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You’re getting ready for your day. You look in the bathroom mirror at tired eyes and blemishes near your nose. As you apply your cosmetics, your face transforms into a bright-eyed, flawless masterpiece. Using makeup is a fun way to express yourself. When used correctly, it helps enhance your natural beauty and boost your confidence. When misused, it can do the opposite. We will be going over some bad makeup habits that may be causing skin damage and why you need to get rid of them today. Here are some makeup habits you need to stop having Pumping mascara wand Chances are, you or someone you know puts on mascara by pumping the wand back and forth in the tube. It makes sense to think you’re getting an even coat to apply to your lashes. But this is one of the worst makeup habits for applying mascara. The problem with pumping the wand in and out is that you’re also pumping in air.  Pumping air into the tube limits the lifespan of your product by making it dry out faster. It can also cause flakiness and clumping, leading to uneven lashes.   Instead of pumping the wand, the best way to use mascara is by gently circling the wand inside the tube. Sleeping with makeup on Makeup covers the skin to make it look beautiful and smooth. But sleeping with makeup on can suffocate your skin, causing clogged pores by trapping dirt and oils into your skin. This can lead to dry, dull-looking skin. Skipping moisturizer Moisturizer is one of the most essential products for your skin. It keeps your skin young and fresh and aids in a flawless makeup application. If you don’t have time to apply makeup, make sure you still moisturize. What happens when you skip this step? If it’s not often, it’s fine. But over time, it can lead to dryness, wrinkling, and premature aging. When you apply foundation and other products, your skin can become flakey, causing the makeup to be less effective. If you want a flawless complexion, you can’t skip moisturizer. Not cleaning your brushes Makeup brushes are great at giving a clean and blended makeup application. But people forget that they need to be cleaned. When you don’t clean your brushes, they can breed bacteria, causing issues like dry skin and itchiness. Brushes should be cleaned at least once a week to avoid the buildup of debris and oils. Wearing too much makeup Wearing cosmetics is a great way to feel beautiful, but it’s best done in moderation. It can be easy to put too much on your face or to apply it too often.   Your face needs to breathe and needs at least one day a week without makeup. Caking on too much foundation or never letting your skin breathe can lead to skin damage. This includes clogged pores, dry and dull-looking skin. When you notice new blemishes, you’re probably tempted to cover them up with foundation. The best thing you can do is let it breathe for a while and make sure your makeup habits aren’t causing them. Wearing makeup isn’t a bad thing. But one just needs to make sure that it is not becoming a habit of hiding the real skin underneath.  - Aakanksha Singh Using expired product Have you ever looked through your makeup bag and noticed a cosmetic that’s a few years old? You might not have used it as much as you thought you would and may be surprised to see it still looks ok. You may be tempted to use it and get your money’s worth. This isn’t a good idea because using makeup products beyond a certain amount of time isn’t always safe.   Old products can breed bacteria, causing acne and clogged pores if used on your skin.  And if it’s been long enough, it may even be dry and flakey or dull in color. It’s best to simply start over with fresh product. One bad habit often spoils a dozen good ones.  - Napoleon Hill What will these bad makeup habits do? Bad beauty habits may seem like no big deal. So you don’t clean your brushes every week, and you sleep with makeup on sometimes. Not a problem, right? The truth is, these makeup habits can lead to serious skin damage. Forgetting once in a while is fine, but more than a few times a week can lead to the problems below. Clogged pores Have you ever had a rough week and then noticed new blemishes on your skin? This is likely the result of clogged pores. Pores are tiny openings where microscopic particles can pass through, allowing products like makeup and lotion to settle in your skin.   Because your skin has pores, it needs to be able to breathe. When bad beauty habits occur, it can suffocate them, causing them to clog up. This will often lead to oily skin, acne, and wrinkles. Wrinkles and premature aging When you think of wrinkles and premature aging, it’s easy to assume that as long as you don’t smoke or stay too long in the sun, you’ll be fine. Unfortunately, bad makeup habits can also cause these issues. Sleeping with your makeup on can cause stress to your skin and particles to get trapped in your pores.  Permanent skin damage Some bad beauty habits can cause permanent skin damage. The good news is that a lot of skin damage can be reversed with the development of good habits. But take care, not all makeup tips are created equally. Make sure to thoroughly research and understand any new practice before adding it to your daily makeup routine.  Shorter lifespan of cosmetics It’s no secret that cosmetics are expensive. Looking your best isn’t cheap, so you don’t want your products going bad before you’ve had a chance to use them.  In order to prevent product from drying up or becoming clumpy, it’s important to treat your cosmetics carefully and use them correctly. Here are some makeup tips to help form good habits Micellar water  Micellar water is a type of facial cleanser made with water and micelles. Micelles are cleansing molecules that can lift impurities, makeup, and dirt off your face.   What makes this product unique is it doesn’t take moisture out of your face, the way a lot of facial cleansers do. It’s also suitable for any skin type, even sensitive skin.   To use Micellar Water, simply apply some with a cotton pad, wiping your face like you would with a towelette. The best part? You don’t need to rinse it off. If you find yourself sleeping with your makeup on because you’re too tired to take it off, this product is a great beauty habit to form. Just apply it and fall asleep. You can even use it to clean your makeup brushes. Just put some in a container and twirl your brushes around to remove any makeup and debris. Then, allow it to air dry.   A change in bad habits leads to a change in life. - Jenny Craig Keep moisturizer and wipes by your bed Some days you are too exhausted to do a deep clean on your face. We get it, many of us lead demanding lives with long days. But bad beauty habits open doors to negative side effects. If you don’t have the energy to do a full facial cleanse, at least take your makeup off. Do you have a nightstand? If so, keep some moisturizer, and makeup removal wipes there. It’ll only take a minute to wipe the makeup off your face and apply a layer of moisturizer before falling asleep. Your skin will thank you.    Rotate cosmetics often It’s not enough to take your makeup off each night so your skin can breathe. It’s important to make sure the products you use are still functional. Expired products can not only cause skin damage by exposing it to bacteria, but it can also look flakey and dull. It’s not worth it. Look up the lifespan of the makeup and skincare products you have to get an idea of what is still good to use. Some products have a two-year shelf life. Others, such as some eye cosmetics, need to be rotated every three months. Make sure you replace your products as needed, and if you find yourself not using it up in time, consider buying a smaller amount. Do you often forget when you bought your products? Next time, get some stickers and label them with the date you purchased the product and how long they’ll be good for.     Makeup plays an important role in helping women feel beautiful. Good makeup habits help ensure clear, smooth, and beautiful skin for a long time.     What bad makeup habits do you need to change?   Share this article, and let us know which one you’re going to change first.

When it comes to a simple makeup look that will work for your busy everyday life, no one does it quite like the French. The French look is all about classic beauty, which appears to be effortless and chic all at the same time.  A staple of the French look is minimalist makeup. For the French woman, less truly is more — they choose to enhance their natural features and embrace their imperfections rather than painting on a new face with excessive contouring.  Following the French philosophy and embracing a minimalist makeup routine leaves you with more time to enjoy life.    Read on for seven tips on how to find an everyday makeup routine that you can stick to.  1. Declutter  It’s safe to say that most women have more makeup than they need or even use. A cluttered vanity and makeup bag quietly eat your time as they cause you to search for the item you need or pause and think about what shade to use that day. Unless makeup is your profession, there is no need for a makeup arsenal fully stocked with every shade.  Decluttering your makeup bag will make your chic yet simple makeup look easier to achieve on a daily basis and will save you time each day.  If you find that you don’t need a full coverage foundation, switching to a tinted moisturizer or BB cream can simplify your makeup routine because it does double duty by acting as a moisturizer and providing light coverage.  Paring down your makeup arsenal can make applying your makeup less daunting, and you will find yourself becoming a master at using the cosmetics you keep.  So, where to start when you first decide to declutter? Following a few simple guidelines will get you set in the right direction. The first step to decluttering is an essential one: carefully check each product’s expiration date and dispose of anything that is past its expiration.  You should also throw out anything where the texture, consistency, or smell is off — old makeup is a notorious breeding ground for bacteria that can damage your skin and cause breakouts. Organizing Once you have disposed of your expired makeup, you can categorize everything and tackle each category separately.  Pick out the items you regularly use as well as the items that you love so much you can’t bear to get rid of — these items can go back into your makeup bag or drawer. Any remaining makeup can be given away or tossed.  2. Prep your skin To achieve the effortless French look, you must prep your skin! Prepping your skin will provide you with a clean palette and smooth complexion, which is a must for a natural look. A smooth complexion will allow you to use fewer cosmetics, eliminating the risk of a caked look.  Cleansing and moisturizing are the two most essential steps to any skincare routine. By taking the time to care for your skin with intentional, natural treatments, you’ll achieve a complexion and glow that may not need any help from foundation at all! Daily cleansing helps rid your face of dirt, oils, and other impurities and sets your skin up for success. Regular facial moisturizing gives your skin that extra boost it needs and can help bring a dewy and more youthful look.  3. Use lighting to your advantage When applying your makeup, it is best to use natural light. We’ve all been there — you find yourself in a poorly lit room or a bathroom with yellowish light, and you really take your time getting ready, only to find when you step outside that you have unblended patches, causing you to feel like a clown.  The best way to avoid this cringe-worthy scenario is to apply your makeup in natural lighting.  Both yellow and fluorescent lighting tend to make you look pale, which often results in the application of too much bronzer or blush. Lights with blue, green, or pink hues are also common culprits in makeup mishaps.  Natural light alternatives While a large, naturally lit bathroom or vanity table is ideal, that is not always possible. A good alternative to true natural light is “natural” white light bulbs placed on each side of your mirror to ensure that your face is evenly lit. The placement of lighting is nearly as important as the color of the bulbs. When investing in vanity lights, it is important to place lights on each side of the mirror and not just above. Lighting only above the mirror may save space but will cast shadows on your face and make it more difficult to apply your makeup evenly.  For best results, lights should be installed at a full 270° around your mirror – this will not only yield better results with your makeup, but you will also feel more glamorous, giving you a confidence boost that will follow you out the door! 4. Use the correct tools for the job It’s always so tempting to take shortcuts in life that may not provide the best outcome. This is especially true when it comes to makeup. Using the wrong tools to apply your makeup is like trying to file your taxes on your phone; it may get the job done but will leave you frustrated and with lackluster results.  For example, if you rely solely on your fingers to apply and blend your cosmetics, you will end up with uneven patches rather than achieving a finished and put-together look.  While it is true that you can go overboard on makeup brushes, they do have their place in your collection, and if you have not invested in a set of brushes, it may be time to do so. If you already have a brush set, make sure to take the time and get acquainted with it – learn each brush’s purpose and how to use it properly. If you use the wrong brush for the job, it won’t give you the result you are looking for. 5. Choose one star of the show  For an easy natural makeup look, choose one feature to emphasize with your makeup. The best way to highlight one element is to stick with your favorite facial feature. The most obvious choices are your eyes or lips.  Highlight your eyes To emphasize your eyes, do not go over the top with colored shadows and liners — stick to a nude or neutral shadow with a slight shimmer, and go with some simple eyeliner that can be smudged for a night-out look.  Most women tend to pass by the brown eyeliner in favor of black, but brown eyeliner is an excellent choice for a simple makeup look as it looks great on most skin tones and blends better with your lash line, giving the illusion of longer lashes.  Your lashes are equally important if you want your eyes to pop. Just a light coat of quality mascara, and you’re ready to go! When choosing mascara, don’t be afraid to go with brown over the traditional black. Brown mascara will provide a more natural look as it blends better with your lashes. Highlight your lips Lips are most easily emphasized by the use of a bold lip color, but it requires a little more than a quick swipe of your favorite shade.  To make your lips stand out, you should always start with a sharp line drawn with a lip pencil — just inside your natural lip line for a daytime look and just outside your lip line for an evening look.  Once you have your lips defined, you can apply and blend your favorite shade of lipstick, lip gloss, or even tinted lip balm! For some extra definition around your lips, you can use a little concealer or foundation powder to make your lip color appear bolder.  If you covet the confident red-lipped look of the French, don’t be afraid to try it out for yourself! There is no need to feel self-conscious about the color of your teeth; if you choose a red lipstick with a blue undertone, it can help cancel out any yellowness on your teeth. Whichever feature you choose to make the star of your face, it’s important that everything else be minimal. When choosing a blush color, pick one that most closely matches your face's natural flush after exercise.  If you choose to emphasize your eyes, go with a more natural look for your lips by using a nude lipstick or a color that is two shades darker than your natural lips. You should also avoid any temptation to overdo your eyebrows — leave them naturally full as it will give your eyes a more open look without any added makeup. 6. Don’t overdo it If you are aiming for a simple and natural makeup look, the biggest mistake you can make is being too heavy-handed. Too much foundation, blush, or even lipstick and eyeliner can make you look far from natural.  Applying too much foundation can also suck the moisture out of your face, leaving you with a cakey appearance, or worse yet, the appearance of crepe paper skin!  If you find yourself in a situation when you have applied too much foundation, first try blending again, and if that does not correct it, try wetting a beauty sponge and dabbing it on your face to remove some of the excess.  If you feel comfortable in your own skin, don’t be afraid to skip the foundation altogether or go with a BB cream or tinted moisturizer instead. You can also choose to use foundation in trouble areas only — be sure to thoroughly blend the edges if you go this route. When you sit down to do your makeup for the day, the most important thing to remember is that your makeup should not be used as a mask to cover yourself up. It should be about highlighting your individuality and uniqueness — an expression of yourself. A natural makeup look is timeless. Stick to neutral colors; with simple eyeliner and a neutral color palette, you cannot go wrong! However you choose to apply your makeup, take a step back, and look at yourself. You are beautiful as you are. Be confident! Believe in your own magic and beauty, and the rest of the world will too.

One of the best things about makeup is how creative and evolving it can be. While clothing trends force you to buy new products every season, trendy makeup often just requires a change in technique. Experimenting, changing, and playing around with hot new trends from Instagram, TikTok, or the runways can be a ton of fun! However, these makeup trends are usually fleeting. Unlike classic makeup looks, they won’t stick around for longer than a year or two! It’s fun to look back at photos from the ‘80s or ‘90s and admire how differently women used to do their makeup, but it’s a little scary to imagine others doing the same with photos of you.  When you get ready for graduation photos, weddings, and other big events, do your makeup in such a way so that when you look back at the photos, you won’t find yourself thinking, “gosh, I can’t believe we all used to wear our makeup like that!”  In this article, we’ll go through each hot makeup trend whose days are unfortunately numbered, and reflect on the more timeless makeup looks equivalent to the trend.  While trends are fun for a night out or a creative Instagram story, classic makeup looks are the ideal choice for the most important occasions, so they’re utterly essential to master!   Hot trend: soap brows Brushed up brows are the go-to look for a ton of influencers these days, who usually achieve them with soap, brow gel, or even a semi-permanent lamination. They make the eyebrows look bushy, fluffy, and more symmetrical, and they’re very reminiscent of the styling for model brows in the ‘80s.  Soap brows give a youthful look and they’re a lot of fun, but like other brow trends before them, we think a new look will replace them shortly.  Classic look: groomed brows Soap brows are great fun—we think they’re going to be a major marker of the end of the 2010s. However, keeping your brows classically groomed has the benefit of looking good today as well as in the future.  Eyebrow pencils tipped with a grooming wand, like the Brow Arcade, are incredibly helpful for this technique since you can fill in your brows and then brush the hairs so they go to the side instead of upwards, to lay down in a more natural way.  Hot trend: fox eyes The fox eye makeup trend has absolutely taken over social media and the red carpet, especially by the likes of US-based celebs Bella Fox and Kendall Jenner. It’s a gorgeous look that gives the face an angular, elven appearance through pointed eyeliner and brows that are shaved off at the arch and filled in on an upward angle.  Classic look: classic eyeliner View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vivienne Sabó Paris (@viviennesabo.paris) Fox eyes may be sultry and sexy, but we predict that in the long term, eyeliner that makes the eyes look a little larger will continue to endure. After all, we’ve been doing our eyeliner this way since the ‘40s, and looking back on photos from that era, it still looks stunning.  The trick to keeping your natural eye makeup looking classy is to keep the liner away from the inner corner of the eye, and then to create the wing by following the natural angle of your lower lash line. We have a few more tips and tricks for this look here! Hot trend: baking or strobed skin We live in an era of extremes, with two ultra-popular foundation trends that directly contradict each other. You either bake your makeup under a thick layer of powder for 5-10 minutes, to guarantee an impenetrable finish, or you pack on the glowy serums and highlighters for a strobed, reflective skin finish. It can be great fun to experiment with both of these trends! Classic look: natural skin View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vivienne Sabó Paris (@viviennesabo.paris) In the long term, however, we think natural-looking skin with a satin finish will always be the classiest choice. It’s exactly in the middle between very dewy and matte skin, with the same level of reflectiveness that the skin has when it’s happy and moisturized.  To achieve such an easy natural makeup look, all you need is a light coverage foundation and maybe a touch of concealer. Then, a light dusting of powder with a fluffy brush will help to lock things into place and control excess sheen without making your skin look flat and dry.  Oh, and there’s one more way to achieve this look that’s even easier. Skip the foundation altogether, for the natural, no-makeup look!  Hot trend: flattened Cupid’s bow We first noticed ultra-pouty lips with a flattened Cupid’s bow on the gorgeous Ariana Grande. Then, before you knew it, everyone was applying their lip liner with a continuous, rounded line. It essentially changes the lips’ natural shape, transforming them into elongated ovals. While we love the look right now, it might seem odd in just a few short years.   Classic look: slightly overdrawn lips  While you don’t need to go overboard with it, overdrawing the lip line is actually a very timeless makeup look that goes at least as far back as the ‘30s. The key to achieving lush and full lips without looking cartoonish is to follow the vermillion border, which is the skin-colored line of demarcation surrounding the lips.  The best part? You can create both the classic and trendy lips with our Le Grand Volume lip pencils.  Time and place for every makeup look Every style and technique, from the easiest natural makeup look to the most outrageous hot trend, has its time and place. We don’t want you to forsake makeup trends, because they add spice to life, but it’s just as important to master the classic makeup look so you can look chic for the coming decades. 

Netflix launched a limited series in October called The Queen’s Gambit, and we are obsessed with the hair, makeup, and fashion! The show is based on Walter Tevis’ novel, and tells the story of chess genius, Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy). We share her highs, lows, addictions, successes, and everything in between.  But if there’s one thing we can't get enough of it’s her impeccable ‘50s & ‘60s inspired style. Beth finds herself in a field dominated by men wearing classic white shirts paired with thick-framed glasses. Suddenly, she’s a style icon, managing to seamlessly blend the starkly contrasting chess and fashion worlds together.  Here are some of the most iconic looks from the show.  Classic Makeup Beth Harmon’s makeup follows a natural evolution throughout the show, as she grows up and finds her own unique sense of style. Her signature look is usually ‘60s inspired with perfect winged eyeliner and a bold lip. We all know how difficult it is to get those wings right, which is why Beth’s makeup has us mesmerized. There’s only one moment where she veers away from this classic look and channels a wild child style.  Insider secret: The Queen's Gambit makeup artists had to go against their natural urges and apply her makeup badly on purpose for these scenes! Get Beth’s Classic ‘60s Look: Use a black liquid eyeliner to perfect those wings (we’ve got a step-by-step guide for you below).   Apply some classic French mascara for a natural, feminine look.  Try our long-lasting matte lipstick in your favorite shade to complete the look.  Bold Bangs A younger Beth models some of the boldest cropped bangs we’ve ever seen. A little harsh on the eye, but very common for children in orphanages at the time. Every child would get the same cut because it was practical and easy to manage.  Although the look is severe, there’s a soft charm to it that draws you in. While it’s not for everybody, this hairstyle combined with the fiery red color creates a real statement look.  Tea-length Dress In the show, the first item of clothing Beth is able to buy with her own money is a checked, tea-length dress. It’s full-skirted, totally retro, and oh-so feminine.  If you’re looking for one of these dresses, the best place to head is your local vintage shop. You can pair it over a blouse like Beth does, or wear it on its own and show a little more skin. Throw a modern sweater or jacket on top for an eclectic look.  Embrace Straight Lines The ‘50s were all about the hourglass figure, with Christian Dior popularizing the “New Look” for women. But the ‘60s saw a backlash with anti-hourglass silhouettes being most desired.  Think straight-cut dresses, jackets, and sweaters. While it's not inherently feminine, this silhouette can be oh-so-flattering. Beth shows us this with her simple-yet-stylish mini dresses. Queen's Gambit Makeup: Perfect Winged Eyeliner If there’s one thing Beth is famous for, it’s wearing winged eyeliner throughout the Queen's Gambit. But how do you get this look? First thing’s first, you’ll need a black liquid eyeliner with a fine point. If you’re new to this, use the dot to dot approach by marking out the line of the wing you want to create. The goal here is to go upwards and outwards. Check you’re happy with the symmetry on both eyes, then lightly connect the dots.  Leave it to dry before adding voluminous mascara to your lashes for a glamorous ‘60s look.  And if you really struggle to keep a steady hand, you can try a winged eyeliner stamp to help you. Chessboard Chic Taking inspiration from Edie Sedgwick, Jean Seberg, and Pierre Cardin, Beth dazzles in outfits filled with striking geometric patterns, subtly mirroring the chessboard. A whopping 12 of her on-screen outfits feature geometric print! A simple, sleeveless checkered dress and square printed shirt were standout looks. Beth’s style is fitting for the time, yet filled with her desire to break out of the box and find her own way.  To recreate this look, choose one item of clothing to work the geometric pattern in, and keep everything else simple. You don’t want to look like a walking chessboard!  Monochrome Magic As a further nod to her deep love of chess, we see Beth in a multitude of monochrome outfits.  Her black and white shift dress was perhaps the most striking black and white outfit of all. So elegant and sophisticated, but with a cheeky element of fun thrown in.   Black and white are timeless and will never go out of style. You can go all black, all white, or mix and match as you like! Luxe Loungewear Even when she’s relaxing on the sofa at home, Anya Taylor-Joy’s character looks effortlessly chic.  Think pale blue cashmere PJs, a dusty pink cardigan, soft cozy sweaters, and plain black slacks. Each piece can be worked into her going out wardrobe, taking her from night to day. To get Beth’s luxe lounge look, go for pieces that are multi-functional. Think practical, comfy, and pretty.  If only we could look this good vegging out on the sofa! Vintage Accessories Aside from geo patterns and monochrome colors, you can count on Beth to be rocking a Peter Pan collar or a silk scarf.  The round collar features everywhere: from dresses all the way to a buttoned vest. It’s a lovely feminine style with a vintage nod.  When it comes to scarves, Beth often ties them around her head, but they work just as well around the neck to brighten up any outfit.  The Final Episode: Classic 1950s And '60s Makeup We couldn’t do a roundup of the Queen's Gambit makeup and fashion without mentioning Beth’s iconic all-white look in the final episode.  This is the most confident and feminine Beth looks throughout the entire season—proving that you don’t have to choose one or the other. Her hair is sleek to create a more mature, sophisticated look, and her classic ‘60s makeup is immaculate. Her red lips look striking against her white coat and hat, and she looks super sexy.    We didn’t want the show to end. But if it had to, we’re glad Beth went out looking like this.       All Images are property of Netflix

These days, more of us around the world are using technology to speak with friends, loved ones, and colleagues than ever. Life and communication look different, and so do we. While we’re used to styling ourselves to look gorgeous in person, this doesn’t always transfer through a digital screen. Looking nice on camera is a different skill set, and it’s no longer limited to Hollywood glamour or French fashion shows. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of tips and tricks that will help you learn how to look great on zoom calls. Whether you’re curling up on your sofa for a remote trivia night with friends or armed with coffee for an early-morning work meeting, these video call makeup tips will help you look great and feel confident. Choose the Right Filming Location As the best videographers would tell you, lighting is everything. Sit in front of a window and allow the sun’s rays to light up your features. The best lighting for Zoom calls illuminates your face from the front, not from overhead or behind. Artificial lighting can appear yellow on a screen, which can mess with the way you appear through the lens. If you’re taking a call at night or otherwise don’t have access to natural lighting, try placing a white-toned light in front of you to get a similar effect. Turn off any rear or overhead lights, then check to see if the lighting looks natural on-screen and that you can easily be seen without strange shadows or highlights. You might have to adjust other lights in the room by turning them on and off until you get the desired effect.  Once you’ve chosen the right location, simplify your background so that fellow video call attendees can focus on your face, not the overcrowded shelving or dirty laundry behind you. Adjust Your Camera Angle Next, adjust your camera angle so that you can look better on video. You should be able to look comfortably forward into your camera, not up or down. A camera from below, where most laptops, tabletops, and even our phones are naturally positioned, can distort your features and cause your face to look unnatural. The people you’re speaking with may end up with a view of your nostrils rather than being able to make eye contact. Being able to look straight into the camera will also help with your posture so that you don’t have a sore neck or back halfway through your call. Use regular household items such as books stacked under your device to get a flattering angle. Keep it steady so that it doesn’t topple over, especially if you have children or pets in the home that may bump the table or stand you’re using.  Have Confidence The French know that the first step to success is to have confidence. When you feel your best, your natural beauty shimmers through. Dress from head to toe, even if nobody can see your lower half. Or, have some fun and pair pajama bottoms with your best blouse. The relaxation and happiness you feel when you’re comfortable in your own skin are contagious, so focus on feeling good, and the rest will follow. Conceal Discoloration Concealing discoloration, such as eye bags and red spots, goes a long way on camera, which can accentuate our imperfections. Dab on some concealer to hide any blemishes. If needed, you can also use a camera filter to even out your skin tone. Choose Vibrant Colors You can cause makeup to look better on video calls by selecting brighter, bolder colors than you would when meeting up in person. A vibrant blush and lipstick combo will make you look more lively and less flushed out, as can sometimes happen in a video call. Our Matte Constance Duo Pack comes with two stunning lipstick shades for you to try. Focus on Your Eyes Focus on your eyes while formulating your makeup look to draw attention to them on camera. Cover dark circles and apply Cabaret Premiere mascara for beautiful, full lashes. Pair this with a neutral eye shadow to complement your vibrant lipstick and blush selection, and voila!  Keep it Simple Don’t feel that you have to go overboard on applying your makeup to look cute on your Zoom call. A little can go a long way, and it’s alright to keep it simple. Focus on accentuating one or two features, and don’t be afraid to have some fun trying new techniques or products. Relax, be yourself, and don’t take things too seriously. Preview Before Going Live Whether you’re using Zoom, Facetime, Skype, or even just taking a photo, you’ll likely notice that your face looks much different than it does in the mirror. The lens type, the distance between you and the camera, and the angle can all distort your image. This is why it’s important to preview before you go live so that you have an idea of what others will see. Fix any lighting, makeup, or angle issues ahead of time so that when you take the call, everything goes smoothly and you aren’t stressed about the lipstick on your teeth or that plate you forgot to put away in the background.   Enjoy Your Meeting You're all set to join any video call with confidence! When it comes time to log on, relax because you've thoroughly prepared for this. You go girl!

Perfect winged liner is one of the most challenging makeup techniques to master. At first swipe, you end up with an overly subtle winged eyeliner, so you decide to add just a touch more, and next thing you know, you’ve overdone it… Don’t even get us started on getting both eyes to match!  The only thing that might be tougher than winged eye makeup is a vivid red pout, so it’s funny how one of our favorite go-to looks in French beauty is a combination of these two. Through years of practice, we've refined our skills and uncovered some of the best winged eyeliner hacks that make achieving that subtle wing a little easier. Today, we’ll be sharing all of our tips with you!  What kind of winged eyeliner look do you want?  Are you aiming for a natural winged eyeliner look, or would you prefer a dramatic cat eye? Winged eyeliner comes at a few different intensity levels, and the angle of your wing will have a big impact on your look.  These days, the sharp “fox” winged eyeliner look has become especially popular, but we’re still enamored with the subtle winged eyeliner of the ‘40s and the sultry winged eye makeup of the ‘70s. While you do need to decide on the kind of look you want, our tips will help you achieve the perfect winged eyeliner every time.  Winged eyeliner for different eye shapes Taking your eye shape into account will help you figure out how to master the wing since when you draw on a liquid liner, you’re effectively changing the borders of your eye.  The more sharply angled your eyeliner, the more upturned your eyes will look, while if you go horizontal, they’ll look a little sleepy and sultry.  As for the lash line, a rounded shape will make the eyes look doll-like, while progressing from thin to thick towards the outer corner will make the eyes look almond-shaped.  What about the inner corner?  In classic French beauty, we like to stop the eyeliner before the inner corner, and sometimes even at the eye’s center; this opens the eyes and gives the face a very fresh look.  However, in recent years, it’s become trendy to aim for a sultry look by bringing the eyeliner all the way down to the inner corner in its own little wing. Feel free to experiment and see what style you like best! Choose the right eyeliner  Liquid and gel eyeliners are the ideal choice for a winged look, but some are easier to work with than others. Gels usually come in a pot, so they require a separate brush, which can be inconvenient at times.  As for liquids, many come with ultra-thin brush applicators that are difficult to control. Felt-tipped pens, like the Feutre Fin, are ideal. With a tapered, sturdy felt tip, a pen eyeliner offers a precise wing but can still cover a lot of space when necessary.  Keep your distance from the mirror  This is one of our most useful winged eyeliner tips, so read closely.  Instead of holding your mirror close to the face as you draw on your eyeliner, take a step back. This will allow you to see both of your eyes simultaneously, which is essential for achieving perfectly symmetrical eyeliner wings. Otherwise, working too close to the mirror can easily result in two gorgeous eyeliner wings that look nothing like the other – giving you a lopsided look.  Steps to a perfect wing Now, for the actual application! If you start with the hard part first, the rest of your winged eye makeup will be a breeze. It just so happens that the most challenging part of winged eyeliner is the wing itself.  Start with the eye you usually struggle with, and draw the lower line of the wing by following your lower lash line.  Do the same thing on your other eye while checking for symmetry in the mirror. Then, draw on each wing’s top line, creating a little triangle at the outer corner.  Once again, do the same on the other eye and check that everything lines up. If your wing is a little more dramatic, you may need to fill it in a little as well.  Small lines from outer corner to inner corner Now it’s time to draw your liner over the lash line. To avoid gaps between the liner and your lash line, pull your lid upwards (gently!) as you apply. Then, working from the outer corner inwards, draw the eyeliner on in short strokes.  Don’t worry too much about achieving a perfect line yet — once you let go of your lid, you’ll be surprised to see how even and delicate your winged eyeliner looks. You can then correct or thicken up the line after you have that base layer down.  Keep the eye open to fit a hooded lid   One common struggle many makeup lovers face is how to apply winged eyeliner to hooded eyes. The secret is to draw the top line of your eyeliner wing while your eyes are totally open so that your eyeliner sort of “skips” over the crease. It’ll look like there’s a little step or divet in your eyeliner when your eyes are closed, but when they’re open, it will look incredibly flattering.  No more winging it  Using liquid eyeliner might seem daunting at first, but with our winged eyeliner hacks and suggestions, we know that not only will you master the wing, but you’ll also refine it to suit your flare.