Consider how you feel when you see your reflection and notice that there is a little light there. Perhaps it was the light that highlighter caught, or maybe your lips, how they expressed your entire face. It is in the little things that Glamour can be found.
The charm of the correct makeup looks is that they truly are as simple as they seem. No need to be a professional artist, have a drawer of products or even have an hour to spare. You must have a clear idea of what you want, a few smart techniques and you must be confident to wear it.
In this guide, you can discover 8 glamorous makeup looks – soft and radiant, bold and dramatic. They each include step-by-step instructions, tips on how to use the products and suggestions for when to use them. You’ll also get some tips about how to prepare the skin, tools, and common pitfalls, as well as answers to the most frequently asked questions.
But what does make a look “glamorous”?
Glamour isn’t to do with wearing more make-up. It’s all about intention when wearing it. There are some common attributes that most glamorous faces have and once you know them you’ll be able to take any type of style and make it your own.
The Four Pillars of Glamour
- Luminous skin: The base of almost every finished looking face is to have bright skin that reflects light.
- Structural features: Sculpted brow, framed eyes and shaped cheeks.
- A focal point: The most beautiful faces emphasize one detail – eyes, lips, etc. – instead of multiple details.
- Smooth blending: Make-up always appears luxurious and easy to apply if it is blended perfectly.
Know Your Own Features
Prior to picking a style, figure out some of the things you like about your face. You may have expressive eyes, big lips or prominent cheek bones. The best glamour is when it extols amongst what you already have.
Prep Like a Pro: The Foundation of Every Great Face
No matter how gorgeous the hue, it looks spotted on raw skin. It pays to take a few minutes to prepare; the effort is clearly worthwhile.
- Cleanse gently. Use a fresh clean surface.
- Moisturize. Skin that’s hydrated will makeup looks better. Select a skin care formula for your skin type.
- Apply sunscreen in the daytime. Resists skin penetration, and absorbs easily under make-up.
- Apply a primer as necessary. Target difficult areas such as oily spots or areas where make-up runs.
- Prep lips and under eyes. A light balm and a little eye cream will keep eyes creasing free and dry.
When using products, try to avoid fragrances and any new product if you have sensitive skin or a skin condition – patch if possible before using it. If irritation doesn’t subside, seek advice from a dermatologist.
1: The Radiant “Glass Skin” Glow
First let’s start with the most inviting look in the world. The skin on the glass is dewy, smooth and glow-in-the-dark.
Why It Works
The children’s skin reflects light, giving them a youthful and healthy appearance. The purpose is not to give the finished product a greasy look. It is a subtle, even light that is able to hit the right spots.
How to Create It
- Use a moisturising cream or lotion.
- Apply a light, skin tone foundation or tinted moisturizer.
- Use the dab concealer just in areas where you need it.
- For a natural flushing, apply cream blush to cheeks.
- Apply liquid and/or cream highlighter to cheekbones, brow bones and bridge of nose.
- Just brush a small amount of translucent powder in your T-zone.
Best For
Day time events, brunches, business day and all those who enjoy a fresh and minimal makeup look.
Pro Tip
For oily skin, opt for a satin finish instead of a dewy finish and sparingly for highlighter.
2: Classic red lip makeup looks
There’s no better way to look sexy than a flirtatious red lip. It’s never in fashion, it looks good and there’s nothing so flattering as finding the right shade.
Finding Your Red
- Cool undertones: Reds that have blue in them, cherry and raspberry hues.
- Warm undertones: Greenish reds or purplish.
- Neutral undercolours: True reds, in between.
- Deeper skin tones: These can be rich burgundy, brick and other deep hues that can look great.
How to Apply It
- Gently exfoliate, and use lip balm.
- Use a matching pencil to line lips.
- Apply lipstick in middle and then spread it outwards.
- Pat dry with a tissue then apply again for lasting effects.
- Use a little brush and concealer to brush around the edges.
Balance the Face
Eyes should be kept simple, possibly shadowed with neutral tones, some mascara and trimmed out brows. If the lip leads the rest of the ensemble should follow.
Best For
At night-time meal times, marriages, parties, and when you need to feel strong.
3: The Soft Smoky Eyes
A smoky eye can provide a lot of depth and mystery. The soft version doesn’t have the dramatic weight and is better worn than the heavy-duty versions, and it’s appropriate for many situations.
Why It Works
Blended shades give the eye a darker tone and make lashes look thicker, while enlarging eyes. It looks sophisticated, not too intense when it is in warm or neutral colors.
Step-by-Step
- Brush a neutral base color paint on the lid.
- Sweep in a medium brown/taupe through the crease.
- Smear a darker colour around the top line of lashing.
- Blend well as blending is all important.
- Decorate the center of the lid with a trimming of glitter, if you like.
- Apply mascara and soft liner (if desired) to lower lash line.
Color Ideas
- Green eyes: Biscuit, buttermilk, and black.
- Blue eyes: Light blue, yellow and hazel.
- Wine and Purple eyes, and Soft Gold eyes.
- Hazel eyes: Olive, bronze and deep teal.
Best For
Late nights, dates and picture-packed nights!
4: Winged Liner and Lash Look
The art of the eyeliner has been in use for ages. Raises the eyes and polishes at once.
Why It Works
The natural line of the eye is elongated by a wing; the result will be an uplifted look. In combination with the clearly marked lashing, it creates a beautiful outline of the eyes.
- Steady Wing: How To Get A Steady Wing
- Make sure to look straight ahead in the mirror.
- Begin with a small line from the outside corner, running towards the tail of your brow.
- Thin and light strokes on the wing to the lash line.
- Add layers of building over time, rather than all at once.
- Use a cotton swab and concealer to clean up the edge.
Choosing Your Style
- Collarette wing: A short and narrow wing which is suitable for ordinary wear.
- Slim line: Short, straight and sharp, ideal for day or evening.
- Graphic liner: Including bold colours or shape for creative appearances.
Tip for Hooded Eyes
Keep eyes open and tip up wing slightly with eyes open, it can change when eyes are closed or relaxed.
5: The Bronzed Goddess Glow
Sun-kissed skin will make you appear glowing. This ensemble seems like a getaway to the beach even if you’re not!
Why It Works
Bronzer can add warmth and dimension to a face and golden tones can add a healthy glow. It goes so well with a nude lip and some soft and shimmer.
How to Create It
- Use a base that is natural.
- Get a tone darker than skin, that fits your undertone and is a bronzer.
- Sweep through forehead, under the cheekbones and along the jaw.
- Add some cream blush peachy / coral color.
- Use a dust highlighter on the high-lights of your face.
- Finish most any lip with a nude lip which is glossy, and a gold or bronze shadow.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Do not color with orange or muddy colors. Lightly apply and build up. Smooth and blend out any sharp edges.
Best For
Summer parties, outdoor weddings and vacation trips.
6: Monochromatic Rose makeup looks
If it’s soft, romantic and surprisingly modern, consider painting the lips, cheeks and eyes with one color in the family.
Why It Works
Sameness of tone – harmony. The face appears harmonious and natural, and it’s easy since there’s no need to consider numerous shades.
How to Create It
- Select a soft pink or berry color as the base color.
- Use a blush to colour cheeks.
- Make sure that the tone of the lids is the same or similar to the tone of the box.
- Apply lip colour in a matching colour.
- Maintain well-groomed brow and apply mascara.
Shade Suggestions
- Fair skin: Gentle pink and peachy pink rose.
- Medium skin: Warm shades of rose and coral.
- Deep skin: Berry, plum and deep raspberry.
Best For
Up to date nights, spring occasions, and anybody that values a delicate, charming end.
7: The Bold Metallic Eye makeup looks
For drama, a metallic lid provides. Modern, striking and ideal for special occasions.
Why It Works
Metallic shades reflect light, and the eye will “pop”. One pressed shade can be a quite elegant makeup looks.
How to Create It
- Primer the lid for enhanced colour pay-off.
- Create depth with a neutral colour in the crease.
- Use your finger or a flat brush to put a stamping metal shadow in the middle of the lid.
- For definition, add a darker colour around the outside corner.
- Complete with mascara and a nude lip.
Color Ideas
- Gold: Comfortable and luxurious.
- Silver: Cool, sleek and futuristic.
- Bronze: Giving a natural flattering appearance.
- Champagne: Satisfyingly soft, and for this reason, wearable.
- Copper: Strong & rich.
Pro Tip
To deepen a pigment, use a damp brush, or a setting spray. Use loose glitter and apply a glitter adhesive if using glitter, otherwise keep other parts of the face simple.
8: Hollywood Vintage Face look
Last but not least, draw on the glitz and glam of old fashioned movies for complete old school drama. Gleaming and self-assured, it’s definitely classy.
Key Elements
- Matte skin: A matte base but with a soft, glow.
- Arching, well-cut-out brow: A bit more formlined than today.
- Winged liner and lashes: A lovely twist and fuller lashes.
- Rosy cheeks: Slightly higher up on cheeks.
- Fine lips with a red or deep berry colour: A fine, matte or satin finish.
Step-by-Step
- Carefully prepare and set skin.
- Use lightly feathering strokes to define brows.
- Apply neutral shadow and clean liner wing.
- Apply mascara or opt for lashes that you’re comfortable with.
- Use blush, and complete with a bold lip colour.
Styling Ideas
Complement with soft pin curls, a low sleek bun or shiny waves. A pretty pair of earrings and a classic dress finish the outfit.
Range of tools and products that are worth their keep
It isn’t necessary to have a lot of them, but a few good, essentials can make a difference.
Essential Tools
- A soft blending brush to use for eyeshadow.
- A thick layer of ground cover in the form of brush or (smooth) sponge.
- A gentle brush for the eyebrows and eye lash.A small brush used for the eyebrows and eye lash that has an angled head.
- A powder way to set and bronzer.
- Use cotton swabs to correct.
Core Products
- Use moisturiser and primer to rehydrate the skin.
- You can use a tinted or foundation moisturizer.
- Concealer
- Cream blush
- Neutral eyeshadow palette
- Mascara
- Brow product
- A versatile lipstick
- Setting spray
Hygiene Matters
Brushes and sponges should be cleaned regularly as dirt can result in breakout and irritation. Mascara should be changed every 3-4 months and all old that are different or smell should be thrown away.
Shade of Makeup match Your Skin Tone and Undertone
When it comes to selecting the right colors, it’s easier once you have an understanding of your undertone.
- Cool: Veins have a blue or purple color. You’ll look great in silver jewelry. Often times pinsks, berries and cool browns are beautiful.
- Warm: There is a greenish color in the veins. Gold jewellery is a suitable look for you. Any color that is peach, coral, bronze, or warm brown will radiate.
- Neutral: It’s possible you can wear it in both gold and silver. There are a great number of shades that will work, so don’t be afraid to try anything.
Keep in mind these are guidelines, not rules. If you like a colour, get a different tone of it (a deeper or lighter tone for example).
The most common errors to steer clear of
- No skin preparation: Makeup will stick to dry areas and it will look uneven.
- Not choosing the right foundation tone: Try the tone on the side of your face.
- Doing too much at once: Have a focal point.
- Bad blending: Lines that appear to have harsh edges are not finished.
- Excessive powder: Can appear dull and can age the appearance.
- Don’t forget about the eyebrows: They define your face and add to every face.
- Use heavy highlighter everywhere: Use it only on the highest point to highlight.
- Don’t forget to blot and set: This will make up last throughout the day.
How to Make Upstick Last All Day
Beauty on the face must last a long time.
- Prime and place in strategic spots. Concentrate on high shine or folds.
- Layer lightly. One thin coat will last longer than two thick coats.
- Spray with a setting spray. It will help to smooth, blend and hold layers in place.
- Carry touch-up essentials. You can be saved by blotting papers, your lipstick and a little mirror.
- Be gentle at night. To maintain healthy skin, thoroughly remove makeup with an appropriate makeup remover.
Final Thoughts
Glamour is NOT a formula. It’s a feeling. From the shiny glass skin to the bold red lip, smoky eyes to vintage Hollywood, the fanciest make-up styles are the ones that make you feel like you are in your best skin.
Always begin with healthy skin and do a gradual blend starting with one area. The more practice you do before big events, the more you’ll be comfortable with it; and don’t worry, you can adjust it to fit your own features. Makeup should be enjoyed not endured!
What is the first one you will be attempting? Choose the one that makes you smile, use your brushes and have fun in that moment of meeting with self-reflection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What can I do to appear like I am wearing fancy makeup looks?
Emphasize on skin preparation, soft blending and a single focus point. A nicely moisturized skin, light layers and a shine are far more luxurious than heavy layers.
Q2. Which style is recommended for the beginners?
Starting with the glass skin glows and monochromatic rose makeup looks are suitable. They require very little products and the soft finish covers up lesser mistakes.
Q3. What colour should I use for a lipstick?
Begin at your undertone. Blue based tones are apt for cool hues, while orange or coral tones are best for warm tones and neutral tones can be worn with a variety of colors. Try different colors on your lips or inside your wrist in sunlight.
Q4. How to avoid the creasing of make-up?
Use a good moisturiser, apply a primer if necessary and apply thin layers. Make use of a light application to set your under-eye area and don’t use heavy concealer. A setting spray can also be used to help.
Q5. Am I allowed to wear eye jewellery which is large, with a large lip?
It is possible to use more than one focal point, but it is better to use only one focus. For those who want both, have one bolder than the other, for example, a bold lip and a soft eye or a metallic lid and a nude lip.
