Makeup by Amy Kennison: December 2015

Beauty is a feeling on the inside, however that radiance is not always reflected on the outside.

Stress, illness, just the world we live in can take its toll on our appearance. Looking good isn't about trying to look 20 years younger, its about being comfortable right where you are in the skin you are in. As a makeup artist Ive picked up a few tricks I would like to share...

Start with a well hydrated canvas.

Drink plenty of water....its a good idea to drink a full glass of water as soon as your feet hit the floor every morning. While you sleep your body temperature rises and you can become dehydrated so rehydrate first thing!

Cleanse with a gentle cleanser, look for ingredients like glycerine and hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture. I love to do a light facial massage to stimulate blood flow and plump my skin before applying makeup!

Apply foundation, CC cream or tinted moisturizer. I recommend CC cream with anti aging benefits along with sunscreen built in. It really speeds up the process! The goal is to even out your skin using a sheer layer of makeup. This means applying makeup to areas of discoloration or redness.

Apply a creamy concealer under the eyes, eyelids, around the nose, anywhere you have redness. Use your ring finger in a light patting motion....no pulling around the eye area.

If you prefer to set makeup with powder go for a light mineral powder with less talc. Some Mineral powders have a line blurring effect which creates a soft glow.

Apply blush a little higher than usual, right on the apples about 2 inches under the eye and a little closer to the nose. This is a mini face lift! If your skin is dry try a cream blush.

Eyes should be quick and easy. Use an off white shadow to brighten and a light taupe or beige in the crease. Cream shadows are quick, easy and more forgiving than powder shadows.

Apply a soft brown, gray or black kohl pencil to the upper lash line and smudge with a soft pencil brush. Fill in brows with a pencil or powder, use upward brush strokes then brush through the brow to soften and blend.

Curl your lashes, apply a lash primer and mascara. Lash primer thickens and lengthens. As we age our lashes become thin, the primer has been a game changer for me and my clients. When your lashes look good you can wear less makeup.

Add a soft peach or coral lipstick or gloss and you are ready to go!