Makeup Routines: One Routine Fits All 🤨?

Alright, let's dive into this makeup chatter for a moment. Everyone's skin and features? Unique. Yet, when scrolling through YouTube, there’s this trend that's hard to ignore: thick foundation, layers of concealer, and an avalanche of powder.

Look, these intense makeup techniques have their place – mainly on stages and under those super-bright studio lights. They're designed to pop from a distance and not fade under harsh lighting. But for our daily hustle? It might be overkill.

The issue? Not many influencers address this. Consistently parading these heavy-duty looks can subtly suggest we ought to go full glam daily. But here's the real talk: Makeup should enhance our features, not overshadow them. In essence, some of these routines seem to hint that we should paint over our true selves to fit a mold — because apparently, the only approval that counts is everyone else's, not our own. Sound about right, folks🙄?

Excuse me here, but this isn't the We Are E.G.G. style. So let's find that balance, use what works for us, and remember that less can often be more.

The YouTube Makeup Madness

(Image credit: Next 24)

Remember when makeup secrets were like the VIP room you just couldn’t get into? Unless you were part of the cool M.A.C. gang or in beauty school, you were out of the loop. Then, BOOM! Digital age hits, and everyone's suddenly flaunting their "pro makeup artist" badge. But here's some tea: amidst the avalanche of YouTube tutorials, real artistry is getting a tad lost. I mean, the over-the-top full-coverage foundation, turning faces into Picasso paintings with concealers, and the cakey baking? It's like seeing kids after a drama performance, still in their stage makeup. Get this: most of these bold YouTube looks are crafted for those flashy camera lights. For us regular folks? Good ol' sunshine is our limelight, and trust me, it's a different ballgame.

Less Is More 

You know those days when you need that extra boost, be it for a presentation, an important client meeting, or a first date? Makeup is our trusty ally for such occasions. In our performance-driven lives, we value the understated power of "less is more". And on those days when you're already feeling on top of the world? Flaunt your natural beauty with minimal coverage.

I've compiled some tutorials that guide us on using makeup judiciously, even while addressing specific skin conditions. The key takeaway? They emphasize accentuating your distinct features instead of hiding them.

What's wrong with thick makeup application?

1. Cakey Finish: Over-applying makeup can result in a cakey texture, making your skin look unnaturally thick and uneven.

2. Exposing Texture: Piling on layers of makeup can accentuate pores, fine lines, and any dry or flaky patches on your skin.

3. Clogged Pores: Heavy makeup can clog pores, leading to acne and other skin problems.

4. Mask-like Appearance: Too much makeup can make you look like you’re wearing a mask, stripping away the natural contours and colors of your face.

5. Wastes Product: Applying more makeup than necessary is not only bad for your skin but also a waste of product. Less is often more.

6. Shorter Wear Time: Overly thick makeup can crease, crack, or slide off your face faster than a light, well-set application.

For the minimal look, here is a quick table to give you some ideas:

	Distraction	Focus	Must-Have Makeup Product	Reason	Additional Information
1	Acne	Oil control and mattifying	Oil-free foundation or BB cream, mattifying powder	Oil-free foundation or BB cream will not clog pores and help to control oil production. Mattifying powder can help to absorb excess oil and keep the skin looking matte throughout the day.	It is important to use oil-free, non-comedogenic products on acne-prone skin to avoid clogging pores.
2	Rosacea	Irritation relief and redness reduction	Non-comedogenic foundation or BB cream, corrector concealer	Non-comedogenic foundation or BB cream will not clog pores and help to reduce redness. Green concealer can help to neutralize redness and create a more even skin tone.	It is important to use products that are labeled as "hypoallergenic" or "dermatologically tested" to reduce the risk of irritation.
3	Acne Scars	Disguising and evening out skin tone	Concealer, color corrector	Concealer can help to conceal acne scars and evening out skin tone. Color corrector can help to neutralize any underlying discoloration.	It is important to choose a concealer that is the right shade for your skin tone and is lightweight.
4	Large Pores	Minimizing the appearance of pores	Pore-filling primer, translucent powder	Pore-filling primer can help to minimize the appearance of pores and create a smooth, even surface for makeup application. Translucent powder can help to set makeup and keep it looking natural.	It is important to use a primer that is specifically designed for large pores.
4	Under Eyes	Concealing dark circles and puffiness	Under-eye concealer, eye cream	Under-eye concealer can help to conceal dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. Eye cream can help to hydrate and nourish the delicate skin around the eyes.	It is important to choose an under-eye concealer that is the right shade for your skin tone.
5	Wrinkles	Smoothing and plumping the skin	Anti-aging foundation or BB cream, wrinkle-filling concealer	Anti-aging foundation or BB cream can help to smooth and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Wrinkle-filling concealer can help to fill in fine lines and wrinkles, creating a more youthful appearance.	It is important to choose an anti-aging foundation or BB cream that is the right shade for your skin tone.

1, Acne Skin & 3, Acne Scar

Acne with blemishes or scaring

I'm a huge fan of Lisa Eldridge's tutorials, a renowned professional makeup artist from England. Her warm and empathetic demeanor makes her tutorials engaging and easy to follow. In this particular video, she is showcasing daily makeup techniques for acne-prone skin, emphasizing our natural beauty. In this tutorial, she uses lightweight foundation and concealer and keep them in a very light usage, allowing the model's natural skin tone to shine. While the young model already boasts radiant skin, Lisa's minimalistic approach perfectly complements her features. For those seeking a pop of color, a subtle sweep of contour, blush and eye shadow is all it takes. Embrace this approach and let your true beauty stand out.

Notes:

1. Prepped Skin Base: Use a gentle cleanser and light, oil-free moisturizer. Result? Less makeup, minimized breakouts.
2. Breathable Look: Choose mineral-based or non-comedogenic products. Result? A natural look that's skin-friendly, reducing damage and flare-ups.
3. Smooth Texture: A silicone-based mattifying primer fills acne scars, requiring less foundation and preventing caking.
4. Neutralized Discoloration: Use color-correcting concealers. This means even tones with fewer products, lessening skin aggravation.
5. Enhanced Natural Features: Highlight eyes and lips. This diverts attention from blemishes, boosting confidence without heavy foundation.
6. Set & Long-lasting: A setting spray for acne-prone skin reduces touch-ups, keeping makeup fresh and reducing potential disturbances.

Only acne and redness spots

For this video, it's foundation free makeup tutorial by only using concealer. This is for those who only have some new acne yet the rest of the skin is actually quite ok. All you need is some touch up. I found this video very humbling. Just a very precision use of concealers to touch up what you find distracting, simply dap it and that is. Asian makeup always tend ot be natural and light looking which I always appreciate. 

1. Avoid Aggravation: Active breakouts can become more inflamed with rigorous cleansing or abrasive products. Gentle care is crucial.
2. Anti-inflammatory Ingredients: Opt for makeup or skincare with ingredients that soothe inflammation, like green tea or niacinamide.
3. Spot Treatment Concealers: Some concealers contain acne-fighting ingredients, providing coverage and treatment simultaneously.
4. Avoid Pore-Clogging: Always choose non-comedogenic products to prevent new breakouts.

2, Rosecea

In this video, Lisa was walking us through some in depth technique and knowledge about how to utilize makeup for rosacea. One of the problem with rosacea is, it is such a delicate skin condition; you never truly know when it might act up. On days when you're just facing your computer, makeup might not matter. However, on client-facing days, it's unpredictable how your skin might behave. This tutorial prepares you for those uncertainties, allowing you to go about your day without worry. 

Notes:

1. Soothing Preparation: Begin with gentle, hypoallergenic skincare to prep.
2. Redness Neutralization: Reduce initial visible redness and inflammation.
3. Anticipate and Cover Potential Flare-Ups: Apply light coverage on areas prone to flare-ups later in the day.
4. Even Skin Tone: Achieve a consistent, balanced skin color.
5. Gentle Coverage: Lightly cover without causing additional irritation.
6. Protection: Utilize products with SPF to defend against potential sun-induced flare-ups.
7. Long-lasting Set: Ensure makeup holds throughout the day without needing frequent touch-ups.
8. Natural Finish: Aim for a look where the skin appears naturally radiant without appearing too "made up."

Dr. Sam Ellis is a dermatologist. I am including her video because she has rosacea herself. In the video, she briefly discusses her prep routine before applying makeup, which is worth noting. Especially for rosacea, a condition that can change throughout the day, it's crucial to treat the skin and prepare it for potential changes later on.

Large Pores

Lol, I feel like I'm very sexist right now, both videos for large pore makeup technique are from two handsome professional makeup artists, Wayne Gross and Robert Welsh. I mean, boys are known for having larger pores, sorry! Both makeup artists introduce the same technique: buffing with makeup brushes. Which is the technique to blur out pores by filling the pores.

The magical blurring technique: Buff

Buffing with a makeup brush involves using small, circular motions to blend the product into the skin, which helps to fill in and blur pores, create a smooth, even finish, and allows for buildable coverage. Using a dense, round brush with soft bristles is key for effective buffing. Regularly cleaning your brushes is also crucial to prevent bacterial buildup and skin irritation.

For those with sensitive skin, it's best to use your fingers to dab and press the foundation onto your skin. The main goal here is to press the foundation in to even out the texture and make the pores appear more flattened and smooth.

Notes:

1. Prep Your Skin: Start with a clean and moisturized face. Use a mattifying primer that is specifically designed to fill in pores.

2. Foundation: Use a foundation that is non-comedogenic and oil-free. This will help to not clog your pores and make them appear larger.

3. Application Technique: Use a buffing technique with a makeup brush or if you have sensitive skin, use your fingers to dab and press the foundation onto your skin. This helps to press the foundation into the pores, making them appear smaller.

4. Setting: Use a setting powder to lock in your foundation and further minimize the appearance of pores.

5. Avoid Shimmer: Shimmery and glittery products can emphasize your pores. Stick to matte products instead.

6. Double Cleansing: Always double cleanse after using makeup. Start with an oil cleanser to thoroughly melt the makeup, then follow up with a gentle facial soap.

Wrinkle

Wrinkles are formed due to the loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin, creating lines and folds that can vary in depth. Many assume that a thicker application of foundation and concealer will fill in these lines, creating a smooth surface. However, this approach often leads to a more pronounced appearance of wrinkles as the day progresses. As makeup settles, it can accumulate in the creases, drawing attention to them rather than disguising them. Throughout the day, facial movements, oil production, and environmental factors can cause the makeup to shift, further highlighting the wrinkles. This is why a heavier application of makeup is not the solution. Instead, a meticulous and hydrating skincare routine the night before and before applying makeup is crucial. Proper skincare helps to plump the skin, reducing the depth of wrinkles and creating a smoother canvas for makeup application, ultimately leading to a more youthful appearance throughout the day.

Notes:

1. Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser containing ceramides or glycerin. These ingredients help maintain the skin's barrier and keep the skin hydrated.

2. Exfoliate: Use a chemical exfoliant containing AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid) but in a low concentration to avoid irritation. This will gently remove dead skin cells without causing micro-tears in the skin.

3. Moisturize: Use a lightweight moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid, peptides, or niacinamide. Hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture and plump the skin, peptides help stimulate collagen production, and niacinamide helps improve skin texture and barrier function.

4. Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Look for one that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as these ingredients are less likely to irritate the skin.

5. Primer: Use a silicone-based primer. Silicones, like dimethicone, create a smooth surface on the skin and help fill in fine lines and wrinkles.

6. Eye Cream: Use an eye cream containing peptides or retinol. These ingredients help stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

7. Lip Balm or Lip Scrub: Use a hydrating lip balm containing shea butter or lanolin or a gentle lip scrub containing sugar crystals.

8. Avoid: Skincare products with high alcohol content or any other ingredient that might dry out the skin.

This video from Lisa is a perfect example to demonstrate that skincare is more crucial than anything else when it comes to wrinkles. You can actually see that the model already looks more full and plump after the application of skincare and sunscreen. Both skincare products are providing hydration and a healthy glow.

Extras: Good Hair

A flattering hairstyle is honestly everything. The right haircut and styling can shape your face and make a powerful impression. Ideally, a good hairstyle should draw attention to your best features, whether it's your eyes, lips, or cheekbones.

I always recommend giving yourself 2-3 trial runs with a hairstylist. Bring a picture of the style you want and let the stylist work their magic without too many restrictions from your end. A skilled hairstylist should be able to ask the right questions, assess if the style suits you, discuss how they can tailor it to match your desires as closely as possible, and offer styling recommendations. To understand better how your hair and face can work together, like this lovely stylist, Mel, below: