How to Nail The Underpainting Trend That’s All Over TikTok

hair and beautyhair and beautyJonathan Storey

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You may have seen those TikTok videos of people applying contour, highlight, and blush before foundation. You may have thought it was just another in a long line of viral makeup hacks dreamed up by Gen Z. But you would be wrong. This technique, known as underpainting, has been a staple of makeup artists for decades. 

Los Angeles-based makeup artist Jill Powell, who counts Demi Lovato and Sabrina Carpenter among her clients, describes underpainting as a soft-focus filter for your makeup. "All the color goes on first, and then you apply this sheer layer of complexion that softens and blends everything out," she explains. "I highly suggest you try this technique if you don't know how to contour or are intimated by it. You'll get a soft shadow peeking through, but it won't be very strong because of the veil of coverage over top."

Think of it as a way to create dimension on the face before layering over it with extra coverage. You start out with your contour, highlight, and blush colors, then do your foundation routine on top. "You get a much more natural effect by using this method," says Los Angeles-based Jamie Greenberg, who works with Kaley Cuoco, Chelsea Handler, and Rashida Jones for the red carpet. 

photo of a person putting on makeup with a fluffy brushGetty ImagesWhat You Need to Underpaint

Underpainting requires many of the same tools you already have in your makeup stash. Basically, if you're already contouring and highlighting — or wearing makeup at all for that matter — chances are you're already well-equipped to carry this out. 

Since the contrasting colors must be applied directly to the skin first, it's important to be well-prepped and hydrated to avoid patchiness. "Depending on the client's skin, I generally try to use a very hydrating moisturizer so the foundation lays beautifully on the skin and we get a glow," says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Beau Nelson, who works with Kristen Stewart and Ashley Graham. If you're in the market for a new hydrator, try the Best of Beauty Award-winning Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturizer.

After you prep your skin, you're going to need a product to contour with, one to highlight, and also a blush. Greenberg, Powell, and Nelson all recommend using makeup products with creamy textures when underpainting because they're easier to blend and deliver a second-skin-like finish. 

Then there are brushes and blenders to consider. To apply the cream contour and blush, Nelson, Greenberg, and Powell use densely packed, synthetic brushes, like the Sigma P88- precision flat angled brush for contour and the Katie Jane Hughes X Spectrum Brush #2 for blush.

"You want to match the brush size and shape with whatever you are doing," says Powell, noting that you can pick up a smaller brush for precise contouring application and switch to a medium-size brush for the blush. "Always ensure the head of the brush is smaller than the area you are working on," she advises. 

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Powell's preferred brushes include the Sigma F79 Concealer Blend Kabuki for cream blush, and the Sigma F03- High Cheekbone Highlighter brush. Nelson typically applies cream contour with the Real Techniques setting brush. Greenberg is partial to the All Over Care Brush from Anisa Beauty for underpainting color. To add the foundation over it all, each makeup artist says they use a Beautyblender. 

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Sigma F79 Concealer Blend Kabuki Brush

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Now that you've got all your products in order, it's time to apply them. Nelson says to start with contour before blush and highlighter. Nelson, Powell, and Greenberg all say they apply foundation all over the face with a Beautyblender after the blush, then they add a highlighter on top. You also have the option of adding the highlighter after the contour, as we see in this video Powell made about underpainting.

To create the contour, all the makeup artists say that they prefer to use cream bronzers because the texture lends a more natural, skin-like finish. Nelson likes to use MAC Pro Paintstick in Deep Brown. "It's the perfect contour color for a range of light-to-medium skin tones. For deeper skin, I use dark brown shades from the Make Up For Ever Flash Palette," says Nelson. Greenberg uses the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand. You can also try the Best of Beauty-winning Em Cosmetics So Soft Multi Faceplay stick bronzer, too. 

As for application, the motions you use can vary. In Powell's underpainting tutorial, you see her carefully use a combination of patting and blending motions to buff the contour in with her fingers. She also uses a brush in circular motions to blend the rest.  

For those who are cream-adverse, don't fret. You can still do this technique with powders and get a similar effect. "You need to make sure that the skin is well-prepped if you're using powders, but you can certainly apply all your contour, blush, and highlight first and then just top it off with a veil of powder foundation," explains Powell. "It'll give you the same lit-from-within look. If you have very oily skin, that could be an option for you." 

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Greenberg agrees that a little powder won't necessarily hurt. "I love adding powder highlighters to a cream face," she says, noting that she often reaches for Face Glow from Girlactik when she's underpainting because they blend well with most skin tones and aren't overly glittery.

How to layer on your foundation

Once you have your contour, highlight, and blush laid down, it's time for foundation. "My favorite thing to do is to use a dampened Beautyblender to bounce the foundation on top of the slightly blended color you've already laid down," says Greenberg. 

person applying powder to their faceGetty Images

When you're adding the foundation, you can also apply it with a brush, starting in the places that don't have contour, making quick, swiping motions, then switch to a Beautyblender or makeup sponge to blend it all using quick, bouncing motions, buffing it out right into the contour you just created. Powell also prefers using a makeup sponge for this step to ensure that the foundation is applied lightly so the underlying color can peek through. For this reason, lighter-coverage foundations are your best bet for the most natural look. Try Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 or Nyx Professional Makeup Bare With Me Luminous Tinted Skin Serum.

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However, if you prefer more coverage, Powell suggests working in a series of thin layers. "Do a sheer layer of your foundation first to get that coverage going," she advises. "Then underpaint your colors and apply a final layer of foundation over top, either with a really fluffy brush or a dampened Beautyblender to get a soft, airbrushed finish."

Anyone can try this technique and nail it, according to Greenberg and Powell. "Putting on a stain blush or cream blush and topping it with a little tinted moisturizer looks great on anyone," says Nelson. "However, this is definitely a more finished look, so if you don't wear a lot of makeup, it's probably not for you."

See? Underpainting isn't that complicated or scary after all, especially now that you've got the full tea on how to do it. Now go and have fun with it.

The 18 Best Liquid Eye Shadows for All-Day, No-Mess Color

The 18 Best Liquid Eye Shadows of 2021 for AllDay FalloutFree Color and Shimmer

Clara Hendler / Allure

When it comes to eye shadow, liquid formulas are about as foolproof as it gets. "It's nearly impossible to mess up with liquid eye shadows because they're so creamy and easy to work with," says makeup artist Allan Avandaño, who adds that you can wear them alone or atop powder eye shadows. They usually come in easy-to-tote-around tubes that are perfect for throwing in your bag if you're crunched for time, prefer touching up throughout the day, or want to amp your eye makeup for post-work activities.

They're pretty effortless to use and beginner-friendly, to boot — simply swipe, blend, and go. "Start at the lash line in the middle of the eye and then build up from there," advises makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes. "Use a fluffy kind of eye shadow brush that allows you to blend and apply at the same time." If you want to step it up a notch, take this tip from makeup artist Delina Medhin: "I love to lay down powders to build shadow and depth, then add the liquid as the topper." Makeup artist Amrita Mehta points out the opposite method, noting that "liquids make a great base for powder eyeshadow and help with longevity as well" — so you can really customize these no-fallout formulas to your own liking. However, whatever order you choose, don't flounder when it comes to application. "You only have a limited amount of time to blend the shade before it dries on your lid," Mehta explains. "Once a liquid eyeshadow has set, it doesn't budge." The best formulas, which you'll read about soon, don't even break down through workouts, rain, or humidity.

You also can't argue with the intense pigmentation that generally pairs with liquid eye shadows. (Fret not, plenty of brands also offer sheer finishes if that's more of your vibe.) Regardless of whether you're an eye shadow expert or a new convert, all the reasons are there for adding a few liquid products to your collection. Makeup artists can't get enough of them, either, and favor a range of drugstore and high-end options that deliver gorgeous, otherwordly results.

Take a look at the 18 of our favorite liquid eye shadows, approved by beauty editors and makeup artists, to add to your rotation, stat.

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The Best Heat-Protectant Sprays for Every Hair Texture

11 Best Heat Protectant Sprays of 2021  Shop Now

Allure / Soleil Summer

In the same way that you wouldn't just sit under the hot sun without putting on sunscreen, you absolutely should not put a 400-degree hot tool on your hair without first using a heat protectant. These necessary hair-care products build a boundary between your hair and the heat, which staves off breakage, frizz, and all-around damage to the follicle. 

According to cosmetic chemist Ginger King, you'll want to look for products with ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil and VP/DMAPA acrylates copolymer, both of which "form a shield" to prevent heat damage. But those aren't the only protective ingredients out there; brands use a range of familiar additives like aloe and argan oil to help seal the hair cuticle and keep heat from scorching your precious hair.

If you like to style your hair with a hair-dryer and curling iron, stylist Sarah Potempa recommends a flexible, lightweight formula that plays well with tools like the Nexxus Weightless Style Prep & Protect Leave-In Hair Spray. But if you have textured hair and are more interested in enhancing your natural waves, she suggests focusing on a product that's more moisturizing and conditioning like Mielle Organics's Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray. Folks with fine hair should look for light sprays that won't weigh your hair down.

To help narrow down the best heat-protectant sprays out there, we asked Potempa, Williams, and several other hairstylists to share their go-to products. Each stylist had not one, but multiple favorites, which work across a range of hair textures and styling needs. 

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Keywordshair careshoppingshopping guideheat protectantheat-protecting sprayheat protectionhair stylingTressemeL'OrealRedkenMoroccanoilMizaniLiving ProofChi

Cabincore: The Fall 2021 Trend We Didn’t See Coming

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Source: Sezane

A majority of fashionistas are familiar with cottagecore, a romantic aesthetic suitable for spring, summer, and early autumn. But the trend we didn’t see coming? Cabincore.

A recent study published by Stylight reports that clicks on key cabincore pieces such as quilted coats, sleeveless sweaters, and tweed pieces are up—and not going anywhere anytime soon. So what exactly is cabincore? Similar to cottagecore, it’s an aesthetic that embodies the cozy tranquility of remote living and can be channeled in both home decor and fashion alike.

Unlike cottagecore, which nods to an idealized farm life, cabincore draws its inspiration from the mountains and forests. It’s more rustic and—dare we say it—perhaps more practical for chilly autumn and winter weather. While cottagecore fashion is airy and feminine, cabincore is warm and rugged.   

As it turns out, cabincore may just be the word the fashion world has been looking for all these years to describe our favorite cold-weather staples. Knit sweaters, warm flannels, booties of all shapes and sizes—all of these fall favorites are fair game when it comes to channeling this trendy aesthetic.

 

How to nail the cabincore aesthetic 

The key to dressing in line with this trend? Don’t overthink it! Cabincore is an embodiment of the classic fall styles we all know and love. Dress practically with boots that are made to brave the elements, layers that take you from chilly mornings to warm afternoons, and simple accessories that will dress up your look without holding you back on your adventures. If you’re stuck, think about textures and focus on key textiles such as wool, tweed, and flannel.

Here are six cabincore-inspired outfits to get you started on the coziest fall aesthetic yet.

 





beanie / turtleneck / leggings / leggings (plus-size) / bag / boots

With a wool sweater, sherpa boots, and a knit beanie, this cozy outfit is basically what we want to gravitate toward whenever the temps are below 60—and cabincore is giving us a reason to.

 

 





top / top (plus-size) / dress / dress (plus-size) / belt / bag / boots / rings

Making a short dress work for fall involves lots of strategic layering. Here, a plaid, fall-appropriate dress is paired with a turtleneck underneath and knee-high boots for an aesthetic that feels very Evermore.

 

 





sweater / sweater (plus-size) / jeans / bag / socks / booties 

A big sweater, mom jeans, and cozy socks under lug boots gives us woodsy chicness that’s an effortless embodiment of what cabincore is all about.

 

 





hat / shacket / dress / dress (plus-size) / bag / boots

Take advantage of the long shacket trend and pair one with a knit dress, wide-brimmed hat, and chunky boots for a look that’s fall at its very core (and a little bit witchy, too).

 

 





beanie / patchwork coat / henley /henley (plus-size) / jeans / jeans (plus-size) / boots

Like ASAP Rocky’s Met Gala look told us, patchwork is everywhere this season, and the very aesthetic it gives is cabincore in itself. With jeans, a cozy henley, and a beanie, it’s a cozy fall look that will make you feel like you’re wrapped in your grandma’s favorite quilt (just as it should).

 

The Fall 2021 Trend You Didn’t Know You Needed

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10 Books So Scary, You Won’t Be Able to Sleep at Night

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It doesn’t take being October for some of us to enjoy some good scary books, but there’s no better time to sit down, cozy up, and be absolutely petrified than now.

Sure, there are tons of thriller books out there (especially if you frequent BookTok,) but what about the books that actually leave us scared? The ones that give us the same, palpitating, spine-chilling feeling that a good scary movie does? Those are a little harder to come by.

But fear not: As The Everygirl’s resident consumer of all things scary, I’ve read just about every thriller under the sun, and while, at this point, most don’t phase me, these 10 left me completely rattled and made me lose sleep for days after finishing them. Ready to be scared to your core? These 10 books will do the trick.





Thomas Harris

The Silence of the Lambs

Even if you’ve already seen The Silence of the Lambs movie (as I’d hope you would have by now), this book is still absolutely worth the read and is even more bone-chilling than the movie. Not only do you get a deeper dive into Hannibal Lecter, but you also get to understand the story of Buffalo Bill and Clarice Starling even more than the movie allows. It’s begging to be read on a dreary, cold October night.

Shop it now





Stephen King

Misery

Stephen King made his name as a thriller author for a reason, and if you ask me, the movie adaptations of his books pale in comparison.

After a near-fatal car accident in rural Colorado leaves his body broken, writer Paul Sheldon finds himself at the mercy of the terrifying rescuer who’s nursing him back to health: his self-proclaimed number one fan, Annie Wilkes. The story is a rural hostage nightmare that will stay with you long after you read the last page.

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Samantha Downing

My Lovely Wife

A couple lives a seemingly idyllic life, with a 15-year marriage under their belts and two kids. But they have an unexpected hobby: murdering people.

My Lovely Wife definitely isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you get through it, you’re in for one of the most unexpected, twist-filled thriller books of recent years. It’s truly terrifying (without being particularly gory), but you won’t put it down until the final pages.

Shop it now





Lucinda Berry

When She Returned

Kate Bennett vanished from a parking lot 11 years ago, leaving behind her husband and young daughter. When she shows up at a Montana gas station, clutching an infant and screaming for help, investigators believe she may have been abducted by a cult.

Kate’s return flips her family’s world upside down—her husband is remarried and her daughter barely remembers her. Kate herself doesn’t look or act like she did before, and they discover her disappearance was even more sinister than they imagined.

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Riley Sager

Home Before Dark

Riley Sager has earned a name for himself as one of the absolute best thriller authors, and Home Before Dark earned a cult following for a reason.

A woman returns to the house made famous by her father’s bestselling horror memoir. Is the
place really haunted by evil forces as her father claimed? Or are there more earthbound—and dangerous—secrets hidden within its walls? If you love paranormal stories, this one is for you.

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Iain Reid

I’m Thinking of Ending Things

If you already saw the heinous movie adaptation of I’m Thinking of Ending Things that was released on Netflix last fall, scrap it from your brain and read the book instead.

This book follows a couple through a bizarre night, with nearly half of it taking place in the car ride to meet the boyfriend’s parents while the girlfriend ponders ending things with him. Never in my life have I read a book that reads more like a horror film. I read it sitting on my couch one afternoon, frozen and more scared than I have ever been while reading a book.

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B.A. Paris

Behind Closed Doors

Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth; she has charm and elegance. He’s a dedicated attorney who has never lost a case; she is a flawless homemaker, a masterful gardener and cook, and dotes on her disabled younger sister. Though they are still newlyweds, they seem to have it all. You might not want to like them, but you do. You’re hopelessly charmed by the ease and comfort of their home and the graciousness of the dinner parties they throw. You’d like to get to know Grace better.

But it’s difficult because you realize Jack and Grace are inseparable. This book takes you through a wild, horrifying ride of a marriage that’s nothing like it seems.

Trigger warning: This book contains domestic violence.

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Lucinda Berry

The Perfect Child

Christopher and Hannah are a happily married surgeon and nurse with picture-perfect lives. All that’s missing is a child. When Janie, an abandoned 6-year-old, turns up at their hospital, Christopher forms an instant connection with her, and he convinces Hannah they should take her home as their own. They quickly learn that Janie is no ordinary child, and what the couple endures before they realize it is enough to keep you up at night.

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Alex North

The Whisper Man

After the sudden death of his wife, Tom Kennedy believes a fresh start will help him and his young son, Jake, heal. It’s a new beginning, a new house, and a new town.

But the town has a dark past. 20 years ago, a serial killer abducted and murdered five residents. Until Frank Carter was finally caught, he was nicknamed “The Whisper Man,” as he would lure his victims out by whispering at their windows at night. A young boy vanishes, and then Tom’s son hears whispering outside of his window at night. As a New York Times review aptly put it, “If you like being terrified, ‘The Whisper Man’ is for you.”

Shop it now





Taylor Adams

No Exit

On her way to Utah to see her dying mother, college student Darby Thorne gets caught in a fierce blizzard in the mountains of Colorado. With the roads impassable, she’s forced to wait out the storm at a remote highway rest stop. Inside are some vending machines, a coffee maker, and four complete strangers.
Desperate to find a signal to call home, Darby goes back out into the storm and makes a horrifying discovery. In the back of the van parked next to her car, a little girl is locked in an animal crate.

The rest of the book consists of Darby being completely trapped at the rest stop, trying to navigate who of the strangers is to blame for what she saw in the car—and figuring out how to get them both out.

Shop it now

 

13 Thrillers to Read This Month (Because Halloween, Duh)

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10 Hacks For Achieving the “No Makeup” Makeup Look

The Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.






Source: @jaxandrose

Isn’t it weird that we want to apply makeup . . . that looks like we’re not wearing makeup? Existential beauty crisis aside, the off-duty model, no makeup vibes are here to stay. This look directly goes against the typical “Instagram” beauty looks we see a lot of —bold brows, full coverage foundation, winged liner, you know what I’m talking about. “No makeup” makeup is basically the bare minimum, focusing more on the steps of application than the number of products.

We’ve broken down the best tips and tricks for this natural trend as well as rounded up our favorite products to get you there quick and easy.

 

Meet the expert
Erika LaPearl
CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTIST
Erika is the key makeup artist for rapper Cardi B, focusing on natural and full glam looks.

 

1. Skin First

This look is all about glowing, natural skin. The easiest way to get that? Actually have glowy, natural skin. While not everyone has the amazing youthful glow of Amal Clooney or Jennifer Aniston, we know how to how fake it! Before embarking on this no-makeup- makeup journey, indulge in some skin prep. Using a hydrating face mask before applying makeup makes sure the skin is already supple and moisturized. 





Versed

Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream

A gel moisturizer will add a layer between your skin and foundation without adding extra shine.

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Summer Fridays

Jet Lag Mask

To ensure an ultra-moisturized complexion, apply this cult-favorite mask and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The trick is to leave it on—this works flawlessly as a primer for makeup.

Shop it now

 

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2. Prime your base

When you’re going for a minimal look, a primer is the easiest way to get a smooth base. “For me, using a primer creates a base that keeps your makeup in place, so it lasts throughout the day instead of sliding around your face,” said celebrity makeup artist Erika La’Pearl. You can cater your product choices to what kind of look you’re going for or your skin type. A pore-filling primer will smooth and fill any pores without clogging them the way a thick foundation might. An illuminating primer will add that “lit from within” glow and make you look extra hydrated.





Tula

Blurring & Moisturizing Primer

This is the perfect mix of a blurring, soft-focus texture with a bit of radiance. Our editors swear by it.

Shop it now





ColourPop

Hydrating Illuminator

Add a glowy, luminous finish to any foundation by applying this underneath.

Shop it now

 

3. Go light on the coverage

Steer clear of thick, full coverage foundations for this look. Tinted moisturizers, BB and CC creams, and skin tints give your skin some extra hydration and still allow some of your freckles, redness, and imperfections to shine through. La’Pearl swears by liquid foundations in this step because they keep your skin looking radiant, blend easily, and can be built up. One of her favorites is Be a 10’s Beyond Belief Foundation if you want a fuller coverage that doesn’t look cakey. Apply your liquid foundation or skin tint with a buffing foundation brush to cover more, or with a sponge to keep the dewiness and sheer it out—La’Pearl’s ideal method of applying foundation.





NARS

Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

The Goldilocks of tinted moisturizers: has a little bit of coverage but not too much, never gets cakey, blends seamlessly, and actually has a wide shade range.

Shop it now





The Lip Bar

3-in-1 Tinted Skin Conditioner

This has customizable coverage that takes you from sheer/light to medium depending on how much you build it up.

Shop it now





Milani

Glow Hydrating Skin Tint

Your skin tint doesn’t have to cost a lot, and this Milani proves it. It has a gorgeous radiance that makes your skin look like it’s glowing from within.

Shop it now

 

4. Use a lightweight concealer for blemishes

If you’re still not used to letting your blemishes or dark circles go uncovered, use a lightweight, hydrating concealer. Blend with your fingers—the warmth of your skin makes the product melt right in!





NARS

Radiant Creamy Concealer

Arguably the most famous concealer on the planet: our editors swear by this cult-classic for its blendability, shade range, and ability to somehow always look good. La’Pearl also swears by this concealer for her celeb clients, like Cardi B.

Shop it now





NYX

Radiant Under Eye Concealer

This concealer has crept up to the top of our Beauty Editor’s favorites list because it’s a medium coverage that looks luminous without ever looking oily.

Shop it now

 

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5. Cream everything

Creams make everything just blend and sink right in, and it tends to look more natural than powders. After applying your foundation and concealer, blend a cream bronzer with a damp sponge. Set lightly with a powder bronzer if you’re worried about everything lasting all day or keep all the glowy goodness by locking in with a setting spray. La’Pearl applies bronzer to her cheekbones and the temples, and even blends it on her eyelids as eyeshadow to create dimension and intensify the look a little bit without going overboard. 





Em Cosmetics

Multi Face Play

This contour/bronzer hybrid will add shadows and dimension to your face, but unlike other bronzers, it blends seamlessly into whatever’s underneath it. For a natural look, put your brush directly into the product and then blend on your face.

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e.l.f. Cosmetics

Putty Bronzer

This inexpensive bronzer rivals some of the most expensive cream bronzers on the market, coming through with a great shade range, a buildable coverage, and easy-to-blend formula.

Shop it now

 

6. Dew is your friend

Adding a nice dewiness to the tops of the cheekbones can go a long way in making your face look natural but still glowy. Rather than going for a traditional shimmery highlighter, opt for a cream with a clear base. This basically looks just like sweat (sounds gross, but trust us!) or a natural dew to the skin. The texture of the product will also blend right in with all the other cream products on the face.





Merit

Day Glow Highlighting Balm

This highlighter is so good, it sold out for months. Snag this if you like a natural dewy look with a hint of shimmer and gloss.

Shop it now





Danessa Myricks Beauty

Hydrating and Highlighting Balm

If you’d rather not look like you’re wearing anything but just want a slight sweaty glow to your face, this is the one.

Shop it now





Flower Beauty

Day Glow Highlighting Glaze

Opt for this drugstore highlighter if you want the best of both worlds: light shimmer with a dewy, glossy finish.

Shop it now

 

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7. Fake the flush

There’s something about a natural, blushed look to the skin that is so gorgeous and unpolished. Get that look the easy way by adding a little bit of a cream blush to the apples of the cheeks, up onto the temples, and right on the bridge of the nose.





Makeup By Mario

Soft Pop Blush Stick

If you’re a beginner in cream blush, this is the easiest formula on the market, thanks to the built-in applicator that blends the edges seamlessly.

Shop it now





Glossier

Cloud Paint Blush

The blush that started it all: the Cloud Paint from Glossier is the perfect dewy blush that you can wear sheerly or build up for more color (making it ideal for all skin tones).

Shop it now

 

8. Brush Up Brows

The best part of this look? Bushy, unruly brows are both accepted and encouraged. Enhance the beauty of your natural brows by simply using a brow gel with fibers and brushing them up and into place.





REFY

Brow Sculpt Shape and Hold Gel

This clear gel will hold down even the thickest of brows, holding them in place all day long and creating a laminated effect.

Shop it now





Milani

Weekend Brow Pen

A pen like this will create hairlike strokes in your brows that actually look like little hairs—perfect for someone with naturally sparse brows.

Shop it now





Fenty Beauty

Ultra Fine Brow Pencil & Styler

For those with thick brows naturally, this brow pencil will add some light shading and depth without going overboard. And because it’s Fenty, the shade range is strong.

Shop it now

 

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9. Light Mascara or Skip It

The skin is the star of the show with this look, so it’s okay to go light on the lashes. I know I haven’t worn brown mascara since middle school, but unless you have super dark lashes naturally (so jealous!), it just lightly opens your eyes without looking too heavy. Curl your lashes and apply a brown mascara to the top and bottom lashes, or really go for the natural look and skip mascara altogether. La’Pearl suggested applying mascara with a smaller brush to help you apply less, like using an old brow mascara wand or repurposing a spoolie from the end of an eyebrow pen. 





Covergirl

LashBlast Volume Mascara

A brown waterproof mascara deserves a spot in everyone’s “no makeup” collection. It’ll open up your eyes without looking like you have anything on.

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ILIA

Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara

This adds lots of length and separation to mimic the look of lash extensions or just naturally long AF lashes.

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10. Popsicle Lips

Ah — popsicles. Now I’m hungry! Anyhow, you know the look after you eat a popsicle, where your lips just have a natural tint? Luckily, there are products that give you that same look without the sticky hands. Hack your way to this look by applying any lipstick and blotting off the excess with a tissue.





Persona

E-Balm

This gives popsicle lips a 2021 glow-up with a glossy, smooth finish that’s ultra-hydrating on the lips.

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Sephora Collection

Lip Blush Blotted Matte Lipstick

For a matte look, a blotted lip color like this will make you look like you were just sucking on a popsicle—literally.

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23 New ‘No-Makeup’ Beauty Products To Add to Your Routine ASAP

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Megan Thee Stallion Wins Halloween Nail Art

megan thee stallion smiling at the 2021 grammysGetty Images

We are pretty much obsessed with all of Megan Thee Stallion's nail art over here at Allure. Not a day goes by when we aren't scouring her Instagram page to see her latest manicure. Meg even has a signature pose she often uses to show off her manicures with her hands displayed across her world-famous booty. The rapper loves to experiment with different nail designs and styles; she can give us a hot-pink Y2K-inspired French mani one day and an anime-inspired set the next. So, of course, as spooky season begins, Meg already has a cute-yet-creepy manicure — actually, she's already had three. 

The Hot Girl Captain shared her latest Halloween-themed nails, which she calls an " X-ray $et" in the caption, with her 25 million fans on October 6. Like most of her manicures, these long nails were sculpted into a chic lipstick shape. On each lengthy nail is a different part of a skeleton, painted in a blue hue onto a jet-black base. A skull sits on her right index finger and the left middle finger, while parts of the spine can be seen on the left ring finger. The design practically looks like it's glowing in the dark (or under a blacklight, perhaps), which is perfect for the Halloween season. We're really amazed by the nail artistry here.

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This isn't her only recent Halloween-themed set, which shouldn't be surprising considering Thee Stallion switches out her manicures so often. Just a few days prior, on October 1, she shared a white manicure with blood-red polish dripping onto the tips. The pinky and index fingers have a stiletto shape and the middle and ring fingers have a coffin shape, representing vampire fangs. 

Instagram content

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Instagram content

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Not even a full day later, Thee Stallion was already onto her next set, which she displayed in an Instagram carousel. This colorful manicure looks simple at first except for the multicolored, bloodshot eyes painted on each lipstick-shaped tip. It's obvious that she is killing it in the Halloween nail art department this year, and we can't wait to see what creative manicure comes next. 

How to Discuss Money with Your Significant Other






Source: Katerina Holmes | Pexels

When we think of money and relationships, there is often a negative connotation. Maybe it’s because what to do on date night is a way sexier topic than finance or maybe because one of the leading reasons marriages end in divorce is due to disagreements over money. But it doesn’t have to be a sensitive or controversial subject; if you lay the groundwork and have honest conversations, setting financial goals can be something that brings you and your partner closer together instead of something that pushes you apart.

There is no set rule as to when to have a money talk. Every relationship has its own timing and moves at its own speed. The important thing is that when it’s right for you to have the conversation, you should have an open, honest, and respectful one. Read on for tips about how to have a productive money conversation that will bring you closer together rather than push you apart.

 

1. Observe

You might not feel comfortable bringing up the full money conversation in the early stages of your relationship, but observing your partner’s money habits can be incredibly telling. What are your significant other’s spending habits? Do they impulsively make big purchases or usually go for the thrifty option? What do they like to splurge on, and what do they like to save on? On top of learning about how they treat money, this is also a good opportunity to observe and learn more about their personality and what they value. Trying to understand your partner’s attitude toward money can eventually help you ease into a conversation that feels natural and can highlight where you are similar and where you are different. 

 

2. Establish an open environment

The money topic is sensitive, so the environment that you set before and during any conversation with your partner around finance is really important. Start by mentioning the topic and suggesting that you want to sit down to talk about it together so you can be on the same page with your life goals. Think about making it more enjoyable: Pour a couple glasses of wine, make a lunch date out of it, or talk about it casually in the car or while you’re making dinner (it doesn’t have to be so serious!). During the conversation, focus on using effective communication skills, especially if something is surprising or upsetting to you. For example, if you learn your partner is swimming in credit card debt, don’t make them feel bad. Instead, try to understand the full story of how they got there and what they’re doing to improve the situation.

 

3. Know what you want to discuss

Depending on where you are in your relationship, you probably have a different list of concerns, questions, and goals. If you’re moving in together or getting married, you’ll probably want to focus on how you’re going to handle money as a couple, whether or not you’ll combine finances, and how to reach financial goals together. If you’re having the money conversation in a newer relationship, you’ll want to cover how you each value and think of money. For example, if you’re someone who wants to save up for travel but your partner likes to spend on weekly luxuries, it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker (most couples won’t have the exact same money habits), but it is important to know what each of you value so you can make plans that work for both of your goals.

 

4. Be honest with your partner (and yourself)

Honesty is crucial, but it can be difficult to be honest with your partner if you haven’t accepted your own financial reality yet. Part of having the money conversation is being honest with yourself first. If you have something in your financial history that you’re not proud of, it’s time to come to terms with it and make a plan to move forward. If you’ve avoided paying down your debt, take some time to look at it and come up with a plan for how you’re going to pay it down before you talk with your partner. Coming to the conversation with an honest account of your situation as well as your plan to move forward will help ease the surprise of anything negative you need to share.

 





 

25 Money Questions You Need to Ask Your Significant Other

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5 Social Media Tips Small Business Owners Should Follow






Source: Stoffer Photography for The Everygirl

The last year and a half has been difficult for all of us, but it’s been especially hard for female small-business owners. Some had to close their brick-and-mortar stores for good while others had to follow social media tips and ramp up their digital media strategies to compete with big-name retailers. No matter the circumstance, the changing economy required these hardworking women to think outside the box. 

But what sounds like a tale of woe doesn’t have to be. According to a survey conducted by Adobe and Wakefield Research, 61 percent of female small-business owners say their business’s online presence is more important than their physical location—56 percent of solopreneurs rate their business’s digital and social media marketing as either fair or poor. In addition, 83 percent of solopreneurs noted that creative design will stand out and drive their business to be more successful, but they just lack the time, tools, and training to get it done.

If you’re trying to improve your digital footprint to help your business thrive, we have a few simple-to-follow tips that will drive you to success. And thanks to Adobe Spark, one of our favorite social media and marketing tools, you can navigate today’s complicated market—whether you’re rebuilding your following, trying to get more creative, or fighting to stand out amid a sea of competition. 

 

1. Develop a Cohesive Brand Image

It doesn’t matter what type of company you run. The way your social media content looks can make or break your business. Even if your photos are top-of-the-line or you’re a connoisseur with copy, a brand without any continuity can leave consumers feeling lost and uninterested. That’s why it’s essential to create a streamlined look to help people identify (and get sucked into) your content from the moment they discover it on social media. 

 

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A post shared by Kit | Craft-based design + DIY (@kitiyapalaskas)

 

Australian craft-based designer Kitiya Palaskas built her small business around helping clients develop a brand image. Thanks to a massive collection of graphics, logos, fonts, and colors available on Adobe Spark, Palaskas finds her day-to-day branding tasks easier. On the platform, she can create tailored social graphics, videos, presentations, and more based on her client’s needs.

 

2. Streamline Your Workflow

You know that cohesive look we were talking about? A lot of what goes into that sort of linearity is repetitiveness. I’m not talking about repeating the same post day after day. I’m referring to using the same colors, formatting, and text to showcase a smooth look throughout your feed, blog posts, and website. 

In terms of social media, one of the easiest ways to do this is by creating templates that you can use over and over again. It cuts down on the time you spend meticulously formatting your graphics and creates consistency from one post to the next. 

 

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A post shared by dani aziz (@bydaniaziz)

 

When creating templates, small-business owners can turn to Adobe Spark’s resource library that houses thousands of curated blueprints from designers and other content creators. The great thing about these templates is that you can customize them by swapping out the original colors with your brand colors, or you can change up the font to match your logo, the text on your website, and more. You can also shift and maneuver things around to make them look exactly how you want them.

After you create a template, you can save it for future posts and edit it when needed. Just make sure you have your go-to brand colors, graphics, and fonts on hand to make changing your template quick and easy. 

 

3. Create Eye-Catching Graphics

A few years back, posting photos of your products was enough to grab some attention on social media. Today, it’s the vibrant graphics and compelling videos that stop people from scrolling past your post. 

 

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A post shared by dani aziz (@bydaniaziz)

 

Before you start messing around with shapes and images, remember that social media is an extension of your business, so you want your graphics to reflect your brand. Trying to evoke a lighthearted feel? Opt for pastels or bright colors. Catering to a professional audience? Neutrals might be better. Whatever you choose, come up with five or fewer colors to use from one graphic to the next. 

If you’re using imagery in your posts, only use high-quality photos (because even the most creative design will be overshadowed by a blurry image). You also want to make sure that your graphics aren’t too busy or distracting. Contrast is key if you’re adding text, and it’s OK to have some white space on your designs. 

 

4. Improve Clarity and Collaboration

Nothing is worse than nearing the end of a big campaign only to realize everyone is on a different page. It’s frustrating, time-consuming, and it can completely derail your brand goals. So if you’re adding a few helping hands to your small business, it’s imperative to prioritize effective collaboration and communication. 

Start by getting everyone on the same page with a clear goal. You can follow the SMART format—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This will allow you to clearly track your progress from start to finish. Communicate the goal to your team and ensure everyone understands it clearly. This is also a good time to address anyone’s questions or concerns. 

 

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A post shared by ⚡️ Design & Brand Strategy (@nictecreativedesign)

 

When you’re ready to dive into the busy work, make sure everything you need for your project is in one location. With Adobe Spark’s collaboration feature, you can create a project on the platform and easily invite people to join. When the invitation is accepted via email, everyone will be able to edit the project in the same place (and see the changes made when the project is updated).

This tool is a major time-saver and key to efficiency. One person may be incredible at writing copy while another is more design-savvy. Project sharing allows you to pass the same graphic, presentation, or document back and forth while utilizing everyone’s strengths and keeping everyone on the same page. 

 

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A post shared by Shyne | Creative Mentor (@designedbyshyne)

 

5. Find a Supportive Community

It’s normal to run into roadblocks when running a small business, but when obstacles keep getting in the way of your goals, it’s easy to get down on yourself. The good news is that you’re not alone—even if it feels that way. 

As soon as you conjure up the idea for your small business, find a group of individuals in the same boat. If you browse social media, you’ll discover dozens of support groups dedicated to improving social media efforts, running an online business, or even coming up with creative brand marketing ideas. You can also create your own community via social outreach. 

 

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A post shared by Girl Gang Craft (@girlgangcraft)

 

CEO of Girl Gang Craft Phoebe Sherman consistently creates templates and graphics for other content creators and small-business owners to use for free. This strategy not only helps her build her own following but also helps her build a group of women who can rely on one another for their creative needs. 

According to the study conducted by Adobe Spark and Wakefield Research, over 53 percent of female small-business owners use social media as a way to find creative inspiration. So if you’re needing a little more support from your community, you can turn to your favorite apps and lean on other hardworking women to keep your small business thriving for years to come.

 

 





This post is sponsored by Adobe Spark, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.

 

Adele’s Signature Cat-Eye Is Back In Her First Music Video Since 2016

FEBRUARY 12 Recording artist Adele performs onstage during The 59th GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on February 12 2017...Getty Images

Ladies and gentlemen, Adele is finally dropping some new music. The singer-songwriter took to Instagram on Tuesday, October 5, to break the news with a clip from the music video for her upcoming song, "Easy On Me." Like many of the singer's famous hits, this one sounds like it's gonna be a tear-jerker, but is it enough to smear Adele's signature winged eyeliner?

In the video, her thick, dark eyeliner makes an appearance as she takes a glance into the rearview mirror of a car. Thanks to the close-up angle, it looks as if the liner was also paired with some long, elegant lashes, though it's unclear if they're false eyelashes or the work of some volumizing mascara. Adele's eyeliner cameo may be short-lived, but it's probably going to make another appearance or two in the full music video. 

Adele didn't confirm whose artistic hand was behind her fabulous eye makeup in her post, but makeup artist Michael Ashton seems to be her go-to for all things glam. A look through his Instagram grid reveals that he's done her makeup for a variety of occasions, such as the Golden Globe Awards and the Grammys. 

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As of this post, there are only eight more days until the arrival of the video for "Easy On Me," and we'll definitely be looking out for each and every chic eyeliner moment once it drops (with our pack of tissues at the ready, of course). If you're looking to up the ante on your eyeliner game like Adele, check out these makeup artist-approved tips on how to create the perfect cat eye, along with some eyeliner recommendations to help create it.