Happy New Year! For our first makeup tutorial of 2022, we're going for a beautiful, fresh, and relaxed look. It's all about revealing the beauty you already have, so you still look like yourself, just a little more polished.
Key Takeaways
- Prep is Key: Start with clean, hydrated skin and don't forget SPF.
- Eyes First: Prime your lids for true eyeshadow color payoff.
- Simple Shadow: Use a few key shades for depth and definition.
- Liner Technique: Taper your eyeliner to enhance your natural eye shape.
- Foundation Focus: Choose a lightweight, hydrating foundation that looks like skin.
- Strategic Concealer: Brighten and conceal where needed.
- Lip Definition: Use liner to define and plump your lips.
- A Touch of Color: Add blush for a healthy, fresh look.
Getting Started: Hair and Skin Prep
We'll begin by putting in some velcro curlers. I find they work best for me to add some volume to the front of my hair, especially since it tends to get flat. While those are working their magic, I'll prep my skin. First, a little Vitamin E lip treatment because dry lips are a no-go. Then, I'll use a purifying toner to refresh my skin. I'm also using a bit of retin-a, which I'm excited about for addressing some minor skin concerns and pigmentation. It's all about embracing new things in 2022!
Next, moisturizer. I'm loving this rich cream that gives a velvety finish and absorbs nicely, which is great for my combination skin. For the eye area, I'm using a hydrating and cooling eye cream to keep it supple. And of course, SPF is a must. I'm using a lightweight, fluid sunscreen that feels like a veil of protection without that heavy sunscreen feel or smell. Since I'm using retin-a, I'll add an extra layer of eye-specific SPF around my eye area for added protection.
To finish the prep, I'll add a touch of a glowy primer moisturizer. It's lightweight and gives just that extra bit of radiance without being too much. By the time we get to the foundation, everything will be nicely soaked in.
Eyes: Priming and Shadow
Now for the eyes. I start with an eye primer to create a neutral canvas, erasing any darkness or redness on my lids so my eyeshadow colors will look true. I just tap and smooth it across, not too much product is needed.
For eyeshadow, I'm using a beautiful, soft palette. I'll take a flat eyeshadow brush and press into the middle color, then press that onto my lid. The key is to press the color onto the lid rather than just sweeping it, which can cause fallout. I like to start in the middle and sweep towards the end, keeping it soft and blended from the lash line up to the crease.
Next, I'll use a tapered blending brush with the darkest color to add some depth. I'll roll the brush to pick up color on all sides and tap off any excess. I focus this on the outer corner, creating a soft contour in the socket of the eye with a windshield wiper motion. It's important to be gentle and blend any harsh lines with your eyeshadow brush. Remember, you can never over-blend!
Finally, I'll use a lighter color with another tapered brush and pop it right underneath the brow bone for a subtle highlight. If any eyeshadow has fallen below my natural eye line, I'll clean it up with a cotton pad for a crisp finish.
Defining the Eyes: Eyeliner and Mascara
Before mascara, I always curl my lashes. It makes a huge difference in looking more awake. I'll go to the base, pump a few times, and hold for a few seconds.
For eyeliner, I'm using a waterproof dark chocolate pencil. I apply it right at the base of the lash line, building it up to make my lashes look thicker. Here's a key tip: I taper the liner down towards the nose. Applying the same thickness all the way across can make the eye look rounder, which I don't prefer. Instead, I build up the thickness about halfway out and then taper it back down. This defines the eye without drastically changing its shape. I'll also lightly line underneath the lower lashes for balance.
If my line isn't perfect, I use a smudge brush to smooth it out – no need to panic or start over!
Now for mascara. I apply it from the base of the lashes, slowly pulling upwards. The first coat is the most important for building the base.
I'll also quickly fix up my brows with a brow fix to add a little lift and tame any stray hairs.
Face: Foundation, Concealer, and Color
For foundation, I'm trying out a new hydrating foundation that's described as a skincare-makeup hybrid. It instantly blurs imperfections and improves skin clarity over time, offering medium, buildable coverage with a natural finish. I've swatched a few shades and will be using 'Vienna', which seems to be the best match, though it's a bit warm for my usual cool-neutral tone. I'll apply it with a buffing brush, pushing it into the skin for a seamless finish. It feels very light and hydrating.
Next, I'll use a brightener/concealer under my eyes and down my cheeks to lighten the area and melt it into the foundation. I'll then push it in with my foundation brush to set it.
To set my T-zone and under-eye area without dulling the overall glow, I'll use a brightening pressed powder.
Lips and Cheeks: Adding the Finishing Touches
For lips, I'll start by lining them with a liner to define and balance their shape, especially as lips can get smaller and lose color with age. Then, I'll apply a soft pink lipstick called 'Franny'. For an extra touch, I'll add a gloss topper called 'Champs' to diffuse the color slightly and add a bit of shine.
To add some color to my cheeks, I'll use a cream bronzer for a subtle warmth and definition. Then, I'll apply a blush called 'Mood Changer'. I like to mix two of the brighter shades to give my cheeks a fresh, healthy flush. It's important to add color, especially if you have gray hair, to bring your face to life.
Final Touches and Setting Spray
Now, it's time to take out the velcro curlers! My hair smells lovely thanks to a rose hair mist. I'll flip my hair over and give it a light spray to hold the volume.
As a final step, I'll mist my face with a beauty elixir. It's not a setting spray, but it adds a lovely aromatherapy element and makes me feel ready for the day.
This look is a great way to start 2022, especially if you're getting back into makeup or prefer a soft, natural look. It's about feeling alive and focusing on what matters. Remember to subscribe for more content and share this video if you found it helpful!
