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Max Factor Makeup Tips

by Emily Brown King

Overview

Max Factor has long been a pioneer in the makeup industry and the preferred brand of many makeup artists. The company was the first to produce many of the makeup products you use today and was at the forefront of using makeup in cinema. Jake Baily, a makeup artist for Max Factor shares some of his professional makeup advice on the Max Factor website.

The right makeup can perfectly accentuate your face.
Prep Work

Makeup looks the best on a good canvas. Keep your skin in great condition by treating any blemishes with soothing tea tree oil. Use an ice cube or a splash of cold water to tighten up and freshen your skin. Your makeup will go on more smoothly. Start with a base of foundation and powder. Baily suggests tapping the makeup brush a few times before applying the powder. This will remove any excess and prevent you from applying too much. Next comes blush. Sometimes it is tricky to figure out where to apply blush and how much. Just look at your face after a jog or from coming out from the cold. Apply blush where your skin naturally flushes.

Lips

Full, luscious lips are easy to achieve with a great lipstick or gloss. Unfortunately, it's easy to get lipstick on your teeth just by smiling. Baily advises pursing your lips around your finger after you apply the lipstick and then pulling it out. Any excess lipstick will end up on your finger, preventing an embarrassing situation. If your lips are dry and flaky, your lipstick will not go on smoothly and evenly. Remove dead skin by exfoliating lips with a toothbrush at night and applying a hydrating lip balm.
Eyes

Mascara can make eyes look bold and dramatic. Baily suggests placing the mascara wand at the base of your top lashes and then wiggle it as you pull the wand up through the lashes. Wiggling it will distribute more of the mascara at the base, making your lashes look fuller. Also, keep in mind the size and shape of your eyes when applying eye makeup. People with smaller eyes should avoid dark liners and shadow, because it will make them look even smaller. Take advantage of light and shimmery colors to make the eyes pop. Baily also has a trick for eliminating creasing that can happen with shimmery eye shadows. He suggests skipping moisturizer on the eyelid, because it will wreck the texture of the eye shadow.
Caring for Tools and Makeup

Makeup has a shelf life, and shouldn't be used after a certain period of time. It can become a breeding ground for bacteria and can cause skin problems. In general, lipstick should be tossed after a year, eye makeup after three months, blush after six months and nail polish after two years. Keep brushes clean by gently swirling them in a mixture of mild soap and water and letting them air dry.