6 Types Of Makeup Looks & Products You Should Know

Whether it's changing up your go-to lipstick or trying the trendiest eyeshadow of the moment, updating your look will refresh the status quo. It could be as simple as trying out a different blush technique or as daring as diving headfirst into a daring graphic liner. 2024 has been a year that kept on giving, in terms of glam of course. We witnessed fresh and zesty twists to familiar trends. Then ofc social media coined trends like skinimalism, ballet core, mermaid core, and our personal favourite pink-toned coquette core.

Something that our crystal ball shows us is that expect to see these trends thrive through, with giant bows and slick back-gelled hair making waves. Blush-heavy, pink-tones and sunkissed ultra-dewy skin is taking centre stage. On the other side, the grungy '90s-inspired makeup look with bold liner and Naomi Campbell-esk glossy double-lined lips are also in for a comeback. Read ahead for all the beauty inspiration you need.

Who doesn’t like wearing makeup? From glam to the no-makeup makeup look, there’s plenty to do and experiment with every day. Whether you’re prepping to spend a casual evening with friends or getting red carpet-ready for a big day, there are so many different makeup looks that’ll help you put your best face forward. Envision this – a big fat Indian wedding or a get-together at a swanky restaurant, and you’re the showstopper? We’re here to get you there.

In fact, the different types of makeup looks are all about how it can add that little extra to your personality. You have got to start somewhere, so let us first take you through the most sought-after makeup application techniques.

Different Makeup Techniques

1. Brush Makeup Application Technique

Brushes – a foolproof tool for decking up that helps you create the ideal look with minimal effort. In fact, the best technique is to brush in light, short, and purposeful motions that help blend the formula better. Opt for brushes with softer and thicker bristles. And those teensy brushes that come along with your palettes don’t count.

PROS

• The motto of makeup is to look flawless and that’s what you exactly get – an even application.
• A makeup brush helps you layer on and build coverage that looks natural.
• In terms of investment, shelling out money for a set of good makeup brushes won’t leave a hole in your pocket.

CONS

• When you’re choking between getting dressed and attending calls, makeup that comes with scanty hassle is all you need.
• If you’re a germaphobe, then a makeup brush might not be the best option for you. Thumb rule: You always need to keep these babies clean.

Now with brushes, one size doesn’t fit all. So, if you were thinking otherwise all this time, this is us bursting your bubble.

• A tapered foundation brush gives you quick coverage and seamless blending.
• A kabuki brush is great for applying loose powder or blush.
• Craving for defined cheekbones? An angled contour brush is your go-to option.
• An expertly crafted fan brush is what goes best with your highlighter.
• For your eyes, you have a flat brush that helps you pick eyeshadow pigment better, an angular brush for more colour payoff, and a blending brush for flawless transition.
• Lastly, a fine-tipped lip brush is ideal for greater lip definition.

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2. Airbrush Makeup Technique

Mostly used in the film and modelling industry, the airbrush makeup technique lends a natural, blended, clear and refined look. In airbrush makeup, usually, circular and forward-back motions are usually used with an airbrush makeup machine to apply the foundation. Once the gun trigger is pulled, a soft, light spray of makeup oozes out in the form of a mist.

PROS

• Call it a boon, because an airbrush makeup look lasts all day long.
• A flawless finish is what you are guaranteed with this makeup technique in hand.
• With this makeup technique, just a little product goes a long way.

CONS

• Well, the not-so-great news is that if not done well, the final look can appear flaky.
• For those who are a bit tear-prone (no shame), it can be tough to re-blend.
• This could sound heartbreaking, but you should know that airbrush makeup is typically more expensive.

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Different Types of Makeup Looks

Now let’s look at the difference between the two famous makeup looks – No-Makeup Makeup Look and Shimmer Makeup Look.

1. The Day Look or No-Makeup Look

You’re heading to work for an important board meeting and have the smartest pantsuit on. Your makeup must be subtle and crisp in equal parts. Well, the no-makeup makeup look is exactly what you need. A flawless look that enhances your natural features without seeming over-the-top, let us take you through its stepwise breakdown.

• Before you begin on anything, start with clear skin. Even out your skin tone using a light coverage foundation for a natural and sheer finish. You may want to use a spot concealer just in case there are some areas that need extra coverage.
• Tight-line your eyes because they have the clout either to make or break it. Line the top and bottom inner rim of your eyes with a liner. Stay close to the roots of the lashes to offer a more natural volume.
• What’s makeup without defining your lashes? Grab an eyelash curler to add body to your lashes and top it off with a mascara to lock the lash drama.
• In case you’re forgetting, brows are a snazzy part of your no-makeup look. Use a brow pencil to fill in the gaps in your brows.
• The hack to a simple makeup look stays incomplete without defining the cheeks. Pick an earthy peach tint and sparsely brush it on the apples of your cheeks to give a stained or rosy effect. Finish it off with a lip balm to soften your pout.

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2. The Night Look or Shimmer Makeup Look

Ever dreamt of attending a gala night with your crush in it? Yes, this shimmer makeup look will transform your simple, next-door-girl look to one that people can’t help but stare at. The trick lies in an extra touch of that sparkle to make you stand out. Find your hack in 5 simple steps.

• First up, grab a primer and prep your face. Up next, move on to create the base using a concealer and foundation.
• Begin by priming your eyelids with your favourite lid primer. This helps your eyeshadow last longer. Gently pat your favoured shimmer eyeshadow onto your lids using a makeup brush.
• Long, fluffy lashes are the talk of the town. Go all bold with a pair of the most dramatic falsies and don the doe-eyed look with panache.
• Instead of going all glitzy with your pout, go with a matte red or maroon. It helps in striking the perfect balance.
• Ain’t no party without your highlighter! Dust your cheekbones and high points with a gold highlighter to complete the look.

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3. A Soft Smokey Eye Makeup

A soft black smokey eye, glowing skin, and glossy lips are in our opinion a beauty look that's perfect for morning puja and can easily transition to a classic cocktail party.

• Prepare your base with your favourite moisturiser. Take a small dose of primer on the foundation brush and work it well. Then, using a fluffy brush, pat the translucent powder under the eyes.
• Put on a suitable foundation onto the chin, forehead, nose, and cheeks, blending well. Contour the face with a powder or stick one shade deeper than your skin tone.
• Add a peach-toned blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards for that dewy, bronzed finish.
• Line your lash line and smudge dark eyeshadow across your lids. Fill in the brows-a darker pencil for the outer brows, and a lighter one for the inner.
• Finish off with nude lip gloss for a shiny finish.

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4. Petal Blush Pink Look

We are not kidding, it’s a definite fact that radiant pink soft makeup gives off a chic natural look and is an undeniable head-turner. And the best way to absolutely slay this look is to strike the correct balance with a soft peach-ish smokey eye and a clean radiant complexion.

• Cleanse your face with a light cleanser, then apply moisturiser and sunscreen.
• Apply a primer, dot on foundation across the face, and blend with a damp sponge. Conceal under the eyes.
• Groom your eyebrows with the help of a pencil and fill it in. Then sweep skin-tone eyeshadow over the lids, followed by a soft brown shade.
• Create subtle cat-eye lines using pencil eyeliner along the lash lines and then finish off the lashes with mascara.
• Apply cream contour on the cheekbones, nose, and jawline, and nude-pink blush. Finally, apply matte rose lipstick.

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5. Mocha Toned Makeup

90’s bronzed matte looks called and we would love to inform you that they are in for a comeback. The perfectly sculpted look with well-defined contouring and accentuated kohl-rimmed eyes over a neutral eyeshadow base is all set to make the headlines again.

• Start by smoothing out your base with a mattifying primer, and correct the blemishes with a spot corrector. Apply a hydrating matte foundation and blend it with a damp sponge for that airbrush-like finish.
• Define your brows by brushing them into shape and filling them in.
• Apply a nude eyeshadow base, then blend a dark brown shade in the outer corners. Line the lower lash line with brown kohl and smudge for a smoky effect. Add eyeliner and mascara for a wide-eyed look.
• Contour your jawline, cheekbones, and nose with a cream contour stick, swishing on the high points of your face with some highlighter to add glow.
• Finish with warm peach blush, and creamy nude lipstick, and set it all with mattifying powder and setting spray.

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1. HD Makeup products

While there is all the buzz about what an HD makeup look is, let’s get you settled with this one simple thing. It is High Definition Makeup innovated to make your skin look seamless on screen. The name may sound fancy but follows a conventional method and the results – well, a non-cakey, natural, and soft flawless look that looks lit on celluloid. While it is the kind of makeup every bride dreams of, you may still ask, what makes high-definition makeup stand out? For obvious reasons, it’s the HD makeup products that are dusted with light-diffusing coating.

So just in case you’re planning to turn a new leaf, here’s how HD makeup benefits you.

• You have two things to be amazed about. One, HD makeup gives you a lighter makeup feel and two, a more natural look.
• You can’t get more serious when it comes to your skin. HD makeup here is a blessing. It is suitable for all skin types.

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2. Mineral Makeup Products

Mineral makeup seems to be the new makeup bandwagon these days. And why not, because aren’t they supposed to be made using all-natural makeup products? But the history of mineral makeup goes way beyond the era of early cave-dwellers. It needs women with sensitive skin. Mineral makeup products like mineral powder and mineral foundation are ideal for sensitive and breakout-prone skin types.

Saying ‘NO’ to makeup is a sin, especially when you’re unaware of its benefits.

• Stop sulking over your dark circles. Giving better coverage, mineral makeup is your saviour.
• Here comes mineral makeup to soothe your sensitive skin.
• Since they are made using natural ingredients, they don’t harbour bacteria. What a relief!

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From soft subtle glam to 70’s disco-themed cat-eyed makeup, the beauty trends have covered the entire spectrum of glam this year. While bold colours and playful glam are back in, taking your makeup to newer heights is the only trend that is to last years. For the chicest siren-eyed office looks and for the glam that matches party dress, here’s the guide to get your beauty kits ready for any and every makeup look you need!

FAQ

1. How many different types of makeup looks are there?

   There are several types of looks you can go for. There’s the subtle side, like natural, pared-back, and everyday makeup. Then there's the dramatic category, with evening, glam, and even gothic styles. And let's not forget the fun and playful options, like glittery or colourful looks.

2. What makeup works best for my face shape?

   If you have an oblong face, highlighting your temples and the sides of your mouth can really enhance your look. For square faces, a touch of highlighter on the temples works beautifully. If your face is heart-shaped, focusing on the sides of your mouth is a great idea, while those with round faces should try highlighting the chin for a flattering effect.

3. What makeup gives a natural look?

   Begin by smoothing out your skin tone with a light concealer or a skin tint. Once your base is set, gently tap blush onto the apples of your cheeks for a soft, natural glow. To complete your quick five-minute makeup routine, add a coat of brown mascara and finish off with a swipe of tinted lip balm for a hydrated, naturally tinted look.

4. How to figure out your skin tone?

   A quick and easy trick is to check the veins on your wrist under natural light. If your veins look green, you probably have warm undertones. If they appear blue or purple, then you’re likely cool-toned. If your veins seem blue-green or blend in with your skin colour, you’re likely neutral-toned.

5. What is soft girl makeup?

   Soft girl makeup is a subtle pared-back look that requires peachy pinks as a blush for a rosy fresh look. Instead of going for a heavy base, opt for a light base that doesn’t even require a foundation. For that understated look, concealer, mascara, blush and lip balm/gloss work just fine.