The purpose of makeup is to transform the face to appear more beautiful to other people. It is used for people to look more presentable by covering up redness, patchy and uneven skin tones, and to accentuate the best features of a person’s face, like their eyes or lips, for example. In turn, since one’s appearance to the outside world is improved, makeup helps to boost one’s self-esteem. However, if makeup is applied in a way that draws too much attention to an unattractive scar or neglects to cover up a blemish, it can have the opposite effect and detract from one’s appearance. For this reason, a good makeup artist knows how to enhance the best features of any person’s face. Some main points to consider when applying makeup:
- The Consultation: A good makeup artist needs to know the occasion for which the makeup is being applied. Daytime makeup is much more subtle and has a lighter application than makeup for a nighttime event. To choose the appropriate color palette, the makeup artist also needs to know the color of the clothing that will be worn for the occasion.
- Preparation: Practicing proper sanitation methods in station set-up is key—no one will return to a makeup artist who uses dirty brushes and equipment, or who does not wash their hands before applying makeup. Also, understanding a client’s skin type and properly prepping their skin, whether oily or dry, is very important before applying makeup. It is so important to start with a clean canvas! Cleansing the face of any oily buildup or old makeup is important as a first step. Applying the best toner and moisturizer for a client’s skin will allow for a smooth makeup application.
- The Application: Apply a primer and then foundation as the first step. There should not be a line of demarcation between the makeup and the client’s skin on their neck, so be sure to blend, blend, blend until there is a gorgeous flow from face to neck. After the foundation, apply bronzer, if desired, and some blush to the apples of the cheeks. A light dusting of translucent powder will do two things: It will help set the foundation and blush, and also give a nice matte or glowing finish, depending on the powder used. Next, apply eye shadow, eye liner, and mascara, always taking into account the client’s eye shape and color. The finishing touch will be a lipstick or gloss that either subtlety complements the eyes, or perhaps, by using a richer lip color and liner, is the main feature that is highlighted on the face.
- The Presentation: After the makeup is applied, hand a clean and lovely mirror to your guest to see their glowing and transformed new look! The beauty of makeup is that it is temporary. If your guest is unhappy with their new look, simply remove the makeup and start over.
Have fun! Applying makeup should be a fun and creative process for the makeup artist and their client, so get out there and have a blast!
