Make Up Classes - To Cover Up Or Bare All!

You’re either into makeup or you’re not, which is cool. However, I do think there is a common misconception amongst our non-makeup besties that makeup is all about lack of confidence and covering up. Not at all! What I think sometimes does get overlooked is the pure artistry that goes into molding the signature style and vamped-up looks, reserved for special occasions.  

It's fair to say that social media has heightened this. Influencers, shows like Glow Up, and, as a throwback, Next Top Model, are to blame. Aside from shock-factor ads and magazine shoots, everyday transformations are overlooked and underrated.  

Getting Ready is the Main Event!

I’ve always found getting ready to be more enjoyable than the experience of going out. I use ‘going out’ as a loose term - the meaning of this has evolved quite dramatically over the past 10 years. Once, 'getting ready' meant a group of us fighting for space (and lighting) in front of the mirror. We gossiped, drank, and planned our order of appearance at various hot spots. A true social affair turned sentimental memory. Nowadays, I use this time to listen to my favourite artists, clear my thoughts and relax. Makeup is an integral aspect of my self-care.  

This brings me back to the confidence and cover-up claim, and to offer some clarity. Do I feel like I need to wear makeup and therefore wear it daily? No. Does makeup make me feel more confident within myself? Absolutely! I can (and do) change the style of makeup to suit my outfit aesthetic and mood of the day. I can embody a new persona from cute vintage chic to grunge and gothic. I can be fun, daring and test limits from a purely artistic perspective. I’m painting, except, I am the canvas.  

Ever Changing

Now that I’ve convinced you, it is probably a good time to make a disclaimer that I am by no means a makeup artist. I don’t have all the technique down, and I’m constantly evolving and trying new things to see what suits me. But, it’s completely necessary. Once moment you have oily teenage skin and the next, you’re battling dry combination skin. You’re no longer trying to cover and conceal to create a matte base- you’re focusing on skin care routine and perfecting the dewy fresh face instead. Fashion changes, and so does makeup. You have just mastered brows and suddenly thin ombre is out and thick laminated is in.  

What I’ve learned is that, for me, timeless classics hold more personal value than trends. Master basic technique and you’ll always shine, then the trends are up to you. I can still make a confident appearance with a sun-kissed smokey eye, should blue eyeshadow and foundation smothered lips make a reappearance on the red carpet. But, let’s hope not. So, am I as skilled as a professional MUA? No. Am I going to pay for professional makeup every time I want to go out? Also no.  

So, for me, the best thing to do is pick up permanent and applicable skills. I am going to undertake a makeup masterclass that will help me learn what products and tips to use, to allow me to get the best results myself at home. Personalised and professional advice beats out YouTube and TikTok tutorials every time. We all tried to overline like Kylie Jenner and ended up more like Ronald McDonald, right? I can learn new make up techniques by trying them out with tailored guidance, rather than watching and copying from a screen. I’ve never quite mastered the cut crease as of yet, but I’ll let you know how it goes.