The introduction of Youtube has been revolutionary to
makeup. The creative flow from makeup artists online allows amateurs and those
interested in makeup to learn looks and skills fit for the runway. However,
these looks may be amazing for the nightlife, how can you tell when they are
good for everyday wear as well? Here are some things to look for when
translating those makeup looks from on camera to off the camera.
Flashback
To learn more about flashback, click here.
Makeup that contains SPF may reflect from flash photography
and create a pale white cast on your face, commonly referred to as, “flashback”
or “ghost face.”
Flashback can throw off the color of your face versus the
rest of your body and may be very noticeable in pictures. You may want to
consider if your look is a daytime look or a photography look before choosing
your foundation. Commonly, BB Creams or CC creams –anything that has skin care
benefits usually contains SPF – will be great during the day, but may hinder
your photographs at night when using flash. It’s very important to consider
these facts when following a makeup tutorial online.
Coverage
Many makeup artists online will boast about how great and
full coverage a foundation is, but would it be necessary for a daytime look?
When in the studio, bright lights can smooth skin and imperfections, and it may
appear that the makeup is working better than it actually is. While the skin
may be fully covered, too much makeup may not apply evenly on the skin, causing
it to emphasize dry patches or look “cakey.” Also, it’s important to keep in
mind that real studios and even popular Youtubers have access to photoshop and
can enhance the look of skin and makeup.
While the makeup may look great on the camera, you have to consider that
it may look different up close and personal.
Here’s a great video by Lisa Eldridge describing her
flawless makeup routine that works great off camera!
Contour
Contour has always been around, but it’s just recently that
it took off as a makeup trend and became a necessary part of people’s everyday
makeup routines. The practice of contouring is using makeup darker than your
natural skin tone to create pseudo shadows on this face. This may be to change
the shape of a facial feature or enhance it. The most common places on the face
to contour include the eyes, the nose, the cheeks, and the chin. Some may also
apply it to the temples to give the appearance of a bronze, just tanned look.
Contouring is great for the camera because you can manipulate parts of your
face to appear skinnier, tanner, or more defined. However, how does it appear
in real life?
It depends on the product you use! Many may use a cream
product to contour for photography because they can apply the color more
precisely and blend it out. When using this for your everyday makeup routine,
you have to worry about how well your contour is blended. If it’s not blended
well enough, you may be able to see the lines of product on your face, ruining
the illusion that it’s natural shadow. In this case, a powder product applied
with a fluffy brush may produce a more natural effect. When paired with a
subtle highlighter, the sun may really bring out the look of your contour.
Lashes
Last but not least, lashes. Of course, I mean false lashes.
It’s a trend now to wear false lashes as part of an everyday routine. They are
an easy and fast way to add glam to any look! While they look beautiful, it’s
important to make sure they’re applied right or even wearing them for a normal
occasion may seem a bit too much. False lashes will definitely add drama to any
photoshoot or video, but is it the best choice off camera?
False lashes are applied with glue – which may easily wear
off. If you’re going to wear them for extended periods of time, it’s important
to use lash glue that you trust, otherwise your band could lift or they could
fall off completely (a dead giveaway that you’re wearing falsies). Keep in mind
that at a studio or a YouTube video, they have all the time in the world to
touch up if they see an issue, but when you’re working or at school, you may
not have the time. In this case, it may be better to use lengthening mascara or
individual lashes.
If you really want to rock the glam look every day, I
recommend finding a great mascara that is waterproof and wear-proof to define
your lashes. For extra thickness, you can also try tight-lining your eyes with
a dark mascara on your top lid to give the illusion of darker, thicker lashes.
Otherwise, individual lashes are always a great option. Individual lashes can
be placed anywhere on your lash line and look more natural. They will also be
less dramatic if they accidentally fall off. This way, you get the wear time
and the appearance of luxurious lashes!
While every person is free to try out their own makeup
style, it’s important to consider where you’re going and what you’ll be doing
before you apply it. Will you be taking photos or just hanging out? The
difference between photography/video makeup and off camera makeup can determine
the application or products you use for that occasion. If you’re not going to
be on camera, using photography makeup may be too dramatic or not show up as
flawless in real life as in photos. These are some things to consider next time
you’re translating a makeup look from Youtube to your own vanity!
For more, see this makeup tutorial on costume makeup to get an idea of the drastic differences!
