halowin 7 ways to level up your makeup game
Makeup has become a familiar part of many daily routines. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, learning and relearning techniques can help in mastering the art.
International makeup artist Macedonio Bezerra lets us in on his latest beauty secrets in a recent masterclass where he debunked trends and imparted tricks.
READ: Bedtime to beauty: My 5-step routine to wake up to my best skin
1. Protect your skinLayers of makeup aren’t enough to stop the UV rays from aging and damaging your skin; your face needs a coat of sunscreen before smearing any other product on your face. Don’t let the brands with white cast and sticky feel scare you into skipping this step. It’s recommended that you use lightweight serums and sticks if you don’t plan on sunbathing at the beach. Your skin will thank you in 20 years.
Our recommendations: Nature Republic’s California Aloe Fresh Powdery Sun Stick, Artdeco’s High Protection Hyaluronic Fluid, BOJ’s Matte Sun Stick
2. Shade match using your cheekSelecting the wrong type of foundation is one of the most common makeup mistakes. When finding the perfect foundation shade, swatch it on your lower cheek near the jawline. This is where you can check if the shade is too dark or light in comparison to your neck while also testing if it has the right coverage formula for you.
Our recommendations: Fenty Beauty Soft’Lit Luminous Foundation, Dior Forever Clean Matte Foundation, Luxe Serum Foundation
3. Don’t be afraid to use your fingersWe’re taught to use a brush and sponge for every step of the makeup process, but a (thoroughly sanitized) hand might just do a better job. When adding eyeshadow with glitter, gently patting it on with the tip of your finger will help its color pop more than it would with a brush. More importantly, applying it before concealer will make it easier to sweep away those loose flakes of eyeshadow that land on your under-eyes.
Our recommendations: Issy Curated Eyeshadow Palette, Kiko Milano’s Green Me Eyeshadow Palette, Juvia’s Place Nubian 2 Eyeshadow Palette
4. Define your lips with a linerBefore swiping on your lipstick, using a good lip liner along the edges of the lips can enhance the color you put above it. If you’re afraid of the harsh lines, trace your lips and blend it out for a more natural blur.
Our recommendations: Flormar Waterproof Liner, Mario Suede’s Sculpting Lip Pencil, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil
5. Consider the weather before the lipstickThe alternating hot and cold temperatures cause our lips to chap and crack. In moments like this, it’s advisable to avoid matte and go with cream or gloss-based lipsticks to keep them hydrated throughout the day. If you do opt for matte, make sure to exfoliate your lips to avoid peeling.
Our recommendations: Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick, NYX Butter Gloss, Blk Pillow Matte Lipstick
6. Be intentional with your blushBlush can be as powerful as contour if you want it to be. A new technique to lift the face for a sexier look is to start brushing from the cheeks up to the temples, softly blending in with the eyeshadow as it circles upward. However, if you’re aiming for an innocent doe look, keep the blush at the apples of your cheeks, which can be located just by grinning.
Our recommendations: Nars Blush, Clinique Cheek Pop Garden, Colourette Colourbounce Jelly-to-Powder
7. You can always change your mindIf you start to feel like the look isn’t turning out the way you’d like, it’s alright to switch it up or start over. Bezerra states and reiterates: “Be versatile, not lazy.”
Our recommendations: Neutrogena’s Deep Clean Purifying Micellar Cleansing Water, Heimish All Clean Balmhalowin, Banila Co Clean It Zero
