Applying makeup is one of those things that some people pick
up instantly and others struggle for years to figure out. You might have
started out playing with your mother’s makeup or you might have read beauty
magazines until you were old enough to try it on your own. You might even still
feel like you are playing in your mother’s makeup and just can’t quite get the
hang of it. Let’s see if we can’t fix that.
First… Ignore Photoshop
Beauty magazines are wonderful sources for advice and
inspiration. Personally, I am especially fond of Allure and Glamour for the
amazing information they have. But don’t let their photos discourage your
makeup efforts. Even if the photos haven’t been retouched by a computer, they
are often done with and by professionals. That’s why their pictures of smoky
eye makeup look so great – they are experts!
So what should you do? Be gentle on yourself and remember
that you are A, not in a magazine and B, not an expert. Your smoky eye only has
to look good to you. It does not have to match the photos. Also, practice! No
one gets it right the first time, and even if they do, they rarely find
consistency so soon. It takes practice to get anything right, including makeup.
Second… Find Your Light
Every photographer will tell you that the secret to a great
photo is the light. Painters would tell you the same thing – the right
light lets you see colors accurately and doesn’t highlight flaws. If your
makeup space is too dark or overly bright, your makeup is not going to look the
same when you leave. This also means you won’t get the look you are trying for
since your conditions are different.
So find your light. Do your makeup next to a window with
natural light. Or change the bulbs you use to a softer white. Some office
workers apply their makeup at their desk – that way they know exactly how it’s
going to look all day while at the office. Find the light that lets you see the
best without over doing it. You can’t create without seeing the tools properly.
Third… Use the Right Tools
Yes, you could probably paint a masterpiece with the cheap
little brushes that come in your kid’s watercolor set, but I can guarantee it
will take you longer and would probably still be better with quality brushes.
Finding the right tool for the job is a very important part of creating
anything, including your makeup look.
So double check your tools. Make sure your airbrush stylus
is cleaned and working properly. Wipe the lids of your pots and bottles.
Airbrush makeup is wonderful and easy to apply, but only if you take care of
your tools.
Fourth… Learn From the Best
You might hear about well-known artists who were self-taught
and abhor art classes. But those people are few and far between. Learning the
basics about any craft is an important part of mastering it.
So take a look at the tutorials you see and learn from them.
The pictures and descriptions (or videos) might have elements you already know,
but you also might learn something new. Go get a makeover at a beauty counter
once in awhile just to see if they can teach you a new technique you would never
have thought of. Always be willing to learn.
Fifth… You Will Know It When You See It
Plenty of people will tell you that they don’t know how to
define art, but they know it when they see it. Your makeup should be the same
way. Don’t follow anyone’s lead if it doesn’t work for you. Don’t think you
look good with blush? Don’t use it. Love to use bright colors on your eyes? Go
for it! Swear peach is your color? Wear it.
So keep in mind when you see tutorials and the like that
makeup is as individual as you are. That
model might look trendy with a bleached buzz cut and black lips, but that
doesn’t mean you should do it if it doesn’t work for you.
Learning how to wear makeup doesn’t take a MFA. Just take
your time, be patient with yourself and think like an artist.
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