The Basic Foundation

The most important thing to remember when doing beauty makeup is that it is all about enhancing the beauty that is already there. We use makeup to perfect our facial features - hiding a few small things and enhancing a few others. The target of beauty makeup is to still be yourself after the makeover...the you that turns heads!

Research has shown the way the human eye determines beauty is by scanning down the face and finding symmetry. It is therefore very important to make up the two sides of the face equally and to correct the features by filling in the lines (especially the lips and eyes) in such a way as to achieve symmetry. This explains how some people can appear to be plain but at the same time stunningly beautiful. So take courage if you, like me, don't look like a model. This can all be achieved by the illusion of symmetry!

I want to show you my first attempt at makeup on a darker complexion during the makeup course. I was extremely pleased with myself. I managed to mix and match the perfect foundation first time! It was a delight working on this model; we had great fun learning about different shades and skin tones. We played with the classic eyeliner and red lip look. Afterward we tried to achieve the smoky eye look, it takes on a different look on a darker complexion, but I love the way it turned out.






The Classic Eyeliner and Red Lip.




The Smoky Eye

The secret about the perfect foundation is to know if you have a yellow or a pink tone.  Indian, Asian, African and some Mediterranean ancestries usually have yellow skin tones. The English rose complexion is usually a pink tone. In some occasions it might be a good idea to mix these colours.  This is the reason why most makeup artists have a colour palette; it allows the mixing of the perfect match for the model's complexion. 

It can be more challenging as a consumer to purchase the correct shade. My advice would be to do adequate testing at the department store before purchasing a product or to get someone that has an eye for a good match to join you on your shopping spree. If you find a foundation you are happy with, record the shade name for future reference!

The purpose of foundation is to correct skin tone and to balance out the colour. There are various types of foundation. They usually vary in coverage. If you for example have freckles (the correct terminology is ephelides), then it is better to use a light coverage. Ephelides are beautiful and they make up part of who you are, don’t hide them! The fuller the coverage the more made up you will look. It is useful to apply a fuller coverage if you are attempting to create an evening look or need your foundation to stay on for longer. Also keep in mind that film and photography mediums capture every small detail and we therefore need more help with our coverage. I prefer using medium coverage on myself for everyday use. This is mostly a matter of personal preference.

Concealer is a must have. Especially for the purple under eye area, the odd spot and occasional pigmentation mark. The mistake most ladies make is to think that the foundation application is adequate enough for concealing these areas and therefore don’t use a concealer.  Foundation only balances out the skin tone, the concealer conceals!

It is very useful to apply a primer underneath your foundation. This smooths out any fine lines and enlarged pores. It also helps the foundation to stay on for longer. Finishing powder is also used to fix your foundation. It is especially handy for ladies who find that they develop a shine during the course of the day. I mattifies the skin and gives it the final perfect finish.

In the next few weeks I am intending to share the first of the must-have ingredients I believe should be incorporated into your skincare routine along with some more basic makeup secrets.