Here’s the thing: contouring can look awesome, but it can also be oh-so-complicated, not to mention super intimidating to those of us who aren’t necessarily major beauty buffs. Maybe you’ve tried it and ended up looking like Amy Schumer in her recent viral video, “Girl, You Don’t Need Makeup” or maybe you finally figured out the right way to blend after an hour and a half of trial and error. Regardless, it’s not the easiest skill to master. If you’re interested in defining your features a bit more but don’t necessarily have the time and energy to paint your face ten different colors before you’ve even had a cup of coffee, we’ve got some good news. There’s a new technique that’s taking over makeup counters everywhere. Introducing: strobing.
Strobing is a process that enhances your features using only a highlighting product and natural light, which means you’ll be able to make those cheekbones stand out without caking on layers upon layers of foundation. In her video explaining the technique, beauty vlogger Missy Lynn explains that you can use a highlighter, illuminator or iridescent pigment to strobe. MAC Cosmetics also has a strobing cream ($33), which is designed for this exact purpose.
Once you’ve settled on your lightening product, you’ll apply it to the areas of your face where light would naturally hit: the highest point of your cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, the center of your forehead and along your cupid’s bow. If you want to go all out you can also strobe the inner corners of your eyes, your brow bone and your chin.
Missy Lynn explains that you can either mix an illuminating product into a matte foundation for an overall dewy look or you can simply apply foundation as you normally would and then strobe the areas of your face that would attract light afterward. If you’re prone to oily skin, Missy suggests you skip strobing in places like the chin and T-zone. If the look gets a little too intense, simply use a sponge to lightly dab a little foundation on top of the highlighted areas for a more subdued effect.
And really, its a simple as that. Contouring, it was fun while it lasted, but it looks like we just might be breaking up with you for good. It’s not you, it’s us. Actually, scratch that. It’s most definitely you.
Have you tried strobing before? How did it work for you? Share with us in the comments below.
(h/t Stylecaster, Photos via Missy Lynn)
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.