In the world of makeup, especially when first starting out, it can be quite a frustrating, confusing, and flat out horrendous journey. We must realize first, that "makeup is ART!" Once, that settles in, and you realize that your face is your canvas, then can we begin the path to becoming the ultimate Picasso. Fair warning my sugars, this journey requires a lot of patience and you will have more bad days then good days, so don't throw out those beauty blenders, brushes, or highlighters just yet for Strictly Stella is here to save the day.
Lesson #1: Blending is Key
One of the main concepts that you will need to learn is that blending is key! Blending is a concept used by Makeup Artists (MUAs) to create a flawless look (Hence why I put that photo of me up top. Doll-like right?). There are various tools you can use to blend depending on what exactly you're blending, liquid, cream, or powder substances.
The first tool and my must-have is a beauty blender (image above) because I personally use mostly liquids and creams when doing my makeup and when you dab the products in with a beauty blender, it creates a flawless look. Now notice when I said "DAB," as the way I apply my liquid/cream products. According to many beauty experts such as "Viva_Glam_Kay", "Ellarie," and "Irene Sarah," dabbing is the best way to apply these products for the desired flawless "second lair of skin" look.
The second tools are brushes, which come in two types, regular brushes (left image) and the now popular Artis Brushes (right image). Regular brushes gets the job done but not as flawlessly as a beauty blender or Artis Brushes would.These brushes tend to be used on powder based products, but there are a few regular brushes which can be used on liquid/cream products and a Artis Brushes are known for having versatile brushes. Although, for the sake of quality brushes I recommend not using the Artis Brushes on liquid nor cream products.
If you're on a budget or a true beginner, I suggest the regular brushes to start out until you have a handle on the process. As far as getting the desired flawless look goes, the top tool to use would be the Artis Brushes, then the beauty blender, and finally the regular brushes. These tools and their results are highly correlated to their prices, where the priciest tool is first, Artis Brushes, and the budget tool is last, regular brushes.
The last tool, one I have yet to try, but one that is breaking the internet would be the silicone sponge aka Silisponge. Basically, the reason why this blender is breaking the internet, is because of what it is made of, silicone. Utilizing this substance allows for a flawless finish just like the 3 tools above, however, the main perk is saving money from saving the excess product. Silisponge does not have absorbent pores like a beauty blender or hair bristle would, therefore, a little product goes a long way, when being applied. Not to mention, this product is very hygienic! There is no standing there trying to strain out all the excess product stuck inside.
As you continue your journey through the Makeup Madness, know that you will have your preferences as to which tool you use, and what works better for you, your skin tone, skin type, etc. Just know that it is a frustrating, confusing and flat out horrendous journey and all you need is the 3 P's: patience, practice, and perseverance!