Intuitively, it doesn't make much sense to smear green or red on your face to blur out imperfections, but color correcting does just that. To cover up blemishes and redness, reach for a green concealer like Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Concealer, $17.50, which contains salicylic acid to fight breakouts, and a green tint to help cover them up in the meantime.
For other skin tone issues, we like Make Up For Ever 5 Camouflage Cream Palette, $40, because it contains a color for every skin concern. For dark circles, or to brighten dark spots, reach for the pink concealer. If you're lucky enough not to have these problems (#unfair), try a yellow concealer to give your skin tone a more even and refreshed look.
And then there's your concealer technique. How many times have you concealed a blemish into oblivion, only to find it staring back at you in your photos? You're not alone and Reneau is here to help. "Place a dot of foundation on the blemish, and let it sit for 30 seconds," she says. "Then, press it with your finger -- don't smear it -- to create full coverage. Press some powder -- don't brush -- over the top to set it." Be sure to cover blemishes, scars or any other imperfections after you've applied foundation, so your concealer doesn't get wiped away. If you know you'll be shedding a few tears (brides, I'm looking at you) apply a setting powder to your under-eyes to keep your concealer intact.
For other skin tone issues, we like Make Up For Ever 5 Camouflage Cream Palette, $40, because it contains a color for every skin concern. For dark circles, or to brighten dark spots, reach for the pink concealer. If you're lucky enough not to have these problems (#unfair), try a yellow concealer to give your skin tone a more even and refreshed look.
And then there's your concealer technique. How many times have you concealed a blemish into oblivion, only to find it staring back at you in your photos? You're not alone and Reneau is here to help. "Place a dot of foundation on the blemish, and let it sit for 30 seconds," she says. "Then, press it with your finger -- don't smear it -- to create full coverage. Press some powder -- don't brush -- over the top to set it." Be sure to cover blemishes, scars or any other imperfections after you've applied foundation, so your concealer doesn't get wiped away. If you know you'll be shedding a few tears (brides, I'm looking at you) apply a setting powder to your under-eyes to keep your concealer intact.
Can you rock a high-wattage glow in your photos without looking like a strobe light? Yes, you can -- it just takes a delicate touch.
"Apply your highlight to the brow bone, top of the cheek bone, down the nose and the cupid's bow," VanLeeuwen says. "And absolutely avoid places like the forehead, sides of the nose and the chin." You can pick up the Milani Spotlight Face & Eye Strobe Palette, $13, for an angelic glow, or add the Too Faced Love Light Prismatic Highlighter, $30, to your Sephora shopping cart, for a romantic eye-catching shine. Pro tip: If you really want to work glowing skin, apply highlighter after primer and before foundation, so that the highlighter peeks through for a lit-from-within look.
"Apply your highlight to the brow bone, top of the cheek bone, down the nose and the cupid's bow," VanLeeuwen says. "And absolutely avoid places like the forehead, sides of the nose and the chin." You can pick up the Milani Spotlight Face & Eye Strobe Palette, $13, for an angelic glow, or add the Too Faced Love Light Prismatic Highlighter, $30, to your Sephora shopping cart, for a romantic eye-catching shine. Pro tip: If you really want to work glowing skin, apply highlighter after primer and before foundation, so that the highlighter peeks through for a lit-from-within look.
Some people's brows get lost in pictures -- even if they don't seem thin in real life. And because brows frame the face (just ask any makeup artist), you don't want to neglect them.
Start by filling in your eyebrows and make your strokes as fine and as hair-like as possible, so as not to look blocky on camera. You can use Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil, $24, if you need a little help creating your false hairs, as its fine-tip point allows for precision, while providing bold, natural color. Then pair it with a brow gel likeMaybelline Brow Drama Sculpting Eyebrow Gel, $7.99, to fill in sparse areas and achieve arches that would make Cara Delevingne proud.
Start by filling in your eyebrows and make your strokes as fine and as hair-like as possible, so as not to look blocky on camera. You can use Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil, $24, if you need a little help creating your false hairs, as its fine-tip point allows for precision, while providing bold, natural color. Then pair it with a brow gel likeMaybelline Brow Drama Sculpting Eyebrow Gel, $7.99, to fill in sparse areas and achieve arches that would make Cara Delevingne proud.
To enhance the natural curve and shape of the eye, "tight-lining" is essential, according to Reneau. "This is the technique of drawing eyeliner inside the upper lash line," Reneau explains. "This works for all eye shapes and makes your lashes look thicker." When working in the waterline, be sure to grab a waterproof eyeliner, so you're not touching up every couple hours (try Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner, $25) and use individual false lashes rather than strips, for a natural-looking eye.
To really make the eyes pop in your selfies, use your mascara as a second liner. "Wiggle the mascara at the base of your lashes, and deposit a little bit of color right at the skin and then brush through," VanLeeuwen says. "This joins the lashes to the liner and gives excellent definition on camera." And while you can get a little wild with the mascara, your shadow should be uniform. "Nothing is more distracting in a photo than uneven or messy eye makeup," VanLeeuwen says. "It sends the signal you don't care."
Start by applying an eye shadow primer to smooth out fine lines and prevent shadow from transferring, especially if you have oily lids (VanLeeuwen uses the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, $20, on his celebrity clients). Then, reach for matte shades. "These look more natural and beautiful on camera," Reneau explains. "Shimmer shades can cause flashback or weird highlights in photos."
To really make the eyes pop in your selfies, use your mascara as a second liner. "Wiggle the mascara at the base of your lashes, and deposit a little bit of color right at the skin and then brush through," VanLeeuwen says. "This joins the lashes to the liner and gives excellent definition on camera." And while you can get a little wild with the mascara, your shadow should be uniform. "Nothing is more distracting in a photo than uneven or messy eye makeup," VanLeeuwen says. "It sends the signal you don't care."
Start by applying an eye shadow primer to smooth out fine lines and prevent shadow from transferring, especially if you have oily lids (VanLeeuwen uses the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, $20, on his celebrity clients). Then, reach for matte shades. "These look more natural and beautiful on camera," Reneau explains. "Shimmer shades can cause flashback or weird highlights in photos."
Once you've finished your makeup, eliminate the excess shine that's all too common for oily skin with a finishing powder. To avoid the "ghostly" effect that even celebs like Angelina Jolie have suffered in the past, lightly dust a translucent powder like Marc Jacobs Perfection Powder Featherweight Finish, $48, or Becca Soft Light Blurring Powder, $38, on your T-zone.
You also may want to consider applying powder before your foundation if you have very textured skin. (Yes, you read that right). Reneau says she'll sometimes apply powder over trouble spots prior to foundation to create a smooth base without adding any weight.
You also may want to consider applying powder before your foundation if you have very textured skin. (Yes, you read that right). Reneau says she'll sometimes apply powder over trouble spots prior to foundation to create a smooth base without adding any weight.