"I create as I go. Sometimes I do the lips first, then add more to the eyes. Or the other way around. It’s a process."— Nancy Finnegan, Makeup Artist
They don’t call her "Makeup Nancy" for nothing. Nancy Finnegan is the premier makeup artist in Huntsville, AL. The day we meet, Nancy is bringing out the best in Senior Emily Green, for those all-important senior photos. Most Saturdays, troops of brides and their maids leave Nancy’s studio, blushing and confident. But you don’t need a special occasion to schedule an appointment. Nancy also offers lessons! I learned more from one session with Nancy than all my free makeup counter lessons combined. (Pssssst: That’s because the Clinique girl wants you to buy makeup.) Nancy? She just wants you to be beautiful! Here are just a few of the techniques I learned.
TIP #1. HOW TO CURL YOUR EYELASHES
Tip #1. Eyelash curling is optional, not mandatory. It depends on how your lashes grow and what look you’d like to create. If you have longer lashes, you may not need the extra oomph curling offers. Women who wear eyeglasses might benefit from a curled lash. Curl your lashes in stages and move outward: begin near your lid, squeeze the tool once more halfway, and again as you near the tips.
TIP #2. HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MAKEUP BRAND FOR YOUR MONEY
Tip #2. Great news! You don't have to spend a fortune to have a pretty face. Some items are worth bucking up for (like moisturizers and overnight serums) because they contain beneficial minerals and vitamins to tone your skin. Neutrogena is a good, basic skin care line that won't break the bank. Mascara's different though - just pick the brand you like. Isn't it a relief to know you can still send the DH off to Walgreen's in search of the "green mascara with the pink lid"? As your session flows, Nancy suggests her favorite brands for each application. She'll also tell you where to buy them, what the packaging looks, like, and the approximate cost for each.
TIP #3. HOW TO KEEP MASCARA FLAKES OFF THAT PERFECTLY SHADOWED EYELID
Tip #3. It’s happened to all of us: Your face is ready to go and you swipe your mascara in a hurry, resulting in mascara flakes all over your lid. Nancy’s solution: place your index finger behind your lashes as you apply the mascara. The extra mascara goes onto your finger, not your lid, thus sparing the masterpiece - and your time.
TIP #4: HOW TO APPLY THE MID-COLORED SHADOW
Tip #4. The medium-toned shadow follows the contour of your eyeball. Using a blending brush, move the brush in a small circular pattern along your eyeball’s ridge. No wonder I could never create that same bold streak of color my Asian girlfriend sported. Who knew?
TIP #5. HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BRUSH
Tip #5. Different brushes do different things. Some are more costly than others. The brush you use to apply your foundation should have short, compact bristles - the small hairs will grab onto the foundation and apply the liquid evenly. Dab the foundation in a short circular fashion, never lifting the brush from your skin. Nancy suggests scooping up several inexpensive “Elf” brands for blending because you use blending brushes for so many tasks, such as applying shadow, lipstick, or even eyebrow color, to name a few uses for these workhorses.
BONUS TIP: ALWAYS STAND LIKE THIS WHEN YOU TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS. (FACE BOOK KNOWS WHY.)
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