Makeup Tutorial 1 : Basic Application

Post product preparation, is the long awaited tutorial. I’ve opted to photograph this tut, proceeding through it, step by step and word for word, detailing each product and also sharing some extra tips.

Lets begin!

Step 1 and 2: Colour Correcting and Concealer

There are usually four colours used in corrective makeup, i.e:

1.   Green is to eliminate red blemishes/ scars / pimples.

2.   Orange is to eliminate any brown or dark blemishes / under eye circles/ scars.

3.   Purple is used to correct any type of blemish on Ethnic or dark skin.

4.   Yellow is used to highlight certain areas like the cheek bone or just under the eye.

As you can see, for the red blemishes on my face, I’ve applied green corrector on my cheeks and for my dark under eye circles, using a small flat brush I applied the orange.

Always use a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. In order to blend the concealer with the corrective makeup, use a wedged makeup sponge or foundation brush. I prefer using none of the aforementioned, but rather would opt for a small blush brush.

Corrective Makeup: Kryolan Concealer: Estee Lauder

Step 3: Foundation

If you have an oily skin, try and use a matte foundation. Should you have a dry skin, try using a liquid foundation and for a combination skin, use a compact foundation.

Foundation application is the most important step in makeup application. It’s crucial that you choose base that blends well with your skin tone. Most women prefer using a wedged makeup sponge or foundation brush to apply foundation. Once again, I swear by my medium sized blending brush.

TIP 1: Bristles assist in optimum blending because it fills the pores, leaving a much smoother effect.  

TIP 2: After the foundation application, gently blush some translucent / mineral powders all over your face to minimize the cakey look. This adds a natural flare too the skin

Step 4 and 5 : Eye Shadow, Eye Gel and Mascara

There is quite a lot one can do with eye shadow.

First, use a neutral colour on the lid of the eye, this sets the foundation on the lid and minimize any creases which may appear.

Secondly, using a darker brown on the outer ends of the eyelid, blend it all the way up into the crease of the lid, just below with bone.

TIP 3:  To create a fuller brow, use the dark brown eye shadow and a small slanted flat brush to fill it in.

Thirdly, to define the eye, stroke the upper lash line (slightly above the eyelashes), using a narrow, refined tipped brush, with black eye gel.

Last, but not least, for maximum definition and still using the brown eye shadow and a small flat tipped brush, gently blend the eye shadow from the outer corner of the eye, along the bottom lash line, towards to inner corner of the eye. To complete the basic eye makeup, brush on a little mascara.

Foundation: MAC Studio Fix Fluid Eyeshadow: Max Factor Neutral and MAC Dark Brown Eye Gel: INGLOT AMC Black Mascara: INGLOT Black Waterproof

Step 6 and 7: Blush and Lips

Using a big blush brush, smile and apply some blush on the cheek bones, blending it all the way up towards the temples.

For a basic look like this, I would strongly suggest using a soft, rose pink to a peach or coral colour blush.

Lip liner defines the lip. Key areas of the lip are the cupid’s bow and the corners. To create a full lip, ensure that you line the lips properly. Using a thin lip brush, colour in the lip with a lipstick that matches the lip liner.

Blush: Bobbi Brown Summer Pink Lips: Revlon Pink Lip Liner and INGLOT Nude-Pink Lipstick

I hope this tutorial was as informative as I hoped it would be. There are many more to come. Please feel free to comment or make any suggestions.

Would love to leave you with an important reminder:

Makeup only enhances the natural beauty you ALREADY are.

#MuchLove

Xana

Photography: The Archive by Tassin Albertyn 

(www.thearchivebytassin.com)