zaro

What is the rule of makeup?

Published in Makeup Basics 3 mins read

There isn't one single, definitive "rule" of makeup. Instead, makeup is about enhancing your features and expressing yourself, meaning its application is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, there are foundational principles and common practices that can be considered "rules" for achieving a polished and effective makeup look.

Foundational Principles - The "Rules" of Makeup

While flexibility is key, here are some generally accepted principles:

  • Start with a Clean and Hydrated Base: This is crucial. Makeup applies best to clean, moisturized skin. This ensures a smooth canvas and prevents makeup from clinging to dry patches.

  • Proper Color Matching: Selecting the correct foundation and concealer shades for your skin tone is essential for a natural look. This avoids harsh lines and an unnatural complexion.

  • Blend, Blend, Blend: Blending is the key to a seamless makeup application. Harsh lines and obvious transitions should be avoided. Use brushes, sponges, or your fingers to blend products thoroughly.

  • Enhance, Don't Mask: The goal of makeup is usually to enhance your natural features, not completely cover them up. Think about highlighting your best assets rather than trying to achieve a completely different look.

  • Less is More: Overdoing makeup can often look unnatural. Start with a light application and build up the coverage as needed.

A Step-by-Step "Rule" Breakdown

Though not a rigid set of rules, here's a common sequence often followed:

  1. Prep the Skin:

    • Cleanse: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
    • Moisturize: Apply a moisturizer suitable for your skin type.
    • Prime: Use a primer to create a smooth, even base and help makeup last longer.
  2. Base Application:

    • Foundation: Apply foundation to even out skin tone, blending well.
    • Concealer: Use concealer to cover blemishes, dark circles, and any areas needing extra coverage.
  3. Color & Definition:

    • Blush: Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks for a healthy glow.
    • Bronzer/Contour: Use bronzer to warm up the complexion and contour to define features like cheekbones.
    • Highlight: Apply highlighter to the high points of the face (cheekbones, brow bone, bridge of the nose) for a luminous effect.
  4. Eye Makeup:

    • Eyeshadow: Apply eyeshadow to create depth and definition.
    • Eyeliner: Use eyeliner to define the eyes.
    • Mascara: Apply mascara to lengthen and volumize lashes.
    • Eyebrows: Fill in and shape eyebrows for a polished look.
  5. Lip Makeup:

    • Lip Liner: Define the lips with lip liner.
    • Lipstick/Lip Gloss: Apply lipstick or lip gloss to add color and hydration.
  6. Setting:

    • Setting Spray: Use a setting spray to help makeup last all day and blend everything together.

Breaking the "Rules"

While these are helpful guidelines, the best "rule" of makeup is to experiment and find what works best for you. If you prefer a bold lip and minimal eye makeup, or vice versa, that's perfectly fine! There are no "right" or "wrong" ways to express yourself through makeup.

In conclusion, while there are common practices in makeup application, it's ultimately a form of self-expression. Understanding the foundational principles allows for informed choices and effective techniques, but personal preference should always guide the final result.