When I do makeup for others, I assess their skin type and condition, its tone and undertone, their face shape and bone structure, their haircolor and style, their eye color/size/shape, their age, their personal style, their wardrobe, the occasion and probably a dozen more instant cues. It gives me an initial roadmap for products and placement specifically for them for that event or shoot. Like any makeup artist, once I get to work I often go off-road where the makeup takes me (usually when something about the person’s unique beauty inspires me) but I never use one formula for all.
When I do my own makeup, though, it’s a totally different story. I always have a seasonal go-to back-up regimen. At least to start before getting to eyes and lips. It’s super quick and requires no thought. Which is crucial since I’m usually about to run out the door. It’s comprised of my all-time favorite products mixed in with my favorite new product launches and brand discoveries. I call it my “basic face.”
In the pictures below, you’ll see the look isn’t on me…
Here’s why.
Recently, I was asked to do some videos for FOX. I would be on camera along with two DIVAlicious Contributors and would be showing how to achieve certain makeup looks and techniques using them as my models. With very little time once we got on set to start shooting, I figured I would give them each a ‘basic face’ of makeup before arriving so they wouldn’t be barefaced on TV and we could jump right into the trends. Since both girls are within my age range (well, they may or may not both be a little younger, but still in the same age bracket on forms!), have olive skin, dark hair and dark eyes, I decided to test my own seasonal go-to on them. Mostly because I can do it in a snap and with my eyes closed at this point.
Happily, it worked wonders and was as quick and effortless as when I apply it on myself. Which I did for the FOX segments. Where we ended up with three distinct looks (two of which were created on camera) but started with the same base.
So while I still don’t stand behind a one-size-fits-all approach to beauty, there may be something to this simple, universal starting point.
Here’s it is on Miss Denise, with detailed steps below…
NOTE: Select shades that match your coloring.
1. YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation. I use a combination of BD50 and BD60. (On Denise it was mostly BD50.) I pump a dime size for the full face and apply with my fingers.
2. MAC Cream Color Base in Mid Tone Sepia (pro product). I use a fluffy brush and run it right under the cheekbone for a super subtle contour, mostly for evening. It can also be used in the crease of the eye, along the jawline, on the sides and tip of the nose and along the hairline. Wherever you place your contour. To further blend, use a buffing brush.
PRO TIP: If you don’t have a contouring product and can’t get this one, I recommend trying a creamy eyebrow pencil that’s the right shade for your skintone. They usually contain the right amount of taupe (versus brown) and are flat (not shimmery) to mimic actual shadows and depth on the face. I recommend IT Cosmetics Brow Power Perfector.
3. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural. I use Medium Plus, Medium Dark or Medium Deep depending the season and if I’m sporting a tan. This product ranks among very few powder products I like. It does not age or dry the skin but rather gives it life.
4. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Highlighter. I run the outside shade over the tops of the cheekbones and down the bridge of the nose. And a touch of the inside shade over the cheek.
5. Manna Kadar Blush in The Big O. I sweep a light dusting of color using a large fan brush or a duo fibre brush. I change up my blush a lot but this season, I’m loving this one. You can wear it soft and sweet or you can punch it up for a full flush. Depending on the mood.
To finish the basic face, I also fill brows and coat lashes. My go-to for brows right now is Shobha Browpencil for Brunettes (there’s also one for Blondes). And my mascara of the moment is Maybelline The Colossal Cat Eyes (which also comes in waterproof for pooltime).
What are the “basic face” products you can’t live without or just discovered??
XOLC
Note: This post is not sponsored. Select samples were provided for review and/or for my use as a professional makeup artist.