Beginner's Guide: Top Facial Art Techniques

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 6 min read

Diving into the world of facial artwork can be an exciting journey. Whether you're a newbie or have dabbled a bit in it, this beginner's guide will pave your way to mastering the top facial art techniques. Let's start at the very beginning—knowing your skin.

1. Get to Know Your Skin

To create a beautiful canvas for your facial artwork, the first step you need to take is understanding your skin. This knowledge will help you select the right products and techniques to enhance your natural beauty.

Understanding Your Skin Type

Everyone's skin is unique. It's like your fingerprint in the world of facial artwork. There are generally four skin types: normal, dry, oily, and combination. Knowing your skin type will guide you in choosing the right skincare and makeup products. For instance, if you have oily skin, you might prefer oil-free or mattifying products. On the flip side, if your skin is dry, hydration is key—look for products that boast moisturizing properties.

Identifying Skin Issues

Next stop on our facial artwork journey is identifying potential skin issues. This might include conditions like acne, rosacea, or sensitive skin. By pinpointing these issues, you can tailor your skincare routine to address them. Remember, a smooth, healthy skin canvas makes the best base for your facial artwork.

Learning About Skin Tones

Last but not least, let's talk skin tones. Your skin tone can be cool, warm, or neutral. This is determined by the undertones of your skin. Understanding your skin tone helps you choose the right colors for your facial artwork. For instance, cool tones look great with blues and purples, while warm tones are flattered by golds and peaches. Neutral? Lucky you—you can rock a wide range of colors!

Now that you're familiar with your skin, we can move onto mastering basic facial art techniques. Ready to explore the world of blending, contouring, and eye makeup application? Let's go!

2. Master Basic Facial Art Techniques

Once you've gotten to know your skin, it's time to dive into the fun part—applying the facial artwork! The trick to creating a stunning look is mastering a few basic techniques. Let's go over blending, contouring and highlighting, and eye makeup application.

Blending Techniques

Ever heard the phrase "blend, blend, and then blend some more" in the world of facial artwork? Well, it's true. Proper blending can make the difference between a look that's seamless and one that's streaky. Use makeup brushes or sponges to blend your foundation, eyeshadow, and blush for a smooth, natural look. Remember, blending is a skill, and it takes practice. So, don't be too hard on yourself if you don't get it perfect the first time. Keep trying!

Contouring and Highlighting

Contouring and highlighting are techniques used to shape and define your face. By enhancing your features, you can create the illusion of higher cheekbones, a slimmer nose, or a more defined jawline. But remember—the key to contouring and highlighting is subtlety. You want to enhance your features, not overshadow them. So, go easy on the product application and remember to blend!

Eye Makeup Application

The eyes are often referred to as the windows to the soul. In the realm of facial artwork, they're the canvas for your creativity. Mastering eye makeup application—from applying eyeshadow to perfecting eyeliner—can take your facial artwork to the next level. Keep in mind the shape and size of your eyes and adapt your techniques accordingly. For instance, if you have small eyes, you might want to avoid heavy, dark eye makeup that can make them look even smaller.

With your basic techniques down pat, it's time to choose quality products that will let your facial artwork shine. Let's move on to that next, shall we?

3. Choose Quality Products

Now that you've got the basic facial art techniques under your belt, the next step is choosing quality products. These are the paints for your canvas—your face! The right foundation, eye makeup, and lip products can dramatically impact the end result of your facial artwork.

Selecting the Right Foundation

When it comes to foundation, you need to find a product that matches your skin tone and type. It should blend seamlessly into your skin, providing an even base for the rest of your facial artwork. If you have oily skin, consider a matte foundation. For dry skin, a hydrating formula might be the way to go. Remember, a good foundation is the base of your artwork, so choose wisely!

Choosing Eye Makeup

Eye makeup is where you can really let your creativity shine. From vibrant eyeshadows to bold eyeliners, the possibilities are endless. While it's tempting to go for the most colorful palette, remember—quality matters. Look for products that have good pigmentation and staying power. After all, you don't want your work of art to fade halfway through the day, do you?

Picking Lip Products

Never underestimate the power of a good lip product. Whether it's a bold red lipstick or a subtle nude gloss, the right lip product can tie your entire facial artwork together. Look for products that are long-lasting and comfortable to wear. After all, no one wants to touch up their lipstick every hour or deal with dry, uncomfortable lips.

With quality products in your makeup bag, you're well on your way to creating stunning facial artwork. But remember, keeping your canvas—your skin—in top shape is just as important. That's where a good skincare routine comes in. Let's discuss that next.

4. Maintain a Routine

Artists maintain their tools, and as a facial artist, your most valuable tool is your skin. It's important to establish a routine that keeps your skin healthy and ready for your next masterpiece. Let's look at how to develop a skincare routine, create a makeup routine, and understand the importance of cleansing and moisturizing.

Developing a Skincare Routine

Just like how you wouldn't paint on a dirty canvas, you shouldn't apply makeup on skin that isn't clean and well cared for. A basic skincare routine includes cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. You might also want to include exfoliation once or twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells. Remember, everyone's skin is unique. What works for your friend might not work for you, so don't be afraid to try different products until you find what suits your skin best.

Creating a Makeup Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to creating facial artwork. Having a routine makes the process easier and saves time. Start with a good base—your foundation—then build up your artwork with eye makeup, blush, and lip products. Take your time with each step. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a perfect makeup look!

Importance of Cleansing and Moisturizing

When creating facial artwork, it's easy to focus on the art and forget about the canvas. But cleansing and moisturizing are essential to maintaining healthy skin. Cleansing removes makeup, dirt, and oil, while moisturizing keeps your skin hydrated. And, of course, always remove your makeup before bed. Sleeping with makeup on is like leaving paint on a brush—it's not good for the tool!

Now that you've got the basics down, why not challenge yourself? It's time to explore some advanced facial artwork techniques. Let's dive in!

5. Explore Advanced Techniques

So, you've got your skincare routine down and you're comfortable with the basics. What's next in your journey of facial artwork? Diving into advanced techniques, of course! From airbrushing to special effects makeup and even mastering the art of false eyelashes, there's a world of possibilities awaiting you.

Trying Out Airbrushing

Airbrushing is a technique used by many professional makeup artists for a flawless finish. It uses a small airbrush tool to apply foundation, providing a lightweight, even coverage that can be difficult to achieve with traditional brushes or sponges. It might take some practice to get used to the tool, but the results can be stunning.

Experimenting with Special Effects Makeup

If you really want to take your facial artwork to the next level, why not try your hand at special effects makeup? This genre of makeup transforms you into different characters or creates optical illusions on your skin. Think about the fantastic looks you see in movies, plays, and Halloween parties. Brands like Ben Nye or Kryolan offer special effects makeup kits to get you started.

Mastering the Art of False Eyelashes

False eyelashes can add a dramatic flair to any makeup look, but they can also be tricky to apply. It's all about patience and practice. Start with smaller, more natural-looking lashes before moving on to bigger, bolder styles. And remember, a good eyelash glue—Duo is a popular brand—is as important as the lashes themselves.

Exploring advanced techniques can be intimidating, but remember, every expert was once a beginner. With practice and patience, you'll continue to grow in your facial artwork skills. Just keep swimming, as Dory would say!

If you're looking to dive deeper into facial art techniques, don't miss the workshop 'A Drawing for a Painting' by David Shepherd. This workshop will guide you through essential tips and tricks for creating stunning facial art, perfect for beginners looking to refine their skills.