4 Great Foundation Tips from Cover FX
Cover FX is deemed the Foundation Authority and for good reason. They have quite an extensive range of shades to match your skin tone perfectly. Also included in their product offering is a line of primers designed for all skin concerns. As we have all heard, primer is an essential step in our makeup routine for achieving that flawless look. Seen in our May Topbox was Cover FX’s Clear Prep Primer that was designed for oily skin because it provides a matte finish while combating your acne at the same time. Here are some great tips from one of Cover FX’s stylists on how to achieve the a flawless look.
1) Cover FX has an extensive range of shades to compliment every skin tone. What is your recommendation in finding the perfect shade?
For choosing a colour, we have 4 different shade series at Cover FX:
C Series is for people with primarily pink undertones
E Series is for people with equal pink and yellow undertones
M Series is for people with yellow and olive undertones
B Series is for people with golden brown to ebony undertones
To find your perfect shade, select a foundation, stripe your match along your jawline and then blend out the stripe. If it disappears, it’s your perfect match.
2) In our May Topbox, the Cover FX ClearPrep FX Primer was included. This amazing primer is great for acne prone skins, can it replace some acne medications that people are using (i.e. should they still use a Salicylic acid solution or benzoyl peroxide as well)?
ClearPrep FX is a matte foundation primer and anti-acne treatment. It does contain 1% Salicylic acid derived naturally from Willow Bark Extract and can be used to help prevent and heal acne blemishes depending on the skin. It can also be used in conjunction with acne medications but if you have severe acne issues, it’s good to check with your dermatologist.
3) What is the best way to camouflage a pimple?
The best way to camouflage a pimple is to prep your skin with ClearPrep FX first. Then, choose a foundation that is appropriate for your skin type. Most times, if you have acne, your skin tends to be oily. Powder FX is a great foundation option because it is an oil absorbing, anti-shine, mineral-rich, matte finish foundation. You can sweep Powder FX all over the face and then to camouflage a pimple, take a concealer brush and pat on Powder FX on the areas/spots that require more coverage.
4) What are the key differences of coverage and applications between Cover FX`s two foundations? Natural FX and the original Cover FX Cream? And which one works better for which skin type?
Cover FX Total Coverage Cream Foundation provides a dewy looking finish and is great for all skin types. This foundation has a pigment of 40% so a little bit of product goes a long way. It can be sheer to full coverage so you can build the product on the areas that need a little more TLC.
Natural FX provides a satin looking finish. This is a water based foundation so although it is great for all skin types, it is especially great for people who tend to have dry skin as it provides hydration.
Kate’s Top 8 Makeup Multi-Taskers
With summer around the corner, it’s a good time to seek out makeup multi-taskers – products that pack a punch and can help lighten your toiletry bag on weekend trips, decrease the number of makeup products you wear in the heat, and go easy on your wallet (more moolah for those patio-perfect mojitos!).
My favourite thing about makeup multi-taskers is that you probably already have many of them on hand. It’s amazing what certain products can do beyond their typical uses. Below are some ideas:
- Full coverage foundation as concealer: Use a little extra product on areas that require more coverage.
- Foundation/concealer as eyeshadow primer: Apply a little of either product on your lids to keep your shadow lasting all day.
- Eyeshadow as a cheek bone highlight (or vice versa!): The light, shimmery shades used on the cheek bone and brow bone are often similar. Going for a light, natural look? Try using a cheek bone highlight as an all-over lid colour.
- Blush/bronzer as eyeshadow: Pink and plum blush shades can often work nicely on the lids as a sheer base colour. Warm them up and add definition to your crease with a bit of bronzer.
- Eyeshadow as eyebrow powder: Have an eyeshadow that matches your brow colour? Use that to fill in your brows (with a small angled brush) instead of an eyebrow kit.
- Eyeshadow as eyeliner: Medium and dark toned eyeshadows can work beautifully for achieving a natural eyeliner look when applied with a small angled brush (yes - you can use the same one mentioned above!). Add some water or setting spray to the brush before picking up product to achieve more pigmented colour.
- Eyebrow gel as mascara: Looking to give your lashes a break from mascara? A coat of clear mascara/eyebrow gel can give them natural definition without lots of product.
- Lipstick as cream blush (and vice versa!): Used sparingly, lipstick can work nicely as a cream blush. Use cream blush on a lipstick brush, cotton swab, or a clean finger to add some colour to your lips.
You multi-task all the time – your makeup should too!
Kate is a Canadian beauty blogger with a focus on cosmetics. Check out her site at www.katesbeautyblog.com
TOPBOX FAN MAIL: Congratulations, Laura!!
Below is an email we received from a Topbox gal, and we wanted to share it with you!
Laura, we are beyond thrilled to be a part of this special memory. Congratulations to you and your beau!!
Can’t wait to see how you will look at your wedding, and keep us posted!
-The Topbox Team
KATE’S HOW TO: Style Your Lashes Like A Pro
“Styled” eyelashes are a beautiful thing – they can make you look more awake and alert and add femininity and polish to a look. Read on for 5 steps to achieving gorgeous lashes.
- Start with clean, dry lashes. If you are planning on wearing other eye makeup, apply it first. TIP: If you have any eye shadow fallout on your lashes, use a cotton swab to gently remove it.
- Curl your lashes in 3 places: at the base of your lashes (near your eyelid), in the middle of your lashes, and at the ends. This will ensure a more natural, curled effect and will avoid the stiff bent lash look achieved by just curling them in one place. TIP: Curl again one more time at the base of your lashes for extra pop! In terms of technique, you can either pump the curler 2-3 times or hold for 3 seconds. I love the Shu Uemura eyelash curler, and the Shiseido one is also a good pick.
- Prep your mascara wand: This may seem like a silly step but it makes a big difference! Ensure your wand is evenly coated and remove any excess product by scraping it back into the tube. TIP: Check the end of the wand – clumped product loves to build up there.
- Apply a coat of mascara. I like to apply a thin, even coat, making an effort to coat each lash. Starting at the root of your lashes, wiggle your mascara wand upwards from side to side to reach more lashes and reduce clumping. Don’t forget about the top side of your lashes too! Should you choose to apply a second or third coat of mascara, this will help act as a base.
- Apply a second coat of mascara (optional): Wait 10-30 seconds after applying in order to let your mascara dry a bit – otherwise, you risk removing some of the first coat. For the second coat, repeat step 4, applying a thicker coat if you wish. You may also like to apply a third coat if you’re opting for a more dramatic look.
Voila – beautiful lashes!
Other tips and considerations:
Waterproof or regular?
If you’re not concerned with smudging or have shorter lashes (less risk of them touching/smudging on your brow bone), then I’d recommend regular mascara. It is less challenging to remove and a good option for shorter duration needs. Waterproof is best for those with longer (smudge-prone) lashes, oily lids, and those desiring longer wear times.
What about bottom lashes?
If you like to wear mascara on your lower lashes, waterproof is best to prevent smudging. My top pick for lower lashes is the Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara – tiny wand and excellent waterproof formula.
Best technique for achieving lashes that are both long and full?
Try layering two mascaras: start with a lengthening/separating mascara (I like the Maybelline One by One Volum’ Express Mascara) and follow up with a volumizing mascara (the Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsies Mascara is a good option).
Favourite all-around mascara?
I love the L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara – super black, lengthens well, adds volume, and under $10! If you’re up for a splurge, the Dior Diorshow mascara is another great pick.
Kate is a Canadian beauty blogger with a focus on cosmetics. Check out her site at www.katesbeautyblog.com.
TGIF: 3 Misconceptions about Sun Protection
This weekend, whether you’re planning to have a family picnic or just enjoy a long weekend of relaxing in the sun, remember to stay sun-safe! Do you have these misconceptions about sun-safety?
Keep these three easy points in mind to protect yourself, your family and your friends from the scorching rays!
1. The higher the SPF, the better the protection.
On each label, you should be looking for the percentage of protection of damaging UV rays. Fact is, after SPF 30, the amount of damaging UV protection doesn’t really increase. So ditch the SPF 3000 and grab the SPF 30!
2. Sunscreen is enough.
Overprotect yourself with all kinds of sun-safety gear! A coat of sunscreen in the morning is NOT enough. Not only should sunscreen be reapplied frequently throughout the day, it should be applied about half an hour before you step out into the rays (it needs time to take effect). Moreover, it is never overzealous to break out the large floppy hats and sunglasses to product your eyes and ears too! You’ll be sun-safe, and you’ll look chic doing it!
3. UV comes out to play with the sun.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that we only think sunscreen is necessary when it’s boiling hot and outrageously sunny. We often remember to slather on the sunscreen for beach day, but not when we’re driving in the car. You’re exposed to damaging UV rays even when it’s cloudy and shady!
5 Beauty Tips from Benefit Cosmetics
Makeup is FUN again thanks to the geniuses behind the Benefit Brand, Jean and Jane Ford and as they put it “Laughter is the best cosmetic, so grin and wear it!” Here are five stellar beauty tips from Benefit’s National Training Director in Canada.
1)How would you recommend using POREfessional?
You can use POREfessional both under and over makeup. Prior to makeup, apply a dime sized amount to entire face with your fingers. Once makeup is complete or even throughout the day, beat shine by applying this oil-free pro balm directly over top of your makeup, tapping gently into your face.
2) What is the best way to cover up dark circles, without it settling in the fine lines underneath the eyes?
First apply a dark circle minimizing eye cream like It’s Potent. Next, using a fluffy eyeshadow brush, apply concealer under the eye area using a “stippling” motion. This will place the perfect amount of product AND provide you with an airbrush like finish without looking cakey at all!
3) How do you apply mascara without clumps and lashes sticking together?
Use Benefits “bump and wiggle” technique. Bump your mascara wand to the base of the lashes and wiggle the brush through to the ends. The brush will act as a comb, helping to separate lashes and prevent clumps from forming.
4)What is the best way for prepping your eyelids for a flawless eyeshadow application?
By using an eye primer like Benefit’s Stay Don’t Stray prior to applying eyeshadow will ensure that shadow does not settle into creases AND keeps it there all day long!
5) Grooming your brows: Is it best to use a pencil or a powder?
It is really up to the individual. Pencils or powders with a wax duo are better for people that have sparse brows as the wax will adhere to the skin and the powder will add the color/definition. Pencils are great for that gal on the go and provide a natural appearance as you are able to create hair like strokes with it!
The Secret to Beauty
We all use a plethora of beauty products to cover up and camouflage the features we dislike. It is all too common for women to use makeup to hide the negatives; rather, let’s all focus on the positive! Makeup is most effective when used to enhance what you already have (work what ya got, gurl!). Now, the simple secret behind beautiful makeup is this: clear skin.
Here are some dos and don’ts to help you achieve and maintain a fresh, clear complexion.
1. DON’T leave your makeup on at night.
Did you know that for each night you leave your eye makeup on, your eye-area ages by three days? Remember to wash off all the products and dirt from your day and replenish the moisture with a good moisturizer. And don’t forget the eye cream!
2. DO hydrate.
Moisturizer does indeed go a long way, but it only goes so far. Drinking eight glasses of water per day like the doc suggests will give you fresh, dewy skin. It also helps maintain your skin’s elasticity.
3. DON’T play with your hair.
You touch your hair way more often than you think you do. The more you touch your hair, the more oily residue transfers from your hands to your hair. If that hair is hanging around your face, that same oily residue is rubbing on to your face, increasing your chances for acne. Whenever possible, tie your hair so that it doesn’t fall in your face. Keeping pins and hair elastics around are always a good idea.
4. DO know your skin type.
We need not tell you about the thousands of facial cleansing products there are on the market. You already know how often the beauty industry pumps out a new product! However, knowing your skin type will let you work the market to your advantage. There are gazillions of products for every skin type, and knowing your own will help you get the most out of every product you choose to use.
TGIF: Red Hot
TGIF! After an exhausting week at the office, it’s finally time to let loose with your girlfriends on the town: we all know it’s going to be straight from work to happy hour, then to dinner that will lead to a full night of dancing. Lucky for you, we have the one beauty tip that will instantly take your office look from day to night: fire-engine red lipstick.
Pop a red lipstick into your purse and you’ll be ready to fire up your look in a minute flat. Your office-appropriate makeup is most probably close to the neutral palette. Bright red lipstick will instantly draw attention to your — go figure — lips. However, what most people don’t realize is that the red makes your lips look fuller and gives you a healthier glow. In an instant, you can get a sexy pout that will wow the boys at the bar!
Keep in mind that you should just have one standout feature! With glamorous red lips, remember to tone it down with the smoky eyes and cheeky blush, otherwise you’ll risk looking like you never escaped the 90s. Yikes!
May Topbox teaser. A precious sample lies within your purple tissue wrap. (Taken with instagram)
TOPBOX TIP: Flawless Foundation
(Photo above features Make Up For Ever’s HD Microfinish Powder.)
Every girl wants that effortlessly flawless skin, so we turn to the help of beauty products (i.e., concealers, foundations, press powders, the whole shebang). Last Thursday, we revealed what make-up artists at large consider to be the biggest mistake in women’s beauty routines: incorrect use of foundation!
Here are a few tips and tricks on how to achieve an airbrushed look — no photoshop required.
1. Conceal any dark spots with a concealer that is slightly lighter in color than your foundation.
2. Use the correct shade of foundation. In a time crunch, don’t by shy in using your hands to rub it in like moisturizer. If you have more time, use a sponge applicator and smooth out the product evenly, even over the concealer, using quick and light brushes.
3. Apply a press or loose powder (in a color that complements your foundation) overtop to set the foundation and reduce shine throughout the day.
Expert tip: Before applying concealer or foundation to hide dark spots, warm it up on the palm of your hands; the heat will thin out the product, giving you a more flawless application. This is especially appropriate for sensitive areas on your face, such as the dark circles under your eyes.
