Are you captivated by the flawless makeup on models and celebrities and wondering how they manage to get it looking right so often?
Achieving a professional makeup application isn’t as daunting as it seems. With the right techniques, approach, and products at your disposal, you too can create stunning makeup looks that enhance natural beauty and radiate confidence.
In the following guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of successful and professional makeup application. Whether you’re a newcomer to makeup application or an esthetician in training at a beauty school like our own, you should be able to find something here to help enhance your technique.
The Order of Makeup Application
While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to makeup application, the following offers a basic routine outline that can can help achieve consistent results:
- Moisturizer: Hydrate the skin for a smooth base.
- Primer: Prepares the skin, fills fine lines, and enhances makeup longevity.
- Foundation: Even out the complexion with foundation.
- Concealer: Camouflage imperfections like dark circles and blemishes.
- Bronzer, Blush, Highlighter: Add dimension and glow to the face.
- Eyeshadow, Eyeliner, Mascara: Enhance the eyes with colour and definition.
- Eyes and Lips: Adds a touch of colour and shine.
- Setting Spray & Powder: Lock in makeup for long-lasting wear.
It All Start with Skincare and Moisturizing
Before diving into makeup application itself, the first step is always to ensure that your skin or the skin of your client is properly prepped. Be sure to cleanse the skin thoroughly and gently pat dry afterwards.
Once cleaned, you may want to follow-up with a lightweight moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated throughout. This helps create a smooth base for makeup application and ensures a flawless finish once you get to work.
Enhancing Longevity and Finish with the Right Primer
Using a makeup primer is a crucial step that often gets overlooked. It fills in fine lines, blurs imperfections, and creates a smooth surface that helps makeup and foundation better adhere and last longer on your skin.
They come in different varieties ranging from mattifying for oily skin, hydrating for dry skin, or illuminating for a radiant glow. When choosing a primer, always look for one that suits your skin or that of your client best.
Foundation as the Key to Complexion
Once the skin is cleansed and primed, foundation sets the stage for your entire makeup look. Apply it evenly using a brush or blender for seamless coverage.
It’s good to note that foundation also comes in a number of varieties and for different purposes, such as aiming for a healthy glow or smoother skin – as well as being suited for different skin tones.
One tip to remember is that foundation should always be applied before concealer to achieve the best results.
Selecting the Right Concealer
Selecting the right concealer shade is crucial for working over imperfections like dark circles and blemishes.Apply concealer after foundation and you can set it with a loose powder for a matte finish.
Contrary to popular belief, the concealer should match the skin tone closely to avoid ending up with a grayish hue. Ideally, opt for a slightly pinkish concealer for blue undertones or a peachier shade for brown undertones.
Bronze and Highlights
Bronzers can help add warmth and definition to the face, enhancing features with a sun-kissed glow. Choose a shade that matches your model’s skin tone and apply it strategically to areas where the sun naturally hits: cheekbones, temples, and jawline.
When it comes to selecting a highlighter shade you’ll want one that complements your skin’s undertone. For warmer tones, opt for Gold, and use pearl for cooler ones. Apply with a light hand for a subtle glow or layer for a more radiant effect, achieving a flawless complexion that catches the light beautifully.
Helping the Eyes Stand Out
A little eye shadow can make a big impression. When choosing eyeshadow shades, opt for colours that compliment you or your client’s eye colour. For instance, if you are working with green eyes, shades like brown or deep green can enhance one’s natural beauty.
When applying eyeshadow, begin with the darkest shade near the lash line and blend upwards for a gradient effect. Following this, for mascara application, use a zig-zag motion from the base to the tips of the lashes to volumize and lengthen.
Don’t Forget Eyebrows and Lips
Well-groomed eyebrows help frame the face and complete any makeup look. For best results, use an eyebrow kit to shape and fill in eyebrows for a polished appearance.
Then, when applying lipstick, start by filling in the lips with a brush or work directly from the tube. Use a lip pencil in a universal shade to define the edges and prevent lipstick from bleeding.
Finishing with a Healthy Glow
Complete the look by applying blush to the cheeks, blending towards the temples for a natural flush.
Pro tip: smiling helps locate the right areas to apply blush, ensuring a fresh and radiant complexion throughout the day.
Bonus Tip #1 – Brushes for Better Precision
Every esthetician will tell you that investing in quality makeup brushes is essential for achieving a professional finish. Whether you’re applying foundation, concealer, blush, or eyeshadow, the right brush ensures even application and blends products seamlessly.
While you can use your fingers in a pinch, brushes offer more control and precision, resulting in a less-rushed and more natural-looking makeup application.
Bonus Tip #2 – Blending for Better Lines
Blending is another secret to flawless makeup application. Whether you’re applying eyeshadow, blush, or bronzer, blend each product thoroughly to avoid harsh lines and help create a seamless transition between colours.
Technique-wise, use back-and-forth or circular motions depending on the desired effect. Remember, less is more, so aim to build up your product gradually to avoid over-application right from the get-go.
Final Thoughts
Mastering makeup application takes practice, but with these tips and a bit of experimentation, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful makeup looks that highlight your model’s natural beauty. Remember, makeup is an art—enjoy the process and let your creativity shine!
Are you passionate about esthetics and considering a shift towards working in the beauty industry?
Modern College offers a personalized, hands-on esthetician program that will provide you with the practical tools and techniques to succeed as an esthetician.
If you’re interested in learning more about our program, or booking a treatment for yourself from one of our students at a discounted price, fill in the form on the right side of this page or send us an email at [email protected].
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