Light Hand, Big Impact – Use a fluffy brush to lightly dust the powder over your T-zone or areas prone to shine. It sets your foundation without looking cakey.
Bake for Extra Longevity – For long days or special events, gently press the powder under your eyes and around your nose, let it sit for a minute, then sweep away excess for a flawless, crease-free finish.
Matte + Radiance Balance – The powder mattifies where needed but still lets your skin look naturally radiant. No flat, dull finish here!
Touch-Ups on the Go – Keep a mini version in your bag for quick shine control without disturbing your base.
This setting powder is a must-have for creating a smooth, polished, and long-lasting makeup look. My foundation stays flawless all day, and it’s perfect for achieving that professional, airbrushed effect. ✨
#NARSArtistryTips #SettingPowderMagic #FlawlessFinish 💄✨ One of my go-to tricks with makeup is remembering that less blending is a myth 😅. I used to stop too early, but honestly, blending just a little longer makes everything look more seamless, especially with concealer and blush.
Another favorite tip: when using the Soft Matte Concealer, I like to warm it up with my finger first (yes, I’m part of Team Finger Application 🙋♀️). It melts into the skin and looks way more natural.
For eyes, I always do the classic “apply, blend, step back, squint dramatically in the mirror” test 👀😂🤣. If it looks good from a distance, it’s golden ✨
And last one, don’t forget to set just where you need it! A tiny bit of powder under the eyes and around the nose keeps everything in place without making me feel like I’ve turned into a powdered doughnut 🍩😂✨.
Would love to hear everyone else’s tips too! What’s your ride-or-die artistry secret? 💕💄 If, like me as a mature lady, you find your under eyes creasing no matter how little product you use or how careful you are, here are my top tips from decades of experimenting:
1. apply your concealer (I use either soft matte or light reflecting concealer) as normal and give it time to crease (do your eye makeup while you wait, for example)
2. then go in to the creases with a cotton bud and clean up the concealer that's settled in the lines.
3. with your ring finger, gently tap under your eye to let the warmth from your finger blend it seemlessly.
4. take a single ply face tissue and gently blot any excess moisture under your eye.
You can leave it there, or, if you prefer to, lightly set with light reflecting powder - you don't need a lot!
I prefer to use the light reflecting loose powder on an eyeshadow brush (large and fairly fluffy), making sure I tap off the excess first and I use a pressing and rolling motion to set and et voila, all done. This method lasts me all day and doesn't emphasis my lines and texture. Perfect Base with NARS Foundation: For a flawless complexion, apply NARS Sheer Glow Foundation with a damp beauty sponge. Press it into the skin for a natural, radiant finish. This technique ensures even coverage without looking heavy.
Layer Your Blush for Depth: Try layering two NARS blushes, like the iconic Orgasm and the deeper shade Dolce Vita, to create a custom, multidimensional flush. Start with the lighter shade on the apples of your cheeks and build depth with the darker shade on the contour of your cheekbones.
Eyeshadow as Highlighter: If you’re in a pinch, use a shimmery NARS eyeshadow like "Alhambra" as a highlighter on your cheekbones, inner corners of your eyes, and brow bone. It’s a great way to multitask and add extra radiance!
For Bold Lips that Last: Apply NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil for bold, matte color, then top it with a bit of NARS Afterglow Lip Balm for hydration and a touch of shine. This combination keeps your lips looking fresh without drying them out! I start my makeup application by applying a brightening under-eye concealer first, which helps to lighten up the area and reduce the appearance of dark circles. After that, I layer a more neutral concealer on top of the bright one; this combination ensures that the under-eye area doesn’t look overly bright or stark compared to the rest of my face. I avoid placing any foundation underneath my eyes, as I find it can make the area appear cakey or heavy. To seamlessly blend the products together, I use a thick foundation brush, which allows for precise application without the risk of absorbing too much product, something that often happens when using a beauty blender. Next, I quickly apply setting powder to my under-eyes to prevent any creasing or cracking from occurring; this step is crucial, as it locks everything into place. While the setting powder sits on my under-eyes, I use this time to finish applying makeup to the rest of my face. Finally, once I’m done with my full-face makeup, I go back to my under-eye area, dusting a little face powder to ensure that any blush or contour that I applied previously doesn’t settle there, providing a clean and fresh finish to my look The NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation in the shade Stromboli has quickly become a staple in my makeup routine, and for good reason. Here’s why I absolutely love this product:
1. Perfect Match and Shade
The shade Stromboli is an ideal match for my medium skin tone with olive undertones. Finding a foundation that caters specifically to olive undertones can be quite challenging, but NARS has nailed it with this shade. It blends seamlessly into my skin, providing a natural yet radiant finish without any noticeable lines or patches.
2. Long-lasting Coverage
One of the standout features of this foundation is its longevity. The "longwear" claim is not just a marketing term—it truly lasts throughout the day, even during long hours at work or in humid conditions. I don't have to worry about touch-ups, as the foundation stays put, maintaining its coverage and radiance from morning till night.
3. Lightweight and Breathable Feel
Despite offering full coverage, this foundation feels incredibly lightweight on the skin. It doesn’t have that heavy, cakey feel that some high-coverage foundations do. Instead, it feels breathable, allowing my skin to look fresh and radiant without suffocating it.
4. Buildable and Versatile
What I love most about this foundation is its buildable formula. On days when I prefer a more natural, everyday look, a single layer provides medium coverage that looks flawless. For special occasions or when I want more coverage, it layers beautifully without becoming cakey or settling into fine lines. The versatility of this product makes it a fantastic choice for various makeup looks.
5. Flawless Finish with a Natural Radiance
The finish of the NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation is what truly sets it apart. It gives a natural, radiant glow that mimics healthy, luminous skin. It’s not overly matte nor too dewy—just the right balance that makes my skin look perfected yet still real. It blurs imperfections and evens out my complexion, leaving a smooth, polished look.
6. Blendability and Application
The foundation blends effortlessly, whether I use a brush, sponge, or even my fingers. It has a silky texture that glides on smoothly, making it quick and easy to apply, even when I'm in a hurry.
Overall, the NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation in Stromboli checks all the boxes for me: perfect shade match, long-lasting wear, natural radiance, and a lightweight feel. It’s a versatile product that delivers a flawless finish every time, making it my go-to foundation. If you're looking for a foundation that offers the perfect balance of coverage and natural glow, I highly recommend giving this one a try.
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@140656163 My Tips for a Day-Lasting Makeup Look
As the temperatures rise, keeping my makeup fresh and flawless all day can be a challenge. But after lots of trial and error, I’ve found a routine that works wonders for me. Here are my go-to tips for maintaining a long-lasting, heat-proof makeup look:
1. **Prep with a Lightweight Moisturizer and Primer:** I start with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to hydrate my skin without making it greasy. Then, I apply a mattifying primer, focusing on my T-zone, to create a smooth base that controls shine throughout the day.
2. **Opt for a Long-Wear Foundation:** I always choose a long-wearing, sweat-resistant foundation that provides coverage without feeling heavy. Applying it with a damp beauty sponge helps blend it seamlessly into my skin for a natural finish.
3. **Set with Translucent Powder:** After applying foundation and concealer, I set everything with a light dusting of translucent setting powder. This step locks my makeup in place and helps keep shine at bay.
4. **Waterproof Everything:** In the summer, I switch to waterproof formulas for mascara, eyeliner, and even brow products. This ensures that my eye makeup stays put, even in the hottest weather.
5. **Blotting Papers Over Powder:** Throughout the day, I use blotting papers to absorb any excess oil instead of piling on more powder. This helps keep my complexion looking fresh and prevents my makeup from looking cakey.
6. **Setting Spray is a Must:** Finally, I never skip setting spray. A few spritzes of a long-lasting, hydrating setting spray keep my makeup looking flawless from morning to night, even on the hottest days.
These tips have been game-changers for me, and I hope they help you keep your makeup looking perfect all day long this summer! Of course, you need to devote time to skin care, regardless of the season. I have a couple of tips to make your makeup last long. First I use a cleansing foam or gel, and then apply a moisturizer. Here it is important not to overdo it - choose a texture that is not too dense, and, most importantly, the product does not contain oils - otherwise you will not avoid an oily sheen, and the makeup will quickly spread. For long-lasting makeup, it is best to choose a foundation with a matte or satin finish. After foundation, you can set the tone with powder. Pay attention to powders with a satin finish and a slight shine - they will help the skin look fresh. To complete the achieved effect, you can even use a white or colorless base for mascara - this way it will not crumble and will last longer. After all the makeup must be fixed for greater durability. To do this, use translucent powder or setting facial spray. My best tips for creating a winged eyeliner look
TIP #1: USE TAPE - Apply a piece of household tape right below where you will draw your eyeliner wing. Use the tape as a tracking line and draw on the wing. Remove the tape for a mess-free, perfectly sharp winged eyeliner look.
TIP #2: KEEP ELBOWS SUPPORTED - It sounds simple, but it makes all the difference: Rest your arm on a table to stabilize it and look down into a tilted mirror when applying winged eyeliner for simplified, stress-free application.
TIP #3: CLEAN UP LINES - When you've finished drawing on your winged eyeliner line, dip an angled brush or (use a cotton bud ) in makeup remover and use it to clean up any imperfections.
TIP #4: 1-STEP SMOKEY EYE - For instant smokey eyes, use a gel eyeliner pencil to line eyes, not worrying about creating a perfect line, and softly blending the eyeliner for that smokey, winged eyeliner effect. This also provides a great base for eyeshadow, ensuring the shadow will last longer!
TIP #5: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT - If you’re new to eyeliner, especially liquid eyeliner, start with a pen version, like Climax Liquid Eyeliner. To get a feel for the fluidity of the pen, practice on the back of your hand before applying winged eyeliner. Use small strokes along the lash line until you can perfect one fluid line.
TIP #6: WHEN IN DOUBT, GO SUBTLE - Create a very natural, but defined winged liner look with Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner. Use an angle brush and apply the gel liner right into the lash line to define the eyes without looking like makeup. Contouring Tips
After any base make-up is applied, apply your cream contour under your cheekbones, along the top of your hair line, jaw line and either side of the nose (if you wish). Then, blend away any edges either with a brush or sponge. Finally, set with powder.
Using a straight-up bronzer as a contour won’t always give you the result you’re looking for. Sure, it can add warmth and dimension, but it won’t give that chiseled effect. Remember, bronzer adds warmth like the sun (think a healthy tan), while contour adds cool depth, like a shadow.
Find a contour on the cooler side, but with enough warmth to keep it from being grey, ashy, or ghostly. Contouring can indeed be a game-changer in makeup, but mastering it requires practice and understanding your unique facial structure. Here are some tips to help you accomplish the perfect contour:
Choose the Right Products: Opt for matte contour powders or creams that are only a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. Avoid products with shimmer, as they can make the contour appear unnatural.
Identify Your Face Shape: Different face shapes require different contouring techniques. For example, those with round faces may want to focus on sculpting the cheekbones and jawline, while those with square faces may want to soften harsh angles.
Start Light: It's easier to add more product than to remove excess, so start with a light hand and build up gradually. Remember, less is more when it comes to contouring.
Blend, Blend, Blend: Blending is key to achieving a seamless contour. Use a damp makeup sponge or a fluffy blending brush to blend the contour product into the skin, focusing on diffusing any harsh lines.
Focus on Placement: Contouring is all about creating shadows, so focus on placing the product in areas where you naturally have shadows on your face, such as the hollows of the cheeks, along the jawline, and on the sides of the nose.
Highlight and Balance: To complement your contour, use a highlighting product to bring light to the high points of your face, such as the tops of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and the cupid's bow. This will help balance out the shadows created by the contour.
Practice Makes Perfect: Contouring can be intimidating at first, but don't be discouraged if it takes some time to master. Practice different techniques and experiment with placement until you find what works best for your face shape and features.
Remember, the goal of contouring is to enhance your natural features, not completely change them. With patience, practice, and these tips in mind, you'll be able to accomplish the perfect contour that enhances your beauty and confidence. Achieving a radiant complexion starts with a combination of skincare and makeup techniques. Here's my tip for healthy-looking skin:
Start with a nourishing skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing, hydrating serums, and a moisturizer suited to your skin type. Don't forget to apply sunscreen daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
For makeup, opt for a lightweight, hydrating foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone without masking your natural beauty. Use a creamy concealer to brighten under your eyes and spot conceal any imperfections.
To add a radiant glow, apply a liquid or cream highlighter to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose. This will catch the light and give your skin a luminous finish.
Lastly, incorporate superfoods like berries, leafy greens, and omega-rich nuts and seeds into your diet for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help promote healthy skin from within.
Remember, consistency is key, so stick to your skincare routine and makeup regimen for a radiant complexion all year round! The number one tip that i learn is, prime your brush !
you might think, prime ? how can you 'prime' a brush ? well it's not you actually using a makeup primer or a brush primer liquid etc.
It's actually a technique used by many makeuo artists, to ensure your foundation looks like second skin. All you need is, a foundation of choice ( mine would either be the NARS light reflecting foundation or Soft matte) and a foundation brush.
Just place the foundation into the palm of your hand as the heat also helps the foundation to warm up and to wear better on the skin, and just swirl the brush and lighly buff, without applying too much pressure. This will get the product into the brush and when you apply the foundation, it'll look smoother, you wont have to spend a lot of time blending, and it'll help the foundation to adhere to the skin better.
My favourite thing to do is taking a bit of light reflecting foundation, swirling my brush in , then starting at the high points first,go to the areas i need to cover most and then as i get the part where i need less foundation, just use whatever is left on the brush. That way, no wastage, i dont have to wipe off excess ( love this foundation too much to wipe it away). you also look much more glowy and radiant! Here are some tips and tricks for achieving healthy-looking skin using Nars products:
1. Prep with a Primer: Start with the Nars radiance primer to create a smooth base for makeup application
2. Hydrate with Tinted Moisturizer: Instead of heavy foundation, opt for the Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30. It provides lightweight coverage, hydrates the skin, and gives a natural, radiant finish.
3. Conceal with Radiant Creamy Concealer: Use the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer to cover any blemishes, dark circles, or imperfections. Its creamy formula blends seamlessly into the skin for a flawless look.
4. Illuminate with Highlighter: Apply the Nars Illuminator to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid’s bow, to add a natural-looking glow and enhance your skin’s radiance.
5. Add Color with Blush: Use the iconic Nars Blush in shades like “Orgasm” or “Deep Throat” to add a healthy flush of color to my cheeks. The finely milled powder blends effortlessly for a natural-looking finish.
6. Define with Bronzer: Sweep the Nars Bronzing Powder along the contours of my face to add warmth and dimension. Choose a shade that complements my skin tone for a sun-kissed glow. Tips for healthy skin:
1 - Apply sunscreen every day before you go outdoors
2 - Use skin care products that match your skin's needs - Using products formulated for your skin's needs will help your skin look and feel its best.
3 - Resist the urge to scrub your skin clean. If you've been sweating heavily or have a serious acne flare, it may seem natural to scrub your skin. Don't! Scrubbing irritates your skin, which can worsen any skin condition, including acne
4 - Wash your face when waking, before bed, and after sweating. Washing when you wake up removes the dirt and bacteria that settle on your face while sleeping. Before bed, you want to remove makeup and grime, such as smog, smoke, or dirt, which may have landed on your skin.
5 - I LOVE seafood! - Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and herring, are excellent foods for healthy skin. It eat Fish twice a week. If you don't like fish then I suggest trying some Omega 3 vitamins.
6 - Use Nars Orgasm blush for a natural looking healthy glow One of my favourite skin (and health tips) is to boil your bones! I'm a big fan of home made bone broth from whatever I've eaten - as an ex-vegan and pet lover I always take my meat consumption very seriously and try to make use of all bits, from nose to tail. A slow cooker is a must, and also helps heat your home whilst you're preparing your broth. Ideally you want a joint that has large bones, but chicken bones also work really well. With the larger bones, you can also scoop out the marrow as a treat for pet dogs. Either drink it as a hot drink, or use the broth in food: gravy, bolognese, home made soups. The broth cooking process makes use of the collagen in the bones and cartilage which should, in turn, help your skin (and joints, nervous system and cell regrowth) from within! My makeup skills 10 years ago:
I was clueless about how to apply eye makeup properly, how to blend eyeshadow or which tools to use for my eye shape and only owned 1 brush. I didn't know how to apply liquid liner or how to create dimension on my face with bronzer, contour or blush. Powder foundation, mascara and lipstick and liner was as good as it got lol.
My makeup skills now: - After watching lots of online tutorials, practice, trial and error and attending a few masterclasses, I now have the right makeup brushes and basic technique to create simple eye looks, soft glam and smokey eyes etc using more than 1 eyeshadow. I also know how to shade match my foundation and concealer and how to apply complexion products in a way that is flattering.
I feel much more more confident about applying my makeup now that I have better understanding of application technique and which products work best for my skin. My face no longer looks flat after applying foundation because I know how to apply bronzer, concealer, blush and contour properly. Most of all, makeup has become fun to me and a form of self-care! 
