Mastering the Base: Advanced Makeup Skin Techniques

Not all pigmentation needs heavy correction. Here, I'm explaining how to assess the severity of discoloration and use minimal product, as a good full-coverage foundation will often be enough for mild marks.

Face and body skin tones rarely match for Indian women due to tanning. I teach the crucial skill of face-to-body matching to ensure the final look is even and seamless, especially when the neck and chest are visible.

How do you find the perfect foundation shade? I teach my students to swatch on the jawline and wait a few moments. If the foundation turns grey, it's the wrong undertone; if it merges into the skin, it's a perfect match.

I explain why NARS foundation is so popular for Indian bridal makeup. It offers full coverage and long wear, which is essential for functions that last 18-20 hours, and has a beautiful radiant satin finish that's not too dewy or too matte.

With pump-less foundations like Estée Lauder Double Wear, product wastage is a risk. I advise my students to take out a small amount first and build up the coverage as needed to avoid a heavy, cakey base.

Contouring is the art of creating illusions. I teach the fundamentals of how to use contouring to define features, slim the nose, and hide a double chin, explaining that you need different brushes for the face and nose.

With cream contour, the direction of blending is everything. I teach my students to use a buffing brush instead of a blender to avoid a muddy patch and achieve a perfectly sculpted look.

I demonstrate my 'hug technique' for jawline contouring. Even if the product looks dark initially, blending it correctly with the right brush will merge it seamlessly for a defined, natural-looking result.

I prefer to apply highlighter before blending the eyeshadow. This signature technique ensures a beautiful shine peeks through from underneath the blended colors, creating a more integrated and natural glow.