Make up is the art of beauty

Make up is the art of beauty.  It enhances the natural beauty and conceal imperfections.  it doesn't matter how people define it, what's matter is how you apply it. You don't want to look like a cheap prostitue with cakey and sloppy blue eyeshadow.  Blending is the key and less is more.

1)Foundation:
Foundation should be as close as your natural skin colour.  One tone lighter than your skin colour is acceptable, however you must remember to BLEND it! There's many type of foundation out there: cream, mousse, gel and compact powder.  Cream foundation is the most common type of foundation.  This foundation however does not suit people with oily skin.  The thicker the foundation texture, the harder it is to blend and prone to breakout.  Test the texture on your inner part of your wrist before you buy.  Feel it and see how it blends.  You can use either sponge or foundation brush to blend it.  You can always use your hands but it is harder to blend with bare hands.  Mousse foundation usually has medium to full coverage depending on it's texture.  It can be thick, liquidy or foamy type.  It can be very oily and cause breakout.  Gel foundation has almost the same texture with cream foundation, the difference is that gel foundation usually more liquidified.  Gel type blends the best because of it's texture. However, you can expect less coverage than cream or mousse type.  You can apply more for better coverage but keep it blended so that it won't look so cakey.  Powder foundation usually comes in compact powder form.  It is easier to apply but it won't give the best coverage. It is suitable for oily and combination skin as it will matify the skin but it is not for dry skin as it will make the skin look patchy and dry.

2) Concealer:
To conceal dark circles under the eyes, blemishes, pimples and spots.  Concealer has heavier pigment than foundation so it can hide imperfections.  Remember to BLEND! So that it will look even with your skin tone and look more natural. Concealer is available in a variety of shades, from lightest to deepest. Some colors are intended to look like a natural skin tone, while others are meant to contrast with a particular type of blemish. White can be used to blur dark circles or bruising, and to brighten dull skin. Green and blue can counteract red patches on the skin, such as those caused by pimples, broken veins, or rosacea. A purple-tinted concealer can make sallow complexions look brighter. Colored concealers such as these are usually applied sparingly beneath a concealer or foundation that matches the wearer's skin tone. Skin-toned concealers are not only the most common type, but are often sufficient on their own at hiding or blurring imperfections.

3) Loose powder vs compact powder:
Set your foundation and concealer so that it will last longer and won't run.  It can also matify your skin.  Loose powder looks more natural as it is lighter than compact powder. Best application is by kabuki brush or powder brush.  Compact powder has heavier texture so it won't look as natural as loose powder. However it lasts longer than loose poowder. Compact powder will give fully matte finish. Another alternative is to use translucent powder.  Translucent powder is transparent to the skin, preserving the natural skin colour.  It will absorb excess oil from the foundation and concealer.  So it is an anti-shine weapon!.

4) Blush:
Blusher depending on colour will add some colour to your cheek and make you look healthier and radiant.  Sweep it up the cheek bone to give your face extra lift.  Or on the hollow of your cheek to contour your face to look thinner.  Or on the apple of the cheeks to give a rounder cheeks effect.  Experiment on your cheek to find out the difference.  Matte blush vs shimmer blush? Matte blush will add a hint of colour to your cheek naturally.  Just use a fair amount or your end up looking like having terrible sunburn.  Shimmer blush will add some colour and glow to your skin.  Don't put too much or your face will look like it is oily.

5) Mascara:
Curl your lashes with curler before you apply mascara.  This will give your lashes a lift.  The mascara can add some lenght to your lashes or volumizing it.  Just choose the right one for you.  Opt for kohl mascara for super black lashes or brown for natural looking.  There are many types of mascara wand. I personally prefer the wand with straight brushes as this type of mascara can separate the lashes better than those with curves.
 
6) Eyeshadows:
Too many eyeshadows out there.  You can play with colours as long as it is suitable with your skin colour and agaiin BLEND it! Harsh line is a big NO NO. You can use brushes or you fingers to apply it.  Matte eyeshadow or shimmer eyeshadow? It's depending on you and how you apply it and BLEND it. Who says you cannot use shimmer eyeshadow during daytime? Shimmer eyeshadow can give your eyes healthy glow day and night. Just choose subtle colour during the day.

7)Lipstick:
I'm not a fan of lipstick. I do own lipstick but seldom wear one.  I usually go for nude colour or reddish colour.  But remember to choose the one that is suitable with your skin tone.  Classic red however suits all skin types.  Test it at the inner part of your wrist first before you buy it. 

This is a basic make up tips. And as i said before, BLENDING is the key.  Another thing is to face natural light when you apply your make up so that your make up is even!

Note: This is my basic knowledge of make up. I'm a self taught in make up.