From Everyday to Editorial: Mastering Different Makeup Styles

The versatility of a professional visagiste is measured by their ability to create diverse makeup looks—from subtle everyday enhancement to bold editorial statements. Understanding the principles behind different makeup styles allows artists to adapt to any client request or creative brief. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the spectrum of makeup artistry and how to master various styles for different contexts.

Understanding the Makeup Spectrum

Before diving into specific techniques, it's helpful to understand that all makeup styles exist along a continuous spectrum rather than as distinct categories. This spectrum can be visualized as follows:

Moving along this spectrum typically involves shifts in several factors:

• Color intensity and saturation
• Contrast levels
• Texture (matte vs. luminous)
• Precision vs. diffusion
• Shape and proportion (natural vs. enhanced)

Natural/No-Makeup Makeup

Despite its name, this style often requires significant skill and product knowledge to create the illusion of perfect skin and subtle enhancement without visible makeup.

Key Principles:

• Skin-Focused: Perfect, natural-looking skin is the foundation
• Strategic Concealing: Spot-concealing rather than full-face coverage
• Minimal Texture: Products should melt into the skin without visible texture
• Subtle Definition: Enhancing natural contours without creating new shapes
• Transparent Color: Sheer washes of color that mimic natural flush and dimension

Essential Techniques:

1. Use sheer, skin-like foundation or tinted moisturizer applied with fingers or a damp sponge
2. Conceal only where necessary (under eyes, blemishes) and blend edges thoroughly
3. Apply cream blush to the apples of cheeks and blend well for a natural flush
4. Use brown mascara instead of black for a softer effect
5. Fill brows with hair-like strokes rather than solid color
6. Choose lip colors close to the natural lip tone

Product Recommendations:

• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
• NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
• Glossier Cloud Paint cream blush
• MAC Omega eyeshadow for subtle crease definition
• Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
• Glossier Boy Brow or Benefit Gimme Brow

Everyday Polished

This style bridges the gap between natural and glamorous, offering visible enhancement while remaining appropriate for daily activities like work, casual social events, or daytime outings.

Key Principles:

• Balanced Coverage: Evened-out skin tone with some natural texture showing through
• Defined Features: Noticeable but not dramatic enhancement of eyes, lips, and cheeks
• Coordinated Color: Harmonious color selection that complements natural coloring
• Soft Diffusion: Blended edges and transitions without harsh lines
• Practical Wear: Consideration for longevity and appropriateness in various lighting and settings

Essential Techniques:

1. Apply medium-coverage foundation with a brush and blend with a sponge for a natural finish
2. Set makeup strategically with powder in the T-zone while maintaining glow elsewhere
3. Create definition in the crease with neutral eyeshadows one or two shades deeper than skin tone
4. Apply liner close to the lashline for definition without drama
5. Use both blush and bronzer for dimensional color on the cheeks
6. Apply lipstick or gloss in wearable, versatile shades

Product Recommendations:

• Estée Lauder Double Wear Light foundation
• Urban Decay Naked Basics eyeshadow palette
• Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lipstick
• Benefit Hoola bronzer
• NARS Orgasm blush
• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Whiskey or Demolition

Glamour/Evening

Glamour makeup takes everyday polish and elevates it with more drama, definition, and dimension. This style is ideal for evening events, formal occasions, photography, and situations where making an impact is appropriate.

Key Principles:

• Perfected Base: Full-coverage, flawless skin with strategic highlighting and contouring
• Dimensional Eyes: Multiple eyeshadow tones creating depth and drama
• Defined Structure: Enhanced facial features through stronger contouring and highlighting
• Intensified Color: Richer, more saturated color choices
• Deliberate Focal Point: Often emphasizing either eyes or lips as the dominant feature

Essential Techniques:

1. Apply full-coverage foundation and concealer for a flawless base
2. Contour using powder or cream products to sculpt the face
3. Create a multi-dimensional eye look with 3+ complementary eyeshadow shades
4. Apply false lashes or multiple coats of volumizing mascara
5. Define the lips with liner before applying lipstick
6. Set the makeup thoroughly for longevity
7. Apply strategic highlighting to high points of the face

Product Recommendations:

• Dior Airflash Spray Foundation
• Pat McGrath Labs Mothership eyeshadow palettes
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit
• Huda Beauty false lashes
• MAC Ruby Woo or Diva lipstick
• Benefit Watts Up or Becca Champagne Pop highlighter

Editorial/Avant-Garde

Editorial makeup pushes boundaries and prioritizes creative expression over conventional beauty standards. This style is used in fashion editorials, runway shows, artistic projects, and contexts where makeup becomes a form of artistic expression.

Key Principles:

• Artistic Expression: Makeup as art rather than mere enhancement
• Conceptual Approach: Driven by ideas, themes, or visual statements
• Rule-Breaking: Conventional techniques may be intentionally subverted
• Mixed Media: May incorporate non-traditional elements (glitter, jewels, unusual textures)
• Contextual Awareness: Created with specific viewing contexts in mind (photography, runway, specific lighting)

Essential Techniques:

1. Start with a clear concept or reference and plan the execution
2. Consider the viewing context (how it will be photographed, under what lighting)
3. Use product mixing mediums to create custom textures and effects
4. Employ specialized tools beyond conventional brushes (spatulas, adhesives, etc.)
5. Think three-dimensionally, considering how the look works from all angles
6. Experiment with unconventional color placement and product usage

Product Recommendations:

• Danessa Myricks Colorfix pigments
• Mehron Paradise AQ face paints
• Makeup Forever Flash Color Palette
• NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils as color bases
• Ben Nye Final Seal for extreme durability
• Pros-Aide adhesive for attaching non-makeup elements

Transitioning Between Styles: Key Techniques

The ability to move between different makeup styles requires understanding how to adjust key variables:

Coverage

• Natural: Spot concealing, tinted moisturizer
• Everyday: Medium coverage, focused concealing
• Glamour: Full coverage, thoroughly concealed
• Editorial: Variable coverage based on concept, sometimes intentionally imperfect

Color Intensity

• Natural: Sheer, transparent color close to natural tones
• Everyday: Visible but subdued color
• Glamour: Rich, saturated color with clear intention
• Editorial: Unlimited color range, often highly saturated or unexpectedly placed

Precision

• Natural: Soft diffusion, almost imperceptible transitions
• Everyday: Clean but not overly precise application
• Glamour: Defined lines and shapes with intentional placement
• Editorial: Either extremely precise or intentionally abstract, depending on concept

Texture

• Natural: Skin-like, dewy to satin finish
• Everyday: Balanced finish, often satin
• Glamour: Strategic texture contrast (matte vs. highlight)
• Editorial: Experimental textures, often mixing extremely matte with high shine

Adapting to Different Contexts

Understanding the context for makeup application is crucial for creating appropriate looks:

Lighting Considerations:

• Natural Daylight: Shows every detail; requires seamless blending
• Office Lighting: Often unflattering; requires balanced, neutral makeup
• Evening/Dim Lighting: Can handle more intensity as details soften
• Flash Photography: Requires careful powder application to prevent flashback
• Studio Lighting: Can handle more dramatic looks due to controlled environment

Duration Needs:

• Short Event: Less concern for longevity, can prioritize impact
• All-Day Wear: Requires thoughtful layering and setting
• Special Occasion: Balance between impact and longevity
• Photography/Video: Must look fresh for the duration of shooting

Building Your Versatility as an Artist

To master multiple makeup styles, focus on developing these skills:

1. Study Diverse References: Analyze makeup across different eras, cultures, and contexts
2. Practice Transitions: Transform one style into another to understand the key variables
3. Focus on Fundamentals: Master skin work, color theory, and blending techniques
4. Develop a Mental Framework: Understand the principles behind each style rather than memorizing specific looks
5. Build a Versatile Kit: Include products that can create multiple effects through different application techniques

The Client Conversation

Communication is essential when determining the appropriate makeup style:

Key Questions to Ask:

• "How do you usually do your makeup?" (establishes comfort zone)
• "What's the occasion/context for this makeup?" (determines appropriateness)
• "How do you want to feel in this makeup?" (reveals emotional goals)
• "Do you have any reference images that appeal to you?" (clarifies visual preferences)
• "What features do you love to enhance?" (identifies priorities)

Setting Expectations:

• Explain how makeup will appear in different lighting
• Discuss how certain styles photograph versus how they appear in person
• Be clear about longevity expectations and touch-up requirements
• Demonstrate transitional steps if moving a client out of their comfort zone

Conclusion: The Art of Adaptation

The most valuable skill a visagiste can develop is the ability to adapt—to understand when a subtle touch is needed and when artistic expression should take center stage. By mastering the principles behind different makeup styles rather than just specific techniques, you'll develop the versatility to meet any client's needs or creative challenge.

Remember that the boundaries between styles are fluid, and the most interesting work often happens in the spaces between established categories. Don't be afraid to blend elements from different styles to create something uniquely suited to your client or creative vision.

Ultimately, makeup artistry is about understanding the balance between enhancement and expression—knowing when to let natural beauty shine through and when to transform that beauty into something unexpected and extraordinary.