Creating an editorial makeup look requires a blend of creativity, precision, and an understanding of how makeup translates on camera. Editorial makeup, often seen in high-fashion magazines and photoshoots, is bold, avant-garde, and meticulously crafted to make a statement. This article will guide you through the steps to achieve an editorial makeup look that is perfect for photoshoots and high-fashion events.
Step 1: Prepping the Skin
Before any makeup application, it's crucial to prepare the skin. A well-prepped canvas ensures that the makeup lasts longer and looks flawless under studio lighting.
- Cleansing: Start with a thorough cleanse to remove any dirt, oil, or leftover makeup. Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type.
- Exfoliation: Exfoliate the skin to get rid of dead skin cells, which can make the makeup appear textured or uneven. A mild exfoliant or a chemical exfoliant with AHAs or BHAs works well.
- Moisturizing: Apply a hydrating moisturizer to ensure the skin is supple and plump. This step is crucial as it helps the makeup to glide on smoothly and prevents it from looking cakey.
- Priming: Use a primer that suits your skin type. A mattifying primer is ideal for oily skin, while a hydrating primer works wonders for dry skin. Priming fills in pores and fine lines, creating a smooth base for foundation.
Step 2: Creating a Flawless Base
The foundation of an editorial look is a flawless, even base that allows the rest of the makeup to shine.
- Foundation: Choose a foundation that offers buildable coverage. For an editorial look, you might want to go for a full-coverage foundation to create a flawless, airbrushed finish. Blend it well using a beauty blender or a brush to ensure there are no harsh lines.
- Concealing: Use a concealer to cover any blemishes, dark circles, or areas that need extra coverage. Opt for a shade slightly lighter than your foundation to brighten the under-eye area and highlight the high points of your face.
- Contouring: Contouring is key in editorial makeup. Use a cream or powder contour to sculpt the face. Focus on the hollows of the cheeks, jawline, and the sides of the nose. Blend well to avoid harsh lines.
- Setting: Set the base with a translucent powder to lock everything in place. This prevents the makeup from creasing and ensures it stays put under the intense lighting of a photoshoot.
Step 3: Defining the Eyes
The eyes are often the focal point of an editorial makeup look. Whether you go for bold colors, graphic lines, or dramatic lashes, the eyes should make a statement.
- Eyeshadow: For an editorial look, think outside the box. You can use bold, vibrant colors, or go for a monochromatic look with different shades of the same color. Blend the eyeshadow well, and don't be afraid to extend it beyond the crease or towards the temples for a more dramatic effect.
- Eyeliner: Graphic eyeliner is a staple in editorial makeup. Use a gel or liquid liner to create bold lines, geometric shapes, or even a double wing. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with colored liners or add metallic accents.
- Lashes: Apply false lashes to enhance the eyes further. For a more dramatic effect, opt for lashes with extra length or volume. You can also layer different styles of lashes to create a unique look.
- Brows: Well-defined brows frame the face and complete the eye makeup. Use a brow pencil or pomade to fill in any sparse areas and create a sharp, defined shape. For an editorial twist, you can also experiment with colored brows or feathered edges.
Step 4: Sculpting and Highlighting
To enhance the structure of the face, editorial makeup often involves strategic highlighting and sculpting.
- Highlighting: Use a highlighter on the high points of the face—the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, brow bone, and cupid's bow. For an editorial look, you can go for a more intense highlight, using a metallic or duo-chrome highlighter to catch the light.
- Blush: Apply a blush that complements the overall look. You can go for a soft, natural flush or a more intense, sculpted blush. In editorial makeup, blush placement can be more experimental—try applying it higher on the cheeks or even blending it into the temples.
Step 5: Bold Lips
The lips in an editorial look can either complement the eyes or be a statement on their own.
- Lip Liner: Start by lining the lips with a lip liner. This not only defines the lips but also prevents the lipstick from feathering. You can overline slightly for a fuller lip effect.
- Lipstick: Choose a bold lipstick that ties in with the overall theme. Whether it's a deep matte red, a glossy neon pink, or even a metallic shade, the lips should stand out. For an avant-garde look, you can mix different lip colors or add a gloss with glitter or metallic accents.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
The final steps are all about refining the look and ensuring it stays perfect throughout the photoshoot or event.
- Setting Spray: Use a setting spray to lock the makeup in place. This also helps to melt all the layers together, giving a more natural finish to the look.
- Details: Pay attention to the finer details. Clean up any fallout from the eyeshadow, sharpen the lines of the eyeliner or lips if needed, and ensure everything is symmetrical.
- Hair and Accessories: Consider how the hair and any accessories will complement the makeup. In editorial settings, makeup is often paired with bold hairstyles or statement accessories that enhance the overall look.
Conclusion
Creating an editorial makeup look is an art form that requires creativity and precision. It’s about pushing boundaries and experimenting with bold colors, unique textures, and striking shapes. Whether you're preparing for a high-fashion event or a photoshoot, this guide provides the foundational steps to create a makeup look that will captivate and make a lasting impression. Remember, editorial makeup is not just about following trends; it's about setting them. So, don't be afraid to be bold, be different, and most importantly, be yourself.