Ask a Beauty Expert

[TeamBIC]

Ask a Beauty Expert

If you know your way around the Beauty Insider Community, chances are you’ve seen a few of our Sephora Pro Artists sharing their looks on the Gallery and dropping their beauty routines in some of our favorite challenge threads.  @ElizaPRO, @ShawnPRO, and @ProAmy are Makeup Artists with years of industry experience with a bounty of product knowledge to share. These beauty geniuses are subject matter experts and they give life-changing advice on how to build your basket and put your haul to good use!

We've created this thread to allow you all to better connect with our Sephora Pro Artists here in the BIC! This is a place for you to ask them ANYTHING beauty-related. Don't forget to bookmark this thread by clicking the bookmark icon at the top right of this thread. It will come in handy for those moments you wish you had a beauty expert on speed dial for questions like "is it a good idea to layer these skincare products?" or "what's the best brush for my foundation routine?"

Want to ask a question? Click the 'Reply' button below!

[Rhstranger]

I haven't worn make up much for well over 15 years due to my job (make up would run down my face on hot summer days so I stopped wearing it). Now I finally have an inside job and want to start wearing some make up to look professional but I am lost......what is the difference between blush, bronzer, and highlighter?? I am a few months away from being 60 and I recently purchased a tinted moisturizer as foundation but and wondering if blush, bronzer and/or highlighter should be powder or liquid?? Just so lost with make up these days.......any help would be appreciated.

[JacquelineStJoh]

A great easy start with a cream blush is a great way to add a touch of color to the cheeks( some are multiple purpose and can be used on lips as well.) You can use your fingers , beauty blending sponge or brush to apply and if you get a neutral color it’s virtually goof-proof. 

[Chris38]

If you are out of practice, I’d stay away from trying to do a full face. In my humble opinion, if you are just using a tinted moisturizer to even out your complexion… which is a great way to go!… you actually don’t need a highlighter and bronzer and blush. Often, when a person uses medium to full cover foundation plus powder, they flatten out their features so much that they end up having to color them back in. 

I’d actually point you towards looking at your eyes. Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel is a simple way to groom and fill in brows. Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow Blossom is a “one and done” way to get a really pretty eye shadow look, and doesn’t crease, even without a primer. I wouldn’t bother with eye liner, but Benefit Cosmetics Mini Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara Black  is perfect. 

You might want to eventually “play” with bronzers, blushes, and highlighters… but don’t ever think you need them to look professional. 

[khyleaanne]

Type of product depends on your skin type

If you have oily skin, it’s best to stay away from heavy creams or oil based makeup (usually anything water proof). If you have dry skin then powders will probably be best.

Blush will be applied to the apples of your cheeks above where you would apply your bronzer. Bronzer will be applied to the deepest parts of your face where you already have natural

shadows on your face for a more bronze defined look (it helps to suck in your cheeks to see where theses shadows are). Highlighter is the opposite it’s to enhance the highest points of your face usually applied last on your cheek bones, nose bridge, brow bone (under the brow) and sometimes your Cupid’s bow.

Also note, bronzer is NOT the same as contour.

[ProAmy]

Hello Rhstranger!

I know it can be a bit confusing. liquids and creams for blush and highlighter would be best to start with as they tend to be easier to blend and look more natural. Bronzers can be easier to work in powder formula to control the intensity.

Blush, bronzer and highlighter all have a specific task and placement. For a really natural look, I begin with blush first. I recommend the Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush at the apple of the cheek and i use my fingers or the fat end of a sponge to lightly tap the blush on.

I then apply the bronzer, like NARS Bronzer Powder Laguna with a big fluffy brush SEPHORA COLLECTION PRO Powder Brush #50 on the areas of the face the sun naturally adds color to the face: Fore head, cheeks and temples, bridge of nose and a little on the chin (blend doen into the neck a little bit for a seamless look).

Then apply highlighter Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight #at the high points of your cheekbones with your sponge#beautyblender® pro one. a tiny amount will do!

We do offer Virtual Paid consultations if you want a full lesson one on one with us, to see it in action! Here's the link:

https://www.sephora.com/happening/services/OLR-CD__virtualmakeupservice_60min

I can help you with an entire routine and coach you through your application 🙂

Hope this was helpful!

~Amy

Sephora PRO Artist

[Rhstranger]

Thank you so much as this definitely helps......and I might take up the offer of a session. Hubby and I are heading to Vegas to celebrate 10th anniversary and I definitely w ant to use make up as we will be attending 2 different concerts while there and will be doing a meet and greet with one of the bands.  Thank you again!

[ProAmy]

Yay! I look forward to seeing you!!! You can also request me personally if you wish 🙂 and every PRO Artist is super knowledgeable!

Congratulations on your anniversary!!!!! Many blessings in the future!

~Amy

Sephora PRO Artist

[Saradestin]

@Rhstranger If you are stepping into this vast makeup universe and feeling lost (which is normal with so much to choose from), I would really encourage you to hire the professional virtual session because, not only you get a real Professional Makeup Artist to help you, but you get a personalized feedback/help. Following YouTube videos not always works because our faces are different (needs, shape...) I have heard comments from other community members that have used the Sephora Virtual Session and were amazed at how good it was. I think you would love it!

[ProAmy]

Thank you for the LOVEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!

[Akinas]

I’m struggling to find a foundation that matches my shade. My face itself is fair. A lot of people call me pale but my neck is yellow. The foundations I have tried are either too pale and I look like a ghost or too brownish. Not sure what I should be looking for at this point.

[valdes]

I would start by avoiding foundation altogether and mixing concealers instead.

Spot conceal different shades of concealers to coordinate with the appropriate parts of your face.  CoverFX is great for this because their liquid and cream concealers are just the perfect textures for blending.  They have just enough pigment and a natural yet luminous finish (not too matte, but not too greasy), so you can purchase different shades plus a color corrector and have a truly customized, polished, true to your skin look. People do not believe I am wearing makeup when I wear CFX concealers and set with CFX powder.

CoverFX is my go-to when I tan at the very top of my five-head in the Summer and foundation just doesn’t cut it when my entire head and neck are not the same color.  You get a truly customized, cohesive look when you spot conceal.

[iAmara]

swatch a few foundation shades from the store on your jawline, walk around and wait around 10 minutes and go outside in the sun and see which shade best matches your neck 🙂

[ProAmy]

Hello Akinas!

The best match in a foundation is one that looks great on all areas of your face and neck (and sometimes your chest if you are exposing that skin). I suggest striping the foundation in these ares: forehead, jawline onto the neck and the cheek. Let the stripes sit for 30-60 seconds and then blend out the edges. The shade that disappears into your skin, while still offering the coverage you desire, is the one you want. Add your skin care (definitely a moisturizer and possibly primer if you use it) before you stripe the foundation. This way you'll see how it will really look on your skin. Foundations read and wear VERY differently with and/or without proper skin prep. Trust me. haha!

When looking for a foundation, the best way to match is to go into a Sephora store and ask to be matched by our Mobile Color IQ device. This technology will capture three scans (images) of your skin, analyze your skin tone and then recommend matches in foundations that are a starting point to help narrow down your choices.The reason I bring up trying it on your skin is because your skin type will determine how the foundation pigments read on your skin. PRO Tip: clean your skin first before you scan. This will give you a more accurate reading. 

I hope this was helpful!

~Amy

Sephora PRO Artist

[Akinas]

Thank you so much! I’ll definitely try what you suggested.

[Mirrandalambert]

I am really struggling to find a concealer that doesn’t crease under my eyes! I have most recently tried the Kosas revealer concealer and it creases like crazy on me! I’ve tried no setting powder, I’ve tried baking, I’ve tried light setting powder and nothing makes a difference! I’ve tried a lot of concealer and I’ve tried next to none. I’ve also tried eye cream and no eye cream and it still creases every time. I’m doing my own makeup for my wedding this June and I’m worried that I won’t be able to find a solution to this problem! Can somebody help me out? 

[spydi]

A concealer that helped overcome this kinda issue is #fentybeauty by Rihanna liquid concealer 

[MoniSofi29]

Hello! I used to have the same problem as you and I found that the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer with Hydrating Medium Coverage does wonders for my under eyes! It doesn’t crease and also covers all my dark circles and acne. It’s a light to medium coverage so it is definitely natural looking and buildable. I recommend applying it with a beauty blender and instantly baking your under eyes with translucent powder to make it last longer for your wedding. Hope this helps 🙂 

[marinabraunnn]

I tried different ones, but Jouer concealers are the best ones! love their creamy textures the most.

It perfectly conceals dark under-eye circles and imperfections that I have from time to time ❤️

Jouer Cosmetics Essential High Coverage Liquid Concealer 

Jouer Cosmetics Essential High Coverage Concealer Pen 

[ProAmy]

Hi!

What helps me is to press upward as I am applying my concealer and to keep pressing as the product warms up on my skin. I also recommend trying to use an eye shadow primer under it. Just a small amount would help. Them set it lightly with a powder and a sponge.

I usually do this techniques for brides and it works great!

Hope this helps!

~Amy

Sephora PRO Artist

[Summer373]

@ProAmy Thanks for the tips! Do you use a brush, sponge or your fingers when you apply/push the product in an upward motion? Also, is there a eye shadow primer that you recommend or prefer? 

[maliaraeee]

Have you tried rare beauty concealer Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer?  That one doesn’t crease on me. What I do is apply it with a damp sponge and immediately put powder right over it while it’s still ceaseless. Don’t look down to let the area crease! The fenty loose setting powder is amazing and does not look cakey! Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder Hope this helps ! Congrats on your upcoming wedding and I hope the problem is solved by then �