HOW TO CREATE A SIGNATURE MAKEUP LOOK.

I often talk about how we all have our own ways and means of applying our makeup and with that of course, we each have our own tastes when it comes to makeup, too. Whilst some of us love a nude lip, others go wild for a bit of red lipstick and some prefer not to wear lipstick at all - and may prefer to wear a subtle lick of gloss or a tinted lip balm instead. And the same goes for every other makeup product - we can’t all love the the exact same things.

And that takes me fairly seamlessly onto the topic of this blog post: having a signature makeup look.

At this point, you may find yourself asking ‘what is a signature makeup look?’ or perhaps ‘do I have a signature makeup look?’

So, to help clear up any cloudy areas surrounding this subject, I’m going to start things off by answering those questions.

1. What Is A Signature Makeup Look?

A signature makeup look - it sounds pretty fancy, right? And it can be - depending on how you choose to do your makeup, anyway. Ultimately, though, a signature makeup look is basically the more glamorous way to describe your typical everyday makeup look, and the look that your friends, family and co-workers usually expect to be greeted by when they see you.

To explain this a little further, if, like me, you prefer to don a more tanned look and a fresh, radiant glow with a pretty pink lip, then this is your signature look. Similarly, if you’re never without your clear lip gloss and a peach-toned blusher, then this is your signature makeup look.

2. Do You Have A Signature Makeup Look?

Only you can answer this question, really. But, if you find yourself reaching for the same products almost every single day (if not every day without fail), then yes, without necessarily realising it or intending to do so, you have created your own signature makeup look. So, go you!

Okay, so now we’ve tended to those areas of confusion, let’s get back to business and talk about how you can create your own signature makeup look to be proud of.

Your signature look should say a lot about you and be a real representation of the way you love to look. It should leave you feeling confident and comfortable, but most importantly, you should feel entirely yourself when you’re rocking it.

To help you build your own signature makeup look, I’ve formulated a step-by-step guide on how to do it. So, without any further ado, let’s get to it.

How To Create A Signature Makeup Look

1. Think About Which Finish You Prefer - Are You A Fan Of Fresh, Dewy Skin, Or Do You Prefer Matte?

Your base and the way in which your base looks and feel is key in creating a signature makeup look. Why? Because this is such a huge preference and something that really does make such an enormous difference to how your makeup looks.

If you aren’t entirely sure of what you prefer, then it may be worth popping to your local department store or Boots to pick up some samples. Otherwise, just have a think to yourself about how you prefer your skin to look.

I find that matte finishes tend to look heavy and the coverage is usually fuller, meanwhile dewy textures often appear lighter and allow the natural beauty of your own skin to shine through.

Once you’ve worked out which texture you like more, you’ve officially figured out a major part of your signature makeup look.

2. Do You Prefer To Look Natural, Glamorous or Do You Like ‘Natural Glamour’?

Okay, this is where it may get a teeny weeny bit confusing - particularly when it comes to the ‘natural glamour’ thing - but don’t worry, I’ll explain all....

So, you all know what a glamorous makeup look is, right? Glamour is full-force and powerful. Think false lashes, bright lip colours, a sculpted contour and seamlessly-shaped eyebrows. If you like your makeup look to appear glamorous, it’s likely that you love a flawless finish that’s well-covered and concealed.

On the other hand, if you’re more about rocking a natural look, you’ll probably head out in search of lighter formulas that subtly enhance your features. You might opt for a tinted moisturiser and a coloured lip balm with just a soft touch of bronzer and mascara, and it’s likely that you’d choose a dewy-finish setting spray over a full-coverage concealer.

And finally, if like me, you’re makeup style falls somewhere between the two, then you love to showcase a look that’s naturally glamorous. In short, you like to look preened and polished, but prefer to keep things fresh as opposed to visibly heavy.

Think about which of the above three statements best describes your preference, and keep that in mind.

3. Think About Your Makeup Colour Palette & How Bright Or Muted It Is

If you were shopping for a new lipstick, what kind of colours would you choose? Are you drawn to nudes and soft pinks, or do you prefer to make a statement with bolder, punchier colours?

Ask yourself the same question with how you decorate your eyes. Do you prefer a light dusting of brown eye shadow and a touch of mascara, or are you all about the glitz and glamour - false lashes, winged liner, the full shabbang?

4. Identify which of the above styles best suits your taste and hold onto that thought.

At this point, you should have a much clearer idea as to what your eventual signature makeup look will look like. The only thing left outstanding now is deciding on which brands you’d like to invest in, and which ones you aren’t a great fan of.

Some women like to stick to one brand, whilst others enjoy mixing it up a little and playing around with different names.

Personally, I prefer to stick with just a few brand names rather than a whole spectrum for the simple fact that I like the way similar formulas work together. And I find that usually, if a brand impresses me with two or three products, it’s likely that I’ll love the rest of their range, too. Right now, I can't get enough of NARS and for more affordable products, NYX Cosmetics.

If you’re at the start of your signature makeup look journey, I’d suggest making an effort to visit as many makeup counters and beauty experts as possible. Speak to them about the colours you love and if you have any makeup moguls or style icons that you look up to, mention them, too. Makeup artists and beauty moguls are usually pretty good at identifying products that match your preferences & needs, so trust their opinion and always take them up on the offer of sachets and samples.

5. Once you’ve invested in all of your products, brushes and blending sponges, set aside an hour or two to trial your purchases properly.

In doing this, you’ll be able to work out how best to manipulate and apply those products. At this point, I find that tuning into a few YouTube videos is really handy, too. At the moment, I’m absolutely loving Chloe Morello’s channel - her videos are so entertaining and I’m always in awe of how fabulous she looks!

I really hope that this blog post has helped you out! Please do let me know how you get on, and of course, if you already have a signature makeup look, feel free to comment below to share it!

Until next time, beauties!

Lots of love,
Grace