Makeup for many is simply a part of a daily preparation routine. It is an integral step to looking presentable to the world and feeling confident. But, for some, makeup is not just a way to enhance their God-given looks; it is an artistic expression and even a source of joy. This is why doing makeup is also called playtime by a lot of enthusiasts.
It is through playtime that new functions for different makeup products are discovered. Ditto with application techniques – how do you think all those contours and highlighting trends emerge? They are all the results of makeup artists’ playtime with makeup.
However, not all playtime results are worth working on a new makeup routine. For example, using excessive amounts of liquid mermaid, unicorn, or gold highlighters is unnecessary. It’s the same thing with the application of multiple layers of full-coverage foundation that a lot of Instagram makeup artists are known to do. And, do those wiggly ombre eyebrows even work at all for anybody?
Despite that, there’s a greater abundance of techniques that truly work. And, not only do they work, they even outperform time-tested professional ones, especially for particular skin types. Do you want to find out what they are? Gathered below are seven rather strange makeup application techniques that emerged from makeup artists’ and enthusiasts’ personal playtime.
1. Get your face warm before applying any makeup.
Take the time to rub your moisturizing and other skin emollients in. Massage your skincare products thoroughly and dedicate a minute to patting or piano-tapping your skin. What this will do is improve blood circulation on your face, as well as, the way cream or liquid makeup melt into the skin. With warm skin, you can use makeup more sparingly because the heat makes the product go a long way.
If you ever wonder why Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean makeup looks flawless but still very skin-like, it’s because makeup is always applied on warm skin. This technique is particularly effective in making concealer undetectable on blemishes.
2. Applying setting powder after primer.
Typically, you dust your face with setting powder once you’ve completed your makeup look or if you need to bake and lock your concealer and foundation in place. Thus, applying setting powder straight after the primer is not just too early in the game but also questionable. However, this technique has proven effective in ensuring a smoother application of foundation. It makes for a poreless canvas that is also more oil-resistant, especially around the nose.
If you have oily or combination skin, this technique is worth considering in improving the finish and longevity of your makeup. Here’s a pivotal tip to follow though – use a nice and fluffy tulip brush for an even and light application of setting powder after the primer. This will prevent caking.
3. Spritz setting spray all over your face before blending your foundation.
If some liquid foundations do not blend easily for you even if with a damp Beauty Blender, spritz your face with setting spray first before spreading the foundation all over your face. This will improve the glide of the product and create a completely even finish.
Once you have spread the foundation evenly on your face, leave it alone already even if your face still feels rather wet. Give it a bit of time to set, and you get an evenly applied base that will not budge anymore.
4. Do not blend your concealer right away.
If you find that certain concealers lose about 80% of their opacity after blending, give them a couple of minutes to set before spreading and blending them. This trick somehow lets the product settle more so the color does not diffuse easily.
It’s important to note, however, that not all concealers should be given two minutes of waiting time before blending. The ELF Camo Concealer, for instance, sets right away. So, make sure that the concealer you’re using is not formulated too quickly set for this technique to work in brightening the under-eyes or concealing blemishes.
5. Apply highlighter, blush, and then bronze.
Opting for the reverse process of defining your face actually creates a more natural-looking definition. What you have to do is to apply highlighter generously on the tops of your cheekbones first. Afterward, swirl in your blush and make sure to let it overlap with your contour for a flawless transition of color. And lastly, apply the bronzer in a light-handed way.
According to a top editorial makeup artist in Dubai, you will find that using this process achieves a much softer and more wearable makeup look. Plus, you may no longer need to polish everything up with finishing powder after.
6. Use eye primer under the eyes as well.
If you find that your concealer creases under the eyes easily, apply a thin layer of eye primer on that area first before patting it in your concealer. The eye primer will control oil production and keep your under-eyes matte throughout the day.
But, if you have dry and mature skin, opt out of this technique because this might emphasize fine lines and puffiness. Instead, opt for a hydrating concealer for brightness and smoothness.
7. Stamp dark eyeshadow on your lashline for the illusion of thicker lashes.
When you do not feel like using eyeliner to define the shape of your eyes and to make your lashes look thicker, use dark eyeshadow instead. Plum, brass brown, navy blue, or even jungle green are fabulous hues to work with, and you can stamp them on your lash line using an angled brush.
Aside from creating the look of thicker lashes, these eyeshadows can also make your eyes look more open and bring out the true color of your pupils. If you have brown eyes with hints of green, plum will make those green specks pop. Navy blue, of course, looks beautiful for blue eyes, and green eyes take a warm and golden tone with brass brown and jungle green. Best of all, removing your eye makeup will be easier at the end of the day.
There are endless discoveries with makeup. The strange techniques shared above are just a few examples. If you have a passion for artistic makeup looks, uncover even more techniques from the pros by signing up for a beauty master class at a top makeup school.
Author Bio
Toni Malt is the Middle East’s leading international editorial makeup artist and the woman behind the highly anticipated Toni Malt Makeup Academy in the heart of Dubai, now training the next generation of key makeup artists. From minimalistic looks to freestyle artistic creations, Toni’s creative work has been published in top international fashion magazines around the world including VOGUE, ELLE, L’Officiel, Marie Claire, and Harper’s BAZAAR, Grazia, and Cosmopolitan.
