Episode seven of the (BA) Creative Mind series diverges slightly in topic from my usual focus on creative places or group activities, revolving instead around makeup and its portrayal as a form of art. This article intends to spread a positive message about makeup and its therapeutic nature as an artistic activity. As well as this, I will talk about how its visual effects can make us feel self-confident and beautiful, if we feel the desire to wear it. Debates concerning the ethical and well-being implications of makeup are vast, and as a topic, I’m sure many of my readers will have different opinions and preferences on its influence. However, the aim of this article is not a ‘for/against’ discussion as to whether makeup is a good or a bad thing, it is simply a fun chat about the artistic roots of makeup, my personal favourite quirky techniques, and different ways of wearing it!
Collectively, makeup to me is an inclusive form of art, a way of expressing yourself creatively, and practically a form of free therapy. Since my childhood, I have always gawped at colourful eyeshadow palettes as though they were rows of candy lined up in a sweet shop window, and I would spend hours of my free time painting my face with different products. As a student, my makeup routine varies from low-key campus looks to full-face, night out glamour. This article will take you step by step through my own routine, tips and tricks I’ve learnt from others, and above all how I doodle on my face for fun! I’m talking drugstore dupes for high-end products, themed makeup looks, and above all a new and creative method to reduce your stress levels that you may not have previously considered. To note, I always try to select vegan and cruelty-free products when expanding my makeup bag, but I can’t guarantee personally that all of the brands mentioned throughout this article will fit this bracket.
To begin… the bare face library look: don’t get me wrong, at least 50% of my days on campus will be makeup free, especially if I’m already waking up early to get to a lecture (don’t even get me started on hangover days)! However, even a touch of bronzer can be just enough to make me feel like that main character campus girl, so allow me to let you in on my secrets… I always apply a moisturiser and SPF cream as a base for my makeup – I am subscribed to the Skin and Me skin kits, which as a prescription-based service is a high recommendation of mine. This to me is like applying a primer before beginning an oil painting – necessary to maintain lasting results! Personally, I have never found an actual primer that works for me – I’ve tried the Benefit ‘porefessional’, Bobbi Brown ‘face base’, and even the Charlotte Tilbury ‘magic cream’- and I’d still say don’t waste your money. I would then apply my Charlotte Tilbury ‘airbrush bronzer’ (the most elite bronzer of all time – cheaper dupes can be found from Morphe and Physicians formula!) and, most crucially, a bright and shimmery blush. Blushed, rosy cheeks are the most effective way to achieve a natural, minimal makeup look in my opinion. I use the Milani ‘baked blush’, which, as a dupe for Nars ‘orgasm’, is the one product I am grabbing if I don’t have time for anything else. With just one or two products applied, my mood skyrockets and I feel ready to take on the day. Makeup as an art is personal to everyone, so while I’d encourage you to try my techniques, always do whatever feels best for you!
If ever I’m feeling down or stressed at university, doing my makeup is definitely my first go-to for an escape. Though I am usually satisfied by your standard full-face routine, I’d recommend getting your friends together and attempting a drag look if you really want to make yourself laugh. The glue-stick eyebrows, overlined lips, and above all fluffy false lashes really transform the makeup experience into a cosmetics arts and crafts session. I was inspired to try this by a similar YouTube challenge, where two friends competed in trying full drag for the first time – wigs ’n all! Stick-on gems and face-friendly glitter are also great ways to get ‘artsier’ with your makeup – perfect for a Euphoria-themed party. For me though, my full-face routine is by far my favourite activity – beginning with the Too Faced ‘born this way’ foundation, I look forward to it every day. After setting my face with the Huda Beauty powder (which Beauty Bakery sells a great dupe for), the key to my look is my brows. The award-winning Refy beauty ‘brow sculpt’ gel is my holy grail product – remember how I mentioned hangover days earlier? Just a simple run through my brows with the brush gains that laminated, soap-brow effect, and is enough to completely transform my complexion! It can also be used on top of other brow products and will not budge all day or night. My final (and most innovative) tip for you all begins with fake freckles. Instead of buying a separate product to achieve these, I tap an eyebrow pencil that has run out of product onto a few different brown eyeshadows. I then simply dot the pencil around my nose and cheeks, using light pressure and switching between the shadow shades. The result is an array of long-lasting, adorable freckles!
I hope this article will have inspired you to get more creative with your makeup, venture into playing with it if you don’t already, or at least recognise a form of art around us that often hides in plain sight. Makeup is an inclusive art that can be participated in by everyone to encourage self-confidence and artistic beauty. I am always looking for new tips and products to expand my creative makeup skills, and hopefully, you are too!
Written by: Ella Gale
Edited by: Stephanie Young