In the decade before beauty vlogging took off, mainstream beauty culture celebrated people such as Britney Spears (that shimmering brow bone), Mariah Carey (that brown lip liner) and Jennifer Lopez (that bronzed enhanced glow) — whose looks revolved around, 'natural beauty'.
At the same time, the internet was beginning to alter how makeup culture was disseminated. In 2006, a woman named Adrienne K. Nelson posted what many consider the world’s first makeup tutorial on YouTube with the title “Makeup Lessons — Look Hot in 5 Minutes or Less.”
These days makeup is commonly brushed off as frivolous and superficial. It's also commonly promoted by and towards women. But makeup holds power. For some, it’s armour. Others use it for self-expression, therefore why can't everyone wear makeup, man or women? A foundation isn’t just a foundation, and a highlighter can be more than a highlighter. They can transform, protect, and more, not just for one, but for all.
You might be unsure about the power of makeup, but we can confidently say that it is important. Even if it doesn’t seem necessary to you, think outside of yourself. While you may believe in the necessity of skin care over makeup, others rely on cosmetics to boost their confidence and their moods.
Clearly you must take care choosing the correct products, making sure they don't have unnecessary nasties, however, if you’ve ever heard anyone speak about the power that makeup holds, they’re talking about its transformative quality. Makeup, when used well, can create dramatic makeovers. A full-coverage concealer can hide a full face of acne, and an expertly-applied lip liner can make your lips look fuller. When you see before and afters, it becomes quite clear just how powerful makeup can be.
Recognising that makeup (temporarily) changes how you look doesn’t necessarily prove it’s important. If you’re still questioning why people consider it to be necessary, we’re naming three reasons below.
It Helps You Feel More Confident
Smooth on a bold red lipstick, and you might just understand why makeup is important. The right products can really boost your confidence. Even if a dramatic lip color isn’t for you, applying a few subtle essentials can help you feel more pulled-together and, in turn, more confident.
The Cover-Up
Makeup also allows you to cover skin concerns that may cause insecurity. While you don’t have to wear makeup or use it to hide anything, many people prefer to keep blemishes and dark spots undercover — and makeup helps you to do that. Colour-correcting concealers are popular for this reason. They can help neutralise the appearance of various imperfections, including redness and age spots.
Express Yourself
It conveys your mood. Makeup is an age-old form of self-expression. You can use it to show off your personality as well as your mood. Think about it: When you were going through your girly phase, glittery pink eyeshadow was essential in letting everyone know it.
As for mood, brightly-colored makeup is one of our favorite ways to send out the signal that we’re in a good one. And for days when your mood isn’t quite as cheery as you’d like, you can also use makeup to fake it till you make it. Try sweeping a vibrant eyeshadow or lipstick and you’ll instantly look more upbeat.
Matching your makeup to the situation can help show that you’re prepared. For example, opting for a 'no makeup' makeup look throughout the week could be key to your confidence boost, whilst giving off the "no effort look".
Look Lit From Within
The trick to achieving the "no makeup" makeup look is sticking to minimal makeup to enhance your natural beauty, a trusty illusion we are ever happy to have stashed in our magic hats. Who better to guide us in the right direction than a master makeup artist? Gemma Wheatcroft, a pro celebrity MUA gives us her step-by-step guide, starting with skin prep...
Skin prep is key for creating a flawless fresh natural base. I LOVE Nip+Fab glycolic fix daily cleansing pads. They gently exfoliate dead skin to restore and refine your complexion giving you a super smooth base to work on. I would hydrate with a sheet mask to prep, lift and brighten the skin followed by a plumping sculpting gel, which will leave your skin feeling primed and smoothed ready for makeup.
It’s important to prep the under eyes with a vitamin rich eye base, giving a hydrating wakeup for your eyes, whilst plumping, smoothing and softening so you can apply concealer seamlessly.
For extra glow, I would use Trinny London BFF cream, it’s a beautiful alternative to foundation that helps to correct your complexion and even tone, giving you an instant radiance boost without having to use foundation.
For coverage you need a sheer concealer that has a luxurious texture and luminous finish. Something super hydrating and light diffusing, creating a softer, smoother complexion.
Next would be a great brow! My favourite products are Eyebrow Queen brow pro pencil. The tiny nib allows you to draw the most precise hair strokes as well as define and shade your brows, to create a natural look.
I would add polish to the brows with Refy Beauty brow sculpt, which is flake free, shapes and sets hairs in place to frame the eyes.
Next a simple coat of mascara to open up the eyes. Opt for a mascara that curls and sculpts as it lengthens, without clumping or flaking.
Finally I would add some natural warmth into the cheeks and lips with Trinny London lip2cheek in Lady J, it's long lasting and gives you the perfect fresh-from-a-run rosiness using one pot and just your finger!
The content provided in our articles is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that YK DAILY is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. The opinions and content included in the articles are the views only and may not be scientifically factual. You understand and agree by reading anything on our website that YK DAILY shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information published. All images are from Pinterest, if you know the original creator please let us know, so that we can credit them.
