Making Color Sing, 25th Anniversary Edition: Practical Lessons in Color and Design by J Dobie: Review

Through illuminating exercises, this book stimulates ways to think about colour, generating responses that unlock personal creativity and allowing artists to express themselves with paint as never before. It offers insights into ways to use both colour and composition to make paintings come alive.
Rating:
4.6/5

You want to feel confident in your own skin, and makeup can help you achieve that. But where do you start? What products should you use? How do you apply them correctly? Enter Kevyn Aucoin, a legendary makeup artist who revolutionized the beauty industry with his innovative techniques and transformative looks. His book, “Making Faces,”is a must-read for anyone interested in learning the basics of makeup application or taking their skills to the next level.

In “Making Faces,”Aucoin breaks down the fundamentals of makeup application, from choosing the right foundation shade to contouring and highlighting like a pro. He also shares advanced techniques such as creating dramatic eye looks and perfecting your brows. But what sets this book apart is its focus on transformational makeup – using cosmetics to enhance natural features or completely change one’s appearance. Through step-by-step instructions and stunning before-and-after photos, Aucoin shows how makeup can be used as a tool for self-expression and empowerment.

Overview of Kevyn Aucoin and his Legacy

Kevyn Aucoin, the makeup artist extraordinaire, left behind a legacy that continues to inspire and transform faces all over the world. His impact on the beauty industry is undeniable. He was known for his ability to enhance natural beauty and create avant-garde looks that pushed boundaries. Kevyn’s approach to makeup application was unique; he believed in creating a personalized experience for every individual.

However, Kevyn’s journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. He had his own personal struggles with self-acceptance and identity. As an openly gay man in the ’80s and ’90s, he faced discrimination and prejudice in both his personal and professional life. But he refused to let anyone dim his light or dictate how he lived his life.

Despite the challenges he faced, Kevyn’s passion for makeup never wavered. He continued to innovate and push boundaries until his untimely death in 2002. Today, we continue to celebrate Kevyn Aucoin not only for his incredible talent but also for his unwavering commitment to being true to oneself – a message that resonates with so many of us who are seeking liberation from societal norms.

Now that you understand Kevyn Aucoin’s impact on the beauty industry and appreciate what he stood for personally, it’s time to delve into the basics of makeup application without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by it all.

Basics of Makeup Application

To achieve a flawless makeup application, you should always start with a clean and moisturized face. According to a recent survey, 75% of people skip the moisturizing step, which can lead to patchy and uneven makeup. Once you have prepped your skin, it’s time to apply foundation. Here are some tips for applying foundation:

  • Use a primer before applying foundation to ensure it lasts longer.
  • Apply foundation in thin layers, building coverage as needed.
  • Blend well around the jawline and hairline to avoid harsh lines.
  • Don’t forget to blend down onto the neck for a seamless finish.
  • Set your foundation with powder or setting spray.
  • Use a primer before applying foundation to ensure it lasts longer.
  • Apply foundation in thin layers, building coverage as needed.
  • Blend well around the jawline and hairline to avoid harsh lines.
  • Don’t forget to blend down onto the neck for a seamless finish.
  • Set your foundation with powder or setting spray.
  • After applying foundation, contouring can help define and enhance your features. Here are some contouring tips:

    • Choose a shade that is one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone for the most natural look.
    • Start by applying contour along the hollows of your cheeks, blending upwards towards your temples.
    • Contour under your jawline to create definition and make it appear more chiseled.
    • Apply contour along either side of your nose if desired for a slimmer appearance.
    • Blend well using circular motions with a blending brush or sponge.
  • Choose a shade that is one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone for the most natural look.
  • Start by applying contour along the hollows of your cheeks, blending upwards towards your temples.
  • Contour under your jawline to create definition and make it appear more chiseled.
  • Apply contour along either side of your nose if desired for a slimmer appearance.
  • Blend well using circular motions with a blending brush or sponge.
  • With these basic tips on foundation application and contouring techniques in mind, you’re ready to move onto advanced techniques such as highlighting and bronzing.

    Advanced Techniques

    Once you have mastered the basics, it’s time to take your makeup skills to the next level with advanced techniques like highlighting and bronzing. But if you really want to achieve a flawless look, then contouring secrets and color correction techniques are what you need to learn.

    Contouring is all about enhancing your facial features by sculpting them with darker shades while using lighter ones to highlight. It can help define your cheekbones, jawline, and forehead as well as slim down certain areas of your face. Meanwhile, color correction involves using complementary colors to neutralize blemishes or discoloration on your skin. For example, green cancels out redness while peach brightens up dark circles.

    By incorporating these advanced techniques into your makeup routine, you can create a more polished and professional-looking finish that will surely turn heads. Just remember that practice makes perfect – don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect balance for your unique features.

    With these tricks up your sleeve, you’re ready for the next step in transformational makeup – but we’ll get into that later!

    Transformational Makeup

    You’re about to dive into the exciting world of Transformational Makeup. This subtopic covers three key areas: Celebrity Transformations, where makeup artists use their skills to transform famous faces; Fantasy and Editorial Makeup, which involves creating looks for photoshoots and runway shows; and Drag Makeup, where artists create dramatic transformations for performers. Get ready to explore the limitless possibilities of transformational makeup with these fascinating topics!

    Celebrity Transformations

    Hey, did you know that celebrities often undergo incredible transformations thanks to the magic of makeup? It’s true! From stunning red carpet looks to dramatic editorial shoots, celebrity inspiration has been at the forefront of many makeup trends. With the help of talented makeup artists and innovative products, it’s no wonder that celebrities can look completely different from one event to the next.

    One famous example is Lady Gaga, who is known for her bold and creative looks both on and off stage. She has transformed into everything from a mermaid to a sunflower, often using elaborate prosthetics and intricate designs to achieve her desired effect. Another notable transformation was when Charlize Theron underwent a complete makeover for her role in Monster, which involved extensive prosthetics and makeup application to make her almost unrecognizable. These are just a few examples of how powerful makeup can be in transforming someone’s appearance.

    As we move into the next section about ‘fantasy and editorial makeup’, it’s important to note that these types of transformations go beyond just enhancing natural features. They allow us to explore our creativity and take on new personas through the power of makeup artistry. So let’s dive in and discover how this type of makeup can transport us into a world of fantasy and imagination!

    Fantasy and Editorial Makeup

    Let’s step into a world of enchantment with the captivating art of fantasy and editorial makeup, where makeup becomes a tool for storytelling and imagination runs wild. This type of makeup is not your everyday natural look but rather an opportunity to express yourself creatively through the use of bold colors, textures, and shapes. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its ability to inspire and capture the audience’s attention.

    Creative inspirations for fantasy and editorial makeup are endless. You can draw inspiration from nature, literature, movies, or even other cultures. The possibilities are limitless when it comes to expressing your artistic expression through this form of makeup. With every stroke of the brush or application of pigment, you can transform yourself into a character straight out of a fairytale or create an ethereal being that looks like it belongs in another dimension. It truly is an art form that allows you to let your imagination run free. Speaking of transformative makeup techniques, let’s continue our exploration by diving into drag makeup!

    Drag Makeup

    Get ready to transform yourself into a fierce and fabulous queen with the captivating art of drag makeup. Drag makeup is more than just putting on some lipstick and eyeshadow; it’s a performance art that allows you to express your inner creativity, personality, and confidence. From boldly sculpted cheekbones to exaggerated eyelashes, drag makeup is all about enhancing your features and creating an entirely new persona.

    To achieve stunning drag makeup looks, you’ll need to invest in quality products such as foundation, contouring powder, highlighter, false eyelashes, and glitter. It’s also essential to master various techniques such as blending, color matching, shading, and highlighting to create a flawless finish. Whether you’re performing on stage or attending a party with friends, drag makeup can empower you to be whoever you want to be while showcasing your unique beauty.

    Now that you know how to slay the perfect drag look let’s dive into photography and lighting tips!

    Photography and Lighting Tips

    If you’re interested in photography and makeup, then the subtopic of photography and lighting tips is for you! Before we dive into that topic, let’s first discuss Kevyn Aucoin’s book, MAKING FACES. This review will be particularly helpful if you’re looking to learn more about transformational makeup techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced makeup artist, this book is packed with useful information that can help take your skills to the next level.

    Review of MAKING FACES

    As a makeup artist, Kevyn Aucoin’s approach in Making Faces is unparalleled. His impact on the industry is undeniable, and his book is a testament to his passion for the art of transformation through cosmetics. In Making Faces, Aucoin shares his knowledge and expertise with readers who aspire to learn about makeup application and technique.

    The book is filled with detailed instructions on how to achieve various looks, from natural and subtle to bold and dramatic. The step-by-step guides are accompanied by stunning photographs that showcase Aucoin’s talent for creating unique and beautiful looks. Whether you’re just starting out as a makeup artist or you’re an experienced professional, there’s something in this book for everyone. So who would benefit from reading it? Let’s find out in the next section.

    Who Would Benefit from Reading the Book?

    If you’re a makeup enthusiast or an aspiring makeup artist, you’ll definitely benefit from reading “Making Faces”by Kevyn Aucoin. This book is not just your typical makeup tutorial guide; it delves into the art of transforming faces and creating unique looks that express one’s individuality.

    Here are three reasons why this book is a must-read for any makeup lover out there:

  • The techniques presented in the book are diverse and adaptable to different skin types and tones. Whether you have fair or dark skin, dry or oily, Kevyn Aucoin’s approach to makeup caters to everyone.
  • The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners who want to learn more about the basics of applying makeup.
  • With his focus on enhancing natural beauty rather than masking it with layers of products, Kevyn Aucoin’s approach stands out from other artists in the industry. He empowers his readers to embrace their uniqueness and use makeup as a means of self-expression.
  • Overall, “Making Faces”by Kevyn Aucoin is a great addition to anyone’s beauty library. It offers a fresh perspective on traditional beauty standards while providing practical tips and tricks that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine.

    Conclusion

    Congratulations! You’ve now completed the journey of exploring the world of makeup with Kevyn Aucoin. As you close his book, “Making Faces,”you can feel a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction from learning all about the basics of makeup application, advanced techniques, transformational makeup, and photography and lighting tips.

    Kevyn’s legacy lives on as one of the most influential makeup artists in history. His dedication to inclusivity and diversity has inspired so many people to embrace their unique features and celebrate their individuality through the art of makeup. By reading “Making Faces,”you too have become a part of this movement towards self-expressionism. So go ahead, grab your brushes and start creating your own masterpiece. Remember that with Kevyn’s guidance, anything is possible!

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