Your Signature Look
October 2006
Bruce Dean Lindstrom
MACPro Artist
The trick to flattering makeup, says premier artist Bruce Lindstrom, is to know yourself and create your own unique style. He has been responsible for the "color palettes" of celebrities like Kim Cattrall, Fantasia Barrino, Marcia Gay-Harden and Roberta Flack. Says this master craftsman: "There will be trends and fads, but you need to know what's right for you." He also notes that "never before has image been so important in the workplace." So, don't forget to carry the essentials when going off to work: a long-wear lipstick and a sheer, pressed powder.
Read on for more beauty advice for busy women.
Trends
Wearing makeup is one way of reconnecting with your femininity. You know your best features and what you want to play down. If you feel the urge to experiment with something trendy, ask yourself: Does it bring out the best in me? If yes, by all means, have fun.
If you need some help-
One of the best places to find a pro is in a department store. There are many counters, so shop around. What makes a good artist is experience and diversity of their clientele. Be sure to ask them how long they've been with the line, and where else they have worked. So that you can communicate the look you're going for, tear out a page from a magazine and bring it with you. Find a starting point for your questions on makeup by asking what colors work best for you.
Featured Focus
Face Shape: If your face is more angular, try for a softer look. You can tone down a very square, defined jawbone by dusting bronzer on it. If your face has a rounder shape, you might want to try a little contour to get a more chiseled look.
Eyes: To play up your eyes, use an eyelash curler and an ample amount of mascara. I would also line the inside rim of the eyelid and blend it up into the eyelash with a smudge-proof eye pencil. Your eyes can really be enhanced by a little bit of beige-gold or peach-gold shimmer on the eyelid. (If your eyes are small to begin with, avoid dark colors, which can make them appear smaller.)
Dark Under-Eye Circles: Try using a full-coverage concealer to lighten them. They can be genetic, but they can also be a sign that your body needs more rest, or a change of diet. Pay attention!
Lips: If your lips are thin, a dark lipstick is going to make that really obvious. Instead, do a soft color and maybe a lip pencil to cheat a little bit and make your lips look fuller.
Skin: If your skin texture is dry and you use foundation, the makeup's pigment could cling to the dry skin and cause it to have a flaky appearance. It's really important to use a gentle facial scrub to exfoliate the skin.
Keep Skin Safe: In and out of the office--always wear at least SPF 15 and higher if you are outdoors more. Not all sunscreens fully protect your skin, so make sure to read the ingredients on the label. You should look for lotions that are marked "Blocks UVA and UVB," and that contain Helioplex, which protects against damaging types of ultra-violet rays.
Frequently Asked Question
How do I use makeup to get a professional, workday look without seeming overdone?
In the morning, you need to pick your battles. You don't want to do a full face of heavy makeup as you would for an evening out. Choose a focus. You may want to spend time doing your eyes and then a softer lip. The opposite also works, using a bolder lipstick with liner and only mascara on the eyelashes. Last but not least, apply blush to the apples of the cheek--a peachy or a pink blush or a bronzing powder that's appropriate for your skin tone.