Makeup Nevers

• Never pump your mascara wand in and out of the tube.  To get more product, simply swirl the wand in a circle, then pull it out of the tube.
• Never blow on your brush.  Tap excess product on a paper towel or the back of your hand.
• Never use mascara past three months.  Tape a piece of paper with the date around the tube to remember when to discard.
• Never put makeup on a dirty face.  A clean and moisturized face goes a long way.
• Never double dip.  Discard disposable mascara wands after they've been in the tube once, and wash brushes often.
• Never forget the hairline, by the ears, and neck when putting on foundation.  Nothing's worst than snapping that picture, and realizing you look like you have on a mask.
• Never wear foundation that's lighter than you unless it's intentional or being used as a highlight under the brow or under the eye.  You'll look like a clown.

In My Makeup Bag

So you want to be a makeup artist?  Don't know where to start?

Here's a list of things that can help you be on your way to becoming a makeup artist.  Remember you don't have to go name brand crazy to produce quality looks.  A less expensive company like e.l.f. can do the same thing as MAC if you know what you're doing.

Shadow

Shadows are the main thing for makeup.  Don't be afraid of color!  There are so many companies that make shadows, and you can pick whatever you choose.  The true test is based on pigments.  You want your shadows to be very pigmented so that the colors pop.  The easy route is to try a search on eBay for "manly 120 palette."  Trust me, you'll love all 120 colors.  Not to mention shadows can be used for everything including lip colors, blushes, and for contouring.

Lips (Glosses and Lipsticks)

What's your look without a hot lip color?  Remember to always go light on the lips if you have a dramatic eye, and dramatic on the lips if you have a light eye.  Nude lips are always fantastic, and can be done with a nude base with a lipgloss.  I don't use lipsticks often, but see what works for you.  Keep a variety of colors like the lip palette at Coastal Scents, or use shadow and gloss.

Concealer

Have dark circles or spots you need to cover quickly?  Use a concealer for this job.  A little goes a long way; just pat lightly with your fingers.  e.l.f. has concealers for $1.

Primer

If you want your colors to last all day without creasing, then use a primer before applying shadows.  There are also primers for the face to make your foundation last.  Concealers can be used as primer.

Mascara

Without mascara, your look will look flat.  Let those lashes pop.  Depending on the one you choose, a little will go a long way.  When it comes to mascara, I have to say you'll come out of pocket a little.  You get a cheap one, and you'll notice it won't do the same job.  I suggest Maybelline Colossal Mascara.

Liner

Get them in all different colors:  black, brown, white, blue, etc.  You'll need liquid eyeliner as well as pencil eyeliners.  I'll tell you the difference in a later post.

Powder

I prefer powder foundations over liquid foundations.  You might want the opposite.  It's really up to you.  Get one that is your skin color, one a little darker, and one a little lighter.

Brushes

Eye shadow, blending, angled, kabuki, eyeliner, foundation, lip, and blush brushes are all needed for your kit.  You don't need MAC necessarily.  Most of my brushes come from e.l.f., and they were all $1 per brush.  Try Crown, Sigma, and EcoTools.

Makeup Remover

Must have!  You can either go out and buy one; any drugstore brand will do.  Or you can shop around your house.  Castor oil and olive oil work great.

Sanitaries

This is the beauty business.  You'll be doing work on many people with the same products.  Therefore, you need a pack of disposable mascara wands and lip brushes.  Throw them out after one use.