How to Buy the Best Cosmetics

It's easy to wander over to the cosmetics counter and get lost in all the options. Don't be overwhelmed-here is your guide to buying the best cosmetics.

Instructions

1. Get familiar with your skin and use this information to guide all your purchases. Warm skin tones are flattered by earthy colors while cool skin tones pair well with pinkish hues. f you tan easily, chances are you have a warm skin tone, but if your skin has a rosy tint, then you are most likely on the cool side.

2. Foundation and concealer will be the most important parts of your ensemble and your choices should complement the rest of your face. Get samples from a makeup counter and test them out in various types of light before making a purchase.

3. Refrain from spending impulsively. Many expensive products that you find at makeup counters are actually owned by a parent company that sells the same cosmetics at your local drugstore. Investigate which is which by asking a professional makeup artist or doing a quick online search-you may be surprised to find that a pricey Swiss skin cream is actually in your budget.

4. Approach makeup trends cautiously. Styles fluctuate with each season and many of these products will lose their appeal quickly.

5. Stay conscious of seasonal changes. Your skin type will change during particularly hot or cold months and so will your makeup needs. Note how oily or dry your skin becomes as the temperature changes and switch your products accordingly.

6. Examine the ingredients contained in the product you are purchasing. Many cosmetics have excessive amounts of alcohol or do not contain enough protection against harmful sunrays.

7. Consolidate your purchases. Many times a facial cream has the same ingredients as an eye cream and a good blush can double as a bronzer. Customers can be susceptible to sophisticated marketing campaigns and easily wind up with an array of unnecessary items in their makeup bag.

Tips & Warnings

• Test shades of makeup directly on the area of your face it is intended for. Most people swipe a sample onto their hand but skin tones vary from one region of your body to another.