Make-Up Techniques (5)
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Cheek Color (Blusher):
Cheek color is typically found in a compressed powder form and is applied using a soft brush. The purpose of cheek color is to enhance the contours of the face and highlight the cheekbones. The colors used for the cheeks should be around two shades darker than the foundation color.
{Note: The act of applying artificial color to the cheeks has societal and biological origins. Young women were often considered more appealing for the fact that they were prone to blush when approached by a young man. The darkening of the cheeks and general appearance of being flushed was considered attractive to most men. Because of this, women took to using artificial means to create the effect, even when they weren't normally responsive in such a manner any longer. The idea was that it made them appear younger and more innocent.}
For nighttime wear, the process is the same, although slightly darker, shimmering or satiny colors are called for. In both cases, the colors should be blended softly using a brush to avoid a line of demarcation.
Cheek color should be replaced at least every six months.
(Trivia Fact: In the periods before cheek make-up was available women used various techniques to create a blush effect. Some women would pinch their cheeks just before a gentleman caller would arrive, while others would use tints created from crushed flower petals or red berries to give more lasting color to the cheeks.)
Lip Color:
Lip color is generally found in a waxy stick or liquid form. There are a few basic products designed for the lips that should be mentioned: lip liner, lip color and lip gloss. Lip liner is good for women who have a problem with poorly defined lip boundaries or who find that lip color used alone tends to bleed over the edges of their lips. The liner creates a definitive edge to the lips and should be one shade darker than the lip color.
Lip color is used to give the lips a tint that enhances both the shape of the lips and draws attention to the mouth. Most lip colors now include moisturizing ingredients to leave the lips feeling soft and supple as well.
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