
The list of makeup products on the market can be overwhelming. Some products are helpful while others may be unnecessary. Which products do you need and which could you ditch?
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Primer

Some people feel face primers are unnecessary and an extra step when applying makeup. Believe it or not, you are probably already using one and did not even realize it. How? Primers prepare the skin for makeup. They can fill in fine lines and wrinkles while smoothing and hydrating the skin. Does that sound familiar? It should because that is exactly the claim of a lot of moisturizers on the market. So if your moisturizer is already doing a great job at preparing your skin for foundation, continue to use it as your primer. If not, adding a primer to your routine may be just what your makeup application needs.
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Foundation

The name says it all. It's the base of your makeup. It goes on top of your moisturizer or primer. But this is usually the scariest part of a makeup routine. Many people are nervous about finding their perfect match or formula and tend to leave it out. However, foundation has so many benefits when used correctly. It can even out your skin tone and color while also concealing large areas of imperfections. It can also help the products you put on top apply evenly without skipping and last longer. But remember, a little goes a long way. Foundation works best when it's applied strategically. It can be applied to specific areas that need coverage or as an all-over base.
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Concealer
Concealer can be used to cover blemishes and cover minor discolorations of the skin. Usually it is the same color of the skin and has a thicker consistency than foundation. When foundation is not enough to cover imperfections on the skin, concealer can be applied to that specific area for extra coverage.
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Color Corrector
Color correctors can be a little tricky and people can go overboard with how they use them or should I say misuse them. But when they are used properly, they can create great skin for your makeup application. Color correctors are great when concealers are not enough. If a person has more serious skin issues, such as hyperpigmentation, acne scars and rosacea, then a corrector can be used to neutralize the unwanted color on the skin. However, a full coverage concealer may be all a person needs.
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Setting Powder
Setting powder helps to hold or "set" your foundation or other liquids and creams in place. It can also absorb excess oil that can accumulate throughout the day. Other face powders, such as blush and bronzer, usually glide on the skin better when a setting powder is used underneath. However, you may not need to apply setting powder over your entire face. Sometimes setting specific areas, such as your under eye, forehead and nose, is all you need. This will allow the rest of your face to keep a natural shine while securing those areas.
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Highlight & Contour

Highlighters can really help step up your makeup application. When applied to the right areas of the face, they can brighten those areas and make them stand out. Contour does the opposite of highlighting. It gives definition and shape to your face and can draw attention away from areas you do not want to give attention to. If highlighting is the peanut butter then contouring is the jelly. That being said, they do not have to be used at the same time in order to work. Sometimes if you use one, you can naturally cause the other to appear on your skin.
7 of 8 Bronzer

Bronzer is a great way to add a healthy and natural warmth back to the skin after applying foundation. Bronzer is usually applied to the perimeter of the face and should be one to two shades darker than your skin color. Can you eliminate a product and use bronzer to contour? In the true definition of contouring the answer is no. In fact, it will benefit you more to learn how to use them together. Then you will be able to create a face that is both sculpted and radiant.
8 of 8 Finishing Powder and Spray
Finishing powder can be applied after all of your makeup is completed and can help your application to look smooth and blur out fine lines and pores. A light sweep over the entire face can make your makeup look photoshopped. It is usually used for special occasions and may not be necessary on a daily basis. As far as a setting spray, it is like hairspray for your face. It can preserve your makeup so that it lasts for hours and does not have to be retouched as often. It can be applied over a finishing powder or used instead of one if a person does not want to add more powder to their face. So how did you do? Were you able to ditch some products or did you realize you need to add some products to your makeup routine? Subscribe and comment your answers below. I would love to hear from you.
Trying to figure out what products work best for each person's individual face can be a never-ending task. Let me help. If you live in the NY/NJ area, I offer affordable group and individual tutorials for the everyday woman.
Also, check out my previous blog post and learn the connection between makeup and skin care. Helpful Tips
Finding the perfect foundation match can be overwhelming. Testing the foundation on your jawline and comparing it to your chest color will make foundation matching much easier.
When contouring, usually a product with a gray undertone is best to create a shadow. However, if the product is not blended properly it can also leave a muddy appearance to the skin, so proceed with caution.
Face mists are not necessarily setting sprays. They can add life back to your face after using powders, but do not always have the capability to extend the wear of your makeup.
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