5 Things To Consider When Trying To Achieve Runway-ready Model Makeup

As you’re flipping through the pages of fashion magazines you’ll probably notice how consistently flawless the models’ makeup looks. This is why we often try to mirror the looks of our favorite celebrities and models when it comes to doing our own makeup. Often, though our replicated looks are good, they seem to be missing something or just aren’t exactly what you pictured in your head. If you have found yourself feeling this way then this is the article for you. In order to get the runway-ready model makeup you desire, take into consideration both the process by which you do your makeup as well as the eye look you choose. Here are 5 things to consider when trying to achieve runway-ready model makeup!

Hair

Recently I have been seeing a trend in the most famous models’ makeup looks. It is, what I like to call, the “I just got a facelift” look or what most people call the fox eye. For this look, starting the transformation process with your hair is essential. The key to this process is pulling your hair back taught so as to create the illusion of an extremely lifted complexion. Essentially a d.i.y. facelift. There are two ways to go about this:

The first way, and by far the easier way, is by pulling your hair back into an extremely tight and high ponytail. Gel back any baby hairs and finish by wrapping a piece of hair around the elastic for added style. By pulling your hair into a high and tight ponytail, you are creating the illusion of a lifted complexion.
The alternative way of achieving this look is a little more complicated. You begin by sectioning your hair and pinning the top portion up and out of the way. This should leave you with about 2/3 of your hair down. Next, grab a piece of hair on each side of your head. You should choose sections around your temple area. Pull those two pieces back very tightly and secure with a hair tie. They should be so tight you instantly see that “lifted” look. Lastly, take down the hair that you had pinned up at the top of your head to cover the portion you just tied back.

Smokey winged eyeliner

As previously stated, the key to model makeup is creating the illusion of an extremely lifted face. The same thing applies to the application of eye makeup as the goal is to elongate your eyes, therefore lifting your features. A basic model makeup look requires a sultry and smokey winged eyeliner, also known as the fox eye. This makeup will allow you to rock a runway-ready look in under 15 minutes. Follow these steps to achieve the look.

If you want to put tape on your eye to create a clean line, do this now or just freehand it.
Begin by blending a light brown eyeshadow shade in your crease and fluffing it outwards towards your temple.
Define the outer corner, or outer V, of your eye with a darker brown to add some dimension.
Take a dark brown or black eyeshadow and run that along your lashline. When you get to the outer corner of your eye flick your brush to create a wing. If doing winged eyeliner is intimidating to you, do not fret as it does not have to be precise.
Lightly blend all of the work you have done thus far so as to ensure there are no harsh edges or lines.
Slightly line the inner corners of your eyes with the same brown or black shadow. This is going to elongate the eye.
You can go a step further and go over the shadow liner with a liquid liner to create a sharper wing, but this is by no means necessary.
Add your favorite pair of lashes and a coat of mascara and you’re done!

Concealer

Concealer should be applied after eyeshadow in case of any fallout that may have occurred from the shadows. If so, wipe it off and then begin applying the concealer. The most important part of this step is the placement of the product. You want to apply the concealer under your eyes as well as any other places that you normally highlight. Be sure to add extra concealer right at the corners of your eyes, angling upwards, following the direction of the wing until you reach your eyebrow area. By adding concealer here, you’re adding light to this part of the face and the angled direction which you placed the product in is going to mimic an eyelift.

Bake

Baking your face is probably not something that you do often if at all, as it can be a little heavy for everyday use. Baking, however, is crucial if you desire a runway-ready look. It is important to note that the applicator used to apply the powder is almost as important as the application itself. I recommend using a makeup sponge with a flat end like the Morphe sponge or even the disposable makeup wedges to create a clean line. Choose your favorite loose powder and dip your sponge into it. You will want to apply it under the eyes to set the concealer and once bronzer is on, cut the area under your cheekbones to create the illusion of a sharper cheekbone structure. Lastly, you are going to want to stamp on some powder along the lines of the smokey winged eyeliner as well as on the sides of your nose. By doing so you are further emphasizing and defining features that should be highlighted. You can also add some powder to your forehead and chin to further brighten and mattify.

Bronze

I’m sure you already know how to contour and bronze so I will keep this brief. The key to a good bronze is to work in an upward direction. If you move your brush in downward strokes this will end up dragging your face down thereby negating all of the hard work you previously did to lift your face. Additionally, nose contour is super important because it will add definition to the center of your face and make it look more like a model worthy makeup glam.

Blush and highlighter

Lastly, top your look with blush and highlighter. The only thing you really need to remember about these two is placement. Blush should be applied on the apples of your cheeks and slightly up towards where you bronzed. Choosing the right shade of blush will also make your makeup look more runway ready. I recommend going with a nude or coral color. Highlighter should be applied sparingly as you want to look dewy, not like a disco ball. Lightly apply your favorite highlighter to the highpoints of your cheeks, brow bone, inner corners of your eyes, and the tip of your nose.