Makeup is the best self-expression in my opinion, even more than fashion. Both can be fun, creative and colourful. Or on the flipside, it can be downplayed and tonal. But as makeup is for the face, and we all know no two faces are the same, I feel the uniqueness of makeup expression is even stronger than fashion. The two really can play off each other, with a hint more expression and creativity through makeup.
Over the past few years we have seen a big rise in skincare awareness, knowledge and general skin health (thank you Covid-19 lockdowns), which I’m not mad about.
As a makeup artist, I have been aware for a very long time what a big part skincare plays in makeup application and longevity of wear.
We have seen trends such as Glass Skin, Dolphin Skin and of course, the ‘No Makeup’ makeup look. All of these have had a few things in common – great skin prep, skincare infused makeup formulas and that neutral-toned, fresh-faced beauty. I mean, you can’t go wrong!
As we move away from colder months, layering rich textured moisturisers to give our skin any glow possible from the cold and rainy days, we are seeing big trends in using more colour on our face. From eyes, to cheeks and lips, this one trend we’ll be seeing a LOT of… Dopamine Beauty!
What is Dopamine Beauty?
Dopamine Beauty uses colour accents within makeup artistry to lift your mood. It’s proven that colour can be uplifting and remind you of certain memories, places or events, or just being attracted to certain colours can increase dopamine reactions and emotions within ourselves that can be blissful, motivating and addictive. It’s similar to how some fragrance scents can be, it can take us on a journey or to a place or feeling.
The colour category in makeup artistry has dramatically increased with more brands adding more shades to keep up with the demands of higher sales of coloured makeup.
I remember a time when I worked for a large cosmetic group and retailers were constantly discontinuing bright shades of makeup, as sales were lower than neutral toned shades. But, colour bars in-store can start looking very ‘beige’, and uninviting or exciting, which obviously then doesn’t attract customers to come and look, test and play. So, for me personally, I am so excited to see the rise of colour within makeup looks, which can definitely play a big part in your mood, creativity and confidence in general.
How much is too much colour?
Like everything, there needs to be balance for a look to really come together, but in saying that, there really are no rules with makeup artistry. However, there are just a few guidelines when it comes to application and highlight and shade choices, which I’ll explain below.
One thing we have to remember is not to take away what we have learnt from the recent past trends of the no makeup, makeup look.
Keep up the good skin prep, even add the glass skin and neutral highlight and shade tones to give the face structure and definition. But instead of keeping everything neutral, add a pop lip for a playful look, or a bold lip for a bold glam statement – adding in the smallest amount of colour can bring out more personality or the vibe you want to portray.
For the eyes, coloured liners back, big time! Graphic lines, wings and cut crease looks are all over social media and yes, you may choose to keep these neutral or monochrome. But think about adding a coloured shade on top of your neutral line drawn – it’s just a hint and will up the mood to your look.
A pop coloured shadow in the inner eye tear duct area of the eye can boost and lift your neutral colour palette eye shadow look or using colours to add contouring structure to your eye area, rather than the typical neutral shades.
If you always remember the contouring rules – light and bright shades bring an area forward to lift and matte or deeper shades recedes and area to create more of a hollow, then you will still give your eyes a defined, structured look it needs.
Remember, it’s all in the self -expression, nothing is off-limits and you just be you! Enjoy the feeling makeup can do for you, your customers and others around you – it can really attract people!
So this Spring/Summer, try some colour, from the tiniest hint (maybe a brighter blush) to coloured graphic eyes, it’s all what you are comfortable with.
Top Tip:
For any motivation or inspiration, just watch Ru Paul’s Drag Race, tone it down a notch, and you are ready for that dopamine rush!
This article was first published in the Spring issue of Retail Beauty.