Matte Makeup + Removal Tips

Although I love fresh-faced luminous skin, there is something so beautiful about a completely matte look for fall & winter.  This is perfect for those upcoming holiday parties and evening events because matte makeup tends to stay put longer than its lightweight dewy counterpart.  Today I’m sharing a new tutorial using pretty feminine colors in blush & deep berry and I’m also providing my tips for how to remove your longwear or matte makeup in a simple & gentle way with POND’S Cold Cream.

Step 1: Create a matte base.  For everyday wear, I use BeautyCounter Tint Skin because I love the lightweight coverage.  But for photo shoots & evening, I apply Estée Lauder Double Wear because it’s a full-coverage foundation with a matte finish.  I use this concealer under my eye area and set it with this loose powder.


Step 2: Apply soft pink shadow all over your eyelids, stopping just above the crease.  


Step 3: Then apply deep berry shadow in your crease, blending well as you go.

Step 4: Apply black eyeliner along your top lash line only & extend it slightly beyond the outside of your eye, creating a subtle wing.  I love this pencil because it’s gentle on my sensitive eyes and it’s also great for smudging when I want to go for a smokier look.  


Step 5: Curl & coat lashes with your favorite black mascara (I’m partial to this lengthening formula).


Step 6: Apply matte pink blush to your cheekbones – the majority of the color should be deposited near the back towards your ear with just a light dusting on the apples of your cheeks.  This color looks frighteningly bright in the packaging, but it’s a sheer formula that, when applied lightly, gives a realistic flushed look.


Step 7: Apply matte lipstick in a rich burgundy hue.  If you don’t want to buy a new lipstick, you can use a regular creme formula you already own, blot with tissue paper and dust powder on top to create a matte finish.

I first was introduced to POND’S Cold Cream back in my high school drama class.  We had to wear heavy pancake makeup for the stage and they gave us this cream to remove it after each play.  Stage makeup is known for being not only thick, but also incredibly drying & irritating.  This cream gently removed every trace of makeup & replenished our skin with the moisture it needed.  

 

To be honest, I haven’t used it since then because I’d fallen so in love with the convenience of these cleansing towelettes.  But, since skin needs all the moisture it can get in the cold weather months, it’s the ideal time to try it for makeup removal.  I used a quarter sized amount and began rubbing it into my skin gently in a circling motion. In less than 5 seconds, my makeup began coming off as I worked it in.  

After everything was removed, I used a wet washcloth to wipe the excess away (I went over it several times to make sure I got everything).  I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it’s just as quick & easy as my beloved wipes and my skin felt so soft afterwards.  I think this is a great way to switch up my nightly routine this winter & give my skin that extra boost of moisture that it needs!