Be Your Own 

MAKE-UP ARTIST

By Cori Kingery

Have you ever wanted to be a hair and makeup model in a magazine?  Have you ever gone to one of your fashion modeling jobs only to find that there was no one there to do your hair and makeup?   How many magazine model opportunities and modeling jobs have you missed out on because you didn't know how to make yourself look like a model in your model photographs?  Have you ever needed model eye makeup tips to help you get that special model look?  Do you know how to do your own makeup so that you'll have the look of a professional model?  Here are some professional makeup tips for teenagers which will help you get into fashion modeling on your own.

Your first model makeup tips are:  Begin by making sure that you have the right tools in your makeup bag.  Here's a list that will make a good start.

1. Sponges:  These are the best things to use to apply your foundation.  They give you a smoother, less blotchy look.

2. Huge Powder Brush:  This helps you wipe away excess powder from your face and clothes.

3. Blush Brush:  You want to get a brush that is about 1 1/2" in diameter.  This will give you a more natural look.  Try to stay away from using the brushes that come with the blush.  They tend to be too small and the bristles are usually too hard.  This makes blending the blush much harder.

4. Contour Brush:  This tool will help with blending your eye-shadows and creating the shape of your face.

5. Eyebrow Brush:  Make sure to always have one of these in your bag.  Taming your eyebrows can be one of the most important steps in doing your own makeup.  Eyebrows define your eyes!

6. Eyelash Comb:  These are good for those clumps that you are bound to get when applying mascara.

7. Eyelash Curler: Always have one of these on hand.  It will give your eyes that glamorous look you cannot get without it.

8. Sponge-Tip Applicator:  These are used for applying eye-shadow.

9. Tweezers:  This is a must!!!  Always make sure your eyebrows are professionally arched and keep a pair of tweezers nearby for touch ups.

10. Lip Brush:  It is much easier to apply your lipstick with a lip brush than straight from the lipstick tube.  It gives you a smoother look to your lips.

11. False Eyelashes:  Helps you achieve that dramatic look without too much mascara. They will also lengthen the lashes as well. 

You will need to have proper makeup application to look like a professional fashion model.. You want to start with concealer. It helps to get a shade lighter than the shade of your foundation.  Apply it to your trouble areas, such as dark circles under the eyes or to blemishes.

Your next makeup tips include proper application of your foundation. Find the right shade to match your complexion.  This is a very important step.  If you get a shade that is too light it makes you look washed out.  If you get a shade that is too dark, it can make you look fake and painted on.  Apply the foundation with a sponge.  Be sure that you take the time to blend well.  It will make the difference between looking like a professional fashion model and looking like an amateur.

Then you want to work on your eyebrows.  If you have them professionally arched you just need to apply eyebrow pencil for a more defined look.  This will help frame your eyes.

Next, apply your eye-shadow.  If you are going for a sexy, more glamorous look wear darker shades such as charcoal or a dark brown.  It is best to wear at least two shades of eye-shadow on your eye.  Make sure you mix your shades well and be certain they match.  Apply the lighter shade of eye-shadow to the entire eye.  Then apply the medium shade to the center area. Apply the darker color to the creases of the eye to give your eyes more definition.  Again, for the more dramatic look, apply the darker shade more freely.

Now it's time for the false eyelashes!  The longer your eyelashes are the better it is.  Always remember to apply them carefully and do not mess up the eye makeup you have already have on.

Next you can apply your eyeliner.  There are three different ways to do this.  If you want a softer look, apply your eye-shadow as a liner.  For a nice but casual look, use a pencil.  For a dramatic look, use liquid liner.  It will depend on the shape of your eye as to where you will apply your eyeliner.  If you have bigger, rounder eyes apply it to the top and bottom of your eye.  If you have smaller eyes, apply it to the bottom, with a light shade on top.

Now you want to apply your lip liner.  Always start with lip liner to give your lips a well defined look. With lip liner you can make your lips everything they're not.  If they are small shaped, make them bigger by slightly overlining.  Then apply your lipstick with your lip brush.  Always remember that when you are going to be working with black and white pictures to wear a darker shade of lipstick.

Next you will apply powder.  Loose powder is always better to work with, especially with a brush.  It will go on much smoother.

Now it's time to apply your blush.  Pick a shade that best goes with your complexion and wardrobe.  You always want to make sure to have more than one shade available.  Try not to apply the blush directly to your cheek bones.  It is always best to apply it directly under them.

Last but not least, always remember to powder your face again before heading to the studio. This will set your make-up.  You do not want a shiny face unless instructed so by your professional model photographer.

When it comes to your hairstyle, always make sure to keep with the current fashion.  Get some hair magazines and look over them to find out what are the latest styles.  Then go to a professional hair stylist to keep your look updated.  You will also want to read books on styles that are easy to do yourself.  Practice changing up your model look with a versatile hairstyle.

You will want to practice this at home a few times before you get to your print modeling jobs.  Have fun with it and be creative. The better you know how to do make-up, the more important you will be to model agencies and the client!