drag

3 makeup artists bust the beauty myths you learnt off YouTube

Words by Fashion Journal

Illustration by Twylamae

Makeup advice is easy to find in the age of social media. However, with so many self-proclaimed beauty gurus, it can be hard to know where to turn for information. To cut through the clutter, we asked three makeup artists to bust some of the biggest beauty myths they come up against.

Shev Kelly

Myth: Bronzer is best for contouring
Contouring is meant to look natural and shape/sculpt the face. Bronzer, on the other hand, is intended to warm up the complexion. Bronzer used as a contour can look a lil’ orange and can stand out a bit too much. Stick to a contouring cream or powder two shades darker than your skin tone for supermodel cheekbones.

Myth: Baking is essential
Not unless you’re baking a cake. Leave the OTT powder and drying products off your face, especially under the eyes. It can instantly age the skin and look very unnatural. If your base is wearing off, swap your foundation/concealer for one specific to your skin type.

napoleonperdis.com
@shevkellymua

Rob Povey

Myth: You need to wear more base makeup at night
People often feel like they need to compensate for makeup fading away, sliding around or shining up while out drinking and dancing by applying additional layers of coverage. The truth is, the less product you have sitting on your face, the less there is to be moving around and fighting against your skin’s natural oil production. Also, the absence of harsh lighting at night means you’re only ever viewed under far softer and more flattering conditions. So what is there to hide? Focus on building thin, light layers of foundation to even out the skin and then conceal any areas that still require additional coverage. Secure all the hot spots (areas you know are prone to shining up) by pressing a very fine translucent powder into the skin.

Myth: Some people don’t suit red lipstick
Literally everybody can wear a red – it’s about finding the most flattering undertone for your complexion and the right intensity/opacity for your comfort level. In terms of undertones, fair and cooler skin tones will really brighten up with a blue-based red (like a cherry). More olive/golden complexions tend to harmonise best with a neutral to warmer-toned red (almost orange), dark complexions will always look amazing with the richer, deeper hues of red (think vampy merlots and burgundies), and the deepest of dark skins can really go in any direction they please. If it’s the ‘look-at-me’ impact of a red that’s deterring you, opt for more muted applications. Instead of a solid lipstick, go for a sheerer gloss or balm version, or if matte is more your taste, look into lip stains.

people.agency
@robpoveymua

Georgia Ramman

Myth: Makeup application is best done using professional brushes
Sometimes brushes just don’t cut it on their own. Often the best results for a healthy-looking base, or a creamy cheek and lip, are created with a mix of fingers and brushes. The warmth of those little hands can help your products sit beautifully and seamlessly on your skin. When it comes to brushes, just because a brush is labelled for a particular purpose, doesn’t mean that’s all it’s good for. I use fluffy brushes for concealer, foundation brushes for liquid bronzer, mascara brush for brows, concealer brush for lips… the list goes on.

Myth: Dewy skin doesn’t need powder
For many liquid and certain cream foundations, powder is a necessity. A light dust on important areas will make such a difference for your dew. Always powder spots such as your T-zone, the sides of your nose, under your eyes, below your cheeks. You can still achieve a beautiful, dewy glow and not look like you need blotting paper to smack you in the face. Then highlight away, but please, with class and the right tone for your skin type.

georgiaramman.com
@georgiaramman

This article was originally published in Fashion Journal 181. You can read it here.

Lazy Loading