Beauty-Class Basics In A Flash

A Sephora expert gives his top tips on flawless makeup for day or night.

- Cat Perry

FINDING THE PERFECT makeup for every occasion can mean years of trial and error (and expense), but we’ve got your beauty fast track. We stopped by Sephora at the Grand Canal Shoppes in Las Vegas to ask events coordinator Zakkarius Smith for tips on choosing the perfect primer, concealer, foundation, powder, and spray. So whether you’re gym-bound, having lunch with friends, busy at work, or out for some evening fun, here’s how to pick, prime, and perfect your makeup regimen.

PRIMER

PURPOSE Smooth skin, set makeup.

TRADITIONAL PRIMER smooths out skin’s surface and serves as a barrier to lock on to foundation. It’s ideal for smoothing fine lines and minimizing enlarged pores. “A great primer is the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer,” says Smith.

MATTIFYING PRIMER does everything traditional primers do while also absorbing excess oil. “One of our clients’ favorites is the Benefit POREfessional: Matte Rescue Invisible Finish Mattifying Gel,” says Smith.

COLOR CORRECTING PRIMER is used to hide unwanted colors on the skin. Smith says, “I like to use the Lancome Miracle CC Cushion Color Correcting Primer.”

CONCEALER