Instagram vs. Reality: What makeup is supposed to be

Hi beauties! It’s time to clear something up:

Do you ever sit around browsing your IG and come across all of these beautiful women with badass (and filtered!) makeup photos? How about the stunning closeup eye-makeup photos with the perfect eyeshadow blending? Do you look at these and feel like you would give anything to have those makeup skills? You’re not alone, but I’m going to give you a few nuggets of wisdom to help you through this.

1.     First of all, IG makeup is not practical makeup. It’s more like artwork, which is definitely something to appreciate. However, it’s tedious and it’s not real life. Don’t feel like your makeup has to look like what you see on the ‘gram. Most people don’t have 2 hours to spend on their makeup on the daily, nor do most people (even pros like myself) WANT to spend that time in front of a mirror. What we want is to look like the best versions of ourselves in the easiest way possible.

2.     How do you do this? By highlighting your own facial features—without changing or distorting what you have; otherwise, you’d look completely unnatural and unlike yourself. Unless you’re going for an editorial, theatrical, or SFX makeup look, you’ll want to avoid this.

3.     Choose an application technique that is comfortable for YOU, and think about the effect that you want. Do you prefer a more natural, no frills look? Stick with it! Do you love to be bolder with brighter colors? Keep practicing and check out color theory to see how you can harmonize different eyeshadow shades. 

4.     Unless you’re doing a stylized photo shoot (think maternity or lifestyle) or wedding shoot, you’ll likely be looking straight into the camera. Therefore, blending perfectly isn’t the end all, be all. While applying your makeup, just make sure it looks great when you look straight into that mirror.

5. Get inspired by it and make it wearable. Here are a few tips on how to do this:

a.     Choose one shade and stick with it

b. Go monochrome: find a similar shade of blush and lipstick, and you won’t have to worry about harmonizing colors

c.     Don’t get fancy—add it to your lid or crease, then blend with a clean, fluffy brush

d.     Try out a colorful eyeliner instead.            

Next time you’re feeling extra, slap on some orange or blue eyeshadow, and head out that door with your head held high!

—Until next time, beauties! 💋