Types of Makeup

Makeup application varies according to the time of day and the occasion. Age is also an important factor impacting choice of makeup.

1. Matte Finish Natural Makeup

A very soft, natural looking effect is best for day time occasions. Matte finish products are used in this kind of makeup. It enhances the natural beauty and does not appear artificial. No glitters are used in this make up. Even lip colours are of matte finish. It gives a beautiful look without showing any trace of makeup. This is also referred to as "day make up".

2. Luminous and Glittery Makeup

The principles for this make up are the same as for matte finish make up. However, more bright colour, and glitters are used on the cheeks, lips and over the eyes to counteract the effect of artificial lighting on the face. The base used for this makeup is cream based and shiny frosted colours are used. Gold, silver and bronze eye colour are also used on the eyelids. Artificial lashes may be longer for this evening makeup. This kind of makeup can be worn for evening parties and special occasions.

3. Glamour Makeup

This makeup is more elaborate and exotic than the usual or any other type of makeup. Eyebrows may be winged or arched in a dramatic fashion. Eyeliners may be wider and the eyelashes longer. Eyeliners tend to vary with the fashion trend. Colour used may also be of an unusual manner. A mixture of gold, silver, mauves, bright blues, browns pinks, greens and white may be applied to the eye area.

The cheeks may be devoid of colour or may be covered with intense colour. Lip colours blend with the cheek colours. This kind of make is used for high fashion parties. Models also wear this kind of makeup. To complete this high fashion or trendy look the hair style and wardrobe chosen must be compatible. Trend makeup techniques change to keep up with new trends in fashion.

4. Corrective Makeup

The purpose of corrective makeup is to minimize the weak features by drawing attention away from them. This is achieved by using a foundation that is darker or lighter than the skin colour. Shadows are created by the use of darker colour. Darker colour make the facial features appear smaller. Highlights are created by the use of lighter colours. These can make the features appear larger.

Lines drawn with an eyebrow pencil can be used to increase or decrease the length of the eye brow in order to achieve facial balance. Eyeliners that ends in upward "wing", will lengthen the size of the eye, while a line that goes into the outside corner will shorten the length of the eye. A wider nose can be made to appear narrow by using a darker foundation on the sides. The length of the lip can be altered by the use of a heavier or lighter application of colour in the corners of lips.

5. Air Brush Makeup

Airbrush make up is a makeup in which makeup is sprayed on to the skin using an airbrush instead of being applied with sponges, brushes, fingers, or other methods. An airbrush is characterized by 3 major parts. A powdered compressor is used to create an even and controllable air flow through a medical grade hose. It is mainly used for bridal makeup. The technique was first used in 1959.

Air brush make up is applied by layering several layers of makeup. Foundation is sprayed on to the face at a distance of 6-12 inch. Stencils are commonly used to assist the application of difficult areas such as eyes and lips. The skin looks flawless, shiny and of even tone.

6. Bridal Makeup

The bridal makeup is quite similar to glamour makeup. Air brush make up can also be used as bridal makeup. Bridal makeup also includes forehead decoration. This is done matching it to the colour of lipstick and dress worn by the bride. Bridal make up is more decorative, as a lot of jewellery is also worn by the bride. The bride supports jewellery items like maangtika, nosepin, ‘haath phool’. Besides the hair do is also made more decorative through the use of flowers and jewellery items like studded hair pins.