Adventures in Makeup 101

Putting your best face forward and being your most beautiful you is key in the fashion industry, but the idea of makeup can be extremely intimidating to a lot of people, with the hundreds upon hundreds of step-by-step guides available, ranging from the simple (ie, how to put on mascara properly) to the complex (full facial contouring anyone... eep!), it's easy to get lost! But it doesn't have to be so scary! In a few easy and quick steps (and with the help of some hair product), the lovely Miss Tessa proves that a full face of makeup doesn't have to be overdone!

Before: 

F. 5.6, 1/10, ISO 1600 

School can have its toll, and late nights can leave you looking tired (even though Tessa's skin is still painfully perfect, *super jealous*) but a little foundation and powder goes a long way! Here I used MAC's Studio Fix Foundation, Makeup Forever Professional Matte Pressed Powder, ELF baked blush and Quo Sun-Kissed Bronzer.

With Foundation/Powder:

F. 4.8, 1/10, ISO 800

Because makeup is intended to enhance your already beautiful self, I like to use eyeshadow that really brings out the colour of the iris. Tessa has greenish-gray eyes with some hints of copper, so I opted for a subtle brown and gold smokey eye to really bring out the natural colour. Here I used Two-Faced Daytime Smoky Eye Palette (colours used were Cream, Fawn and Bronze), and Marcelle Lash X-tension mascara in Extreme Black. 

F. 5, 1/25, ISO 800

For a night out (or a day in, or pretty much all the time), I always encourage rocking a cat eye, (go big or go home right?) and doing Tessa's makeup was no exception! (Mine got a little wonky towards the wing here... oops!) Used here is Maybelline Stiletto Liquid Eyeliner in Black. 

F. 5, 1/25, ISO 800

Of course we can't forget to spice up the hair a bit -Tessa's loose curls took about 5 minutes with a straightening iron- and a quick outfit change, and voila! (The lipstick pictured is ELF Studio Lipstick in Nicely Nude). 

F. 5.3, 1/25, ISO 800 

Overall this look took about half an hour, including time for hair, but it looks classy, glamourous and youthful without being overdone, perfect for a casual day of class, or a night out on the town!