My hints: Smudges and fading color are easier to spot when you're wearing a bold lip, so I always apply a lip liner as a base. My favorite is Lipstick Queen Invisible Lip Liner, $18. Just like when you color your hair a darker shade, diving into the vampy palettes means you have to change the rest of your makeup, too. I applied a rich bronzer so my complexion complemented the lipstick. I left my eyelids bare to avoid clashing colors.
My hints: The trick to creating dewy skin is to make the glow look like it's coming from within your skin -- not on top of it. I like to mix highlighter and foundation together before applying so they are blended well, which helps it sink into my skin more naturally. I also avoid the T-zone when applying anything shimmery, otherwise I think I end up looking more sweaty than glowy.
Photo 6/9
Bold brows
Bold brows are another huge trend, and one everyone in the beauty industry is pretty convinced is here to stay. While they may seem intimidating at first, I found them to be the easiest of these Pinterest makeup experiments. I chose Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Mousse, $28, to lightly fill in and shape my brows.
My hints: I always use tiny strokes that mimic the position and direction of the individual eyebrow hairs when filling in my brows. This way you get a more natural effect. Long, broad stokes will take away the realistic look of hair. I also went with a medium tint that matches my natural hair color. Going too dark can look too Halloween witch makeup for my taste.
My hints: There are two old tricks I always use when creating chiseled cheeks. The first is to make a fish face while you apply your bronzer. There's no better way to be sure you are applying right under your cheekbones. Then, I always use a small strip of Scotch tape to tidy up the bronzer and make the lines more distinct. Use the tape like you would to pick up lint off clothing, applying in a diagonal direction above and below the bronzer. The tape will clean up the makeup without fully removing your foundation. It's also a great way to get rid of any fallen glitter and eyeshadow, too.
Photo 8/9
Bright Eyes
The best part about using shimmering eyeshadow at the inner corners of your eyes is that it enhances your eye shape and completely takes attention away from dark circles. The trick is to use a little black liner to really contrast the lighter shade. So, I rimmed the inner waterline with Lancome Le Crayon Khol Smoky Eye Liner in Black, $25.50. Then, using a small brush, I lightly dabbed Mac Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Nylon, $15, on the inner corner.
My hints: I like to use my finger to tap just a bit of highlighter or white cream eyeshadow in the corners of my eyes before layering on the powder eyeshadow. That seems to help the powder stick. After I've blended the eyeshadow, I always use a cotton swab with makeup remover to clean up any stray particles around my nose and under eyes, too.
My obsession with makeup started when I was 14. I spent hours in the bathroom mirror creating what I thought were mini masterpieces. Big whoop, what teenage gal doesn't play with makeup, right?
But mine weren't your average Wet n Wild experiments. No, I was known to spend entire weekends applying full-face looks -- from color-blocking eyeshadow to gothic smoky eyes -- just to wipe them off and start over again.
So imagine my giddiness when my editor asked me to write this story. The assignment: Recreate a few gorgeous makeup looks on Pinterest to find out what's doable -- and what's too much hassle to even bother trying. Considering my formative years as a devotee to all things makeup, it took everything in me not to squeal a "hell yes." I pulled up Pinterest immediately and dove in to the smorgasbord of rainbow eyelids and fuchsia ombré pouts.
Let me be clear: I'm no professional makeup artist. But isn't that the point? If I can recreate some of these fabulous fall makeup trends, so can you.
