While a plethora of suggestions are available on social media platforms to advise the expert to novice to not-typically interested person on how to apply and wear makeup, I’ve found most of the suggestions useless. I did not arrive at this conclusion overnight, but through years of experience — marked with some trials, disappointments and a few successes. In short, I’ve learned a few principles that I now apply to my theoretical and real-life makeup use. The one consistency among them is that less makeup is better than more, but some makeup is better than none.
1. Always keep a little of the ordinary.
Think of a time when you were traveling but didn’t want the hassle of carrying around too many items. I’ve taken short trips and thought I had no need for makeup, but once I arrived and changed for semi-casual dinner plans, I found myself wanting something else to spruce up the look. Now, instead of traveling empty-handed, whether it’s for a day or a few days, I typically bring along moisturizer, a light concealer, mascara and makeup remover wipes to remove it all before bed — a very important routine. Staying minimal helps, so if you can fit a few things in your purse, they are worth the extra little baggage while you are on the go.
2. Traditional techniques matter, to a degree.
Using specialized applicators like makeup brushes for moisturizer, foundation, concealer, eye shadow, blush or bronzer helps when you want consistency. The brushes allow for less hand to face contact and support an even distribution of the cosmetic. If you want to go through the effort — even the slightest — the brush will surely enhance the effect and save you time that you don’t really have.
Also, following a particular order during the application will not only ensure the overall look, but will be better for your skin. Applying a water-based moisturizer followed by a primer sets the stage for the foundation. Following this and other makeup additions you choose, a setting powder or mist ensures the look will last longer. Even if you plan to remove your makeup within a few hours, the option of being able to wear it longer is good to have and your skin won’t suffer for it.
3. If it’s not you, don’t try it.
Last year, I was asked if I wanted a free application of false eyelashes at a popular cosmetic store. I’ve never wanted my eyelashes to be longer, but I had seen friends wear them and thought they looked pretty. Plus, they were free. I chose a set of false eyelashes that resembled mine the most, let the make-up artist do her work and five minutes later stared at my reflection. Immediately, I wanted to take them off. I felt like a little hat had been applied to the rim of my eyelids, which not only masked my eyes, but made blinking uncomfortable. When I made it to my car, I flung the mirror down and slowly peeled off the eyelashes, which left only a little trail of soft and removable glue that I finishing wiping off at home. Bottom line: if it doesn’t fit you, let it be.
4. Trendy doesn’t always translate.
Glittery purple eye shadow or hot pink lips might be trendy on screen, but these looks might appear far less alluring in-person, on my face. Unfortunately, most of us are past the dress-up stages, so experimenting with wild colors and unconventional looks might not be suitable for the reality of everyday life. There might be exceptions, such as that one party, but for the most part, Halloween only comes once a year.
5. Natural is better in every way.
Makeup is, after all, a product made up of many things. With our increasing awareness in and out of Stanford about environmental hazards, it’s not surprising some makeup brands mark themselves as “cruelty-free,” meaning their products were not tested on animals or derived from animals. I think cruelty-free brands permit vanity to feel less like a vice.
Lastly, as I mentioned, I’m more of a moderate when it comes to makeup. I think trying to cover ourselves too much can leave us more self-conscious than when we had nothing on. Even during more formal events I’ve attended, I’ve reapplied makeup after wiping the first round off. I’d look in the mirror and come to one conclusion: this is too much. Putting on makeup that makes us less recognizable can push us too far from our true selves. While cosmetics can help us feel beautiful, part of feeling beautiful is learning to be happy with who we are underneath the makeup.
Contact Courtney Clayton at cclayton ‘at’ stanford.edu.