Let’s face it; we aren’t all make-up artists, but every now and then, an occasion arises that requires a little more effort, a little more than just slicking on some lipstick and mascara.
1. Moisturiser
The first (and most important rule) in applying make- up is to start with moisturiser. This should never – ever – be overlooked. Invest in a moisturiser with a good SPF (this is usually anything higher than SPF20) and make sure to spread it evenly across your face. Instead of deeply lathering it in, apply it gently and try to avoid rubbing around the eye area.
Wait 15 minutes before proceeding to step two.
2. Primer
Don’t listen to your friends ─ primer is a necessary step if you want your makeup to last all day. If you’d like to minimise the appearance of pores or give your skin to have an extra glow, then a primer is your best bet.
3. Concealer
After doing all the groundwork, it’s time to start painting your canvas. Apply concealer to mask any dark spots and/or discolouration. Apply it under your eyes and any other areas you think may need some extra attention.
Top tip: If you have redness on your face, try using a colour correcting palette. Use green to neutralise and calm the intensity of a red undertone caused by pigmentation, yellow/orange to illuminate and lift grey/blue undertones in your skin and purple to cover up yellowish or dull complexions and sallow undertones.
4. Brows
Like every picture needs a frame, every face beat needs a sculpted brow. Whether you want them sharp, fluffy or simple and neat, there’s a brow shape for every face. Start by tweezing any unwanted hairs that seem out of place and then use an angled brush to define your outlines along the arch. When filling in the brow, trace lines with a pencil from the point where your nostril meets the bridge of the nose, to the outside of your eye – where this intersects with your brow is where it should finish, so use light, feathery strokes to create the appearance of real hairs. Once you are happy with the shape, brush your brows with a spoolie.
5. Eyes (Lashes + Lids)
Depending on the occasion, your eye make-up preferences may vary. For subtlety, we suggest a light shimmery lid and/or a winged liner. If you’re looking to add more drama, a smoky eye will never disappoint. While there are many ways to craft these looks, it’s essentially a trial-and-error process, so patience is key (and so are wet wipes). The easiest way to get it done is to choose a single neutral shade and use a rounded shadow brush to make quick, short swipes across the lids, working your way up to the brow bones. The shadow should go from your lash line to just beyond the inner crease.
(read: how to apply eyeliner)
Once you’ve chosen a palette and look for your lids, the only thing left to do is to apply mascara to enhance your lashes.
(read: how to apply mascara)
6. Foundation
The first thing to know about foundation is that they aren’t all created equal. Before delving into shade range, you should first determine whether you’re looking for; sheer, medium, or full coverage. Sheer offers a lightweight cover that acts as a tinting agent, medium blends in and evens out your skin tone with a dewy finish and full coverage masks blemishes, redness, or hyperpigmentation and for a matte finish.
Choosing the right shade is paramount and, while the internet and most MUAs would instruct you to test it on your neck, your cheek and compare swatches till thy kingdom come, our suggestion in to simply apply it as you would in any other instance and examine the results it in natural light ─ that’s the only way to truly test it.
How you apply your foundation is entirely a matter of preference. Whether you prefer a brush, blender or silicone, the choice is yours.
7. Blush
This one is optional. If a dewy, rosy glow is what you’re after, we suggest that you opt for a peach-golden shade if you are fair. Darker complexions are best complemented by rich bronzes and red-toned coppers.
Top tip: smile to find the apple of your cheeks and then apply your blush.
8. Highlight
Like the glazing on a perfect donut or the sheen on a picturesque oil canvas, highlighter is mandatory. Apply a light dusting to your upper cheekbones (above the blush), the bridge of your nose and above your cupid’s bow to give your face that perfect glowy finish.
9. Set
To make your foundation last, set it with translucent powder and wipe off any excess powder with a big, fluffy brush. Once you’re confident that you’ve achieved the desired result, spritz your skin with a face mist or fixing spray to melt the powder into your skin for a natural finish.
10. Lips
Matte, glossy, metallic, bold or nude ─ take your pick from our wide range.
