Makeup artistry has evolved over the years. I remember getting fascinated with makeup like 10 years. My friend used to be a makeup artist and I used to go to her studio to help her out on some very busy days. I also got interested in learning this artistry and she was patient enough to teach me.
However I noticed that there is this new generation of makeup artists that has taken makeup to another level. These days when I watch some makeup tutorials, I am amazed at the skills and creativity being churned out. Makeup is not always used to “look beautiful”; instead, cosmetics are often used to demonstrate creativity and express statements that otherwise cannot be as impactful through other forms of appearance.
These types of personal statements can be widely seen from “beauty gurus” on Youtube and Instagram. However one thing I also noticed is the amount of products been used to achieve these different looks. Oh my! I don’t think I can ever put all these makeup products on my face though, have never been a fan of heavy makeup. And this got me thinking, and I said to myself, some of these videos can actually confused a beginner and they might begin to think they can’t achieve a perfect look with minimal makeup products.
The good news is you don’t need all these makeup products; you can focus on the most important ones and you will still be able to create a stunning look. BEBE AFRIKANA brings to you must have makeup products.
FACE PRIMER
Beautiful makeup begins with a good base. Face primer is a base for foundation or face makeup that allows it to go on smoother and last longer. It is one of the most essential makeup products you can’t afford to miss out on. It helps combat shine and creates a smooth base for your foundation.
Many people often skip this step because they believe they don’t really need it, are unsure of how to use it or don’t think it’s worth the investment. However, using primer underneath your makeup will make everything last longer.
Makeup primers can also help smooth any fine lines, wrinkles or large pores. Many makeup primers are formulated with silicone-based polymers, like dimethicone, because of their ultra-smoothing effects. But if you struggle with cystic acne and other skin conditions, do a patch test or check with a medical professional, as some people report allergic reactions to dimethicone.
READ ALSO HOW TO CREATE PERFECT SMOKEY EYES
FOUNDATION
Foundation is a skin-colored makeup applied to the face to create an even, uniform color to the complexion, to cover flaws and, sometimes, to change the natural skin tone. Some foundations also function as a moisturizer, sunscreen, astringent or base layer for more complex cosmetics.
Choosing the right foundation can be tricky, it is important to find the best formula for your skin whether it’s oily, dry or acne-prone skin. Foundation isn’t necessary if you don’t need coverage. If you have even skin tone, little to no blemishes, no hyper pigmentation, then you can just use concealer for your under eye area and blemishes
CONCEALER
A concealer or color corrector is used to mask dark circles, age spots, large pores, and other small blemishes visible on the skin. It is similar to foundation but thicker and used to hide different pigments by blending the imperfection into the surrounding skin tone.
Both concealer and foundation are typically used to make skin appear more uniform in color. These two types of cosmetics differ in that concealers tend to be more heavily pigmented, though concealer and foundation are both available in a wide range of opacity. Concealer can be used alone or with foundation. It comes in different forms from liquid to powder.
Concealer is available in a variety of shades. When picking a concealer, people tend to choose one or two shades lighter than their skin tone to better hide their blemishes and dark circles under the eye. Some colors are intended to look like a natural skin tone, while others are meant to cancel out the color of a particular type of blemish.
FACE POWDER
Face powder is used to set a foundation after application. It can also be reapplied throughout the day to minimize shininess caused by oily skin. There is translucent sheer powder, and there is pigmented powder. Powder tones the face and gives an even appearance. Besides toning the face, some powders with sunscreen can also reduce skin damage from sunlight and environmental stress. It comes packaged either as a compact or as loose powder. It can be applied with a sponge, brush, or powder puff. Uniform distribution over the face is achieved more easily when a loose powder is applied.
BRONZER
Bronzer is used generally to give a shade darker for your skin. It is also used as an element to highlight the features of a face, by highlighting cheekbones. Applying bronzer is a great way to add an attractive, natural-looking glow to your face, especially on those days when your skin appears a little dull. Applying bronzer incorrectly, however, can make your face look dirty or orange
Select a bronzer 1 or 2 shade darker than your natural skin tone. Since the purpose of a bronzer is to darken the complexion subtly, the one you choose will depend on the color of your skin. If you have fair skin, look for a honey-colored bronzer. For a medium complexion, choose a rose-bronze or gold flecked bronzer. Dark skin is best enhanced with a tawny or amber bronzer.
EYESHADOW
Eyeshadow is without a doubt one of the most essential makeup products. Eye shadow is used to adorn the eyes and enhance one of the most prominent
features of the face. It can add depth and make the eyes appear smaller or larger depending on the colors chosen. It is made in many different colors and textures and comes in powder, liquid, pencil or cream form. It may be applied with a brush or a sponge tip applicator but many people use their fingers. Please note that that choosing the right eyeshadow shade is key.
EYEBROW PENCIL OR POWDER
Eyebrow pencils or powders are often used to define the eyebrow or make it appear fuller. These can create an outline for the brows or mimic hairs where there are sparse areas.
Using an eyebrow pencil one shade lighter than your natural eyebrow colour, fill in any gaps in your brows. Keep them looking natural by not straying outside the brow area, and by making short strokes with the pencil in the same direction as the surrounding hairs’ growth.
EYE LINER
Eyeliner is a staple in most of our make-up bags. Eye liner is used to define the eyes. It is applied around the contours of the eye(s) to create a variety of aesthetic effects. Depending on its texture, eye liner can be softly smudged or clearly defined. There are five main types of eye liner available on the market: each produces a different effect. These are liquid eye liner, powder-based eye pencil, wax-based eye pencil, kohl eye liner and gel eye liner.
MASCARA
Mascara is commonly used to enhance the eyelashes. It may darken, thicken, lengthen, and/or define the eyelashes. Normally in one of three forms—liquid, cake, or cream—the modern mascara product has various formulas; however, most contain the same basic components of pigments, oils, waxes, and preservatives.
LIPSTICK/LIPGLOSS
Lipstick is our “go-to” makeup item when we want to quickly pull our look together, and it’s also an important part of a more detailed makeup regimen. However we choose to use it, lipstick has been one of the most popular makeup products for decades and there is no indication that this will change any time soon.
Lipstick contains pigments, oils, waxes and emollients that apply color, texture, and protection to the lips. Many colors and types of lipstick exist. Some lipsticks are also lip balms/lip gloss, to add color and hydration.