Business Class

I work with many professional clients who couldn't be bothered with make up when they first come in. However, these same women usually become the best advertisements for what a polished makeup look can do for one's confidence and career.

When you perceive yourself in a better light, you are more confident and the world takes notice. With that said, there's a difference between looking polished and looking overdone. At the same time, a natural, refined look does not mean flat.

Makeup in a professional workplace generally works best when it's more low key, but subtly enhance your features. The first step to your polished look should be to even out your skin with foundation in your preferred formula and more importantly, your correct shade. It may be surprising to some, but not every line is going to carry your shade, so don't settle or give in to pressure from sales people when there is no match. This is why I choose to work with three different lines that offers matches for various undertones.

Cheeks

When it comes to cheek color, I wouldn't go more than two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Stick to earthier, close-to-flesh tones. Of course, there are no rules. This is just a suggestion for a work day setting. If you have darker skin tones, go a couple colors more vivid, because you will drab your skin out by making it darker. Apply with a light of had, just enough until you see that bit of color.

Eyes

It should be about definition. I would focus the lining on the top lashline. A lot of people feel naked unless they line around the entire top ad bottom. If you do line the bottom, please don't make it as bold as the top (this also applies to mascara). After the line has bee drawn, smudge it to give it a more natural effect. Then, use a neutral shadow to subtly enhance the eyes without taking away from the definition. Don't forget the brows!

Lips

Keep them lined and defined. I suggest filling the lip in with color because you don't always have time to touch up. You want an even color base on your lips and for lip color to adhere to, as opposed to seeing an outline once things fade. Avoid shades that are too matte and flat. It makes the lips look old and they are so dated. Opt for colors that have high pigment yet allows some of your natural lip color and texture to show through. Not only will your lips look healthier, but it will seem like you look great without even trying.

It's all about balance. You want to define and balance your features out so others will notice your strong presence as a whole. Your pulled-together look may even be part of the reason for your future promotion.

To replicate this look:

Foundation: Creme-to-powder foundation for sensitive skin in Lily

Cheeks: La Bella Donna Blush in Brick

Eyes: Julie Hewett Los Angeles Palette in Soiree. Eyeliner in Smudge. Rose scented mascara in Black.

Brows: Kevyn Aucoin the Precision Brow Pencil

Lips: Julie Hewett Los Angeles liner in Hue # 004 (for a warm pink base a bit deeper than her natural lip tone) and lipstick in Biba (a sheer nude).

Fix: Then she fixes her makeup with Julie Hewett Los Angeles Pure Cucumber Extract spray (her favorite part).

As always, if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at:

FEZ Studio

1125 NW 9th Ave

Suite 108

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 227-2226

fezbeauty@gmail.com

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