Celebrities always seem to have flawless complexions, leaving us wondering how is it that they achieve such perfection. Well, the secret lies in their makeup techniques and the help of skilled makeup artists, of course. The trend of celebrities having a flawless base with makeup can be traced back to the early days of Hollywood, where actors and actresses relied on professional makeup artists to create a flawless look for the screen.
A smooth and even complexion serves as the canvas for the rest of your makeup, enhancing your natural beauty and boosting your confidence. However, creating that flawless base requires the right techniques and products. In this article, we explore the art of achieving a perfect complexion and provide you with essential makeup tips that will help you master the art of a flawless base.
Makeup Tips and Tricks
Prep and Prime: Before applying any makeup, it’s crucial to prepare your skin properly. Start by cleansing your face to remove any dirt, oil, or impurities. Follow it up with a gentle exfoliation to smooth out the skin’s texture and allow for better product absorption. After cleansing, moisturise your skin to hydrate and plump it, creating a smooth canvas for your makeup. Lastly, apply a primer that suits your skin type to extend the longevity of your makeup and blur imperfections.
Colour Correction: Colour correcting is a game-changer when it comes to achieving a flawless complexion. If you have specific skin concerns like redness, dark circles, or uneven pigmentation, using colour correctors can help put these issues to bed. For example, the green colour corrector cancels out redness, while peach or orange correctors counteract dark circles. Apply the corrector sparingly to the areas that need it and blend it gently with your fingertips or a beauty sponge before moving on to applying foundation.
Choose the Right Foundation: Selecting the right foundation shade and formula is crucial for a seamless base. Identify your undertone (warm, cool, or neutral) to find a foundation shade that matches your skin perfectly. Additionally, consider your skin type when choosing a foundation formula. If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating or luminous foundation, while those with oily skin should go for oil-free or matte foundations. Apply the foundation evenly using a brush, sponge, or your fingers, dabbing gently to ensure the product blends seamlessly into your skin.
Conceal Imperfections: Concealing is an essential step in achieving a flawless base. Use a creamy concealer that matches your skin tone to cover blemishes, dark spots, or any other imperfections. Apply it directly onto the areas you want to conceal and blend it gently using a small brush or your fingertips. For dark under-eye circles, choose a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your foundation and apply it in an inverted triangle shape for a brightening effect.
Set and Finish: To ensure your flawless base stays in place all day, it’s crucial to set your makeup. Use a translucent or setting powder to lock in your foundation and concealer, focusing on areas prone to oiliness or creasing. For a more natural finish, you can lightly dust the powder over your entire face. Finally, complete your flawless base by applying a setting spray, which not only helps your makeup last longer but also adds a natural, dewy glow.
Our Favourites in the Middle East
When it comes to foundation brands available in the Middle East, there are several popular options known for their quality and diverse shade ranges. While we can provide you with some note-worthy brands, it’s important to consider that prices and availability may vary depending on the specific country you’re located in within the Middle East. Additionally, reviews can be subjective, so it’s always helpful to try samples or consult with a makeup professional to find the perfect match for your skin type and tone. Here are some renowned foundation brands along with a general overview of their price range and reputation.
MAC Cosmetics: A well-known makeup brand globally, including in the Middle East. They offer a wide range of foundations suitable for different skin types and tones. Prices for MAC foundations typically range from around USD $30 to $40. MAC foundations often receive positive reviews for their coverage, longevity, and broad shade selection.
NARS Cosmetics: NARS is another popular brand that offers a variety of foundation options. They are known for their extensive shade range and formulas suitable for various skin concerns. Prices for NARS foundations generally range from around USD $40 to $50. NARS foundations are often praised for their natural finish and long-lasting wear.
Estée Lauder: Estée Lauder is a luxury brand that offers a range of high-quality foundations. They have foundations catering to different skin types and finishes. Prices for Estée Lauder foundations typically start around USD $40 and can go up to $70 or more. Estée Lauder foundations are appreciated for their coverage, blend-ability, and durability.
Fenty Beauty: Fenty Beauty, created by Rihanna, gained popularity for its inclusive shade range and diverse foundation options. They offer a wide selection of shades suitable for various skin tones and undertones. Prices for Fenty Beauty foundations range from around USD $30 to $40. Fenty Beauty foundations often receive positive reviews for their lightweight feel, coverage, and long-lasting power.
Make Up For Ever: Make Up For Ever is a professional makeup brand widely available in the Middle East. They offer foundations with different finishes and coverage levels. Prices for Makeup for Ever foundations typically start around USD $40. Make Up for Ever foundations are well-regarded for their extensive shade range and long-wearing formulas.
The Makeup Pre-Application Checklist
Using face masks and eye masks before applying foundation can greatly enhance the final outcome of your makeup application. Face masks help to prep and hydrate the skin, whilst eye masks reduce puffiness and brighten the under-eye area. These treatments create a smooth and refreshed canvas, ensuring a flawless and long-lasting makeup look.
Using essential oils on the face under makeup can provide numerous benefits that contribute to a healthy and radiant complexion. These natural oils derived from plants have unique properties that nourish and protect the skin. Sweet Almond Oil, Argan oil, and Rose Essential Oil are excellent choices for both under your makeup base and for makeup removal. Sweet Almond Oil provides hydration, Argan Oil nourishes the skin, and Rose Essential Oil offers a soothing effect. All three essential oils can be effectively used for cleansing impurities while leaving the skin nourished and ready for a flawless makeup application. Using the oils in a diluted format that suits your skin type is important to avoid breakouts.
Essential Oils are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids that nourish the skin. These nutrients can help improve the overall health and appearance of the skin, promoting a youthful and glowing complexion. They can help protect the skin from bacteria, pollution, and environmental stressors. This can minimize the risk of breakouts, redness, and irritation caused by makeup products.
Some essential oils, like Sweet Almond Oil, Argan oil and Rose Pure Essential Oil have lightweight textures that can act as effective makeup primers. They create a smooth base, allowing the foundation to glide on effortlessly and ensuring longer-lasting makeup throughout the day. Essential oils have aroma-therapeutic properties that can help uplift the mood and reduce stress. Applying essential oils before makeup can create a calming and enjoyable experience, setting a positive tone for the day.
Incorporating Face masks, Eye masks and Essential oils into your skincare routine before makeup application can transform your makeup experience, providing added hydration, nourishment, protection, and a touch of aromatherapy bliss.
Online Makeup How-To’s
Makeup tutorials on the internet have revolutionised the way people approach and learn about makeup applications. They have empowered individuals to experiment with different products and techniques, allowing them to achieve a flawless base in the comfort of their own homes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced makeup enthusiast, these tutorials offer a wealth of information and inspiration to help you enhance your skills and achieve that red-carpet-worthy flawless base.
In recent years, the rise of social media and beauty influencers has made makeup tutorials available online. Makeup enthusiasts and professionals alike have taken to platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram to share their knowledge and demonstrate various techniques for achieving a flawless base. These tutorials cover everything from skincare preparation, colour correction, foundation application, concealing imperfections, and setting the makeup for long-lasting wear.
Dubai is known for its thriving beauty industry, and several talented makeup artists specialise in foundation application for a flawless base. While preferences may vary, here are a few popular makeup artists in Dubai known for their expertise in creating flawless foundations:
Huda Kattan (@hudabeauty): Huda Kattan is a Dubai-based makeup artist and beauty influencer. She has gained international recognition for her makeup skills and her brand, Huda Beauty. Known for her flawless complexion techniques, Huda has created a range of foundation products that cater to diverse skin tones and textures.
Manuel Mua (@manuelmua): Manuel Mua is a highly sought-after makeup artist in Dubai. With an exceptional understanding of various skin types and tones, he specializes in creating flawless base makeup. His artistry and attention to detail have earned him a strong reputation in the industry.
Soniaxfyza (@soniaxfyza): Sonia and Fyza Ali, also known as Soniaxfyza, are Dubai-based makeup artists and beauty influencers. They have gained popularity for their ability to create flawless complexions. With a focus on skin preparation and foundation application, they have become go-to artists for achieving a seamless base.
Makeup by Dee & Dal (@makeupbydeendal): Dee & Dal are Dubai-based makeup artists known for their expertise in creating flawless makeup looks. Their foundation application techniques emphasize a natural and radiant finish. They have a strong presence on social media and are highly regarded in the Dubai beauty scene.
Nikki Makeup (@nikki_makeup): Nikki Makeup is a renowned makeup artist based in Dubai. With a diverse portfolio ranging from editorial work to red-carpet looks, she has mastered the art of creating flawless bases. Nikki’s attention to detail and ability to enhance natural beauty make her a top choice for many.
These makeup artists have proven their skills and have a strong presence in Dubai’s beauty industry. Whether you’re looking for a glamorous red-carpet look or a natural, everyday base, these makeup artists can help you achieve a flawless complexion.
With the advent of the internet and makeup tutorials, anyone can now learn the techniques and tricks used by professionals to achieve a flawless complexion. So, dive into the world of online tutorials, explore different techniques, and unlock the secrets to your flawless base.
Mastering the art of a flawless base is a skill that can transform your makeup game. By following the above essential tips – from proper preparation and colour correction to choosing the right foundation and concealing imperfections – you can achieve a perfect complexion that serves as the foundation for any makeup look. With practice and the right products, you’ll be well on your way to creating a flawlessly radiant base every time you do your makeup.
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