Denver’s fiercest fashion assassin, Rocco Lawson, is determined to break down what’s left of the gender binary. Their weapon of choice: makeup, which in today’s (and certainly tomorrow’s) world has expanded beyond the social confines of female beautification to a radical form of self-love and expression for everyone. On behalf of the cosmetically curious, we sought out the Wilhelmina Denver model and University of Colorado Boulder student to learn the basics of beating your mug for any occasion.

Step One

Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer ($40)
What: Primer is a moisturizer that minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
How: Put enough product on your fingers to rub into your entire face, and pay close attention to wrinkles and dark circles under your eyes.
Why: It makes your skin appear more dewy and supple.
Tip: “Primer can be used by itself to moisturize and minimize pores,” Lawson says. “It’s your first step to flawless.”

5280 August 2021
5280 Magazine August 2021
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Step Two

ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer ($30)
What: This tinted liquid, well, conceals what you want to hide (think: blotches, scars, and dark circles under the eyes).
How: Use your fingers, a damp sponge, or the built-in applicator to lightly dab the product onto blemishes and the inner corners of your eyes; spread it from there along your lower eyelids. Buff until it blends into your skin.
Why: Concealer creates an even complexion and hides razor bumps.
Tip: “First-timers can ask an expert to find their skin tone,” Lawson says. Aillea, the clean-beauty boutique in Cherry Creek, is a good option.

Step Three

Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Blotting Powder ($32)
What: Concealer can make your face shiny. Powder tones down the gleam and absorbs excess oil.
How: Brush a light amount over concealed areas and those prone to becoming oily, like below your eyes and around your forehead, nose, and lips.
Why: Powder gives you luminous skin that doesn’t shine like the bottom of a bag of McDonald’s drive-thru.
Tip: Not using powder can lead to a more, um, mature look—one akin to that of “my great aunt Peggy,” Lawson says.

Step Four

MMUK MAN Brow Liner Pencil ($20) and Intense Mascara ($28); Tweezerman Classic Lash Curler ($15)
What: These cosmetics and utensils darken eyebrows and perk up eyelashes.
How: In this order: Trace the pencil across both eyebrows, using the built-in brush to blend. Open the curler and, while looking down, place your eyelashes between the clamps and squeeze. Lay the mascara wand at the base of your upper lashes and wiggle it left to right; then pull the wand upward toward the tips of your eyelashes.
Why: They make your eyes sparkle.
Tip: “Once your eyebrows are on fleek,” Lawson says, “use your pencil to fill in a spotty beard or mustache.”