Makeup Artist trends are constantly transforming and evolving. What is ‘in’ one minute may be well out of fashion the next.
However, there are a number of fresh and fierce looks that continue to dominate the beauty scene years (even decades) after they first sashayed into the world.
That’s why we’ve compiled our top 10 classic looks that every makeup artist needs to master. Not only because these looks have successfully stood the test of time, but also because they are looks that your clients will absolutely adore (and rave about to all their girlfriends!)
Ready? Then let’s dive in.
The Red Lip
What better way to make a bold statement than with a classic red lip? This makeup look never goes out of fashion and can be applied to vintage, contemporary glam and old Hollywood styles.
The most important thing to remember when applying red lipstick is that it comes in lots of different shades. To perfect the look and give your client real red carpet confidence, you’ll need to find exactly the right shade for their skin tone.
Smoky Eyes
Sultry, smoky eyes; a look every makeup artist needs in their repertoire. It’s understated, modern glam at its finest. Apply eye shadow in a black or slate grey shade, add liner and lots of mascara. Then blend, blend, blend.
The Natural Look
Want to know one of the most enduring looks in the world of makeup artistry? The natural look makeup is a forever favourite. And achieving fresh-faced perfection is a real art.
A great makeup artist knows exactly how to conceal flaws and revitalise dull skin. Remember to choose shadow, blush and lipstick shades just slightly darker than your client’s natural skin and lip tone and then voila! You’ll have created a beautifully understated yet gorgeous look!
The Contoured Look
Contouring is quickly becoming a beauty world classic. Once a kind of magic only celebrities like the Kardashians could tap into, this look is becoming a favourite across all the continents (not just New Zealand!)
So what are the basics of the contoured look? Foundation in the client’s natural skin tone, of course, and then a powder or foundation both a few shades darker and lighter.
Darker shades are used to deepen areas like under the cheekbones, whilst lighter shades are used to highlight. Then it’s all about blending to create a subtly defined look. (Seriously, just look at how contouring changes the shape of this model’s face!)
The 80s Makeup Look
Some elements of 70s makeup – think ‘disco dancefloor’ – were so popular that they continued into the 80s! In essence, 80s makeup was all about big, bold colour and daring to be vibrant.
Think eye shadows in bright, metallic shades. Or lips in neon pink. For a striking look, you can even take eye shadow all the way up to the brow bone. Alternatively, keep it simple yet striking with a thinner line of a colourful metallic liner.
Soft Glam Makeup
The soft glam makeup look aims to enhance facial features rather than aim to completely transform them. Harsh lines are out. A seamless, subtly blended finish is in.
It all starts with a flawless, soft-filter complexion. And then subtle colour, matte textures and maybe a hint of shimmer on the eyes. (How drop-dead gorgeous is that?)
Classic Bridal Makeup
The perfect wedding makeup? It all depends on the bride and the style of her big day.
However, classic bridal makeup needs to tick a few important boxes. It should be timeless and elegant. It should be long-lasting. And most importantly, it should look simply stunning on those wedding photos!
This look calls for glowing skin, rosy lips, shimmery eyes and subtly defined brows. You can’t get more perfect than that!
90s Supermodel
The makeup 90s supermodels sported was much more natural than the makeup of the 1980s. If searching for inspiration to achieve a flawless 90s supermodel makeup look, all you have to do is imagine the catwalk looks of Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell.
It’s unsurprising that this classic makeup look keeps bouncing back into fashion, what with its defined brows, sculpted cheekbones, subtly smoky eyes and nude lips. Stunning!
The Golden Glow
Your client might not be able to spend their days at the beach topping up a golden glow. But with this makeup look, no one need ever know!
The key to bronzed beauty? Bronzer, of course. Neutral, natural tones around the eyes. Glossy lips. Then, to top off the sun-kissed look, a little highlighter across cheekbones, brow bone and the tip of the nose. Your client will look like a true Greek Goddess in no time at all.
The Cat’s Eye
For a 60s makeup style, it has to be the cat’s eye. Brigitte Bardot shook the world with this look in the swinging sixties, but the cat’s eye can actually be traced all the way back to Cleopatra. Talk about a classic!
This feminine and super sexy look can be interpreted as a subtle flick or a bold wing. Whichever you choose, you’ll need a long-lasting, smudge-free liquid liner and a very steady hand. And take note, it can take some practice to perfect!
Ready to master these makeup looks? Then check out our online Makeup Artistry course and you’ll learn all of the theoretical and practical skills you need to become a true makeup pro.