How to Do Your Makeup Like a High Fashion Icon

There is nothing subtle, clean girl or soft glam about high fashion icon glam. It is meant to be seen. Think sculpted skin, defined eyes, statement lips, immaculate brows and details that make the entire look feel intentional. That does not mean it cannot be classy or elegant. In fact, the best high fashion beauty looks know exactly how to balance drama with sophistication. This is exactly how you are going to nail the look

Start With a Sculpted Base

High fashion skin is perfected, but it should not necessarily look flat or overly matte. Start with a well-prepped base, then build your foundation and concealer for an even complexion.

Contouring is key. Define the cheekbones, jawline and sides of the nose, then blend everything seamlessly into the skin. Add bronzer for warmth and a strategic amount of highlighter to the high points of the face.

The goal is dimension. Your skin should look flawless from every angle, especially under flash photography.

 

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Make the Eyes the Moment

This is where you can really have fun. A sharp wing, elongated cat eye, smoky shadow or dramatic lashes can instantly take your makeup from pretty to fashion girl. For a more editorial finish, extend the liner slightly beyond the outer corner or play with graphic shapes and negative space.

If you prefer something more classic, opt for a deep brown or black smoky eye with plenty of definition around the lash line. Add individual lashes or a dramatic strip lash for extra impact.

And do not be afraid of eyeshadow. Rich browns, metallics, deep plums, burgundy, silver and even unexpected pops of colour can give the look that unmistakable fashion edge.

Brows Should Be Defined

Forget overly fluffy brows if they do not suit the look. High fashion glam calls for intention. Shape and define your brows while keeping the finish clean. A softly structured arch can lift the face, while a stronger, more sculpted brow can make the entire look feel more dramatic. The trick is to make sure the brows complement the eye makeup rather than compete with it.

 

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Give Your Lips Some Drama

This is not necessarily the time for a barely-there nude. A rich brown lip, deep berry, classic red or glossy chocolate can completely transform the face. For the ultimate high fashion finish, carefully define the lip with a liner before layering on your lipstick or gloss.

 

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A glossy brown lip gives you that sultry editorial effect, while a matte red instantly feels timeless and glamorous. If the eyes are already doing a lot, let the lips be the statement instead.

Blush, But Make It Intentional

Blush should not disappear beneath all that sculpting. Use it to bring colour back into the face and connect the rest of the makeup.

For a lifted effect, sweep blush slightly higher on the cheekbones. For something more editorial, experiment with richer shades such as terracotta, burnt orange, deep rose or berry.

Add the Detail

Sometimes it is one small detail that turns a beautiful makeup look into a fashion moment. Try a precise inner-corner highlight, a glossy lid, a tiny beauty mark, a metallic accent, a dramatic lower lash line or an unexpected pop of colour. You could also play with the finish of your makeup by keeping the skin luminous while making the eyes or lips matte.

 

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The important thing is that every element feels considered.

Take the Look to Your MUA

If you are booking a makeup artist for an event, do not simply say you want “full glam”. Bring references.

Show them the eye shape you like, the level of contour you want, your preferred lip colour and examples of skin finishes you love. You can even mix references. Take the eyes from one look, the complexion from another and the lips from a third.

Most importantly, choose references that work with your features,  not copying someone else’s face. Take the drama, precision and creativity of editorial makeup and making it yours.