How to Apply Makeup Like a Pro (Even If You’re Not One)

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Makeup artistry might seem like it belongs only to professionals working backstage at fashion shows or on the sets of glossy photo shoots, but the truth is, you don’t need formal training to achieve a flawless look. With a few key techniques, the right tools, and a little practice, you can create polished, professional-looking makeup at home. Here’s your step-by-step guide to mastering the basics and taking your beauty routine to the next level.

A Smart Start with Essential Products

If you look closely at a professional makeup artist’s kit, you’ll notice it doesn’t only include luxury items. Among the high-end foundations and lip gloss sets, you’ll also see affordable basics sourced from a local drugstore. The key lies in understanding what products work best for you. For starters, it’s essential to pick a foundation that matches your skin tone and a concealer for covering blemishes. Adding to these, a blush, a neutral eyeshadow palette, an eyeliner, a mascara, and a lip colour that complements your skin tone are all you need to begin your pro-like makeup journey.

Preparation is Key

Before embarking upon the actual makeup application process, preparing your face is crucial. Pros cannot stress enough the importance of a thorough cleanse, a good exfoliation, and dollops of moisturisation before reaching out for that makeup kit. Use a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells. Follow up with a moisturiser that suits your skin type. For an under-makeup base, a primer is a pro’s secret weapon. It smooths out the skin’s surface, ensures your makeup stays put for hours, and enhances the final look.

Foundation and Concealer Application

Apply your foundation with a brush or a sponge rather than your fingertips to get an even, flawless coverage. Professionals often use a stippling brush in a patting motion for a natural, airbrushed look. Besides, the warmth from your fingers may change the foundation’s consistency or colour. To conceal any imperfections or blemishes, use a small-headed brush with firm bristles; apply the concealer in a patting motion and blend it in.

Eye Makeup Mastery

Eye makeup is where you can truly flaunt your pro-like abilities. Start with an eyeshadow primer to create the perfect base. Apply a neutral shade all over your eyelids as a base colour. Here, remember the pro rule of blending: The secret is to make all colours meld seamlessly. Use a dark shade at the outer corner of the eye for definition and a light, shimmer shade at the inner corner and the brow bone as a highlighter. Use an eyeliner for the upper lid and complete the look with a few strokes of mascara for longer, fuller lashes.

Blushing Beauty

A blush adds a pop of colour and dimension to your face. But apply it sparingly! Beauty pros advise using a large, fluffy blush brush to apply it lightly onto the apples of your cheeks, blending towards your temples.

Pucker Perfect Lips

For lips, start by applying a lip balm to make your lips seem smooth and to make the colour last longer. You can define the lips using a lip liner similar to your lipstick or gloss colour, and then fill in the lips. Opt for warm lip gloss sets for a softer daytime look, or choose darker shades for a glamorous nighttime effect. 

Final Touches

To finish the look, use a setting spray or translucent powder. This step is crucial to make your makeup last longer and hold up against external factors like heat and humidity.

In the end, remember to assimilate these tips into your daily makeup routine and practise them. Nobody becomes a pro overnight! These makeup tricks, with time and patience, will certainly help you achieve a professional-looking finish regardless of your skill level.