Introduction to Makeup I – SS1 Beauty & Cosmetology Lesson Note (Third Term)

Makeup artistry is the application of cosmetics to the face and body to enhance beauty or create a specific character. There are four main styles: day, evening, bridal, and stage or special effects (SFX) makeup. A makeup artist chooses the style according to the place, the lighting and the client’s outfit.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define makeup and state what a professional makeup artist (MUA) must understand.
2. Describe the goal and key features of day, evening, bridal, and stage and SFX makeup.
3. Compare the four styles by coverage, main colours and best use.
4. State the questions to ask a client before choosing a style.
5. Apply a day look and an evening look in a class practical.

What is makeup artistry?

Makeup artistry is the application of cosmetics to the face and body to enhance beauty or create a specific character.

• MUA: short for makeup artist, a person trained to apply makeup professionally.
• Skin tones: an MUA must match products to the client’s skin colour and undertone.
• Face shapes: an MUA must know where to add or reduce emphasis, for example on the cheeks and nose.
• Lighting: the most important thing to understand, because light changes how makeup looks.

What are the basic makeup products?

Basic makeup products are the cosmetics used to prepare the skin and add colour, shape and finish to the face.

• Primer: prepares the skin and helps makeup last longer.
• Foundation: evens out the skin tone and gives coverage.
• Concealer: hides spots, dark marks and shadows under the eyes.
• Powder: sets the foundation and reduces shine.
• Blusher: adds colour to the cheeks.
• Highlighter: adds a glow to high points such as the cheekbones.
• Eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara: define and colour the eyes and lashes.
• Lipstick and lip gloss: add colour and shine to the lips.
• Setting spray: helps the finished makeup stay in place.

Why does lighting matter in makeup?

Lighting matters because the same makeup looks different in sunlight, dim light and stage light.

• Natural sunlight: shows every detail, so makeup must be light and well blended.
• Dim or artificial light: softens colour, so makeup must be stronger to be seen.
• Stage light: is hot and viewed from far away, so features must be exaggerated.
• Camera flash: shows the makeup in photos, so bridal makeup should be checked in test photos.

What is day makeup (the “natural” look)?

Day makeup is a light, natural style worn in sunlight, for example to work, school or a casual lunch.

Goal of day makeup

• The goal: to look as if you are not wearing much makeup at all, often called the “no-makeup” makeup look.

Key features of day makeup

1. Light coverage: use a light foundation or just a concealer to hide spots.
2. Neutral colours: soft browns, pinks and “nude” lipsticks that match the natural lip colour.
3. Matte finish: avoid too much shimmer or glitter, as sunlight makes glitter look obvious and messy.
4. Soft brows: keep the eyebrows natural, not too dark or “boxy”.

What is evening makeup (the “glam” look)?

Evening makeup is a bold, strong style worn to dinner dates, night parties and clubs, where the lights are dim or artificial.

Goal of evening makeup

• The goal: to look bold, elegant and “glamorous”.

Key features of evening makeup

1. Heavy coverage: a fuller foundation to make the skin look smooth like porcelain.
2. The “smokey eye”: darker eyeshadows such as black, deep purple or gold, blended softly.
3. Contouring: shading the cheekbones and nose so they “pop” under party lights.
4. Bold lips: bright reds, deep burgundies and glossy finishes.

What is bridal makeup (the “classic” look)?

Bridal makeup is a long-lasting, classic style that makes a bride look beautiful in person and in photos and videos.

Goal of bridal makeup

• The goal: to make the bride look like the best version of herself.
• Timeless: the look should still be good when she checks her photos many years later.
• Business in Nigeria: bridal makeup is a big business, since weddings are major events.

Key features of bridal makeup

1. Long-lasting: use primers and setting sprays so the makeup does not “melt” during the long ceremony.
2. Waterproof: mascara and eyeliner must be waterproof in case the bride sheds happy tears.
3. Glow: highlighter on the cheeks gives a healthy, romantic glow.
4. Lashes: false eyelashes are often used to make the eyes look wide and bright.

What is stage and special effects (SFX) makeup?

Stage and SFX makeup is a heavy, exaggerated style used in theatres, Nollywood movies and for dancers on a far-away stage.

Goal of stage and SFX makeup

• The goal: to make features visible from far away, or to turn an actor into a different character.
• Character examples: an old man, a ghost or a person with a wound.

Key features of stage and SFX makeup

1. Extreme contouring: features are exaggerated so the audience in the back row can see the face.
2. Character creation: special paints are used to create fake blood, scars or wrinkles.
3. Heavy powder: stops the actor from looking sweaty under very hot stage lights.

How do you choose the right makeup style?

You choose the right style by asking the client three questions before you open your makeup bag.

1. Where are you going? This tells you the location and the kind of event.
2. What time of day is it? This tells you the lighting.
3. What are you wearing? This tells you the outfit colour, so the makeup suits it.

How do the four makeup styles compare?

The four styles differ in coverage, colour and the occasion they suit, as shown below.

What basic hygiene rules must a makeup artist follow?

Hygiene rules protect the client’s skin from infection and irritation.

• Clean hands: wash or sanitise your hands before touching a client’s face.
• Clean tools: wash brushes and sponges regularly and never share used lip products without cleaning them.
• Clean skin: cleanse the client’s face before you begin.
• Allergies: ask about allergies and sensitive skin before using any product.

What is the class practical activity?

The “half-face” challenge lets students compare a day look and an evening look on one face.

1. Divide into pairs and wash your hands.
2. Cleanse your partner’s face.
3. On one half of the face, apply a day look: very light coverage and neutral colours.
4. On the other half, apply an evening look: more colour, liner and a bolder lip.
5. Compare the two halves and write down what you notice.

• Observation: the heavier side looks “strange” in classroom light but would look great in a dark room with party lights.

Evaluation

1. Define makeup and state three things a professional makeup artist must understand.
2. State the goal of day makeup and list its four key features.
3. Why is evening makeup stronger than day makeup?
4. Why must bridal mascara and eyeliner be waterproof?
5. What three questions should you ask a client before choosing a style?

Assignment

1. Write a short note on stage and SFX makeup, stating its goal and three key features.
2. Draw a table comparing day makeup and evening makeup by coverage, main colours and best use.