According to the Oxford Dictionary, art is defined as “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”
The act of self-expression and self-identity has been used over the centuries. For example, the first records of makeup come from ancient Egypt dating as far back as 3500 B.C. Both men and women were known to wear copious amounts of makeup, which they believed gave them the protection of the gods Horus and Ra. The Egyptians would grind ores like malachite and galena to create kohl and use that as eyeliner. Since then, makeup has significantly improved and revolutionized.
In the last 100 years or so, makeup has been used strictly among women; but today it is becoming increasingly socially acceptable in Western society for everyone to wear makeup regardless of their gender identification. CoverGirl made history by announcing their first CoverBoy, James Charles, last Oct. Charles and other male makeup gurus such as Manny Mua, Jeffree Star, PatrickStarrr and Gabriel Zamora have helped Western society accept and applaud men who are skilled at makeup application.
Believe it or not, makeup is a trained skill. It took several attempts to finally give my eyeliner a simple wing, and even then it is incomparable to Jaclyn Hill’s flawless winged eyeliner. If you want to learn how to get the winged eyeliner look, Jaclyn Hill has a YouTube video to help you. If you want to learn how to do a cut-crease eyeshadow look, head over to Manny Mua’s YouTube channel. If you want to learn about transgender influence in the makeup industry, head over to Nikita Dragun’s YouTube channel. If you are struggling with anything such as how to change a flat tire, fix your garbage disposal or highlight and contour your face, there is a YouTube video for that.
Makeup can be used to accentuate your natural features and also help cover any blemishes. This is a step-by-step routine on how to apply makeup: first, moisturize the skin; second, prime the skin; third, make those brows fleeky and don’t forget to set them with brow gel; fourth, apply eyeshadow primer on the lid then apply desired eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara and any false lashes if you wish to use them; fifth, cover your face and neck with foundation; sixth, conceal under your eyes and then use concealer to highlight the highest parts of your face such as your nose and forehead; seventh, contour your forehead under your cheekbones and on your jawline; eighth, blend all the concealer and contour either with a beauty blender or the appropriate brush; ninth, use setting powder on the areas of your face that you concealed and highlighted and leave the setting powder there for about 5-15 minutes to “bake” the face; 10th, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks; 11th, apply bronzer to the middle of the cheeks and temples; 12th, apply highlight on the highest part of your cheekbone; 13th, line your lips and fill them in with matching shade of lipstick; and lastly set that face with setting spray! You can modify each step, that’s the beauty of makeup! You can choose how to do your makeup and there are no set rules you have to follow.
If you are looking for quality yet inexpensive makeup brands, I recommend: Elf, NYX, ColourPop and Morphe. If you are not budgeting, check out ULTA and Sephora retailers. P.S. you can ask for free samples of products at Sephora before you commit!
Some are better than others at makeup and some are more imaginative than others, but at the end of the day makeup is a tool to self-express as well as to help your self-confidence. this is why makeup is an art.
