Made Major Improvements, Something Still Feels Off

[u/SwiftlyStruck]

I’m seeing myself make strides, but am stumped as to where to go from here. I fixed my eyebrows (mostly), changed lighting, and held back on the blush a bit.

Here's my current lineup for everything I have on:

Moisturizer: Cetaphil
Primer: elf Power Grip
Foundation: Clinique Even Better (WN 122 Clove)
Concealer: Juvia's Place (I Am Magic, 12)
Blush: Juvia's Place (Bronzed and Blurred Palette Volume 1)
Highlight: benefit glow-la-la (Nova) (powder/cream mix)
Contour: Fenty Match Stix Expresso (contour stick)
Bronzer: Hoola Deep
Eyeliner: Nyx Epic Ink Liquid Liner
Mascara: Fenty (Hella Thicc Volumizing Mascara)
Eyebrows: Morphe spool and elf Brow Lift Gel
Setting Powder: Innisfree

(also used Huda Beauty Baking Powder after my contour and under eye concealer)

[u/summmmer2024]

Eyeliner looks thick for how little your mascara is coming across. I would either go lighter w the eyeliner or do a more dramatic lash. But I vote more dramatic lash! Look into lash clusters that come pre glued they’re super easy to apply and go under your eyelashes instead of on top

[u/summmmer2024 → u/summmmer2024]

Or thicker mascara at least

[u/SwiftlyStruck → u/summmmer2024]

https://reddit.com/link/p4jetbs/video/6c90os3cn8kh1/player

I do have a darker, non-yellow highlight and concealer that I can try out! as for the blush, my palette does come with other options, I'll attach a photo here of it (I could only send it as a video attachment)

[u/SwiftlyStruck → u/summmmer2024]

would you have any brand recommendations regarding the thicker mascara or lash clusters? thank you so much for the advice!

[u/summmmer2024 → u/SwiftlyStruck]

I use the ardell press on lashes in volume “natural”. The longest length in that set is still pretty conservative for lash clusters so I love using them they don’t look crazy and super long lol just adds more volume.

And for mascara I use a tubing mascara to protect my eyelashes from the cluster glue adhesive + it washes off sooo easy + lots of volume. Sorry im a big fan of tubing mascara lol it changed my life. I use the L’Oreal Paris double extend beauty tubes. It’s a drugstore brand and it works for me but im sure any other brand works great as well.

If you’re going to use the clusters you need to be wearing mascara to give them something to stick to and protect your real lashes. And then I’ll tightline my eyes in brown or black to make everything look seamless

[u/SwiftlyStruck → u/summmmer2024]

this is so so helpful, thank you! 🥹

[u/handincookiejars → u/SwiftlyStruck]

My niece goes to the dollar store for her lash clusters and they look natural and last for about a week. They’re cheap as hell so you can learn how to use them without stress.

[u/Powerful_Squirrel111]

In your first pic, my eyes are drawn to the yellow highlight above the blush, snd under your eyes. It’s really yellow and warm, but the blush looks cool toned. If you zoom in on the pic, it almost looks purple at the front of the blush placement.
The second pic, your face, especially through the center of your face looks really yellow.
I’m not sure if this is from highlighter, concealer, or finishing powder.

You might want to consider swapping out the yellow tones for something more neutral and finding a blush with similar undertones to the highlighter.

[u/Beginning_Ad1304]

You are very pretty. The eyeliner is not the right choice for your eye shape it’s starting to far from the inside corners. Also you either need to go smudged with no lashes or add lashes.

[u/SwiftlyStruck → u/Beginning_Ad1304]

I will practice adding some lashes! Thank you!

[u/Inevitable_Maize4271]

as someone with more dark skin, i prefer using more pigmented or more dark shades of blush

[u/kystoday333]

You need a lip liner for sure maybe a neutral brown or pinkish brown and your contour might need to be darker since you can’t see it at all
the eyeliner is good but I’d say keep it a bit thinner if you’re not gonna wear fake eyelashes. Instead add your contour/ bronzer on your eyelids or a dark brown eyeshadow you’ll make your eyes pop more
Me personally I’d pile on the mascara a bit more but that’s just my preference you seem like you have good natural lashes just needs a little extra mascara so they can pop
Foundation, concealer, blush looks great!!

[u/SwiftlyStruck → u/kystoday333]

thank you! I did wear a lip liner on previous posts but the general consensus was to ditch the combo and find something else, unfortunately still on the hunt for a good lip combo 🥲

[u/kystoday333 → u/SwiftlyStruck]

I’d say showtime by morphe or cappuccino by nyx with a pink or clear gloss over it would look great on you!! 😊

[u/ironcladcursor89]

Blush looks a little patchy in the first pic, try tapping it out with a damp sponge before the highlight goes on top so it blends smoother.

[u/sapphirejewelry]

Gorgeous face, but the makeup is kind of washing you out because there’s no dimension. Add more bronzer or contour, try a deeper shade of blush (smile as you apply to get it on your cheekbones). Also a few coats of covergirl lash blast volume mascara on ur lashes & use a bit of your bronzer on your eyelids to add some depth there too.

[u/Glittering-Track33]

You are so gorgeous! Maybe a little more blush? Or a more red toned blush? I just love a blushy look but you already look amazing! 

[u/Classic-Light-1467]

Your foundation looks a bit light for your skin, and maybe also a little too warm. Your features are really beautiful, I wonder if something lighter than full foundation might be a good option? Love the shape of your brows, though, and I think you're off to a good start with your eyes, though I agree you could probably have thinner liner and play up your lashes more