how to complete a prom makeup look

How to complete a prom makeup look 

What you need to know about makeup 

 Makeup is cosmetics such as foundation, concealer, mascara, lipstick, or eyeshadow used to enhance one's appearance. Makeup is a form of art mastered by many people. In order to complete this makeup look, there are many things you need to know and steps to follow. Everyone has a personal preference on how to start the makeup process and in what order they apply the makeup. Throughout this article I will be explaining how to complete a prom makeup look.   

Know your skin type 

In order to begin this process, you will need to know what type of skin you have. Understanding if your skin produces more oil or does not produce enough will guide you on what types of products you will need to use.  

Prepping your skin 

It is very important to start off with a clean face. This will help avoid your makeup to look cakey by removing any dirt underneath your skin. To prep your skin, use a face cleanser suitable for your skin type. Understanding how each cleanser works will help you pick one that is right for you. After using a face cleanser, you will need to apply a toner. A toner is a water- based liquid that offers extra cleaning and helps remove anything your cleanser did not remove. Then you will need to moisturize your face. The moisturizer you use will also go according to your skin type. Although there are different categories it all comes down to personal preference and which one works best for you. 

Dry skin 

Having dry skin means you may have a rough complexion. Your skin could peel, itch, crack, or become irritated. If you have dry skin it is best to use a cream cleanser. The creamy formula consists of natural oils that cleanses the skin leaving you with fresh and hydrated skin. After cleansing your face, you want to moisturize. The best moisturizer for dry skin is something with a thick consistency. Avoid using moisturizers with alcohol, as they will only dry out the skin more. Skipping this step could cause your makeup to look clumpy, or it could cause your skin to look flakey. 

Oily skin 

Having oily skin means you may have a shiny complexion. Your skin could be more prone to acne and you may also have large pores. If you have oily skin it is best to use a foam cleanser. The foam is meant to deep clean the skin and remove any excess oil and any dirt stuck in your pores, helping your skin feel clean and fresh. After cleansing, you want to apply a lightweight moisturizer. You do not want to skip moisturizer altogether because this could cause more oils. You do not want to apply a moisturizer with a thick consistency, as it will only cause your face to look greasy. 

Combination skin 

Having combination skin means your skin may be dry or normal in some areas and oily in others, such as the T-zone. The T-zone consists your nose, forehead, chin. If you have combination skin it is best to use a gel cleanser. The gel has a thick consistency that provides a smaller amount of foam and gentle cleanse. To moisturize combination skin, you could use a lightweight moisturizer in your T-zone and a ticker moisturizer for the rest of your skin. 

Eyebrows  

Filling in your eyebrows is very simple. All you need is an eyebrow pencil or a dip brow pomade, an angled brush, and a spoolie. I will be explaining how I prefer to fill in my eyebrows. To fill in your eyebrows and define them you will need to: 

1. 1. Start off by outlining the bottom of the eyebrow using an angled brush 

2. 2. Using the same brush, blend the product upwards 

3. 3. Continue by outlining the top of the eyebrow 

4. 4. Using the angled brush, fill in the eyebrow 

5. 5. Blend out the eyebrow using a spoolie 

6. 6. Finally, clean up the outside of the eyebrow using concealer  

Eyeshadow  

The most important part of this process is the eyeshadow. This will be what stands out. I will be explaining how to do more of a dramatic eyeshadow look. To do this type of look you will need to follow these steps: 

1. 1. You will need to prime the eyelids 

2. 2. Set it with a translucent powder 

3. 3. Start applying a light shade above the crease of the eyelid 

4. 4. Apply a darker shade on the crease of the eyelid 

5. 5. Blend the two colors into each other 

6. 6. Cut the crease halfway using concealer 

7. 7. Pat white shadow on top of the cut crease 

8. 8. Add the dark shade at the end of the cut crease 

9. 9. Apply glitter primer on the cut crease  

10. 10. Apply glitter to the cut crease and wait for it to dry 

11. 11. Then you are going to do a winged eyeliner 

12. 12. Apply mascara and eyelashes 

 

 Primer     

Using a primer before applying your makeup has many benefits. One of the main benefits is that it seals your pores. Applying foundation without using primer could make your pores more visible. Primer will give your makeup a much more smother effect. It will also help your makeup stay on longer 

Know your undertones  

Knowing your undertone is very important. This refers to the colors underneath the surface of your skin. There are three different undertones: warm, cool, and neutral. This will help you find what shade of makeup looks best on you. 

Warm  

A warm undertone appears to have a yellow or golden tone. 

Cool  

A cool undertone appears to have hints of blue, pinks, or a slight of a red complexion. 

Neutral  

A neutral undertone has a mixture of the two 

Concealing blemishes and dark spots 

When concealing blemishes and dark spots, you will need to find the correct color corrector for your skin tone.  

Pink  

Pink color corrector will help blur over any dark spots.  

Orange 

Orange color corrector will help cancel out any dark spots on dark skin tones 

Yellow   

Yellow color corrector will help correct pink and mild redness, typically around the nose and mouth  

Lavender   

Lavender color corrector will help neutralize any yellow areas  

Green  

Green color corrector will help neutralize any redness and it usually used to cover up acne or skin sensitivities   

Foundation  

Foundation is a liquid or powder that can be applied to the face to help give the complexion an even and flawless look. Choosing the right foundation depends on your skin tone and texture. When using a liquid foundation, you can apply it with a brush or a makeup sponge. When using a makeup sponge, it is best to wet the sponge before using it. This will make the application easier and make it look smoother. 

Sheer coverage    

A sheer coverage foundation is a lightweight foundation that gives the least amount of pigment. This can minimize contrast and discoloration in skin.  

Light coverage  

A light coverage foundation can help cover up uneven and slight blemishes. 

Medium coverage    

A medium coverage foundation will cover up freckles, discolorations, blemishes, and acne scars. 

Full coverage 

A full coverage foundation is very opaque and can help cover up birthmarks, hyper pigmentation, acne, acne scars, and other unwanted imperfections. 

Concealer   

Once you have applied your foundation you are going to want to apply concealer underneath your eyes, and on the T-zone. Your concealer should be around one or two shades lighter than your foundation. 

Contour   

Contouring is a technique that will help sculpt the structure of your face. This is usually one or two shades darker than your skin tone. You will apply this on the temples of the forehead, beneath your cheekbones, sides of your nose, underneath the chin, and jawline. Blending is very important in this process. 

Setting powder  

A setting powder is used to lock in foundation and concealer. There are different types of setting powders. The setting powder will not work if you use the incorrect one or use it the incorrect way.  

Mineral powder 

This powder is supposed to replace medium coverage foundation. Using this over full coverage foundation will leave it looking cakey. 

Loose Translucent setting powder 

This powder sets the face without changing the color of the foundation. 

Loose colored setting powder 

This powder corrects tone, brightens the face, and corrects redness of the face. 

Pressed powder 

This powder adds more of a coverage and polished look to the skin when applied. 

Blush 

When applying blush, you want to start at the apple of your cheeks and sweep it up towards your hairline.  

Highlight   

Highlight is basically the opposite of contouring. It is applied on your cheekbones, along the brow bones, and the bridge of your nose. There are three types of highlight. You can pick one according to your skin type or your personal preference. Make sure to blend the highlight out. 

Creamy  

A creamy highlighter works best on dry skin. This can be applied before or after foundation. This highlight is best applied using your finger. 

Powder  

A powder highlighter is best on oily skin. This should be applied last in the makeup process. This highlight is best applied using a brush. 

Liquid   

A liquid highlighter can cause the foundation to break underneath, so it is best to apply this before applying foundation. This highlight is best applied using a brush.  

Setting spray  

A setting spray is used at the end of the makeup process. This will help the makeup stay on longer throughout the day. If a setting spray is not used, it could cause the makeup to appear cakey due to sweat. The spray allows the layers of makeup stay in place.