Editorial Makeup Looks: Tips & Techniques

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 7 min read

Creating stunning editorial makeup looks is more than just a brush-and-color game. It's an art that marries creativity with technique, and this blog is your guide to mastering it. Let's unlock the secrets behind those jaw-dropping editorial makeup looks that you've always admired in magazines.

1. Get the Basics Right

To create gorgeous editorial makeup looks, you must first understand the fundamentals. In this section, we'll explore the importance of understanding your skin type, selecting the right products, and mastering the art of blending.

Understand Your Skin Type

Just as a painter must understand their canvas, you need to know your skin type. Here's why:

It affects the look: Different skin types react differently to makeup. What works on oily skin might not work on dry skin, and vice versa. By knowing your skin type, you can tailor your editorial makeup looks to match perfectly.
It impacts longevity: Makeup tends to last longer on some skin types than others. Understanding your skin type can help you select products that will stay put longer.

Choosing the Right Products

Having the right tools and products is fundamental to achieving any editorial makeup look. Remember:

Quality matters: High-quality products often give a better finish and last longer. Invest in a good set of brushes, and don't skimp on your makeup products.
Experiment with color: Editorial makeup is about creativity and breaking the norm. Don't be afraid to experiment with bold colors and finishes, such as metallic, matte, or gloss.

Mastering the Art of Blending

Blending is a key technique in creating editorial makeup looks. It's more than just smudging; it's about seamlessly merging colors to create depth and dimension. Here's how:

Use the right tools: Use a blending brush to diffuse harsh lines and merge different colors.
Practice makes perfect: Blending requires skill, but don't worry if you don't get it right away. With a little practice, you'll be creating beautifully blended editorial makeup looks in no time.

Great! Now that you've got the basics down, let's move on to creating the perfect base for your editorial makeup look.

2. Create the Perfect Base

Creating the perfect base is like preparing a canvas for a painting. When done correctly, it can make your editorial makeup looks last longer and appear more flawless. Let's explore the key steps: Using a primer, applying foundation, and concealing and highlighting.

Using a Primer

Think of primer as a magic potion that prepares your skin for makeup. It smoothens the skin surface, reduces the appearance of pores, and helps makeup adhere better. Here are two things to keep in mind:

Type of primer: Primers come in different types—mattifying for oily skin, hydrating for dry skin, and color-correcting for uneven skin tones. Choose one that suits your skin type and concerns.
Application: Apply primer on clean, moisturized skin before you move on to foundation. A small amount goes a long way!

Applying Foundation

Foundation is the key to creating a uniform skin tone and concealing minor imperfections. When applied correctly, it can take your editorial makeup looks to new heights. Here's how:

Color match: Always choose a foundation that matches your skin tone. Test the foundation on your jawline—not your wrist—to find the perfect match.
Application: For a natural finish, start with a small amount and build up if necessary. Use a brush or sponge for even distribution.

Concealing and Highlighting

Concealing and highlighting are techniques that makeup artists use to sculpt the face and highlight features. Here's what you need to remember:

Concealing: Use a concealer to cover blemishes or under-eye circles. Remember to blend well to avoid cakey appearance.
Highlighting: Apply a highlighter to the high points of your face—like the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the cupid's bow—to create a radiant glow.

With a flawless base in place, you're ready to play up your eyes and create stunning editorial makeup looks.

3. Play Up Your Eyes

Once you've created the perfect base, it's time to turn your attention to your eyes. Whether you're going for a sultry smokey eye or a bold color pop, getting your eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara right can make all the difference to your editorial makeup looks.

Applying Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow can add depth and dimension to your eyes, helping them to stand out. Here's how to apply it like a pro:

Primer: Start with an eyeshadow primer to ensure your eyeshadow stays put and its color pops.
Base Color: Apply a neutral base color all over your eyelid. This helps to even out your eyelid color and gives other colors a base to blend into.
Crease Color: Apply a darker shade in your crease to add depth. Blend well to avoid harsh lines.
Highlight: Finally, add a light, shimmery color to the inner corner of your eye and under your eyebrow to brighten your eyes.

Mastering Eyeliner

Eyeliner can define your eyes and give them a dramatic look. Here are some tips to master the art:

Type of Eyeliner: Choose a type of eyeliner that you are comfortable with. Pencil eyeliners are great for beginners, while liquid and gel eyeliners can create sharper lines.
Application: For a classic look, draw a thin line along your upper lash line. For a more dramatic look, you can wing out the line at the end.

Finishing with Mascara

Mascara is the finishing touch that can make your eyes pop. Here's how to get it right:

Choosing Mascara: Choose a mascara that suits your needs—lengthening, volumizing, or curling. Or, you can layer different mascaras to get all three effects.
Application: Start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the brush up to the tip. Apply two coats for a more dramatic effect.

With your eyes done, you're just a few steps away from completing your editorial makeup looks.

4. Dress Your Lips

Now that your eyes are set, let's shift our focus to your lips. The right lip color can add the perfect finishing touch to your editorial makeup looks. Whether you prefer a natural nude or a bold red, here's how to get the perfect pout.

Choosing the Right Lipstick

Choosing the right lipstick can depend on many factors including your skin tone, the occasion, and your personal style. Here are a few tips:

Match Your Skin Tone: If you have a cool skin tone, lipsticks with blue or purple undertones will likely suit you best. For warm skin tones, opt for lipsticks with orange or red undertones.
Consider the Occasion: A bold red might be perfect for a night out, but a soft pink or nude might be more appropriate for a daytime event.
Test It Out: Always test a lipstick before buying. The color can look different on your lips than it does in the tube.

Applying Lipstick

Applying lipstick properly can make it last longer and look better. Here's how:

Exfoliate: Start by exfoliating your lips to remove any dry skin. This will help your lipstick go on smoother.
Apply Lip Liner: Outline your lips with a lip liner that matches your lipstick. This will help define your lips and prevent your lipstick from bleeding.
Apply Lipstick: Apply your lipstick, starting at the center of your upper lip and moving outwards. Fill in your lower lip and then blot with a tissue.

Finishing with Lip Gloss

If you want a glossy finish, apply a clear or matching lip gloss over your lipstick. This will make your lips look fuller and add a touch of glamour to your editorial makeup look.

With your lips looking fabulous, you're nearly ready to step out and show off your editorial makeup looks. But before you do, let's add the final touches.

5. Add the Final Touches

Now that your base, eyes, and lips are done, let's add the finishing touches to your editorial makeup look. These final steps will give your look that extra pop and staying power you need.

Applying Blush

Blush is a great way to bring some color and life back into your face after applying foundation. Here's how you can do it:

Choose Your Color: Like lipstick, the best blush color depends on your skin tone. Fair skin usually looks best with pink or peach tones, while darker skin may look best with deeper, richer tones.
Apply with a Light Hand: It's easier to add more blush than to take it away. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired effect.
Blend, Blend, Blend: Make sure to blend your blush well. You want a natural flush of color, not harsh lines.

Using a Setting Spray

Setting spray is the secret weapon in many editorial makeup looks. It helps your makeup to last longer and can give it a more natural, less powdery finish. Simply hold the bottle a few inches away from your face and lightly mist. Just be sure to avoid your eyes!

Final Touches

The final touches of your editorial makeup look can include anything from applying a shimmering highlight to the tops of your cheekbones, to adding a bit of sparkle to your inner eye corners. This is where you can truly let your creativity shine!

And there you have it—your complete guide to creating stunning editorial makeup looks. Remember, practice makes perfect. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and products until you find what works best for you. Have fun with it!

If you've enjoyed learning about editorial makeup looks and want to dive deeper into creating stunning visual stories, don't miss the workshop 'How To Produce An Editorial Shoot' by Ara Coutts. This workshop will guide you through the process of producing a captivating editorial shoot, from concept to execution, providing you with valuable tips and techniques to make your creative vision come to life.