You Asked, He Answered: Nathan Johnson On Makeup For Men

Did you have a question for Project Runway's Nathan Johnson last week? He's got the answers!

BUT FIRST: In New York? Meet Nathan at the Cover FX event this Saturday at Sephora on 34th street.

Anonymous said...
hey, i'm a guy, i want to wear makeup to make me look fresh but not too extreme, i already use concealer and it works but i want my whole face to look refreshed. I have used foundation from YSL but what do you recommend?

If you wear your foundation properly, there will be nothing extreme about it. You will look cleaner, brighter, smoother and younger. I cannot tell you how many men (from executives to teachers) ask me to teach them makeup tricks. I'll tell you exactly what I tell them so you too can reap the rewards of a fresher face. And the biggest bonus of all…no one will know you are wearing a thing.

After you choose a color that disappears flawlessly into your skin, use a brush to apply the foundation lightly to the mask of the face, (under eyes and all), blending it out before you reach the edges. Set the make up with a powder. If you do not set it, it will run and crease, especially around the nose and under the eyes. (And if that happens, everyone, and I mean everyone, will know you are wearing makeup.)

The foundation alone may be enough to conceal your dark circles and discolorations. If it isn't, go in with a second round of foundation (only where you need it), and for very stubborn spots, use a cream concealer. Use your finger to tap it out at the edges; this will blend harshness but keep great coverage where you need it. After you do that, powder it again.

I recommend what I use: Cover FX. The line is phenomenal. It is loaded with vitamins, SPF and lots of other great stuff. Check out the science behind the brand, it will blow you away. If your skin is dry, use their liquid foundation, Natural FX. Or you could try using their regular Cover FX. It's a cream, so just be sure to use either one lightly. They are highly pigmented but shockingly natural. Set them with Setting FX. There is no color in this mica-based powder so you will not get a cakey look.

Now, when you even out your color, you may notice that your face looks slightly blanched. If this is the case, it is necessary to add back in a touch of the color you took away. With a fluffy brush, dust a touch of natural (not too dark) non-shimmering bronzer on the high points of your face (forehead, cheeks, nose and chin). Putting this touch of sun where you want it will make your whole face pop with vitality.

I hope this answers your question. If you need any more help, feel free to drop in at any of my events in Sephora. I would be very happy to help you find your ideal shade/texture and teach you first hand how to apply it.