The Model In You: Step by step make-up instructions on how to achieve the "model" look

The Model In You

Step by step make-up instructions on how to achieve the "model" look

 

I have always been interested in make-up and I always considered myself to be reasonably good at it, but when I started modeling, I realized I actually knew nothing.  Watching the make-up artists became my hobby, and I used to drive them mad with questions as I wanted to learn as much as possible. I found out that half the products I used were rubbish, and ended up throwing out half of my make-up bag.

 

Women do not actually realize how much of a difference it makes to be able to correctly do your own make-up.  I highly recommend booking a few lessons with a make-up artist (not the girls at the department stores unless they have been professionally trained).  It turned out to be very useful to me as on quite a few shoots the models had to do their own make-up.  I usually came out looking the best, not because I was the most beautiful, but because I knew how to apply my make-up to make the most of my looks.  So, I am going to share my wisdom with you!

 

Model Makeup Tip #1:  Prepping Your Skin

 

First you need to get your skin in good condition.  Use a good cleanser daily; I recommend Eve Loms cleanser, it’s a balm that you use with muslin cloths. It gently cleanses and exfoliates leaving behind clean, smooth skin.  I don’t like using toners as I think they dry out the skin and are too harsh, and I always believe less is more. If my skin is looking a bit tired, I put a mask ofClarins Beauty Flash on for 15 minutes before the beauty fluid and, presto, my skin looks alive and kicking.   This should be followed by moisturizing.  Most make-up artists carry around Olay’s Beauty Fluid, because make-up just glides over it. I mix it with a few drops of Benefit's High Beam, which illuminates my skin. Really massage your skin and get the blood rushing to the surface, this plumps up the skin.

 

Model Makeup Tip #2: Quality Make-Up Tools

 

Now before we start the make up, please make sure you have good quality make-up brushes.  There is no point in me carrying on if you do not, as they hold the key to perfect make- up.  I have the Screen Face range which is used mainly by the fashion industry, but Bobbi Brown’s are also good quality. This is something you should invest money in as they last a lifetime and are so important in achieving the final look.

 

Model Makeup Tip #3:  The Right Foundation

 

Let’s get started.  Some people like to use a primer which preps skin and creates a protective base for longer-lasting, natural looking foundation.  I recommend Laura Mercier’s Foundation Primer.  Once you’ve applied the primer, look closely in the mirror and assess your face - how much cover do you actually need?  Every day is different so do not always use the same product.  If you are having a good day, use a light foundation such as Nars Gel Fraicheur, which is a gel/cream product that feels light on the skin.  If more coverage is needed, opt for a thicker foundation such as Prescriptives Custom Blend Foundation.  This product is matched to your exact skin color so you can’t go wrong.  Use a slightly damp make-up sponge (Body Shop’s are fab) and only cover the areas that need it.  You don’t want the masked effect.

 

Model Makeup Tip #4:  Concealer

 

Now that you have your base, go back to the mirror and see the areas that need a bit more work.  This will usually be under the eyes, around the nose and any spots or pigmentation. Use your concealer brush and apply either Prescriptives Camouflage Cream or Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer to these areas.  Blend gently, and pat with fingers.  I suffer from very dark shadows under my eyes, so I also use the one and onlyTouche Eclat from Yves Saint Laurent which still reigns supreme when it comes to disguising shadows. This light-reflecting concealer comes in a handy pen and can be used to refresh, highlight and brighten whenever you need a little extra help. I don’t like setting my face with powder, as it highlights the lines around my eyes, so I leave out this step.

 

Model Makeup Tip #5:  Shapely Brows

 

Eyebrows, if shaped correctly, can knock ten years off you, so get them professionally done.  Spray a little hairspray onto an eyebrow comb, and brush the eyebrows into an arch. This will create and set a better shape. Use the Benefit brow kit to fill in any gaps.

 

Model Makeup Tip #6:  Long, Luscious Lashes

As I am a little bit of a lazy bum, I always get my eyelashes tinted so that I don’t have to wear mascara during the day. But when an evening event beckons, nothing can make those flutterers more flattering than YSL Faux Effect Mascara.  For the twiggy look, you need to curl your lashes. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is the best by far.  Heat them slightly with a hair dryer then press down on the lashes for ten seconds. Voila, who needs false eyelashes?

 

Model Makeup Tip #7:  Applying Bronzer

 

Using bronzer can be tricky and may leave you looking dirty if you use the wrong product. Take your blush brush and sweep Mac's Bronzing Powder onto the apples of your cheeks and anywhere else where the sun would naturally hit.

 

Model Makeup Tip #8:  Plumped Up Lips

 

Everyday gently exfoliate your lips with a toothbrush, to get rid of dry skin and then moisturize with Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream.  This will pump your lips up. For sumptuous smoochers, Stila Lip Glazes have the perfect consistency and come in tantalizingly delicious flavors, such as tangerine, apricot and, my favorite, mocha, which tastes so good you’ll want to skip your morning skinny cappuccino.

 

 

Well that’s it.  An easy step by step process to achieve the same make-up look as the models on the runway. Follow all of my above advice and you’ll bring out the inner model in you!

 

 

Article Written By: Nicola McGeorge; Nicola was born in London, England and is a freelance writer and model. She covers a wide range of topics, and has been published worldwide.

Source: http://www.divavillage.com/article_archive.php?id=31425&section_name=&section_id=