How to Apply Invisible Make-Up
How to Apply Invisible Make-up
I’m a firm believer in using make-up only to enhance one’s natural beauty. While I understand the need for the more theatrical make-up at times, any woman should know how to put on make-up without it seeming too obvious.
Steps:
Always cleanse, tone, moisturize and apply sunscreen before applying any make-up. Give these products at least 15 minutes to sink into the skin. If your skin is still a little dry to the touch, apply an extra layer of moisturizer and let set again. I use Clinique’s gel moisturizer because it’s very lightweight, perfect for pulling off invisible make-up.
- Primer
Start with a clean face.
A primer helps make your make-up stay put and last longer. I alternate between Benefit’s That Gal primer and my MAC Fix+. The MAC Fix+ is supposed to help set the make-up, but I’ve found that, when sprayed onto the brush, it helps my make-up last longer as well.
- Foundation
Buff and blend out any harsh lines.
Your skin must appear even.
Choose a shade of foundation that matches your skin perfectly. Pour a nickel-sized amount of product on the back of your hand to warm it up. Dab your stippling brush or buffing brush in the foundation and apply in circular motions. Keep buffing until the foundation is evenly applied, from the hairline to the jaw line. You want your skin to look even, but not cakey or airbrushed.
- Concealer
Make sure to blend the concealer well.
You can skip this part if you barely have any dark circles, scars or blemishes to cover up. I usually use a bit of MAC’s Studio Fix Concealer to mask my dark circles.
- Blush
Smile instead of sucking your cheeks in.
On the apples of your cheeks, gently sweep the blush upwards. With what’s left of the product on the brush, lightly brush the nose and forehead area as well.
- Bronzer
You can also use a highlighter instead of a bronzer.
There should be no visible line. Contour well.
To contour, use a powder brush and suck your cheek in before lightly dusting the hollows of your cheeks with the darker, matte bronzer. This helps create the illusion of a deeper cheek and a higher cheekbone at the same time.
There are two types of bronzers: matte and shimmery. I use the shimmery type to highlight my cheekbones, and the matte type to contour below my cheekbones. Using a slanted brush, lightly sweep the bronzer above the area where you applied your blush. Blend away any harsh edges.
- Eyeshadow
Apply all over the eyelid.
Choose a neutral eyeshadow—nothing too bright, shimmery or fake. I used a neutral brown just to even out the color of my eyelid, with a slightly darker brown along the crease to create the illusion of a deeper-set eye.
- Eyeliner
I’m Asian, so I have to apply my eyeliner slightly thicker because my eyelids fold!
See the subtle lift to the eyes?
I have a hard time putting on liquid liner because my eyelids twitch a lot, so I use a gel liner most of the time. Using a thin brush, apply black or brown eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible. Line only the top lid.
Optional: Use a white eyeliner on your waterline to create the illusion of a brighter eye. This is perfect for those who don’t get much sleep. You can also apply the eyeliner slightly thicker along the outer edges of the eye to add a bit of lift, like I did.
- Lashes
Coat your lashes by swiping through them in a zig zag motion.
I have very short, sparse lashes, so I use a volumizing mascara to help define my lashes. There are also lengthening mascaras available, so use whatever suits you best. Curl your lashes and then apply mascara. I usually curl my lashes again after applying mascara for a little extra oomph!
Here’s an example of how curling your lashes + a little mascara can go a long way:
First pic: Left eye with mascara on, lashes not curled
Second pic: Both eyes with mascara on, lashes curled
- Powder
Focus on the forehead, chin and nose.
Swirl your kabuki brush in a translucent powder and lightly dust the areas that are prone to shine like the forehead, nose and cheeks. This will also help set your foundation and concealer.
…. and YOU’RE DONE!
- Lips (Optional)
Just dab a bit of color on. Don’t put too much!
Apply some lip balm to moisturize your lips. You can use lip gloss or lipstick, but only use light, natural colors. It shouldn’t look like you’re wearing lipstick. Don’t smear it on, just dab lightly for a bit of color. A matte lipstick would work best wth this.
REMEMBER:
- The trick to applying invisible make-up is to enhance your already beautiful features. If it’s your eyes, play up your eyes with some mascara.
- Keep things simple and light—too much product will cake and look disgusting.
- Use only the bare minimum.
- Go with your natural colors. If you have tan skin, keep it tan with a bronzer. If your lips are brown, use a brown shade of lipstick.
- It’s okay to have flaws. They make us who we are. Look for your defining feature and emphasize it!
Products used:
Revlon Colorstay Foundation in 330 Natural Tan
MAC Studio Fix Concealer in NC35
Physician’s Formula Mineral Blush in Nude Glow
Physician’s Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Bronzer
Wet ‘N Wild Bronzer
Revlon Eyelash Curler
Maybelline the Magnum Volum’ Express Super Film Mascara
Estee Lauder Translucent Powder
MAC Eyeshadow in Club
MAC Eyeshadow in Soft Brown
MAC Fluidline Gel Liner in Blacktrack
Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm
Patricia Ramos
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I completely agree with you about using make up solely to enhance what you’ve already got, rather than trying to hide behind it. Sadly, I think a lot people find it easier to say what they don’t like about themselves, than what they do like.
Gorgeous look, by the way, such a cute and simple look that definitely enhances your eyes and smile
Thanks a bunch, Kat!