what's your type?

It's essential to consider what type of skin, eyes, lips, hair, and general style you already have to work with. This way, you can decide which makeup products will suit you best for your desired look.

The list below is a brief description of my facial features, skin, and hair - I will also explain why some makeup products/styles work better with me versus those that will not:


SKIN
  • light-medium color shade, warm undertone
  • sensitive oily/combination skin type
  • some blemishes, minimal acne scarring marks, and freckles 
  • round face, small forehead, and slightly square chin

EYES
  • round/almond shaped
  • dark brown eye color
  • double lid
  • oily lids
  • thin and short eyelashes
  • very minimal undereye/dark circles
  • sparse, thin, short arched eyebrows [see eyebrow shapes guidelines]

LIPS
  • medium sized, not too full but not too thin, 'Pearlique' shape [see lip shapes list]
  • tends to be dry and chapped (especially during winter)

HAIR
  • long length
  • straight, flat, thin
  • dark brown
  • dry ends

FAVORITE STYLES
  • bare/natural looks
  • dark/edgy



USING THE RIGHT MAKEUP FOR MY TYPE:

          I must avoid foundation colors from neutral and cool shades, and I prefer to have light to medium coverage to subtly even out the blemishes while still keeping a 'natural' look. And because I have oily skin, I will sometimes use a face primer or focus on foundation formulas that aren't too thick or creamy since those tend to create more shine than I want.

          My choice for eyeshadows need to be on the warmer tones as well, such as browns, taupes, gold, copper, and red-violets. Using eyelid/eyeshadow primer is a must for me, and I almost always fill in my brows and draw out a cat-eye wing on my eyes to widen and elongate their shape. When it comes to mascaras, I prefer the dry and lightweight formulas that can build up layers to thicken and lengthen my eyelashes without weighing them down.

          I typically do not wear any lipstick. If I need to, I choose plums or deep red colors because 'light pink' lipsticks make me look like I have a horrible fake tan on, and 'nude' colors make me look like my lips don't exist at all. The skin on my lips tend to peel so easily, so I just stick to moisturizing lip balms. I recently learned that most chapsticks have salicylic acid in them which causes your lips to peel even more, hence making you feel like you need to use more chapstick. If that's your case, find ones that don't have salicylic acid. The less chemicals, the better.

          Hair is tough for me to work on because firstly it's too thin and brittle, and secondly I struggle with styling it in any way, especially braids. I prefer to tie or clip up my hair in a pony tail or high bun. I've tried having front bangs before but that required too much maintenance. To keep my life simple and easy, I try to avoid blow dryers, flat and curling irons, or any other heat devices as much as I can.

         Pairing hair and makeup styles will look better with the right balance between the two. When it comes to makeup looks, I think about what the weather will be like and plans I have for the day. Is it work or is it play? Personally, I enjoy an active lifestyle, comfortable clothing, outdoor and sports activities, and of course some leisure and general laziness, I like keeping my makeup simple with natural looks or easy edgy looks. If I'm on a time-crunch but still want to look somewhat 'put together', I'd go for filled eyebrows, eyeliner, and mascara. Though natural and edgy looks are my favorite styles, I don't mind dressing up and going for the extra 'glam' look for formal events or date nights every now and then. :)


As you can see, there's much to think about when you want to create a look. You can start by making a little list like this one and take notes of what you know. Most importantly, if you have any known allergies to certain chemicals, be careful to read through the listed ingredients for your products. If you don't yet know what your type is, it's perfectly okay. Believe me, I've had my share of trial and errors (still do!). But it's an exploration and learning process. Take the time to try new makeup products and figure out what works best. Update your list and take notes as you progress through your 'Move' in the makeup world.


Be true, be you.


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