The purpose of daytime makeup is often to highlight natural features, conceal flaws and blemishes in the skin, and promote a fresh and awake appearance. Daytime makeup looks are generally subtler than evening or nighttime looks, because the natural light of the sun makes heavy makeup jobs more apparent. However, makeup you wear during the day must also be long-lasting without being too thick, and there are a few tips and tricks you can try next time you want to achieve a subtle daytime look with your makeup.
- Moisturize your skin. To give your makeup a soft, smooth surface over which to be applied, make sure your face is moisturized. You can use toners, serums, eye creams, or just a basic moisturizing facial lotion. Be sure to apply it when your skin is still slightly damp.
- Put on a thin base of primer. Basic daytime makeup can be as simple and easy as applying a little foundation, concealer, and blush, or it can be as complicated as doing your eyes, lips, and brows as well. Primer isn’t strictly necessary, but it will help make your cosmetics last longer if you plan to wear more than just basic daytime makeup.
- Apply a foundation. Use a lightweight foundation that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. Use your finger or a sponge to apply a thin layer all over your face. Foundation will help even out your skin tone, create a smooth surface, and cover discoloration, and because it serves such a similar purpose to primer, the primer isn’t always necessary.
- Use a concealer. Concealer is similar to foundation, but it’s even more capable of covering redness, flaws, and blemishes. Apply small amounts of concealer under your eyes and on all blemishes, and then use your fingers to delicately blend it in.
- Finish with a powder. This is another optional step, but if you want to help set your foundation and concealer for the day, use a sponge or brush to apply a thin layer of loose or pressed powder on your face, especially areas that are prone to oiliness.
- Add a pinch of blush. Once you’ve prepared your face, you’ll be ready to head out the door with a perfect complexion and smooth skin if that’s all you want to do. But if you want to add a bit of color to your cheeks and lips and highlight your eyes, you can do so by adding some basic cosmetics. With a brush, apply a small dab of blush along your cheek bones, then use the brush to blend the blush into your skin.
- Add some color to your lips. You don’t necessarily have to choose natural glossy or sheer color for daytime makeup (but you certainly can), and if you want to go a little bolder, try a cream lipstick without the lip liner. After applying, use your finger to blend the lipstick.
- Apply some mascara. If you want to make your eyes pop a little as well, consider adding a bit of mascara to the top and bottom lashes. Starting with the top lashes, place the mascara want at the base of your lashes and move the wand back and forth as you work your way to the lash tips. While that coat is still wet, repeat the process, then do the same on the bottom lashes.
- Apply eyeshadow. Apply a layer of light purple or brown eyeshadow to your eyelid from the inner corner to the center. Add depth to your eye by applying a medium brown eyeshadow to the crease of your eye and the outer bottom corner of the eyelid (not up toward the brow line). Use a clean brush to blend these colors together.
- Add some eyeliner. To add definition to your eyes, apply a thin line of your favourite brown[18] eyeliner to the upper lash line. At the outer corners of your eyes, you can extend the liner out slightly toward your temple to make your eyes look larger.
