The classic face

Classic makeup encompasses all of the following elements: concealer, foundation, powder, contour (optional), blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, eyebrow color (if needed), lip liner (optional), and lipstick. For each of these steps, you want to find a corresponding product that is best for your skin type and the coverage or look you want. Each step also requires an application and blending tool so you can achieve a smooth, flawless appearance. Along the way, you can eliminate steps that seem excessive or too complicated, and decide how much makeup you want to wear and what colors are suitable to your needs.

The first two steps in applying a complete makeup are to reduce the darkness under the eyes and to apply a foundation to even out the skin. Once that’s done, the eyeshadows and blushes can blend on smoothly over an even palette instead of over varying skin textures and colors. Whether you start your application with the concealer or the foundation de­pends more on personal preference than anything else, although the color of the concealer is another factor. For the sake of organization, I’ll start with the concealer.

Updated: October 6, 2015 — 7:43 am