Meet Jessica, make-up artist extraordinaire. No, really, this lady knows makeup – how to use it, what to use when, what not to use when…Make-up is in itself an art form. Creating layers, contours, blending, finding the right colors (and the right amount), and using a person’s features to enhance through application.
It’s a true technique and I’m not the best at it so I see Jessica.
I’m one of those curious souls that asks what’s she’s using, why, how…you get it. Thankfully she does one-on-one sessions to help people, like me, learn the best way to wear make-up or maybe in my case, best way not. lol
Many thanks to Marcella for stepping in as the model so I can be a proper student. Here’s a rundown of make-up 101.
The beginning is important. You’re building your base. All good things come from a good base. Or something like that.
First three steps:
Moisturize.
Prime.
Illuminator / Corrector.
Concealer.
A primer is not a moisturizer. I didn’t know this, but now know it’s important as a prep before foundation.
An illuminator isn’t a concealer. I didn’t know this…either…lol. I’m just going to stop saying that now so I don’t have to repeat it after every step. I digress, an illuminator, when applied around the eyes, helps to brighten and cover under eye circles (blast you, under eye circles…and your little dog too!).
A corrector comes in different colors, for example green or yellow. These are used mainly to cover redness or dark circles.
Next, up: Concealer. Concealer is a whole different ballgame. There’s concealor JUST for under and around the eyes. What. I need to keep my make-up bag on the simpler side so I just use one for my whole face. Let’s be honest, I have long hair and that already takes a chunk of time to get ready, just ask the boyfriend.
Jessica recommends in concealer:
- Avoid a thick consistency
- Use a matte concealer for your face, preferably not for around the eyes
Foundation:
I’m not going to get into the nitty gritty of what kind of foundation to use, simply because that will vary for each person. Jessica can help you determine that, but as far as applying the foundation goes, what you should know is the quality of brushes you use is an important piece.
You’re building layers and blending is an important part of the process. A good brush will help you blend appropriately. A good artist needs good tools after all.
Start with a little foundation first, blend and build your layer, add more if needed.
That step is important first because next comes the contouring. Contour usually comes in:
- A cream or powder
- Light shade and a dark shade
Jessica recommends applying the light first then the dark. Be sure to blend both together so there are no lines between the two.
Once your contouring is well blended, setting the make-up is done with a powder foundation. Jessica said to think of it as painting a light color over a dark wall, you can still see what’s underneath, but it helps to blend and setup the layers you created. Be sure to cover the whole face and use a nice quality power brush.
Coming up next…The Ultimate How-To Make-Up: 102
Eyes, brows, cheeks, lips…shiny, pretty colors!
