The beauty industry is ever-changing, and it can feel like a whirlwind trying to keep up with the latest makeup trends and viral products to try. But let’s face it, professional makeup services today are a luxury. You might enjoy getting your makeup done professionally from time to time, but wouldn’t it be better – and a lot more cost-effective – to pick up the pros’ tips and tricks and do it yourself? Here’s the ultimate guide to a professional makeup look at home.

Step 1: Skin Prep

The right skin preparation is the most important step in achieving a professional makeup look. Typically, because of how practical it is to film, cleansing the skin is a step that’s not always shown in professional makeup routines. It’s recommended to cleanse your face and follow with a lightweight moisturiser that should sit for around 10-20 minutes on your face before applying any other products. After moisterising, apply a blurring primer, ideally tailored to your skin type, which will minimise the look of fine lines and pores.

Step 2: A Light Base

It’s important to find a foundation that’s as close to your natural skin complexion as possible. Many makeup professionals understand colour theory to help them find the best match for your skin. As an amateur, the best way to find a close skin match is to have a few different shades that you can mix together or wear at different times of the year, depending on how naturally tanned your face is. With your colour-matched foundation, apply a coin-sized amount to the back of your hand and gradually apply it in light layers, evenly across your face. It’s always good to start off with less product and build it up as required. Some professional makeup artists like to use a damp beauty sponge, but others swear by a dense foundation brush for a flawless blend. Try both, and see which you prefer.

Step 3: Conceal and Set

A transformative step to achieving a professional make up look is strategically zoning your concealer and powder. Use a brightening concealer on the inner corners and the very outer edge of the eyes. If you’re prone to dark circles, you can then follow with a true-match concealer over any areas that need brightening. Powder should be strictly limited to the T-Zone (under the eyes, in between the eyebrows and in the centre of the chin. Professional makeup artists usually recommend using a translucent powder, such as the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder, on a fluffy brush that you can gently press into the skin.

Step 4: Bronze and Blush

A step that you can never seem to have enough of is bronzer and blush. A powder or cream bronzer can add warmth and dimension to the face. You should choose a bronzer that’s one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Using a shade that’s too dark can leave you with a look that’s noticeably unnatural and muddy. Some bronzing products can even create harsh lines to appear more prominently on the skin. Bronzer should be applied to the perimeter of your forehead, cheekbones and jawline.

The next step is a powder or cream blush that’s the most effective when it’s applied at the top of the cheekbones, just above your bronzer. One technique professionals swear by is to set both cream bronzer and blush products with matching powder products to create a longer-lasting look.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Whether your preference is eyeshadow, a defined wing or a glossy lip, finish your look with your own personal makeup style. But don’t forget to set! Bring your at-home professional look together with a setting spray that’s tailored to your skin type. There are so many different options to choose from when it comes to setting sprays, and most make up professionals will use a combination of different ones for clients with different skin types. If you’re prone to dry skin, try a setting spray that’s hydrating and dewy. But if you’re someone who tends to have oily or combination skin, oil-controlling and matte formulas will be a better option for you.

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