Awhile back, I had an educational conversation with Kelly Curtis, brand manager at W3LL People. This line of high performing, natural makeup knocks it out of the park with every launch. It's no surprise, given a make up artist (formerly with NARS) and a dermatologist are amongst the founders.
Here's the line in a nutshell:
Everything is mineral based.
Just about everything (mascara and lipgloss excluded) is really versatile. They optimize for products performing a multitude of options as opposed to their clientele carrying a bunch of products.
No nano particles.
Nearly everything is infused with aloe.
It’s an artists' line. They encourage folks to play, get creative and get fingers messy. Mixing and matching is paramount.
And below are the product-specific tips I learned from Kelly:
Universalist Color Stick
#1 is the sheerest color. (Personally, I'm on my 3rd tube of this gold flecked, pinked up rose that works very well and lips and cheeks – thus securing it's place as a purse staple.)
#3 is also highly recommended.
Expressionist Mascara
W3ll People's mascara is their top seller (my favorite one in rotation yet).
It now comes in neon blue, plus less statement making purple and chocolate shades.
Bio Brightener Invisible Powder and Stick
Use the stick underneath your make up, or as a highlighter on the cheekbones, bridge of nose and cupid's bow.
The Bio Brightener Powder is for those who don't want a powdered look. It gives a soft focus, photoshopped glow, as opposed to traditional matte powders.
The Bio Brightener Powder can also be used to set eye shadows.
Altruist Powder Foundations
They're big on spraying a mist over powder foundations to kickstart the aloe infused in it.
Narcisisst Foundation Sticks.
Go with a darker concealer underneath the eyes.
Narcissist #1 and #4 are the two pinkiest shades.
They recommend using fingers to apply the Narcissist stick as a concealer, but the brush is best when you’re using it as a foundation.
Elitist Eye Shadows
Pat loose color on, don’t sweep it.
Matte brown in the crease no matter what. Capitalist pigment in #912 (unless you’re super dark, then use #913).
If there is shimmer in the crease, it will make your eye look puffy.
Look straight ahead, eyes open when doing the crease.
Do #836 on the lid, and a pop of color as a liner down below.)
#833 or (Narcissist 0) in the brow bone.)
Hypnotist Eyeliner
After lining the lower lash line, squint the eye really hard to deposit color evenly.
If you have smaller upper eye lids, don’t take up real estate with a thick eyeliner. Instead, tight-line the lower and upper lids.
A lot of women think they need a waterproof line, but because their water line is already damp, the pigment rolls. Waterproof pencils won't stick to a moist rim, and will instead consolidate in the tear duct.