The art of perfect coverage

Glass skin. No-make-up make-up look. Mob wife aesthetic. More such trends will be added to your social media feed by the time you are done reading this article. Your clients are up-to-date about make-up trends, and to achieve the look they desire, every make-up artist has to master the art of base. Read on to find out what secrets our experts have shared with Vidhi Arya.

The art of base make-up serves as the foundational canvas upon which the rest of a make-up look is built. From achieving a flawless complexion to enhancing facial features, mastering base make-up techniques is essential for creating a polished and professional appearance. Whether aiming for a natural, dewy glow or a full-coverage matte finish, understanding the principles of colour correction, concealer and foundation application lays the groundwork for a seamless and long-lasting look.This is how artists can express their unique style, boost their confidence and unleash their creativity in the realm of beauty.

Sandeep Shrestha, Beauty, Make-up and Prosthetic SFX Educator, says,“The perfect base is one that isn’t too greasy or dry, effectively covering imperfections while maintaining a minimal look.”

PREP IT RIGHT

Getting the skin preps right before product applications leads to perfection. Professional makeup Artist Pakkhi Pahuja suggests that a good skincare regime helps build a good base. She says,“To achieve a beautiful flawless look, I love to prep the skin well. I encourage all my clients to get into good skincare routines and visit their dermatologists for proper consultations.”

Shrestha suggests,“Achieving a flawless base begins with visualising the desired outcome before application. Using fewer products is the key, as it adheres to the principle of ‘less is more’. Starting with minimal concealers, colour correctors, foundations and powder sets the foundation for a natural-looking finish.”

FIRST THINGS FIRST

While aiming to achieve perfect coverage, there are several things that a make-up artist needs to consider.There is no one-size-fits-all rule for a flawless base as each skin type deserves special attention and technique.This is where a client consultation plays a crucial role too. Shrestha explains,“When working on a client’s face, I make it a priority to understand their make-up background, including their comfort level with make-up, preferred styles, past experiences and any specific concerns such as fine lines.”

Pahuja asserts,“It’s important to not just consider skin type but also check the weather conditions and the location of the event - outdoor or indoor - as the environment has a huge role to play in longevity and appeal of the make-up.”

MATCH MAKING SKILLS

The most basic yet magical trick behind achieving a perfect base is to choose the right shade for the foundation and concealer. While it’s crucial that all blemishes are camouflaged, any colour that’s too bright or dark will take away from the beauty of the make-up. As an educator, Shrestha stresses the importance of mastering colour theory. He says,“A clear understanding of the colour theory ensures versatility in foundation selection and effective colour correction techniques. Utilising the colour wheel when choosing a shade for correction and foundation is paramount.”

SKIN WOES-BE-GONE

A healthy, hydrated, blemish- and acne-free skin is every make-up artist’s dream. But that’s rarely the case. So, how do artists tackle acne-prone or pigmented skin? Shreshta says,“For acne-prone skin, I recommend aspiring artists opt for lighter, less harsh products, as heavy make-up can exacerbate allergies and acne. A subtle, liquid-based foundation is preferable, with the option for thicker, nongreasy cream-based foundations for heavier coverage. Additionally, for pigmented skin, using a high-coverage foundation. Here, mastering the colour correction techniques is crucial. When working with mature clients, who typically prefer a more subtle make-up look, I suggest using a liquid-based foundation and concealers, avoiding overly creamy or dry formulas and silicone-based foundations. Subtle colours and natural bases are key to achieving a flattering look on mature skin.”

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KNOW YOUR TOOLS

Now that the basics of setting the perfect coverage are in place, the question remains, what’s the best way to apply the products? While Pahuja vouches for beauty blenders and fingers, Shrestha prefers brush application. Ultimately, it’s for each make-up artist to find their comfort zone and establish what works best for them. As Shrestha suggests, “Different techniques are essential when working with various skin textures. Even without beauty blenders, I’ve successfully executed make-up using brushes and fingers, showcasing the importance of adaptability and experience in the industry.The choice of tools depends on the individual and the situation.”

Mastering the art of base makeup is a journey that encompasses both skill and creativity. With attention to detail, personalised consultations and a clear understanding of colour theory, artists can tailor their approach to suit each client’s unique needs and preferences. Whether you are wielding a brush, a beauty blender or using your fingertips, the goal remains the same: to unleash the full potential of your client’s beauty and confidence through the transformative power of make-up.