Want to make sure that that makeup item you’re planning to buy will live up to it’s expectations? Do what the pros do. Give it a test first before you hand over your hard earned money.
1. Will it last?
What makes a product last is it’s staining quality. Lipsticks, gel blushes and creams all fall into this category, and are quite easy to test. Simply run a bit on the inside of your wrist. Since the skin here is thinner than your hand, you’ll get a more accurate reading since the skin on your face is even thinner. Apply and then wait a few hours. Check and see. How well did it last? Is the stain still there? Did it fade quick? Test a few different brands on your wrist to find the best one. Tip: Apply it to the hand that is watch free.
2. Will it crease?
Tired of eyeshadows creasing within minutes of applying? If you’re still getting crease results even after priming and setting with powder, try this test first. Pick up your eyeshadow on your forefinger, and rub your thumb over it a few times. Is it still there? Or did it disappear? This motion mimics the eye blinking….. which causes the creasing. How did your eyeshadow hold up? If it lasted through that, you’ve got a great eye shadow.
3. Pencils.
Either too hard, or too soft……
Tired of pencils being too hard to apply that it feels like a stick on your eyelids? Or lip pencils so soft they smear before you can even get your lipstick on? Makeup test to the rescue: Before buying, try a tester pencil and run along the outside of your hand, in the crease between your thumb and forefinder…. The texture of the skin here is perfect to test how they’ll feel on your eyes when you’re applying them. Draw down and see how it draws. If you have to push down to get the pencil to apply, don’t bother spending $$$. You’ll have a rough time on your eyelids. Or does it smear all over? Too much wax for this pencil to do any good. Does it glide on effortlessly without any discomfort? Perfect!
4. Lipsticks:
“This one is too soft.” “This one is too matte.” “This one is just right.”
Lipsticks have two critierias that must be met: Staining ability and texture. To test the stain of a lipstick, apply on your inner wrist. Blot if needed. Check a few hours later. What’s left? That’s a good duplication of what will be on your lips after a few cups of coffee or that caesar salad. Next test is texture. Want to make sure your lipstick isn’t too creamy or too matte? Run along the back of your hand. How does it apply? Creamy? You’ll notice because it will apply like cream or moisturizer… very soft and alot of excess. Too matte? You’ll have a hard time dragging the color on. Be prepared to wear a lot of gloss or lip balm for it to go on smoothly. Ideal is to find a happy medium. Not too creamy and not too matte.
5. Oh my god, I’m blushing!
Tired of blush disappering so quickly? Gel stains and cream blush sticks have made stiff competition for the old powder blush. But you can still find a great powder blush that will last. And if you like a little shimmer in your blush, powder is the way to go. What to look for? The feel. Run your fingers into the blush on a tester and feel the texture of the powder between your fingers. It should feel silky smooth, almost cream like in it’s texture. The creamier the powder (yes, powder) blush feels, the longer it will last. If the powder feels chalky, or disappears after 3-4 passes, you know your blush will disappear and fade fast.