The Beauty Within: 101 Basics

"Have a better relationship with your makeup and take the time to learn what your products will do", said Same Fine. Local makeup artist, Britany Harvey Dawson put those words to action during basic makeup artist class Saturday evening. "It is a hands on class for ladies to learn how to do their own makeup. I'm here to instruct them. They're here to do the work", said Dawson.

The ladies certainly went to work and achieved a flawless look after learning Dawson's makeup techniques. "The contour technique was most important to me, because I was putting it in the wrong place", said Jeanette Hawkins. "Eye shadow is my weakness", said Brittney Young.

Similar to Young, eye-shadow are a common makeup struggle among most women, however Dawson's coworker and makeup veteran, Jazmine Franklin believes women should embrace eye-shadows and experiment different colors. "I want them to get comfortable doing makeup and doing makeup for other women. Some were like I'm scared of eye-shadow. Do not be scared of eye-shadow or colors. We just want you to be comfortable and being beautiful", said Franklin.

Franklin and Dawson welcome attendees from different backgrounds and makeup experiences after being asked about several makeup tips from clients. "I've had quite a few clients and ladies in general just asked me how do you do this? How do you do that as relates to makeup? And they like, well I would love for you to teach me", said Dawson.

The ladies learned different techniques popular makeup trends display throughout social media. "We'll be going over the highlight contour technique. I know a lot of women want to learn how to get that face snatched. How to get a good brown for your face shape, how to fill in your brows, how to apply lashes, and of course, apply your lipstick properly", said Dawson.

Attendee, Camden Teston and her mother, LeAnn Teston learned Dawson's natural makeup techniques for a specific time of the day. "I think the blending of the eye shadow and make it look like not as out there for the day time, said Camden Teston. "It's really simple to transform a day look to a night look. You need just a couple of products to change it up. Keep a few things in your bag", said Dawson.

Similar to Teston, makeup model, Nakita Abreana and Jazmine Franklin also learned better blending modes during Dawson's class. "I'm learning a lot about blending your eye shadow and your foundation. I also learned how to type-line my eye-liner", said Abreana. "Her blending techniques. She explained them better and did them easier than what I would do because, I like the way she was explaining how to go in from the corners and how to press your brush and I'm going to try to use that myself", said Franklin.

With the summer almost over and school back in session, Franklin spoke about 2018's updated fashionable looks for all ages. "We're for the younger generation. I know the halo book. Cut crease, bright colors. College girls will keep neutral. A lot of glitter looks. That's more so for people up to like 25. For teachers or professional people, a soft-brown, Earth-toned color, especially since it's about to be fall", said Franklin.

She and Dawson also spoke about Fall 2018 upcoming looks. "Dark lips definitely getting ready to be in and people love a vampy type lip. Your Burgundy's, your grains. Even familiar oranges. I know for some people were going for bronzy golden look, but now people are probably going to be doing more heavy contouring and stuff because it's winter time. You get away with it that way", said Franklin. "The creative cut-crease. is what you see all over Instagram. Believe it or not, most women don't want that. They just want like a nice everyday look. A good smokey eye is good for fall", said Dawson.

To achieve these looks you do not need expensive makeup products. One can pull off any desired look with their own products, the right technique and beauty hacks. "They don't have to go out and buy a bunch of expensive makeup, all these name brand products. I told them to bring their own makeup bags because I want them to know that what they have, they could use what they have. Most of the time what you have in your bag, if you know the right technique, you could work with that and create a flawless look", said Dawson.

If you are still frustrated after a makeup tutorial, more research and hands-on experiences will help you achieve a flawless look with practice. "I believe you have to do the homework and do you know, find what products work for your skin. You don't need a lot of product. I believe maybe five to six products will give you a nice overall everyday look. Unless you just want to go glam, then you will need more product", said Dawson.

Makeup model, Nakita believes time is a beginner's best friend towards being a makeup pro. "I take the most that you should take your time to do your makeup like you don't have to rush if that's something you don't know how to do", said Abreana.

"It would really depend on the person. I'm an artistic person. Blending colors and things like that seems normal. For another person, I believe practice and the more you practice the better you get", said Dawson.

"It is a structure technique, but as you learn that technique, you kind of have to customize it to your liking and your face. But if you know the technique, I feel like you can learn how to, you know, do it your way in a sense, but made the technique down. That makes sense.

Dawson gave last tip a few moments before the beginner's makeup course. "I will stress the importance of not sleeping in your makeup because you definitely don't want to do that. Don't underestimate the power of your fingers. I know a lot of people ask me about brushes and sponges and those are good to have, but you know, a lot of times I use my digits. Good ol' fingers can really help you out too", said Dawson.