Beauty Commandments from Bobbi Brown

Beauty genius Bobbi Brown has spent her career building an empire based on the philosophy that using makeup is a way for women to look and feel like themselves, only prettier and more confident. The makeup artist has empowered women to create their own signature look by producing how-to books, an extensive makeup line, and even an eyewear collection.

Since Brown has seen every makeup mishap and masterpiece (it comes with the job description!), she sat down with ishonest to explain the biggest makeup mistakes women make and her healthy skin care and beauty commandments for looking gorgeous naturally.

1. The most common eye makeup mistakes women make: “Not wearing mascara,” Brown says. “Lashes open up and emphasize the eyes, and most lashes are transformed with a sweep of the blackest of black mascara, no matter your skin tone or eye color. When applied correctly, mascara will both define your eyes and make them stand out, regardless of any additional eye makeup.” If you’re really looking for impact, apply two or three coats, she notes.

2. The most common face makeup mistake women make: Wearing the wrong shade of foundation. “Foundation that is too light makes skin appear flat and lifeless, and foundation that is too dark doesn’t highlight your features, but rather drags them down,” she says. Correcting this mistake and finding your perfect shade starts with testing it in natural light. Brown suggests walking over to a window instead of applying the test shade in artificial light.

“Second, make sure the foundation is yellow-based,” she says. “Pink-based foundations tend to look like masks on the skin. Foundation should never change the color of your skin, just even out the tone.”

If you’ve been testing foundation on your hand or wrist, you’ve been doing it wrong. “The face is so rarely the same color as the rest of your body,” Brown says. “Test shades on the side of your face, between the nose and the side of the cheek. Take a few samples that range from lighter to darker. The correct one will disappear on the skin.”

3. You’re caring for your makeup products wrong if you’re … : “Keeping makeup past its expiration date,” she says. “Not only does it create chaos when doing your makeup, it’s unhygienic. Ignoring expiration dates could result in bacteria buildup.” Brown recommends refreshing your makeup bag at least once a year. Toss products that are expired, outdated, or have a strange color or smell. “Then, throw out anything that’s broken, missing a cap, or hasn’t been used in a year,” she says. “Hold onto the products that are multi-use and help simplify your beauty routine.”

4. Her top anti-aging advice: “[Apply] sunscreen. Make sure your daily moisturizer has a broad spectrum SPF of 15 or higher,” she says. “It’s never too late to start.”

5. Two products she wishes more women used: Corrector and concealer. “Corrector, a pink or peach in tone formula, works to brighten the darkest areas under your eyes by neutralizing the deep purple or green found in dark under eye circles,” she says. “Concealer, a yellow in tone formula, lightens and blends.” Concealer is one of Brown’s favorite beauty products — she even calls it the “Secret of the Universe.” To apply both of these products correctly, start with corrector and follow up with a concealer that matches your skin tone. Brown promises these two products, “when chosen and used correctly, can instantly lift and brighten the face.”

6. If you wear makeup regularly and want to take better care of your skin, do this: “Moisturize – it’s the true fountain of youth,” she says. “Moisturizers hydrate and plump the skin so that it looks smooth and bright. Not only will the right moisturizer enhance the look, feel, and overall health of the skin, it will result in a smoother canvas for makeup application.”

7. How to keep your makeup brushes fresh: Clean them every month or two “with warm water and a mild, non-irritating soap,” she says. “Your skin will be cleaner and it’ll reduce the likelihood of breakouts. Plus, by taking care of these must-haves, you’ll get a better return on the investment.” Makeup brushes should last several years if they are cared for properly.

8. Healthy habits she wished more people embraced: “Eat well, drink more water, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep,” Brown says. “It will do wonders for not only your skin but your body – both mentally and physically.”

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