning, using a facial oil (if appropriate), and moisturizer. “Unfortunately, many people see applying makeup as the only thing they need to do, and when they do not get the flawless look they are searching for, they blame the products,” she says. “A fully hydrated and prepped face will do wonders, not only for your skin under the makeup, but also for the end result.” “Make sure to moisturize appropriately before makeup application to allow the skin to create a smoother surface so that makeup can glide on evenly,” she says. “I love wetting my makeup sponge and foundation brush to apply my moisturizer. It doesn’t leave the skin as red and warm as it does when applying moisturizer with my fingers. The cool water on the sponge or brush calms the skin and boosts radiance.” RELATED: Ask a Beauty Editor: Best Foundations for Mature Skin “Natural sunlight provides the most accurate reflection of your face in a mirror,” says Shira Aaron, a celebrity makeup artist based in New York. “It is by far the most flattering light.” If natural light isn’t an option, she says to choose a warm white LED light, which most closely resembles the outside. “To avoid this, steer clear of thick foundations or concealers,” says celebrity makeup artist Noreen Taylor. “Instead, choose fluid ones containing luminous particles, which will make your skin look healthy and natural without overloading, so it doesn’t look like you’re wearing a mask of makeup.” RELATED: Ask a Beauty Editor: Best Drugstore Concealers (Under $15!) Tevelin suggests exfoliating with a gentle scrub once a week, and then applying a hydrating lip balm. “Use brown sugar or oatmeal to naturally exfoliate,” she says. “Applying a lipstick or gloss with color and a lip liner creates the appearance of fuller and more youthful lips. Stick to colors that are your natural lip color to give the look of fuller lips.” “Using mascara to accentuate the edges of the eyes can give your gaze extra expressiveness,” she says. “But no matter how small those wrinkles are, thick mascara will make them stand out. Just slightly add one coat to stay safe.” RELATED: How to Prevent Your Mascara From Smudging, According to Makeup Artists “Choose a natural rosy color that most closely resembles your actual flushed cheeks,” she recommends. “Stay away from blushes that are too bright, too shimmery, or too powdery. Make sure to blend it into your skin for a more natural appearance.” “When adding bronzer to your makeup routine,” Dalton-Brush recommends, “think about where the sun naturally hits your skin the most: the tops of your cheekbones, gently around your hairline, and possibly around the jaw line.” For best results, she suggests using a cream blush so it easily blends in for a natural finish.
