Face it. Cosmetics can be as trendy as fashion.
Already on the market in preparation for a new summer look, makeup products ranging from face powder to foundation, eye shadow to lipstick are being debuted or given seasonal updates by manufacturers.
Armani Beauty is introducing a new compact called Neo Nude Fusion Powder ($58), according to the New York Times News Service. The formula, which has the appearance of a powder, is essentially a dehydrated liquid foundation that reactivates when it comes into contact with your skin's own moisture.
But it's OK to wear it with foundation, says Armani Beauty international makeup artist Linda Cantello. She suggests applying the product, which doesn't "cake" on the skin, with a large natural-hair bush.
Brandy Krantz-Biggs, instructor of advanced aesthetics and cosmetology at Chattanooga State Community College, recommends using a primer with all face powders.
"Makeup primers are going to aid the application process and increase the longevity of its wear," she says. "Primers minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles while giving a flawless finish."
Finding the ideal face powder for one's complexion can be a trial-and-error process.
"Some face powders can sink into fine lines and wrinkles and accentuate their appearance. Powders are not required but help to set the liquid foundation and brighten the skin," Krantz-Biggs says. "Powders have also come a long way in the last few years such as adding SPF to their ingredient list. SPF should be a staple in everyone's skin-care routine."
Local makeup maven Darin Wright, owner of Elea Blake Cosmetic Studio in Chattanooga, says the key to choosing face powder is color.
"If the color is off, your skin will not look as lovely no matter what," she says. "Even small tweaks can make a huge difference in the appearance of the skin when color is applied correctly. With any cosmetic, one must be mindful of the health of their skin. Brushes are key, making sure you use a brush that offers you the coverage you desire."
Wright suggests using "quality loose pigment," such as minerals without fillers, because it lifts and illuminates the skin.
For the lips, there's powder, balm, stain, gloss and, of course, lipstick.
Lip powders offer versatility, Chanel makeup artist Cyndle K tells the New York Times.
"Applied on top of a lipstick, the powder gives unbelievable staying power and helps prevent feathering," she says. "Or you can create a beautiful bitten-lip look by applying the balm and then using your finger to dab on the color."
Krantz-Biggs says lip powder is not only durable but fun.
"Some come in a loose form, and you apply it with a gel or cream primer," she says. "This allows you to have solid colors or have a little fun using multiple colors at a time."
Lip stains are often faulted for drying out lips or settling in fine lines, but not with the new hyaluronic-acid-infused versions like the Dior Addict Lacquer Plump ($37), according to the New York Times.
It offers a consistency similar to a super-pigmented jelly and a shiny ink-like stain with a subtle plumping effect.
"Lip stains are known for their lasting wear and not feeling like there is too much on the lip, as well as giving people the freedom to apply once and be done. Adding ingredients such as hyaluronic acid is genius," Krantz-Biggs says. "Hyaluronic acid-based products are great for plumping the skin and adding/retaining moisture. It is a great product for all ages and skin types."
Lips stains, though, aren't for everyone, Wright says.
"Based on our clientele, we find that those that use lip stains tend to be concerned with the drying of their lips as well as the difficulty of applying," she says. "We recommend that if they do enjoy a stain, they moisturize their lips by using a nonocclusive moisture treatment such as our Eb lip treatment, which hydrates and treats the lips with peptides and other beneficial ingredients."
Dior makeup artist Ricky Wilson tells the NYT that lip stain can be used daily.
"Apply a generous amount to the bottom lip, and instead of rubbing the lips together, simply press them to create a transfer to the top lip and then use your finger to move the product to the lip edge," he says. "Or put a touch of the Lacquer Plump on the tip of your favorite nude lip liner and apply to lips. This prevents the liner from going on too pronounced and will give the lips natural dimension."
Wright prefers glosses with hints of metallic elements that give the lip a "beautiful shimmer." And, if you're wanting to update for summer, she says bold reds, pinks, and natural toned glosses are hot for summer.
Eyes can shimmer, too.
"Glitter is a girl's best friend," Wright says. "Glitter comes in all sizes. Some are bold. Some are soft. When using glitter, the key is to use the appropriate type for your look as well as the placement. Even small accents as an inner-eye highlight or over the iris in the middle of the eye can create interest as well as enhance and liven the eye."
Glitter eye shadows have "stormed the industry," says Krantz-Biggs.
"When it was first introduced, many people tried to re-create the look with craft glue and found out it was not the same and dangerous. The glitter made for eye shadows is much thinner in density so that it doesn't scratch the eye. The gel polymers are used to adhere the glitter where it is applied and doesn't fall on the face or in the eye."
Glittery eyes have evolved from a dramatic look to everyday wear, she says.
And don't forget about jelly illuminators.
Jelly what?
"Jelly illuminators are highlights in a jelly form that have to be worked into the skin," Wright says, noting that you can get the same effect with other "highlighters" that require being applied with a brush.
"It's a fun fad that gals like to play with," she says. "As a thrifty makeup user, I would use a shimmery shadow or other type highlighter and get the same effect at a less costly option."
She says when purchasing jelly illumination, be mindful of the ingredients. Some can dry the skin.
Krantz-Biggs says the product adds a "beautiful glow to the skin and can aid in contouring the face."
She says the product is popular with women ages 18 to 35 years old.
"Just like powders - face and eye shadows - if the skin has fine lines and/or wrinkles, jelly illuminators can accentuate those features," Krantz-Biggs says.
Among those offering jelly illuminators is Farsáli, with its Jelly Beam Illuminator ($40), Inc.redible's You Glow Girl Iridescent Jelly ($12). Recommended for the novice user: the H20+ Probiotic Champagne Illuminator ($22), which uses less pigment, offering a natural sheen.
With the acceptance of jelly illuminators, cosmetics are for women of all ages.
"There is no age to stop wearing makeup," Wright says. "Some may not be interested. Others may be very exploratory with it and want to learn and play. Either way, I find that regardless of whether a person wants to wear or not wear makeup, most like to know the proper way (of wearing it)."
Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com.