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Makeup Application Basics

By Michelle Ecker on September 07, 2016

Makeup Application Basics

The New York Institute of Art and Design offers online image consultant training and because we do, we like to provide free tips for image consultants. Enjoy!

If you want to join the personal style industry, it’s probably a good idea to have a general understanding of makeup as well. For many people, makeup is just as crucial to the outfit coordination process as shoes or accessories. According to NYIAD makeup expert Suzana Halili, the following tips are reliable for you to share with any client you work with in the future:

  • Always start working with a freshly cleaned face. Toner can also be used before makeup application to constrict someone’s pores.
  • If you want to use moisturizer after this, apply it gently, in a circular pattern.
  • If you client is concerned about blotches, redness or skin discolorations, apply a primer next. It can also help tighten pores and achieve a super smooth overall finish.
  • To mask under-eye circles, use an eye concealer next, and be sure to choose one or two shades lighter than your client’s skin.
  • Always pick a foundation that matches the skin tone exactly- if you’re unsure, let a professional help you. A tip for determining skin tone is to look at the veins. Skins with cool undertones have veins that appear purple or blue. Skins with warm undertones have veins that appear green. If your client can’t really tell the difference, they probably have a neutral undertone.
  • When applying eye shadow, use medium shades for the eyelid, dark shades for the crease and light shades for the base and highlights.
  • To choose a flattering eye shadow color for a given person, try to find something complimentary to the wearer's eye color, e.g., people with blue eyes can wear similar shades to blues as well as contrasting warm neutral shades such as bronze or copper.
  • When applying mascara, start at the center of your eye and work outward.
  • Match lip liner to lipstick. If the client wants fuller looking lips, place the liner just above their lip line.

Want to learn more? The New York Institute of Art and Design offers an online image consultant course that can teach you how to become a personal stylist. Request your free course catalog today!