From intimidating and complex to easy and spectacular – mastering the basics of makeup application can be easier than you think! Brush up on the basics with this guide to makeup application techniques and you’ll be ready to create a flawless look in no time. Our comprehensive guide will teach you all the tips and tricks for achieving a glowing complexion and beautiful eyes in a few simple steps. With the right know-how and a few essential tips, you’ll be able to achieve a perfect look that’s always ready for the spotlight!
1. Create the Perfect Foundation for a Flawless Look
The search for a flawless look can be daunting, so it’s important to get the most out of every step of your beauty routine. The key to a perfect foundation – the foundation of any look – is to find the right product. Whether you prefer a sheer, lightweight formula or a velvety, full-coverage finish, the right foundation will make all the difference!
Before choosing your foundation, it’s important to understand your skin type. Is it oily, dry, or combination? Once you’ve determined this, the selection process will be easier. For instance, if you have oily skin, it’s best to avoid creamy, heavy formulas that can make your face look greasy. Instead, opt for liquid, matte formulas that have light-to-medium coverage and a natural finish.
Choosing the right color is essential for a natural, seamless look. Always apply the color on your jaw line to get the best match. Be sure to try out different shades and blend it carefully to find the perfect tone. It’s also wise to take seasonal factors into consideration – you want to make sure the color matches the natural shade of your skin, regardless of whether the season is colder or warmer.
Make sure you use the right tools to apply your foundation for the best result. A brush or sponge is ideal, as they help to blend the product evenly. Start from your cheeks going outward, and work up to your forehead, chin and down to your neck. This will give you an even, natural look.
Whatever your foundation preference is, always opt for products with moisturizing ingredients to ensure your skin looks healthy and hydrated. Keep an eye out for formulas that have SPF or anti-ageing benefits too – all great additions that will protect and nourish your skin.
2. Strobing: Enhance Your Features with Highlighting
Strobing is all about highlighting the best features of your face with a beautiful, subtle glow. This highlighting technique is all the rage in makeup right now and it’s super easy to do.
The key to strobing is to find a product that beautiful reflects light and choose a shade that enhances your natural skin tone. The product you choose should be a light reflecting illuminator, either a cream, liquid or powder. When you apply the product, ensure you blend it into your foundation in order to achieve a natural, radiant look.
When you have applied your illuminator, the next step is to accentuate and enhance your facial features. To do this, you will need to apply a bit more highlighter on your cheekbones, brow bones, nose and a bit along the lower corner of your eyes. With these areas highlighted, you can now work on making your face look lifted, polished, and illuminated.
- Choose a shade that will compliment your skin tone.
- Apply the product to the forehead, cheekbones, chin and nose.
- Gently blend the product into your foundation for a natural look.
- Highlight any features you want emphasized.
Strobing is a simple technique, but it can make all the difference in making you look angelic. With the right illuminator and technique, you will be able to achieve a sensationally glowing look that will turn heads.
3. Contouring: Sculpt and Shape Your Features
It’s time to wave goodbye to those low self-esteem days. Contouring is all about having fun and playing up your most unique features. With this makeup technique, you’ll discover the right angles and how to bring them out in your makeup.
- Understand your features: It’s important to get familiar with your shape and bone structure before you start. This will help you get an idea of what areas to highlight using light and what parts to define with darker shades.
- Pick your products: Select the most lightweight textures or cushioned powders or creams to blend seamlessly on your skin. There are plenty of contouring palettes, dual-ended sticks, and creamy formulas to choose from.
- Set as you go: A light dusting of setting powder will help your contour to stay in place. Don’t forget, this isn’t a one and done application and you’ll probably need to reapply the powder after every couple of bronzing touches.
It can be pretty intimidating but don’t shy away from experimenting multiple times until you get the hang of it. Take your time and play around with different products. Have fun with it and you’ll definitely discover your signature twist with contouring.
When you have your desired look, blend and soften the edges with a brush or beauty sponge. Finally, finish off with a touch of highlighter on the areas you want to bring forward. You’ll love the results – feeling good, looking even better!
4. Finishing Touches: Perfecting Your Makeup Look
Applying False Eyelashes
False eyelashes can add a dramatic effect to your makeup look. To apply them successfully, start by measuring the full length of the eyelashes and trim them to fit your eye shape. With a pair of tweezers, carefully apply a tiny amount of glue along the lash line and wait a few seconds for it to become tacky. Position the lashes close to your natural eyelashes and press them gently into place. If any gaps are left, fill them in using a black eyeliner or a thin eye shadow brush.
Highlighting and Contouring
Highlighting and contouring are two essential techniques to define your facial features and enhance your makeup look. Begin by cleansing the skin, then use a brush or beauty blender to apply an illuminating cream or liquid highlighter to the high points of your face, such as the brow bones, cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow. To add depth, apply a matte bronzer or a cream or liquid contour to the hollows of the cheeks, jawline, temples, and sides of the nose. Blending is key, so be sure to use gentle strokes in circular motions.
Setting Spray
To keep your look in place for hours and to give the skin a luminous glowing finish, use a makeup setting spray. Before spraying, make sure to shake the bottle thoroughly and hold it at least 8 inches away from your face. Spray your face in an “X” and “T” pattern and do not rub the product after spraying.
Concealing Problem Areas
If you have any blemishes or discoloration, use a shade of concealer that matches your skin tone to cover them up. Take a small amount of concealer, preferably one with medium to heavy coverage, and pat it onto the area with a damp beauty blender. Use a setting powder to set the concealer and to help it last longer.
For the makeup novice, taking the time to learn the basics of cosmetics application is the first step towards achieving a flawless look. Plus, mastering the basics equips you with some extra confidence to explore and experiment in the fun-filled world of makeup. With practice, you can be sure to get on the path to mastering the basics – and your look – in no time!
