How to Make a Runway Makeup (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

The catwalk makeup has the task of making the models even more beautiful and sensual. It is the exaltation of classic looks. This is generally unsuitable for everyday routine, but it's perfect for making you look fabulous on the runway.

Steps

Part 1 of 5: Preparing the Skin for a Heavy Makeup

Step 1. Wash your face

Before you start putting on make-up, you need to get rid of all traces of impurities or sebum from the surface of the skin. Think of it as a step to prepare the blank canvas on which you can create a work of art. The skin must be in its best condition for make-up to be able to enhance your qualities. For proper cleansing, proceed as follows:

• Wash your face with warm water and a cream cleanser. Water that is too hot should be avoided because it dehydrates the skin, while water that is too cold could make it red. Using a creamy cleanser allows you to hydrate the skin while eliminating any impurities or makeup residue.
• Dab your face with a towel, without rubbing the skin, otherwise it could become irritated or damaged.
• If the skin around the eyes is particularly dry, use a specific cream for that area to moisturize it.

Step 2. Scrub to remove dead skin cells

Exfoliating the skin removes its surface layer, which may be rough; nevertheless it is important to avoid rubbing too hard to avoid damaging it. To make sure you scrub correctly, do the following:

• Focus on rough or dry areas of the face. Look closely at the skin to see where it looks dull, cracked, or uneven.
• Massage the skin upward in small circular motions. Don't use too much force or you could irritate or damage it.

Step 3. Moisturize your face skin

The type of moisturizer depends on the type of makeup you want to create and of course your skin type.

• If you have oily skin, you should use a mattifying product that can regulate sebum production.
• If you have dry skin, it is best to use a product that contains natural oils and ingredients to make it appear supple, smooth and hydrated rather than dry and cracked.
• Some moisturizers are lightly tinted. If you are in the habit of using such a product, then in this case you can use it as a primer. If, on the other hand, you want to use a real primer as a make-up base, opt for a transparent cream.

Step 4. Apply primer

It is an essential product to create a quality blank canvas on which you can add all the other products. In addition to moisturizing and smoothing the skin, it masks small imperfections and minimizes shine. Its function is very similar to that of the "base coat" that you apply on the nails before the actual polish; some people consider it only an optional step, while in fact it really increases the quality of the final result.

• Using the primer is essential to create a runway makeup as you will be judged under powerful lights and by critics ready to highlight even the slightest flaw. It serves to create a base that is as smooth and homogeneous as possible and to hide the small imperfections of the skin that would be difficult to cover with other products.
• Apply it with your fingertips. It is the most effective way to distribute it evenly on the skin.
• The primer is available in different formulas: gel, cream or powder. You should choose it according to the characteristics and needs of your skin. Read the directions on the label carefully or ask a perfumery staff for help to make sure you get the effect you want (for example, even skin tone, cover blemishes, minimize fine lines, etc.).

Part 2 of 5: Applying the Foundation

Step 1. Choose a foundation suitable for your skin type

You should use one that is appropriate not only for your face color, but also for your skin type. The foundation is also a product available in different formulas, for example in powder, compact, liquid, gel or creamy form; follow these tips to select the most suitable one for your case.

• If you have dry skin, choose a foundation that guarantees a moisturizing as well as covering effect. Generally the liquid or stick ones are creamier and more nutritious. Be careful though as they could make your face a little sticky, so it's best to use a powder foundation afterwards to fix the problem as well.
• If you have oily skin, choose an oil-free foundation to avoid the risk of it starting to look greasy or shiny as the hours go by. The powder products are formulated to absorb sebum and help give a healthy and natural look to the face.
• If you have combination skin (oily in some parts of the face and dry in others), it is best to use a combination of two different products: one in cream and one in powder. You'll need to apply them strategically where you need them, making sure your skin looks perfectly even in the end.
• Choose a foundation that guarantees a good result even under bright lights. Practice before choosing the one that best suits the day of the show. The goal is to allow you to make yourself look perfect both on the runway and in photos and videos. Generally, runway make-up requires a very opaque base on which to apply the colors and details that make it unique.

Step 2. Choose the right color foundation

You can find an almost infinite number of shades, so it is certain that with a little patience you will be able to identify the one that suits you best. Remember that for a runway make-up, even the base must be more pronounced than for an everyday look. You should choose a shade that allows you to stand out on the runway and that resists the intense heat emanating from the lights. Here are some tips that can help you decide which tone is best for your skin:

• If possible, soak a cotton pad with your desired foundation and apply it to the jaw line. If it doesn't stand out and isn't visible, you've found the shade you need.
• Consider whether it is better for you to use a cool, warm or neutral undertone. You may decide that it is best to use a cold one if the veins on your wrists are a very noticeable blue color and if you blush often and get sunburned easily. If so, choose a foundation with a cool undertone: slightly reddish or bluish.
• Choose a foundation with a warm, yellow or gold undertone, if the veins on your wrists appear greenish and you tan easily in the sun.
• If the veins on your wrists are both greenish and bluish, you should opt for a neutral undertone. One possible solution is to use a foundation with a neutral yellow undertone mixed with a small amount of another with a pink undertone.
• One last quick recommendation: if the gold color suits you, the most suitable tones for you are the "warm" ones, while if it gives you silver the "cold" ones are better. If they both suit you, you are happily "neutral".

Step 3. Apply foundation using a brush or sponge

You want to make sure you can distribute it evenly. Make-up artists have not yet found an agreement on which is the most suitable tool to use. Some argue that the brush is more appropriate in the case of a liquid foundation, while others say that only the sponge allows you to blend the color perfectly. Use the accessory of your choice and do the following to achieve ideal coverage:

• Apply a generous amount to blemishes. It is essential that, after applying the foundation, the face looks healthy and even. Use the amount you need to mask pimples or blemishes. Do not worry if the result is not homogeneous at the beginning, before continuing you will return to carefully blend the product where it is needed.
• Remember to blend the foundation also along the hairline and the profile of the jaw. You must absolutely avoid the mask effect. Make sure you have blended the product correctly in every part of the face to achieve a flawless look: even and natural.

Step 4. Apply foundation to your eyelids as well

Just like the primer applied to the rest of the face, it serves to create a blank canvas on which to bring the actual makeup to life. The eyeshadow will adhere better to the skin and the colors will be more intense and uniform.

• Be careful when applying foundation around the eye area to avoid irritating them. If some of the product comes into contact with the eyeball it could be very painful, so it is best to use a small brush or fingertips to spread it in this delicate part.
• Blend the lines created by the foundation. Once the first layer of product has been applied, go over it with a sponge, making small circular movements all over the face, to eliminate the differences in terms of color and thickness. Pay particular attention to places where you have abounded with quantities to mask underlying imperfections, such as pimples, wrinkles, blemishes, etc. Try to even out the complexion as much as possible.

Step 5. Choose a good quality concealer

To cover dark circles and any other slight discolorations present on the face, you can also use foundation, but to mask the most obvious defects it is essential to use a good concealer. Of course it is essential to choose one suitable for the color of the foundation.

It is also important to opt for a product that is easy to blend. Otherwise the lights could bring out the "layers" of the make-up and accentuate, instead of hiding, the imperfections on the face. You should look at the result under different types of lighting and from different angles to see possible problems

Step 6. Create a matte finish by applying a layer of compact powder foundation

At this point the skin is probably slightly sticky, while for a runway make-up it is essential that it has a matte appearance. Take a powder foundation, roughly the same shade as the one you used previously, and apply a thin layer of it with a specific brush.

This trick allows the first foundation to stay intact longer, and also eliminates the problem of sticky skin. The makeup will look more natural and lighter

Part 3 of 5: Making the Eyes Stand Out

Step 1. Choose three different colored eyeshadows

One light shade, one medium and one dark. You can choose the ones you prefer, there are no limits; for example based on the color of your eyes or the type of event you are about to attend.

• If it is an evening event, you may prefer darker and more intense shades, perhaps slightly shimmering.
• You can also design different looks for different moments of the show. For example, at the time of the interviews it might be better to avoid too blatant make-up and prefer more neutral colors that help you look serious and professional.

Step 2. Apply the three colors on the eyelids

Mentally divide them into three parts. Use each color on one third of the eyelid, starting with the lightest shade.

• Using the lighter shade, create a triangle at the inner corner of the eyelid, next to the nose. With the brush, draw a line with the lighter eyeshadow along the brow area. This is the first thing to do to create intense eye makeup.
• Apply the shade to the center of the eyelid. Create a moderately sized rectangle in the middle of the mobile eyelid.
• Finally, use the darker shade to draw a triangle at the outer corner of the eyelid. It should extend to the last third of the eyelid, the one closest to the temple.

Step 3. Blend the eyeshadow

At this point you need to make sure that the colors stand out, but at the same time they look good next to each other. Take a small brush and use the middle shade to lightly blend the edges between the lightest and the medium and then between the medium and the darker. Achieving a perfect shade is essential! The three colors must blend into each other rather than appear separate. The choice of using the medium tone to perform the gradient serves to make the separation between the colors more natural. Its job is to act as a connecting bridge between the two different eyeshadows.

Give more depth to the eyes by using the darker color. Take a thin eyeshadow brush and use it to frame the work done so far. Basically you have to slide it along the natural crease of the eyelid, starting from the outer corner of the eye up to almost the inner one

Step 4. Define the shape of the eyebrows

Use a specific pencil, a shade slightly darker than that of the hair. Decide which style you prefer, for example you might like thin, thick, arched or gull-wing. The choice also depends on the type of look you want to achieve.

• Draw some fake hairs to give the eyebrows the desired shape. The correct way to proceed varies a lot according to their natural shape and that of your face. Do not try to completely distort them, the ideal is to use the eyebrow arch as a guide and always follow the direction of the hair, to obtain a result that conforms to the nature of your face.
• It is important to fill in any sparse areas with the pencil to make sure they are clearly visible as you walk on the catwalk. However, remember that the line that distinguishes well-defined and obvious brows from other vulgar and tacky ones is very subtle, so try to use a pencil of a similar shade to that of your hair and complexion.

Step 5. Apply eyeliner

If you've used it before and feel confident doing it, you can choose a liquid or gel formula. If, on the other hand, you are not very experienced, it is better to use a pen eyeliner as it allows you to easily correct any errors.

• If liquid or gel eyeliner comes in a bottle, it is best to apply it using a thin, angled eyeliner. If, on the other hand, you have chosen a pen product, you can hold it in your dominant hand as you would with a normal pencil. Begin to outline the upper lash line from the inner corner of the eye. The line should initially be quite thin, gradually becoming thicker as you move towards your temple.
• To highlight your lower lashes, choose a soft, flowing, water-resistant pencil and use it on the inside rather than the outside. Be careful not to apply too much force because it is an internal point of the eye, therefore very delicate.

Step 6. Choose a mascara that makes your lashes thicker and more voluminous

You can also use two products that guarantee different results to get exactly the desired effect. For example, some are perfect for adding volume, while others are perfect for giving a deep black color to the lashes. Use them both to make them appear thick and dark.

• Take out the brush slowly, making sure there is an even amount of mascara on the bristles on each side. Apply it on the lashes starting from the upper ones. Slide the brush from the base of the lashes towards the tips in a smooth motion. You can do several strokes, but be careful not to overdo it to prevent unsightly lumps from forming on the lashes.
• If you want you can also apply mascara on the lower lashes. As they are generally much more sparse, more precision is required and you can only do one or two passes at most.

Part 4 of 5: Make Up Your Lips

Step 1. Choose your favorite lip products:

pencil, lipstick and gloss. The hue depends on the look you want to achieve, but also on the color of your complexion.

• It is important to know what the undertone of your skin is. Is it more yellow or pink? Yellow is a warmer color, while pink is colder. The selection process is very similar to that used to identify the most suitable foundation; also the color of the lipstick must be adapted to the undertone of the skin.
• Once you've identified your undertone, you can look for a pencil, lipstick, and lip gloss of the right color. For example, if your skin's undertone is cool, you can choose a red shade with bluish undertones, while if it's warm it's better to opt for orange shades. If you have difficulty understanding which products are most suitable for you, you can ask the staff of a perfumery for advice.

Step 2. Apply the lip liner

Instead of drawing a single long line to outline the outline of the mouth, draw lots of small dashes coloring the lips completely. Applying the pencil all over the mouth allows you to make the lipstick last longer and also make it more bright. Consider the pencil as a tool that allows you to create a solid foundation on which to perform the next steps.

• The upper lip should be slightly larger than the lower one. If yours is not by nature, you can slightly "correct" the size using the pencil. Remember that the upper lip must be marked, but still natural. Don't try to make it look much bigger than reality or it will look abnormal and vulgar.
• In addition to slightly increasing the size of the upper lip, you can also try to slightly modify its shape. Make several attempts to find the most suitable and natural solution.

Step 3. Apply lipstick

It's very simple, just go over the pencil with precision. Try to make a single fluid motion by running the lipstick first on the lower lip and then on the upper lip.

• Immediately after applying the lipstick, you should fold a clean paper towel in half and squeeze it between your lips. This device serves to fix the color and eliminate the excess product.
• Remember to check for lipstick stains on your teeth. Open your mouth and smile to be sure.

Step 4. Apply the gloss exclusively to the center of both lips

It is best not to put it all over the mouth. Applying it in this way will give volume and three-dimensionality to the lips.

• Illuminating certain points of the face allows you to highlight your strong points, making the defects overshadow. The contouring technique is based on this principle. Applying gloss to the center of your lips automatically makes them look plumper.
• Thanks to this simple trick, your mouth will be even more beautiful in the photograph and more visible to the public as you walk on the catwalk.

Part 5 of 5: Applying the Finishing Touches

Step 1. Use a large, fluffy brush to apply a powder face highlighter

In addition to fixing the makeup, it will draw attention to the points you want to highlight. Again, it is important to select a product that is suitable for your skin color.

• If you have fair skin, you should use a pearly, lightly pigmented compact powder. If your skin tone is light to medium, it's best to use a champagne or light pink highlighter. For medium-dark skin tones, the most suitable highlighters are peach-colored ones, while those with yellowish shades should be avoided. If you have dark skin, you should use a highlighter with gold highlights.
• Start by applying a small amount under the arch of the eyebrows and on the inner corner of the eyelids, near the nose. Also repeat on the bridge of the nose, just below the eyes. Proceed with caution so as not to risk the dust coming into contact with the eyeball, otherwise you could water and ruin the work done so far.
• You should also apply the highlighter to the top of the cheeks. The goal is to highlight the cheekbones and give the face three-dimensionality.
• Finally, apply a veil of highlighter just above the lower lip, where the so-called Cupid's bow is located. Move the brush sideways to prevent dust from getting into your mouth or nose.

Step 2. Apply bronzer to cheeks

Cheeks will naturally appear leaner and face slimmer. Remember that a small amount is enough, otherwise you will look unnatural or worse ridiculous.

• To complete the makeup, you can add a little blush just below the bronzer. The choice of color depends on how marked you want it to be. Of course, the darker the hue, the more noticeable the effect will be. The point you want to emphasize is the small bulges that form in the center of the cheeks when you smile.
• If you want your nose to look thinner, take a brush and apply bronzer along its sides. Darkening the edges it will be highlighted, but it will also appear in a different shape in the eyes of the beholder.

Step 3. Review your work

Look carefully in the mirror and, if necessary, add more color where needed. Also look for and correct any errors.

Since the makeup is made up of several layers, it's easy to do some tweaking if you notice something you don't like. Simply repeat the desired steps paying more attention

Advice

• The different products and colors are not suitable for everyone, most are formulated to meet specific needs. Experiment with several to find the ones that best suit your characteristics and preferences.
• A runway make-up must necessarily be more marked than the one you like to wear every day.