How to Do Makeup Like a Model

The striking makeup you see on models are created by professional makeup artists. Many of these artists study and practice makeup techniques for years before seeing their creations grace magazine covers and runways. There is a process of makeup application that is generally followed regardless of the specific technique being used. Once you have mastered these basics of makeup application you will be able to do makeup like a model.

Things You'll Need

• Cosmetic sponges Makeup brushes Sponge applicators Foundation Concealer Face powder Eye shadow (3 shades) Eyeliner Mascara Blush Lip liner Lipstick Lip gloss

Instructions

1. Prepare your skin by cleansing your face as you would normally and applying moisturizing lotion if your skin is dry. Pull your hair back and secure it so it will be out of the way during makeup application.

2. Apply liquid foundation with a cosmetic sponge starting at the center of the face and spreading out over the face and past the neckline. Blend well at the neckline to avoid a noticeable line where your makeup will end. Apply the foundation to the eyelids as well.

3. Apply concealer only where needed. Concealer should be used to cover blemishes or redness.

4. Apply powder with a full powder brush or a clean cosmetic sponge. For a more matte finish, press a lightly moistened cosmetic sponge over the finished face makeup.

5. A simple technique for dramatic eye shadow uses three eyeshadow shades. One light, one medium and one dark shade of the same color. You might have to experiment to find shades that go well with your skin tone.
   Using an eye shadow brush or sponge applicator, apply the medium tone to the eyelid. Use the dark shade to fill in the crease of the eyelid. Now, blend the area where the medium and dark eye shadow meet by making small circles with an eye shadow brush or a sponge. Use the same technique to soften the top edge of the dark shade of eyeshadow and blend it up toward the eyebrow. Apply the light shade directly below the eyebrow and again blend the two shades where they meet. This technique will become easier as you practice.

6. Apply eyeliner as close to the upper lash line as possible, starting at the outside corner of the eye and slowly working your way in. If you have eye shadow in the same color as the eyeliner, apply the matching eye shadow directly over the liner. This will intensify the look of the eyeliner and help it last longer. Repeat on the lower lash line.

7. Use your fingers or a brush to smooth the eyebrows into place. For sparse eyebrows, use a matching eye liner or brow pencil to fill in the eyebrows with short strokes. Apply a matching shadow over the eyebrows to keep them in place and give them a uniform appearance.

8. Apply mascara to the top and underside of the upper lashes until they are darkened to your preference. This will probably take several coats. Applying mascara to the lower lashes is not necessary and can make the eyes appear smaller.

9. When applying blush, smile and apply to the raised parts of the cheeks. Use a brush to blend the blush upward and outward toward the temples.

10. Lips should be lined with a pencil closely matching the lipstick. Outline the lips and then color them in with the liner. Apply one coat of lipstick, blot with a tissue, apply a second coat and then blot again. Adding a touch of lip gloss to the center of the bottom lip can give lips a full and moist appearance.

Tips & Warnings

• Matte colors are generally preferred on models as shimmer colors tend to reflect light and don't photograph well.

References

• Milady's Standard Cosmetology; Arlene Alpert et al.;2004