How to Apply Makeup for Television

You may be pretty happy with your skin but, even though your complexion may look flawless under natural light, harsh television lighting puts even the tiniest flaw on display. High definition television, with its clearer picture, makes makeup application even more challenging. Here are some pointers for what you can do the next time you are in front of a camera for a special event, an interview or even an impromptu engagement with a television crew.

Things You'll Need

• Dual finish powder foundation
• High definition makeup
• Liquid highlighting pen
• Curling mascara
• Neutral shadow
• Eyeliner pencil
• Lip liner
• Lipstick
• Powder or blotting tissues
• Bronzer
• Blush
• Concealer
• Good brushes for blush and shadow application

Instructions

1. Prep. Like any other form of makeup application, you have to prep the skin. Use an exfoliant to slough away dead skin cells, and apply moisturizer before adding your base.

2. Pick the right kind of foundation. Lighting can be the enemy for anyone who is trying to achieve a flawless, yet natural, look on television. Selecting the right type of foundation is crucial. One foundation, called Bio-fond, protects the skin from sun damage and achieves a velvety finish. Apply foundation that is at least one shade darker than what you typically wear. This foundation would look unnatural in everyday light, but actually helps the skin "show up" under the harsh studio lighting. If you are pale, selecting a creamy, mineral rich foundation that is at least one shade darker than what you typically wear will do wonders for your appearance.

3. Splurge. High definition television has complicated all the old television makeup rules. If you cannot afford a fancy airbrush makeup application system, splurge on some mass-marketed products which contain photo chromatic pigments. These ingredients adjust to changing light conditions, and provide polish and coverage while looking natural. You may have already noticed on your HD channels how different and how unflattering HD television can be for those personalities who are not wearing the right makeup. Since digital television enhances sharpness so much, traditional foundation simply doesn't translate well on the screen.

4. Conceal, correct and brighten your problem areas. Dab a little concealer over your imperfections. As for under-eye circles, use a highlighting pen which will actually brighten and "lift" those dark areas which are otherwise terribly pronounced on camera. Use a special under-eye cream or fading cream at night before bedtime. You will have to experiment to find what cream works best for you.

5. Splurge on a good, large brush from an art store or beauty supply store. Brush a bronzer, preferably a mosaic or mineral bronzer that matches your natural skin tones, over the apples of the cheeks and any place where the sun would hit naturally--forehead, nose and chin. Warm up the skin even more with a bit of blush in a flattering color.

6. Apply eye shadow. With a good shadow kit in hand, which should consist of three neutral colors, apply the lightest shade over the entire eye up to the brow bone. Apply the medium shadow over the eye up to the top of the lid. Brush the darkest sparingly in the crease of the eye and lash line. You may also use this dark shade as you would eyeliner. If you do choose to use a separate eye liner, use pencil. It is easier to control than liquid and appears less harsh under studio lights. Another good tip is to apply a very light or white shade after you have applied the darkest shade just to the brow bone, right under the eyebrow.

7. Groom your brows. Even if you naturally wear little makeup, groomed brows can make you look polished because the brows frame the face. Let your face shape be your guide. If your face is round, opt for more angular brows. Likewise, if your face is more square, go for a more rounded, softer brow. If your brows are light, fill them in with a pencil so your brows won't disappear on camera.

8. Using mascara is a must. For ease of use, purchase a product with a curved wand so you don't have to bother curling your lashes.

9. Carefully apply a lip pencil in a neutral shade. Select a conventional lipstick shade in a color that is flattering to you. Usually, too much orange or blue undertones is not flattering on television. In general, forgo the lip gloss. It often appears too overpowering on television. You want the audience to listen to what you have to say and not be distracted by the appearance of your lips.

10. Set the look by adding some translucent powder. If you have oily skin, you may also have to use blotting tissues or rice paper to soak up some of that natural oil throughout the day.

Tips & Warnings

• What you wear from your neck down is equally important. Avoid white as it appears too harsh on camera and can fade even darker complexions out. It's best to also avoid any busy patterns, graphics or designs because they often appear to move and bounce across the screen, which creates a major distraction. Jewel tones and pastels are flattering for most complexions and translate over well on camera.

• For men, the key is learning to apply foundation to your face and neck, ensuring that your facial hair is not messy (or it will make your face appear dirty on television) and keeping your brows neat and trimmed.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish