29 Secrets

Not only did high-definition (HD) technology bring us razor sharp images on the big and small screens, but it’s also the inspiration behind some of today’s most sophisticated makeup.

Extreme closeup:

Before HD, makeup artists and Hollywood starlets alike relied on camera filters and heavier makeup to blur any fine lines, age spots, pores and blemishes.

But with the advent of HD – which is unforgiving, exposing even the slightest of imperfections – makeup artists need more cutting edge foundations, concealers and powders in their arsenal to get a flawless look because there’s no escape from the naked lens of high resolution cameras.

The new solutions:

Thankfully, this makeup technology isn’t just for high-profile faces since HD technology has trickled down to a Flip video near you.  And beauty companies are answering the need by infusing their makeup with special pigments that help manipulate light and sculpt the face, revealing a flawless finish. Essentially these pigments act as optical illusions, bending and reflecting light so the skin always appears to have a flattering, soft focus. 

The images that we get with high-definition cinematography and digital photography are crisp. Because of this, makeup needs to mimic real, flawless skinand not appear heavy or caked. Realistic makeup shades are important too. In the past, cameras used four shades (yellow, black, red and white) to reproduce skin’s colour. Now HD can reproduce millions of colours, capturing even the slightest imbalance in skin tone.

Acing your base:

Foundation           

To get the most mileage out of your HD foundation, moisturize and then use a primer. This will ensure your makeup stays put for longer and it won’t settle into any fine lines or pores. Next, choose a shade that is as close to your natural skin as possible – test out a swipe on your jawline. The right shade will disappear completely. To get the most realistic finish, use a synthetic hair foundation brush to apply the foundation. It will allow you to control the coverage: sheer in some areas, more intense in others.

And remember the golden rule: Foundation should not be applied like a mask, only cover the areas of the skin that need to be even. Think ‘enhancing, not masking.’

Concealer

Use an illuminating concealer to brighten dark under eye circles or to cover up any blemishes on your face. Use a colour that’s one shade lighter than your skin tone for the most believable effect. Another area to always dab concealer is on the sides of the nose. Use a brush to blend the concealer and foundation seamlessly. Blending is the most important part of application no matter what foundation or concealer is used.

Powders

The right finishing powder is the pièce de resistance — not only will it set makeup for a flawless finish, but it will minimize shine. Look for one that has a hint of iridescence and apply it where you’d like to add a hint of light to the face: on the forehead, temples, cheeks and bridge of the nose.