What do you do to improve your makeup application skills?

Aug 2, 2011

Shenandoah S.

I've recently been in the mood to learn more! Recently, I've been going "Back to Basics" with my learning. Just watching loads of different "beginner" tutorials on one thing! For example, today I was watching loads of videos on blending! I did learn some tips from the videos, which is absolutely great! :) What do you ladies do to learn more? Example, books, tutorials. :D Thanks! 

Aug 2, 2011

Shannyn W.

I first started reading different makeup books like Kevyn Aucoin's "Making Faces". One of my favorite makeup books so many how to's and lots of tips. When I am shopping at makeup counters I usually ask for advice or get inspired with a makeup look that the artist is wearing and ask how to recreate that look. Most of the time they will do a small demo and show me how to do all of these looks. :) I also watched a lot of makeup tutorials on youtube. You can find everything on youtube. :D

The best thing in my opinion is just practicing on yourself. I would experiment with blending different colors, trying different eyeliner techniques and just having fun. <3

Aug 2, 2011

Gabbi D.

Practice practice practice! I always just experiment. :]

Aug 2, 2011

Soma S.

Trying new things... but not just makeup... but tools. You'll never know when you can find a brush, sponge, etc that can replace 2 other tools in your collection and reduce the amount of work you need to put into completing a look.

Aug 2, 2011

Liliana M.

well honestly i think i only read a beauty book once! part of what I learned today was thanks to makeupbyleinabaaaby on youtube shes the best!!!

Aug 2, 2011

Jackee M.

I say just practice...using different techniques, tools, brands of makeup, styles of makeup, etc. Use as many resources/inspirations such as books, youtube, makeup forums, magazines, etc.  

Aug 2, 2011

Myrna P.

Honey I feel the same way and surprisingly the cheaper brushes help me achieve my looks a lot better. Don't get me wrong the expensive ones work wonders but it is all about messing up and learning. 

Aug 2, 2011

Brianna G.

Practice is the most important thing! I watch loads of youtube videos, and browse through archives of old runway shows to see the makeup, and just kind of become inspired by the things around me! Then I just kind of come up with a concept in my head and just test it out, and take it from there. Never be afraid to experiment with shapes, either :)

Aug 2, 2011

Zoe C.

I watch a ton of youtube videos, you pick up loads of tips and techniques from them. I also like reading makeup books, Bobbi Brown is my favourite :)

Aug 3, 2011

Jane A.

For the life of me, I can't seem to blend all that great.... well to me anyway. =(

But just like Mandy says -- I'll keep doing it until the end, and put my finishing touches (eye liner and mascara/false lashes)... and it'll look semi-put together (once again to me anyway). To other people, they can't see my "flaws" but I can so spot it out ten feet away from my reflection.

Anywho, I really want to do a black smokey eye -- without it looking like a black eye, or try to outline my bottom eye with shadow, but I can never pull it off. =(

Aug 3, 2011

Kelsea M.

I used to switch up my brushes all the time but now I try to use only one or two brushes. Most brushes work perfectly with different colours as long as you flip it. In fact, it makes it a lot easier to blend.

Aug 3, 2011

Jyz R.

Know yourself - your skin, products that works best for you, etc. Study, continue watching youtube, attend local seminars. If you go to the counter/store, ask before you buy, ask a LOT. Then get an area at home to set up as your makeup station, post picture of inspirations, try to recreate them. Do not ever give up if you did not achieve the look you want at your first try, that what makeup removers are for. ;D

Aug 3, 2011

Erica H.

I just watch lots of videos on YT, look at the posts on here (i like it bc you can ask questions and learn new stuff just from reading the posts), and I just practice a lot...it'll be like 2 in the morning and I'll be putting on makeup just playing around with it and trying new things

Aug 4, 2011

Anna W.

Apart from watching videos and cruising Beautylish like it's my job...

When I get inspired to do a certain look--any look, from daytime to nighttime to editorial--I'll practice it on myself until I'm happy, then bribe someone to let me do it on them.

If you are an aspiring MUA or would just like to be someone that can do other people's makeup, there's no substitute for actually putting makeup on someone else. I learn how a look comes together and experiment with things on my own face, then attempt to re-create it on an unsuspecting friend.

Aug 10, 2011

Manda S.

Watching youtube videos. Then rewatching certain ones to see what I've forgotten or missed.

Practice. Repetition. The more times I put on my makeup the better I get at it. Practicing making straight lines for my eyeliner. I still have trouble using liquid liner because my hand isn't used to it. Or it's when I'm just sitting at home that I'll attempt to do something new. I remember my very first time playing with bronzer. I put waaaay to much on and I lol'd hard. Ah learning.

Reading. Whether it's a blog, article, etc always reading about products and application. 

Aug 17, 2011

Alexandra G.

Watch youtube, take pictures of my looks, and practice! <3

Aug 17, 2011

Drea L.

I just try NEW techniques for normal things.

Highlighting & contouring: I'm starting to use concealers for highlight & contouring. It will not only last longer, but teaches me how to blend better & create a more flawless face with simple everyday normal tools. It will also give me more options to choose from & see what looks better on my face.

I would also take EVERY technique I know, & practice in front of the mirror. & by that I mean I take a pencil, wax &/or powder for my brows, practice everything I know, mix & match different styles & choose the best results for my brows. & that applies to everything else too! Foundation, eyeliners, etc.

There's so many possibilities! Like every one else says, just practice! 

Aug 17, 2011

Tamara R.

Learn (read/watch), practice & then ask for constructive criticism.

We're often our worst critics, and a fresh pair of eyes can offer a new perspective.

Rinse & repeat. :]

Aug 17, 2011

Amy R.

I believe in practice, learning the basics, and knowing what does (and does not!) work for you. For example, when I first started watching youtube makeup videos over a year ago, the gurus were always saying not to tug on your eye to apply eyeliner and I thought I'd never be able to apply liner without pulling my lid taught! However, I practiced and practiced and now I can only apply liner when not pulling on my lid lol 

Aug 17, 2011

Avarie D.

Just practice practice practice ! 

Aug 18, 2011

Jessica D.

To improve my makeup skills I practice all the time. Sometimes before I go to bed at night I will do a full face of makeup and then take it off before I get in the bath. Also, you can take Master Classes at MAC or the classes that counters in Dillard's promote...sometimes at like YSL or Chanel they will have classes open to the general public that are free and full of information. I also watch makeup artists on YouTube and read blogs, websites and forums on line. Hope that helps you some!