With so many formulas and shades to choose from, finding make-up to best suit your looks can be intimidating. Figuring out how to apply it properly can be even trickier and even some of the most seasoned beauty editors will be quick to confess that they’re useless when it comes to things like applying the perfect slick of liquid eyeliner. Cape Town-based professional make-up artist Tamryn Jefferies offered us a simple breakdown to a great basic make-up look, as well as top tips on how to apply it like a pro.
Face first
According to Jefferies, your starting point should always be a canvas of flawless-looking skin and, if you don’t have it, it’s easy to fake once you find your perfect foundation. Before you make your choice, consider how much coverage you want as well as your needs. For example, if your skin is dry, look out for a more moisturising formula. If you’re in a humid climate go for a long-wearing foundation. When you find something you like, be sure to match the shade to your face and not your arm or hand.
To apply liquid foundation with ease, Jefferies advises that you first moisturise your face, then dot the foundation on your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Next, blend it into your skin with a foundation sponge using sweeping, outward strokes.
If you’d like even more coverage, be it for under eye circles or a blemish, cover it up with concealer on top of your foundation. To apply it, Jefferies advises you put a small amount on your index finger and use a tapping motion to dab it onto your skin.
A bit about blush
A simple way to add colour to your face is with an easy-to-apply powder blush. If you feel a bit overwhelmed when it comes to colour choice, look out for a shade that most closely matches the colour your cheeks turn when you flush naturally, or have just hopped off the treadmill at gym.
To figure out where to put it, Jefferies says you should grab a mirror and smile. “The parts of your cheeks that stand out are called the ‘apples’. This is where your blush or powder brush should first meet with your skin as that’s where the most colour should be deposited,” says Jefferies. Next, use a circular motion to swirl it onto your skin and then sweep the brush up and outwards to create a pretty, natural-looking flush.
Simple lips
The most fuss-free way to pick out a good lipstick is to take a look at the natural colour of your lips and then deepen it by up to three shades. For example, if you’ve got pale pink lips, opt for a soft rosy-looking lippy. To apply it, slick it on directly from the tube, being careful not to go outside your natural lip line.
If you’ve got small lips, Jefferies says you should avoid very dark colours as they’ll only make them appear even smaller. “Rather opt for a lighter colour that’s got a bit of a shimmer in it or use a sparkly-looking gloss on top of your lipstick to help create the illusion of fullness,” she says.
Easy eyes
According to Jefferies, applying mascara is pretty simple, but many women struggle to wear eye shadow and eyeliner. If you want to wear eyeliner, apply it first because afterwards you can soften up your line with your eye shadow. This way, if your liner’s a little wonky-looking, nobody’s likely to notice. As a novice, it’s best to first get comfy with an eye pencil as it’s easier to use than liquid or gel liners.
Jefferies reckons that applying it to your upper lash line can be tricky. Her top application tip is to start your line at the inner corner of your eye and work your way outwards in short connected strokes. When it comes to eye shadow, Jefferies says it’s best to first master a basic look that involves just two shades, one an easy-to-wear neutral (something like taupe, brown or grey) and another paler colour to highlight. To pull it off, apply the neutral shade to your entire eyelid and extend the colour up to just above your crease. To finish, use a pale, sheer, shimmery shade, something like pearl or champagne, and swipe it on your brow bone – the area that’s just below your eyebrow.
And just like that, you’ve mastered a make-up look that’ll ensure that wherever you go, you’ll put your best face forward.