The right face makeup techniques can transform your look. Ever find yourself dreading foundation application because you just can't get it right? Or avoiding contour altogether because it seems too tricky? Those days are gone one you learn our beauty expert-approved face makeup techniques. Start with the basics – how to clean your brushes – and go from there.
Step 1: Complete your skincare routine with moisturiser and SPF.
Step 2: Apply a thin layer of a primer that's suitable for your skin type.
Step 3: Blend your favourite powder, cream or liquid foundation into your skin.
Step 4: Dab a brightening concealer under your eyes and a concealer matched to your skin tone over any blemishes.
Step 5: Set your makeup base in place with a setting powder.
Step 6: Apply your preferred complexion products like blush, bronzer, contour and highlighter to add dimension, warmth and colour.
Step 7: Shade and define your eyes with eye makeup like eyeshadow and liner.
Step 8: Swipe on your favourite lengthening or volumising mascara.
Step 9: Create a flattering or bold lip look with lipstick, gloss or balm. Step 10: Keep your hard work in place all day and night with a spritz of setting spray.
Choose a bronzer a couple of shades deeper than your skin tone. This will add a natural-looking touch of warmth. For blush, opt for a shade that mimics your natural flush – you can pinch your cheeks to check! A cream blush like Cheek Heat can be layered under powder blush for a longer-lasting finish, or used on its own for a sheer pinch of colour. City Bronzer is our foolproof bronzer for a soft contour or sunkissed glow. For an angular look, apply blush and bronzer to the top of your cheekbones and forehead, sweeping product upwards to blend. For a more soft, rounded look, apply blush to the centre of the cheeks and across the nose, and a touch of bronzer to the cheekbones and forehead.
Face makeup brushes: First, know your brush, and the effect you're looking for. Fluffy brushes are ideal for soft blending, diffusing and sheering out your makeup. Think: smokey eyeshadow looks, light dustings of blush and naturally blended concealer. On the other hand, dense brushes are ideal for melting product into the skin while maintaining coverage. These are ideal for full-coverage foundations and bold eye looks. Choose a larger or smaller brush depending on the surface area you need to cover, and always start with less product, building up to more as you like.
Face sponges: First, dampen your face sponge with a spritz of water or setting spray. Dab the product onto your skin, then tap the sponge across your complexion until blended. For foundation, start in the centre of your face and blend outwards to avoid the dreaded line of demarcation along your jaw. For cream blush, tap the sponge in controlled movements to ensure you don't over-blend.
