Eye Focus
Create looks that will be the center of attention
WOW BROWS
For polished brows choose products based on their needs. Try a stencil and waterproof pencil if your eyebrows are sparse. Powder fills in well-defined brows that are missing a hair or two. Stick with a gel to emphasize a full, natural brow. And let a friend be your extra set of eyes to make sure your shapes are symmetrical.
MASCARA MUSTS
For flirty and full lashes, Sheriff suggests this mascara trick: First go “uptown” (with eyes open apply color from the base to the tips), then “downtown” (close your eyes and apply one coat on top from the lid to the tip) and finish heading “crosstown” (use a wiggling motion to apply a horizontal coat).
SHADOW SMARTS
To keep things simple, Sheriff says start with one shadow in an earth tone—brown, copper, bronze, taupe or even dark green. Combined with eyeliner, mascara and a great brow, you’ll create a pulled-together finish that’s sure to impress.
LASHES THAT STAY PUT
Love falsies? Sheriff uses black glue for longer lasting results. “After a while, white glue bunches up, separating the lashes from the lids,” she says. “The black glue never moves.” It can get tricky putting on your own lashes. So practice on your girls to get the hang of it.
TOOL TIME
Face Time
Smart strategies for producing a luminous complexion
START WITH A PRIMER
“A primer is Hollywood’s best-kept secret,” says Sheriff, who has worked with Alicia Keys. “It evens skin texture and makes your makeup last.”
USE A CONCEALER
“You’re never going to have that flawless look without concealer,” says Sheriff. “We need it for dark circles and blemishes, but never use it all over the face.” Get a shade that is lighter and warmer than your foundation. “Try a warm orangey shade because circles and blemishes are a different color than the skin,” she explains.
FIND THE RIGHT FOUNDATION
“My first foundation came from my mother, and I never knew it wasn’t the right color until I got interested in makeup,” Sheriff says. Test three hues: one you know will match, one you think will match and one you believe will never match. Place them as stripes on your jaw. Then ask a friend to help choose the one that goes best with your skin, but see how it looks in daylight first before you commit to the shade.
Lip Tricks
Inside staying-power tips.
DON’T DITCH THE LINER
No matter the trend, “Liner is necessary to keep lipstick on,” says Sheriff. The key is finding the right shade. Sheriff goes for a berry liner for berries and red lip color, chocolate or chestnut for neutral shades and a red liner for corals. Just line your lips and fill them in.
GLOSS OR LIPSTICK?
If you’re short on time, choose gloss over lipstick, since it doesn’t require such precise application.
GO FOR LONG-WEARING FORMULAS
They last through work and play.
Pro Tip
For more long-lasting results, wait 20 minutes after showering before applying your makeup.