Makeup refers to a variety of cosmetic products and techniques used to enhance or alter the appearance of the face or other parts of the body. It can include products such as foundation, concealer, powder, blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, and more. Makeup can be used to highlight or accentuate natural features, conceal blemishes or imperfections, or create bold and dramatic looks. Makeup can also be used for special occasions, such as weddings or photo shoots, or for everyday wear. It is a form of self-expression and can be used to boost confidence and enhance a person’s overall appearance.

Makeup has been used for thousands of years for various purposes, such as religious rituals, cultural traditions, and beauty practices. Here is a brief history of makeup:

• Ancient Egypt: Egyptians used makeup for religious rituals and to enhance their appearance. They used kohl to line their eyes and crushed minerals to create pigments for their lips and cheeks.
• Ancient Greece and Rome: Greeks and Romans also used makeup for religious and cultural purposes. They used lead and chalk to create pale skin, and applied rouge made from red ochre to their cheeks and lips.
• Middle Ages: During the Middle Ages, makeup was mostly used by upper-class women to create pale skin and red lips. They used a mixture of egg whites and lead to create the desired effect.
• Renaissance: In the Renaissance era, makeup was used more widely by both men and women. Women used white lead to create pale skin, and applied rouge to their cheeks and lips. Men also used makeup to create a more youthful appearance.
• 19th century: In the 19th century, makeup became more widely available and affordable. Women used lead-based products to create pale skin, and used red lipstick and rouge to enhance their natural features.
• 20th century: In the 20th century, makeup became even more popular and widely used. New products such as mascara, eyeshadow, and foundation were introduced, and new trends such as the “flapper” look emerged.

Today, makeup is a multi-billion dollar industry and is used by people of all ages, genders, and cultures for a variety of purposes. It continues to evolve and adapt to changing beauty standards and trends.

CURRENT MAKEUP TRENDS

Makeup trends can vary depending on the year, season, and region, but here are some of the most popular makeup trends in recent years:

• Natural makeup: This trend emphasizes a more minimal and natural-looking makeup look, using lighter coverage foundation, neutral eyeshadows, and a subtle lip color.
• Bold lips: Bold and bright lipstick shades, such as reds, pinks, and oranges, have been popular in recent years. Matte and glossy finishes are both trendy.
• Glitter: Adding a touch of glitter to the eyes or lips has become a popular trend in recent years, especially for special occasions.
• Bold brows: Thick, full eyebrows have been popular for several years, and eyebrow products such as pomades, pencils, and gels have become increasingly popular.
• Colorful eyeliner: Brightly colored eyeliner, such as blues, purples, and greens, have become a popular way to add a pop of color to the eyes.
• Contouring: Contouring has been a popular makeup trend in recent years, using a combination of darker and lighter shades of foundation and powder to define and sculpt the face.
• Graphic eyeliner: This trend involves creating bold and graphic lines around the eyes, often in unusual shapes and colors.
• Dewy skin: A natural-looking, glowing complexion has become a popular trend, achieved by using highlighters and illuminators to add radiance to the skin.
• Monochromatic makeup: This trend involves using the same color or shades of the same color on the eyes, lips, and cheeks for a cohesive look.

These are just a few of the many makeup trends that have emerged in recent years. Trends can change quickly, and many makeup enthusiasts enjoy experimenting with new looks and techniques.

STEPS TO GETTING PERFECT MAKEUP

Step 1: Prep Your Skin Start by washing your face and applying your regular skincare routine, including moisturizer, serum, and eye cream. Allow the products to absorb fully into your skin before moving on to makeup.

Step 2: Apply Primer Apply a small amount of primer to your face to help create a smooth canvas for your makeup application. Focus on the areas where you want your makeup to stay in place the longest, such as your T-zone.

Step 3: Apply Foundation Use a foundation brush or beauty sponge to apply your foundation all over your face. Make sure to blend the foundation seamlessly into your skin, focusing on areas where you need extra coverage.

Step 4: Conceal Under-Eye Circles Use a concealer to cover any dark circles or blemishes. Apply a small amount of concealer to the areas you want to cover and blend it in with a beauty sponge.

Step 5: Set Your Makeup Use a translucent powder to set your foundation and concealer. Focus on areas where you tend to get oily, such as your T-zone.

Step 6: Add Blush or Bronzer Apply blush or bronzer to add warmth and definition to your face. Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, or apply bronzer to your cheekbones and temples to create a sun-kissed look.

Step 7: Define Your Brows Use an eyebrow pencil or powder to define your brows. Fill in any sparse areas and create a defined shape that frames your face.

Step 8: Apply Eye Shadow Apply eye shadow to your lids using an eye shadow brush. Start with a base color and add darker shades to the crease to create depth and dimension.

Step 9: Add Mascara Apply mascara to your lashes to make them look longer and fuller. Start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the wand up towards the tips for maximum volume.

Step 10: Apply Lipstick or Lip Gloss Finish off your makeup look with a pop of color on your lips. Choose a lipstick or lip gloss that complements your skin tone and apply it to your lips.

By following these 10 steps, you can achieve a flawless makeup look that enhances your natural beauty and makes you feel confident and beautiful. Now let’s talk about them in depth.

WHAT DOES PREPPING SKIN INVOLVE?

Prepping the skin before applying makeup is an important step in achieving a smooth and flawless makeup look. It involves several steps to ensure that the skin is clean, moisturized, and ready for makeup application. Here are some steps involved in prepping the skin:

1. Cleansing: The first step in prepping the skin is to cleanse it thoroughly to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue. This can be done using a gentle cleanser or micellar water.
2. Toning: After cleansing, toning helps to remove any remaining impurities, balance the skin’s pH, and prepare it for moisturizer. This step can be done using a toner or a facial mist.
3. Moisturizing: Moisturizing is an important step in prepping the skin as it helps to hydrate and nourish the skin, creating a smooth and even base for makeup application. A lightweight moisturizer or serum can be used depending on skin type.
4. Primer: Applying a primer after moisturizer helps to create a smooth and even base for makeup application, and also helps to prolong the wear of makeup. Choose a primer that is suitable for your skin type and concerns.
5. Sunscreen: Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen is important to protect the skin from sun damage and premature aging. A sunscreen with at least SPF 30 should be used before applying makeup.
6. Eye cream: Applying an eye cream before makeup helps to hydrate and nourish the delicate skin around the eyes, reducing the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.

EVERYTHING PRIMER

Applying a primer to the skin is an important step in makeup application as it helps to create a smooth and even base for foundation and also helps to prolong the wear of makeup. Here’s how to apply primer to the skin:

1. Choose the right primer: Select a primer that is suitable for your skin type and concerns. If you have dry skin, choose a hydrating primer, and if you have oily skin, choose a mattifying primer.
2. Prep the skin: Before applying primer, cleanse and moisturize your skin to create a smooth and hydrated base for makeup application.
3. Dispense a small amount: Take a small amount of primer on your fingertips or a makeup brush.
4. Apply to the face: Starting from the center of your face, apply the primer in a thin, even layer, working your way outwards. You can use your fingertips, a brush or a sponge to apply the primer.
5. Pay attention to problem areas: Pay extra attention to areas with larger pores, fine lines, or any texture issues. Gently pat or smooth out the primer in these areas.
6. Wait for the primer to dry: Wait for a few minutes for the primer to dry and set on your skin before applying foundation or other makeup products.

Applying primer helps to fill in fine lines, pores, and other imperfections on the skin, creating a smooth and even base for makeup application. It also helps to control oil production and prevent makeup from creasing or fading throughout the day.

FOUNDATION AND THE USE OF IT

Applying foundation nicely is essential for achieving a flawless makeup look. Here are some tips to apply foundation perfectly:

1. Prep the skin: Before applying foundation, cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin to create a smooth and hydrated base for makeup application. Applying a primer after moisturizing can also help to create a smooth and even base for foundation.
2. Choose the right shade and formula: Select a foundation shade that matches your skin tone and undertone. Also, consider the formula that works best for your skin type and concerns, whether it’s a liquid, cream, or powder foundation.
3. Apply foundation in sections: Start by applying a small amount of foundation to one section of your face, such as your forehead or cheek, and blend it out evenly using a brush, sponge, or your fingertips. Continue applying foundation in small sections until you have covered your entire face.
4. Blend well: Ensure that you blend the foundation well into your skin, especially around the edges of your face, hairline, and jawline, to avoid any visible lines or demarcations.
5. Build coverage as needed: If you require more coverage in certain areas, apply an additional thin layer of foundation in that area, blending it out evenly.
6. Set with powder: To help your foundation last longer and prevent any shine, set it with a translucent or setting powder.

CONCEAL AWAY!

Concealer is a crucial product in any makeup routine as it helps to cover imperfections, blemishes, dark circles, and other discolorations on the skin. Here are some key benefits of using concealer in your makeup routine:

1. Covers imperfections: Concealer helps to cover any blemishes, scars, or marks on the skin, creating a smooth and even base for foundation application.
2. Brightens under-eye area: Concealer can also help to brighten and conceal dark circles under the eyes, making you look more awake and refreshed.
3. Highlights: Concealer can also be used to highlight certain areas of the face, such as the bridge of the nose, brow bone, or cupid’s bow, to create a more defined and sculpted look.
4. Corrects skin tone: If you have any discoloration or redness on your skin, concealer can help to neutralize and correct it, creating a more even skin tone.
5. Adds depth and dimension: Concealer can also be used to add depth and dimension to your makeup look, such as contouring or creating a cut crease eye makeup look.

TRANSLUCENT POWDER AND WHAT IS IT?

Translucent powder is a type of setting powder that is colorless and transparent when applied to the skin. Here are some important things to know about translucent powder in makeup:

1. Sets makeup: Translucent powder is used to set makeup in place, creating a matte finish that helps to keep your foundation, concealer, and other products from smudging or rubbing off.
2. Absorbs oil: Translucent powder helps to absorb excess oil on the skin, making it an excellent choice for people with oily skin or those prone to shine throughout the day.
3. Blurs imperfections: Translucent powder can also help to blur the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other imperfections on the skin, creating a smoother and more even complexion.
4. Can be used for baking: Baking is a makeup technique that involves applying a thick layer of translucent powder to the skin and letting it sit for a few minutes before brushing it away. This technique can help to set makeup and create a more matte, flawless finish.
5. Can be used for touch-ups: Translucent powder can also be used for touch-ups throughout the day, especially in areas that tend to get oily or shiny, such as the T-zone.

BRONZERS AND BLUSHES!

Bronzing and blush are both important products in makeup, as they help to add dimension and color to the face. Here are some key benefits of using bronzer and blush:

Bronzer:

1. Adds warmth: Bronzer helps to add warmth and a sun-kissed glow to the skin, making it look healthier and more radiant.
2. Contours: Bronzer can also be used to contour the face, creating a more defined and sculpted look by adding shadows and depth to certain areas.
3. Blurs imperfections: Bronzer can help to blur the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other imperfections on the skin, creating a smoother and more even complexion.

Blush:

1. Adds color: Blush helps to add a pop of color to the cheeks, making you look more awake and vibrant.
2. Defines cheekbones: Blush can also be used to define the cheekbones, creating a more sculpted and lifted look.
3. Brightens complexion: Blush can help to brighten the complexion and add a youthful, healthy glow to the skin.

Overall, using bronzer and blush in your makeup routine can help to add dimension and color to your face, making you look more radiant and defined. Bronzer adds warmth, contours, and blurs imperfections, while blush adds color, defines cheekbones, and brightens the complexion.

FOCUS ON THE EYES!

Eyebrow pencil, eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara are all important makeup products that can help to enhance your eyes and create a more defined, polished look. Here are some key uses of each product:

Eyebrow pencil:

1. Defines brows: An eyebrow pencil can be used to fill in sparse areas of the eyebrows, define the shape, and create a more polished, put-together look.
2. Adds structure: Eyebrow pencil can also add structure and definition to the face, framing the eyes and creating a more balanced look.

Eyeshadow:

1. Adds color: Eyeshadow can add color and dimension to the eyelids, making your eyes stand out and enhancing your overall look.
2. Defines the eyes: Eyeshadow can also be used to define the eyes and create a more dramatic, smokey look.

Eyeliner:

1. Defines the eyes: Eyeliner helps to define the eyes and create a more polished, put-together look.
2. Enhances eye shape: Eyeliner can also be used to enhance the shape of the eyes, making them appear larger, more almond-shaped, or more cat-like, depending on the style you prefer.

Mascara:

1. Lengthens and volumizes: Mascara helps to lengthen and volumize the eyelashes, making your eyes appear larger and more dramatic.
2. Defines the eyes: Mascara also helps to define the eyes and create a more polished, put-together look.

Overall, eyebrow pencil, eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara are all important products in any eye makeup routine. Eyebrow pencil adds structure and definition to the brows, eyeshadow adds color and dimension to the eyelids, eyeliner defines the eyes and enhances eye shape, and mascara lengthens and volumizes the eyelashes, defining the eyes and creating a more dramatic look.

LIP SMACKING TIPS

Applying lipstick and lip gloss can be a simple yet effective way to enhance your makeup look. Here are some steps to help you achieve a flawless lip application:

1. Prep your lips: Before applying any lip product, it’s important to ensure your lips are smooth and free of any dry, flaky patches. You can exfoliate your lips gently with a lip scrub or use a soft toothbrush to remove any dead skin cells. Apply a lip balm or moisturizer to hydrate your lips and create a smooth base for your lip product.
2. Apply lip liner: Using a lip liner can help define your lips and prevent your lipstick from bleeding. Choose a liner that matches your natural lip color or the shade of lipstick you will be using. Start by outlining the edges of your lips and then fill in the rest of your lips with the liner.
3. Apply lipstick: Use a lip brush or apply the lipstick directly from the tube to the center of your lips and then work outwards towards the corners. Blot your lips with a tissue and then apply a second coat if necessary.
4. Apply lip gloss: If you want to add some shine to your lips, you can apply a lip gloss on top of your lipstick. Use the applicator wand to apply the gloss to the center of your lips and then blend it outwards.
5. Touch up: Throughout the day, you may need to touch up your lipstick or lip gloss. Keep your lip products with you and reapply as needed.

Remember, the key to a flawless lip application is to start with a smooth base, define your lips with a lip liner, and then layer your lipstick and lip gloss for the desired effect.

That’s all on our 10 step makeup routine. You can also go ahead and add a setting or a finishing spray to set your makeup in place. It seems like a long list. But, it’s very do-able and these tips will last you a long way. If you are on Instagram, go ahead and follow a makeup or beauty influencer who can show these things in practise!

Lots of Love,

RDT x