Have you ever wondered if you are wearing too much makeup? Usually, the women who are putting on way too much are the last to know. Here are a few signs that you might need to make some changes:

• Your makeup rubs off on your clothes or phones –or is broken down by midday.
• You are incapable of “doing you face” in 5 minutes or less.
• You apply foundation all over your face, from hairline to chin.
• You purchase foundation more than 4 times per year.
• Your face “melts” in the rain.
• People think you are much older than you really are.

OK, now that we know the clues as to what we are doing wrong- let’s talk about some simple ways to go for a more “natural” look. Thank God for makeup, but the trick is to look like we are not wearing any.

Apply moisturizer before your foundation - ALWAYS! Wait about 10 minutes for the skin to absorb it.

Cover flaws like pigmented patches or blemishes with a foundation or concealer that is a shade lighter than your skin tone.

Use foundation diluted with water for a lighter and smoother coverage. Fantasia sells Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup and one of the qualities of the makeup is that you apply, then hydrate, and continue the process until you achieve the desired effect all the while maintaining a “natural” look.

Apply a soft shade of blush on the cheekbones going outwards and upwards.

Go for the soft look while aplying eye makeup. Avoid eyeliners and instead use eye shadow or eye pencil to line the upper leids. Draw a line close to the lashes.

Avoid harsh black eye pencils, instead go for brown or grey shades.

Mascara helps to brighten your eyes. Use a brush to separate the lashes for a natural look.

Redefine the lip line with a lop pencil and fill in with lipstick, using a lip brush.

Very dark lip colors, especially those with blue tones, have an aging effect. Very light colors are also a not a good idea. Go for burgundy, plum, coral, bronze copper or coffee shades.

Now you know how to take a more natural approach. If you’d like some more tips, come into Fantasia (or another professional cosmetics counter) and let one of our professionals do a make over and educate you on the use of Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup.