IT COSMETIC

Beauty Q and A: Does This TikTok Blush Trend Really Work?

Published on July 1, 2021May 1, 2024 by LeeLeave a comment

There are a lot of useful TikTok beauty trends out there — from powder foundation tricks to self-tanning tips. Some, however, raise our collective (and well-groomed) eyebrows, like a certain blush hack that involves applying blush all over the face and layering foundation on top for a dewy, radiant, and flushed finish. To get to the bottom of whether this blush trick works, we tapped makeup artist Kasey Spickard for his thoughts.

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So, Does This Tiktok Blush Trend Work?

“Here’s the thing, it does work,” says Spickard “Should you do it? No.” Although it’s an eye-catching and entertaining video, he doesn’t recommend incorporating it into your everyday makeup routine. “This trend is using the concept of adding deep contours and bright highlights under the makeup for definition, however, you’re going to end up going through a lot more productive than if you did a standard base and buffed in cream blush later,” he explains.

Spickard also notes that some formulas are simply not meant to be applied all over the face. “I see folks packing liquid lipsticks all over their face and layering foundation on top, which is a total recipe for a breakout,” he says. “These products are not designed to be used that way, and can risk causing skin irritation and breakouts.”

The Right Way to Apply Cream Blush for a Flushed Finish

Spickard much prefers to keep it simple when applying cream blush — and guess what? The same, flushed, and radiant finish is possible his way, too. “My favorite method is to start by warming up the cream blush on the back of my hand and using my middle and ring fingers to buff it out onto the cheeks, cheekbones, temples, and nose bridge,” he says. We love the NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Luminous Cheek Serum for this. Complete the look by setting the cream formula with a powder blush using a fluffy brush (his favorite is the IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush).

10 Ways to Use a Fan Makeup Brush

Published on May 10, 2020May 1, 2024 by LeeLeave a comment

Of all the makeup brushes out there, a fan brush often seems to be the most confusing. While we normally see it being used to highlight the high points of the cheekbones, a fan brush is actually a very versatile beauty tool that can be used several different ways. Not sure how? Ahead, we rounded up ten ways to use a fan brush that will make your routine a lot easier. Thank us later.

1. Brush Away Eyeshadow Fallout

You’ve applied the perfect bronzy eye, only to end up with eyeshadow all over your under-eye area. Don’t smudge it with your fingers; instead use a fluffy fan brush to swipe away any fallout without making a mess.

2. Apply Facial Masks

Use a small-to-medium-size fan brush to apply a facial mask with the utmost precision. Bonus, you won’t waste as much product as you would if you were using your fingers.

3. Contour Facial Features

Because of its unique shape, a large fan brush is the perfect tool for contouring your cheekbones, nose, jawline and forehead.

4. Highlight to Perfection

This brush also makes for the perfect highlighting tool. For glowing skin, use it to lightly dust powdered highlighter along the tops of your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose.

5. Dust on Blush for a Natural Look

We all get a little heavy handed with our blush application from time to time. To avoid overly bright pink cheeks, dust blush on with a fan brush — its soft bristles will diffuse the powder for a subtle hint of color.

6. Apply Tinted Moisturizer

If your skin is typically dry, applying tinted moisturizer with your fingers can zap the moisture right out of your skin! Use a fan brush to evenly distribute your lightweight coverage option without using too much of it.

7. Distribute Powdered Foundation

Once you’ve applied your favorite foundation, use a fan brush with compact bristles to buff out the powder (don’t forget the neck area) for a perfectly blended complexion — the IT Cosmetics Airbrush Radiance Fan Brush #116 is our favorite for this.

8. Blend Bronzer, Blush and Highlighters

After laying down your foundation, blush, bronzer and highlighter, use a large, fluffy fan brush like the Lancôme Dual Ended Highlighter Fan Brush #31 to blend out any harsh lines — especially if you’ve over-applied — for an airbrushed finish!

9. Remove Shine in the T-Zone Area

Skin starting to look greasy? Touch up throughout the day by lightly dusting translucent powder onto your T-zone to banish shine.

10. Apply Mascara

You can even use a small fan brush to apply mascara to your top and bottom lashes for a natural, barely-there look and zero clumps.

5 PLACES YOU NEVER THOUGHT TO HIGHLIGHT YOUR FACE

Published on December 7, 2019May 1, 2024 by Lee4 Comments

In our eternal quest for radiant, illuminated skin, we’ve decided that just highlighting our cheekbones simply isn’t enough on the days when we want to look a little more glam. Luckily, we’ve spent some serious quality time with our (extensive) highlighter stash and have discovered a few unsuspecting places to pop on shimmer. Ahead, find the four spots that can up your highlighter game and give your face a major glow up.

Highlighter Placement #1: Top of the Forehead

Highlighting the top of your forehead prevents the face from looking flat (a common beauty blunder associated with too much bronzer) and brightens up the entire face. Application here should be very sheer and look natural rather than powdery. One of our favorite techniques is to mix in some liquid highlighter with foundation and tap it on with a makeup sponge. NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator our go-to pick for some lit-from-within shimmer.

Highlighter Placement #2: Below Your Brow Bone

While you may not have racked up eight hours of sleep last night, popping some highlight below your brow bone and above your eyebrow arch will make you look wide-eyed and well rested. Focusing highlighter around your eyebrow can give the appearance of a mini eye-lift. We love Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener. It’s an easy-to-use pencil with a creamy consistency and amazing glow.

Highlighter Placement #3: Center of the Eyelid

Whether you did a full-on smoky eye or are going the more neutral route, the eyelid is an unsuspected spot to highlight — but it makes a big difference. We recommend a powder for this step, like the YSL Couture Highlighter. Use a flat brush to pack product on the center of your lid and in the inner corner of your eye. This trick will make your eyes twinkle — no joke. (Primp tip: If you want a foiled look, spray setting spray on your highlighter and then apply.)

Highlighter Placement #4: The Cupid’s Bow

The ‘V’ of your cupid’s bow is also a great spot to pop on some highlighter; it creates the appearance of fuller lips. Apply it with your finger and use a soft touch. When the light catches, your pout will look especially plumped.

Highlighter Placement #5: All Over Glow

A bronzer-highlighter duo? Count us in. IT Cosmetics CC Radiance Ombre Bronzer is an easy and natural way to amp up your overall illumination. It’ll give you warmth and sparkle around your cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. Use a buffing or blending brush to diffuse the product and achieve subtle radiance.