It is important when doing your or someone else’s makeup, to understand what is appropriate for the skin surface at hand. Knowing what the texture of a product can and can not do is extremely helpful when purchasing product.

Understanding the basic rules of matte vs. frost is priceless.

I observe people using unsuitable textures on themselves and their clients all the time. One of the biggest mistakes I see people do with their makeup is to use frosted makeup products on areas of the face they should not.

Important rules of thumb:

Frost reflects light (even if its dark)
Matte absorbs light

What does all this mean to you?

• If someone has texture on his or her face examples; winkles, large pores, blemishes, or crinkled eyelids, using a frosty product will enhance that texture. Eye shadows, highlighters and blush with frost should not be used.
• If someone has an eyelid that is hooded or puffy using shadow with frost can make the lid appear puffier or more pronounced.
• Using a highlight with frost on someone with deeper wrinkles will make the wrinkles more pronounced.
• Using blush or bronzer with frost can make pores or blemishes appear larger.
• If a person has a crinkled eyelid using a frosted eye shadow will enhance the look of the eyelid texture making the individual appear older.
• If there is texture present, use a matte.
• Matte products come in as many colors as frosts.
• Matte products allow for more depth for carving out the shape of an eye or contouring a face.

Don’t throw away all your frost products!

The examples above do not mean you can’t use frost, just understand where and when it’s appropriate. Knowing this simple rule of matte vs. frost will give for a more flawless finish and professional application. Typically for a more mature face or one with large pores or troubled skin frost can still be used sparingly to highlight areas such as just beneath the brow and within the center kiss of the lips.

Have a happy day.
JC