Hello Dears,
Today I bring to you a very important post. A gal is not gal without makeup! There are ways to do a more natural look for school/ work etc... but depending on your personal style determines how your makeup looks. But usually you should be wearing some type of makeup. This post is not just for gals but for ANYONE who is curious about what makeup basics are. There will be some items that may not be right for a complete beginner, but that does not mean you cannot try it out and see if you like it (I will mark those items with an *).
For things like foundation, concealer, and powder you may want to seek the advice of a professional makeup artist because they can match your skin color with the proper products. I personally prefer Ulta because they sell a mix of prestige cosmetics and drug store but if you like MAC or another brand then by all means go there!
LET'S START!!
FACE PRIMER
Face primer is a must because it helps to smooth the surface of your skin so the makeup glides on smoothly and lasts longer throughout the day. There are many different brands and types so you will have to determine your skin type and find the best match. A good general primer that I like is from Hard Candy, it's sold at Walmart and very inexpensive. Plus you get a ton of product compared to more expensive primers. But sometimes you do get what you pay for XD
FOUNDATION
Not all of us are blessed with perfect skin so foundation is a must to get that smooth, flawless look. There are soooooo many different types and it depends upon your skin type, what type of finish you want and your budget, that will determine what you buy. If foundation is not your thing or you think it's too heavy then try a BB cream or tinted moisturizer. BB Creams are awesome and provide many good benefits to the skin. I suggest an Asian brand BB Cream because American brands do not compare when it comes to coverage and texture. However, there are not many color choices so if you are darker you will have to research a bit to find one. I know that the brand Missha offers darker colors but I do not know how far that color range extends. If your skin is practically blemish free then a tinted moisturizer is great because it's very light but keep in mind that it does not provide much coverage. They are great in the summer when it's hot and humid so your face does not feel cakey and gross when you sweat!
CONCEALER
The name says it all. It hides all those imperfections we don't like. Concealers come in different formulations such as stick form, in pots, tubes etc.. You have try out different ones to find which one works for you. Once applied you will want to set this with some translucent powder. You can apply it with a brush or clean fingers.
SETTING POWDER
Using a good translucent powder to set your make up helps absorb any shine and the makeup lasts longer throughout the day. Translucent powders are great for all skin tones because it is colorless. If you need extra coverage, you can use a powder foundation to set liquid foundation. The powder can be loose or pressed, it's your preference. Don't apply too much or you may look ashy.
EYESHADOW PRIMER
It's the same as face primer but for the eyes. It helps eyeshadow last longer, give them a more vibrant appearance, and crease less. Some even help correct the darkness on your lids if you have any. There are many different brands that carry their own versions, so again it's a trial and error deal. A decent primer comes from the brand E.L.F and it only costs $1.00. You can purchase it at Target and for the full selection check out eyeslipsface.com
EYESHADOW
Those wonderful colors that combine to make your eyes pop! Many brands, many types, it's up to you. I recommend going for a medium to large palette because you get a variety of colors and finishes. Some great drug store brands are Wet N Wild, NYX, Revlon, Maybelline, and Milani. Some great higher end brands are Urban Decay, Inglot, Smashbox, Lorac, Too Faced, MAC and Makeup Forever. Costal scents and BH Cosmetics have some great palettes with silky, pigmented shadows. But get what works for you and your budget.
EYELINER*
This is one of the most important items for gyaru. You need a great liner that has intense pigmentation and lasts throughout the day. There are different types such as pencil, liquid, gel, and cake. Pick the one that works best for you. I recommend having a black and brown to start with then branch out to other colors. A great gel liner that I think works great is from Wet N Wild and costs around $3.00. And trust me, a little bit goes a long way. Newbies may not want to use this if you're worried about something getting that close to your eye.
MASCARA*
The stuff that makes your eyelashes long and dark. Too many types out there, you just have to try it out and see! Some like to use a primer but you don't have to. If you're completely new this may be a big step. I used to poke myself in the eye when I first started, no shame. Takes time and practice.
FALSE LASHES*
These are what make gals stand out along with circle lenses. I recommend buying your own lash glue because the kind that comes with it is not that great. Buy lashes in bulk from EBAY for cheap and practice then move on to higher quality lashes once you get the hang of it. If you take good care of them, then you can get at least 10-15 wears from one pair.
BROWS
Do them however you like, gyaru is broad and you're supposed to have fun with your look. Brows frame your face and you can change how you look just by taming your brows. Fuller brows make you look more youthful. You can use a pencil, tinted brow gel, powder, whatever you like just fill them in and give a nice shape to them.
BLUSH
That rosy color on your cheeks! Many brands, colors and types. You have to test products to see what works for your skin tone and budget. NYX, Milani, ELF, and Wet N Wild make some great blushes that are inexpensive. A favorite everyday blush of mine is NYX Pinched. Gals usually over do their blush just a bit.
BRONZER
Lovely tan anyone? This gives the skin a nice glow and adds some color into your face. You can use a matte (no shimmer) bronzer to contour your nose, cheek bones and jawline which ultimately creates a slimmer appearance to the face. If you don't have bronzer then a matte brown eyeshadow can be used as well. The bronzer should be 2 shades darker than your own skin tone to blend in better and look more natural. If you're my skin tone or lighter then you can use NYC sunny bronzer to contour. I can make a separate post on how to contour if anyone is interested.
HIGHLIGHTER*
Used for the high points on the face to stand out more. They come in powders, liquids and cream formulas. You could even use a light shimmery eyeshadow to highlight. This may not be a necessity if you're completely new. Use what works for you!
LIPS
SOOOOOO MANY PRODUCTS!! XD Balms, lip sticks, glosses, stains, and liners oh my!
Choose what ever you like and agrees with your wallet. Pink is always a good option. You can use a primer but you don't have to. Just make sure your lips are not dry when applying lip color.
SETTING SPRAYS
Setting sprays can be used to prep the skin before makeup application and after once all the makeup is finished. ELF has the cheapest setting spray that I know of and it is good quality. The best come from Scandanavia which I haven't tried but the same company also makes the Urban Decay setting sprays.Try them out and let me know what you guys think.
TOOLS
Some great tools that are very helpful are an eyelash curler, brushes, travel mirror, makeup remover wipes, Q-tips, cotton pads, tweezers and tissues. I can make a post on makeup brushes or any of these products individually if anyone is interested please leave a comment.
