You may have seen our blog earlier this month, when we discussed video conferencing, and the importance of different types of lighting.
Well, it’s a pretty similar drill when it comes to makeup application too.
Many of you will be familiar with THAT feeling.
You know the one! When you think you’ve put just the right amount of makeup on, before stepping out somewhere, and realising that your foundation is indeed an entirely different colour to your skin!
So, to help you along, we think the following will help address all the best lighting techniques before applying your makeup ahead of a big night out, or in.
The basics
The standout thing to do is to check the Colour Rendering Index of a light bulb.
The CRi of the light bulb should be high, so that you can see the colours easier so that they can then help match your makeup to your skin tone.
The CRi is measured against sunlight which has a CRi of 100. If you can, try to aim for a CRi of at least 80. LED light bulbs usually have a CRi of 80 or above, with some LED light bulbs achieving up to 98 CRi.
Lighting type
Next up, it’s softer lighting – which is better when applying makeup because it’s regarded as more flattering and means you can put the correct amount of makeup on. In softer light, you should have something to diffuse it slightly, such as a satin finish on the light bulb or a thin lampshade.
A lower wattage light bulb is also a good idea because if the wattage is too high, it may result in a more washed out appearance, leaving you to overcompensate with more makeup, or might even result in you using a colour that doesn’t match your skin tone.
What not to do
CFL light bulbs or Fluorescent lighting are a popular choice, but are probably best to avoid when putting your makeup on.
While they are better suited to elsewhere in the home, the light they cast on your skin could be harsh and unflattering, which could force you to apply more makeup than necessary.
Without question, the best light for putting makeup on, is natural light, but often if you are out or at work, this is not always possible.
You can stake steps before you’ve left the house though! And especially whilst the darker days are here, the daylight coloured light bulb is the closest shade to natural daylight you can get from artificial lighting, and best used at a low wattage to provide the best lighting for your makeup application.
These are all good rules to apply when buying makeup, but before you make your purchase, don’t forget to test the makeup on your hand, by taking it to the nearest source of natural light, and comparing it to your skin so that you can get a true colour comparison.
We may not be venturing to as many festive gatherings this year, but that doesn’t mean that our makeup and lighting should be working anything less than perfectly together.
Enjoy the festive season and if there’s a lighting query we can help you with, get in touch with a member of our team today.