Visagiste Blog

Seasonal Makeup Trends for 2024

This season brings exciting new trends in makeup artistry that celebrate both bold expression and natural beauty. As a professional visagiste, I'm thrilled to share the key looks that will define 2024.

The "glossy skin" technique continues to dominate, with an emphasis on dewy, healthy-looking complexions rather than matte finishes. Achieve this by incorporating hydrating serums under your foundation and using cream-based products that melt into the skin.

For eyes, we're seeing a return to graphic liner but with a colorful twist. Think bold blues, emerald greens, and even lavender lines that extend beyond the traditional cat-eye shape. Pair this with more neutral shadows to let the liner be the focal point.

Lips are taking two distinct directions: either ultra-glossy with clear or slightly tinted products, or velvety matte stains in rich berry and terracotta tones. The key is to choose one feature to emphasize while keeping the rest of your look more subdued for balance.

Remember that trends are meant to inspire, not dictate. Adapt these ideas to complement your unique features and personal style for a look that's both current and authentically you.

Makeup Techniques for Different Eye Shapes

Understanding your eye shape is the first step to creating a flattering makeup look. As a visagiste with over a decade of experience, I've developed techniques for enhancing every eye shape.

For almond eyes, you're blessed with a versatile shape that works with most techniques. Focus on accentuating the natural contour by applying darker shadow in the outer V and blending upward toward the crease.

Hooded eyes benefit from creating dimension with matte shadows. Place your crease color slightly above the actual crease so it's visible when your eyes are open. Thin liner close to the lash line prevents taking up precious lid space.

Round eyes can be elongated by extending shadow and liner at the outer corners. Focus darker colors on the outer third of the lid and blend outward for a lifting effect.

Monolid eyes look stunning with gradient effects. Start with a lighter shade at the inner corner and gradually increase intensity toward the outer edge. Tight-lining the upper waterline adds definition without reducing lid space.

Downturned eyes can be lifted by focusing shadow application upward and outward. Avoid heavy liner on the lower lash line, and instead create a subtle wing that directs the eye upward.

Remember that these are guidelines, not rules. Experiment to discover what enhances your unique features best.

The Ultimate Foundation Selection Guide

Finding the perfect foundation is often described as finding a needle in a haystack. As someone who works with diverse skin types and tones daily, I want to simplify this process for you.

First, identify your skin type—oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. This will narrow down your formula options. For oily skin, look for oil-free, matte finishes with terms like "long-wear" or "oil-control." Dry skin benefits from hydrating liquid or cream foundations with words like "luminous," "dewy," or "moisturizing" on the label.

Undertone is crucial for shade matching. Check your wrist veins: blue/purple veins typically indicate cool undertones, green veins suggest warm undertones, and a mix points to neutral undertones. Cool undertones look best in foundations with pink or bluish bases, while warm undertones pair well with yellow or golden foundations.

Coverage level depends on your preference and needs. For everyday wear, light to medium coverage allows your natural skin to show through while evening out discoloration. Full coverage is ideal for special events or when managing significant discoloration.

Always test foundation in natural daylight, applying a stripe from your cheek to jawline. The right shade will seem to disappear into your skin. Wait 5-10 minutes to see how it oxidizes, as many foundations darken slightly after application.

Remember that your perfect foundation may change seasonally as your skin tone and needs evolve throughout the year.

Timeless Bridal Makeup That Photographs Beautifully

Your wedding day makeup should enhance your natural beauty while standing up to tears, kisses, and hours of celebration. As a specialist in bridal makeup, I've developed techniques that ensure brides look stunning both in person and in photographs.

Start with thorough preparation. Schedule a professional facial at least a week before (not the day before) to avoid potential irritation. Maintain excellent hydration inside and out—drinking water and using hydrating masks in the days leading up to your wedding.

For foundation, choose a formula with no SPF to avoid flashback in photos. Apply in thin, buildable layers for a flawless finish that doesn't look heavy. Set strategically with powder, focusing on the T-zone while leaving the high points of your face with a natural glow.

Eyes should be defined but not overly dramatic unless that's your signature style. Neutral shadows in matte finishes photograph beautifully and won't look dated in years to come. Individual lashes create a more natural look than strips and stay secure during emotional moments.

Choose lip colors that are one or two shades deeper than your natural lip color for a look that defines your lips without overwhelming your face. Long-wearing formulas are essential, but avoid extremely matte products that can dry and crack throughout the day.

Always schedule a trial run at least 3-4 weeks before your wedding. Take photos in different lighting to ensure your makeup photographs well, and note how it wears throughout the day.

Remember that classic, timeless makeup will ensure your wedding photos remain beautiful for decades to come.

Skincare Essentials for Flawless Makeup Application

The secret to truly beautiful makeup doesn't start with foundation or concealer—it begins with proper skincare. As both a visagiste and skincare specialist, I've seen how transformative the right skincare routine can be for makeup application.

Consistent cleansing is fundamental. Double cleansing in the evening—first with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser—ensures your skin can properly absorb treatments and moisturizers.

Exfoliation creates the smooth canvas essential for even makeup application. For most skin types, a gentle chemical exfoliant (AHA, BHA, or PHA depending on your needs) 2-3 times weekly is more effective than harsh physical scrubs that can create micro-tears in the skin.

Hydration cannot be overlooked, even for oily skin types. Layering hydration with a hyaluronic acid serum followed by an appropriate moisturizer prevents makeup from clinging to dry patches. For oily skin, lightweight gel formulations provide necessary moisture without excess shine.

The final skincare step before makeup should always be sunscreen during daytime. Modern formulations offer lightweight, non-greasy protection that works beautifully under makeup. Look for broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher with a finish that suits your skin type.

Allow each skincare product to fully absorb before applying the next layer or beginning makeup. Typically, a 1-2 minute wait between products is sufficient, with a 5-minute pause before starting your makeup application.

Remember that skincare results are cumulative—consistency is more important than complexity. A simple routine performed faithfully will yield better results than an elaborate system used sporadically.