Makeup

The Makeup section of The Body Optimist shares techniques for complexion, eyes, brows and lips, with color advice designed for every skin tone, from the fairest to the deepest. Quick tutorials, party looks and trend breakdowns: makeup is treated as play and a way to express yourself, never as an obligation.

What you’ll find in the Makeup section

• Complexion: foundation, concealer, powder, blush and highlighter, including how to use mattifying powder and still keep a luminous complexion.
• Eyes and brows: mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow and brow techniques, plus a simple method for clump-free mascara.
• Lips: lipsticks, glosses, liners and tinted balms, with the shades that complement each undertone.
• Techniques and occasions: quick morning makeup, evening, wedding or Halloween looks, and makeup that holds up in hot weather.
• Freedom from the rules: makeup with no gender and no age limit, like the woman who answered “wear makeup like a woman your age” with a bold look.

How do you find the right foundation shade?

The right foundation shade is the one that disappears into your skin, with no visible line between your face and neck. Test two or three shades along your jawline rather than on your hand, then check them in daylight after a few minutes, once the formula has settled. Next, identify your undertone: cool (pink hints), warm (golden or peachy hints), neutral, or olive (slightly greenish hints). On deep and very deep skin, a shade that’s too ashy makes the complexion look gray, so look for brands with an extended shade range. And there’s no need to cover everything: a sheer formula or concealer applied only where you want it lets freckles and natural skin texture show through.

Our approach

Here, makeup is a palette, not a mask. We don’t talk about flaws to correct but about what you feel like doing: defining your eyes, warming up your complexion, trying a bold color. Our advice works for every skin tone, every age and every gender, and we keep a critical eye on trends that push a single type of face, like the “Slavic Face” trend.

Our articles to get you started

• Getting your eyeliner right: a technique that makes the line easier, even for beginners.
• Choosing foundation for your skin type: formulas and finishes for dry, oily or combination skin.
• Applying blush on mature skin: the placement detail that changes the result.
• Avoiding a cakey finish: three common mistakes and how to fix them.
• What to do with your makeup after being sick: smart hygiene habits for your makeup bag.

Frequently asked questions

Which blush shade suits your skin tone?

On fair skin, soft pinks and peaches give a natural flush. Medium and tan skin tones pair well with apricot, coral and raspberry pink. Deep and very deep skin tones come alive with rich, highly pigmented shades: plum, berry red, terracotta or bright orange. Whatever your skin tone, build the color in light layers and blend it up toward your temples.

How do you do eye makeup if you wear glasses?

It depends on your lenses. Lenses for nearsightedness make eyes look smaller, so you can play up eyeliner and mascara and brighten the inner corners. Lenses for farsightedness magnify the eyes: go for a precise line, a clump-free mascara and well-blended eyeshadow. Thick frames often pair well with slightly more defined brows.

Is makeup bad for your skin?

Makeup doesn’t damage skin in itself, but some habits can irritate it or lead to breakouts. Good habits include removing your makeup every night, washing brushes and sponges regularly, respecting the period after opening and, if you’re acne-prone, choosing non-comedogenic formulas. Persistent redness or itching is worth a visit to a dermatologist.

Keep exploring: browse the whole Beauty section, our skincare routines to prep your skin and our beauty tips and tricks for nails and everyday beauty hiccups.