BEAUTY & GLAM
actually looks. Here are several makeup techniques that influencers do
that a full-time makeup artist would never do.
Baking
Baking originated from drag makeup, which was made to ensure
the makeup stayed in place under hot stage lights and intense stage
routines. When that type of makeup is applied to the average person’s
face, it ends up looking very heavy, dry, and it tends to crack with time.
A true makeup artist would use just enough powder to set the makeup,
lightly dusting it on the face with a powder brush as opposed to a
sponge or beauty blender.
Full-Face Concealing
Influencers tend to use things like shape tape, creating triangles all
over the face, and then blending them out with beauty blenders. The
technique was also used in drag or stage makeup. The makeup artist, on
the other hand, would use a lighter concealer based on the needs of the
model’s or client’s skin to spot treat and cover just what is needed to
create a fresh, more natural effect.
Stage-Worthy Foundation
I see a ton of influencers using way too much foundation. This look
is OK on young clients, but as you get to your mid- to late-20s, it ages a
person. Instead of Instagram-worthy coverage, opt for something that
covers just enough to hide your flaws in a formula that’s made for your
skin type. It should be barely visible to the eye so that your skin looks
healthy. Add concealer only where you need it.
Face Oils
We have all seen the video where the face oil is being applied by the
dropper full on four or five areas of the face. Typically, this is only being
done because of the dryness that is created by the overuse of powder.
Most people who use a good skincare routine may only need one or two
drops per day - at most. Or you may need to adjust your skin routine.
Metallic Makeup
One thing that is very overused on Instagram and YouTube is
highlighter. It looks absolutely stunning under the bright lights and
on a young 20-something. But in real life, makeup artists are not piling
on the highlighter. And it is especially not used on the tip of the nose
or as a blush near the center of the face. In person, highlights look the
best when lightly applied to the high points and outer edges of the face
to create a subtle brightness. For days when you want to crank it up a
notch, you can use a small amount of cream highlighter first, and then
layer a powder highlighter over it to create a 3-D glow.
Bold Brow
Brows can definitely do wonders for the face. Adding depth and
definition will give a lift that can take years off. But when it is heavily
applied and overly defined as the influencers typically do, it makes a
person look more like a Disney villain than a princess.
The true artist would use a powder-based pencil to draw in hairs
though the brow, and if you have blonde or gray brows, use a gel to add
color.
Over-Drawing Lips
Influencers love to create a lip that rivals Kylie Jenner, but it rarely
looks good in person. If you want to create a smoother, plumper pout
like the pros, use a clear lip pencil to build the outer rim so you don’t see
the natural ridge. Then apply color in a coordinating pencil shade to
define the lips, laying the pencil on its side to shade in the outer edges,
and apply the lip color over the top.
With Instagram and YouTube pushing an idea of beauty that is truly
unattainable, we are starting to lose our individuality and uniqueness.
But what the full-time artist is trained to do is to naturally enhance the
beauty that makes you uniquely you.
Koehler is a St. Louis and national makeup artist, who works with many
celebrity clientele, including models, actresses and athletes, supermodel Devon
Windsor and “Glee” star Erinn Westbrook