How to: Soft Glam Makeup

Hi Bellas,

Soft glam is my signature style.  I think it looks good in person and on camera.  The key is to apply light layers of makeup - sometimes less is more.  With just a few simple steps, you can have a gorgeous, soft glam look that will turn heads everywhere you go. Keep reading to learn how to create a soft glam makeup look.

Step 1: Prep your skin.

Before even thinking about makeup, you've got to get your skin right.  Cleanse, exfoliate, tone and hydrate your skin.  This ensures that your makeup will apply smoothly on top.  Next, we move to primer.  I recommend applying a radiance primer or even a light layer of liquid illuminator all over the face.  This method is known as under-lighting, and any foundation you put on top will glow.

Step 2: Apply foundation and concealer.

Now it's time to start applying some makeup! Begin by applying foundation all over your face. From there, spot correct and conceal any areas that the foundation doesn't cover.  Areas like undereye circles and blemishes will usually require a bit more coverage.  By applying foundation then concealer, you'll keep the coverage light so that the illuminator base you applied will shine through.

Makeup by me

Model @myoddfuture

Photographer - Ctabphotography

Step 3: Eyeshadow time!

I tend to do foundation first, then eyeshadow.  But you could totally reverse these steps - it's your preference.  Generally for soft glam, I stick with a mix of shimmer and matte neutral tones.  I love a shimmer on the lid in a metallic tone like pearl, champagne, gold or bronze - depending on the skin tone.  Then i'll use a contour shade in the crease - go a few shades deeper than your skin tone.  I'll even use a bronzer.   Finally, use a dark color on the outer v (outer half of the eye) to add depth and extension to the eye.  Apply this same color along your top and bottom lash line. Be sure to blend well so that there are no harsh lines or edges.

Step 4: Liner and Lashes

Once your eyeshadow is complete, it's time to apply some eyeliner and mascara. I love a winged liner - it extends the eye and is a classic application.  My favorite product for this is the iconic Inglot Gel Liner.  Next apply mascara or if you're game - a pair of falsies will really glam up the look.

Step 5: Brows

I actually like to do my eyebrows after eyeshadow so that I don't worry about covering them up with foundation or I don't accidentally blend away product.  The rule of thumb is to pick a brow product 1-2 shades lighter than your eyebrow color so that your brow doesn't come off too dark or harsh.   Use a spoolie to brush the hairs up and blend out any harsh lines.  Then I conceal under the brow bone with a highlighting concealer and above with a skin tone concealer to clean up the brow shape.  Set the concealer with powder.  You can finish it off with a clear brow gel - brush upwards to give the brows a fluffy lifted effect.

Makeup by me

Model Eduarda Speggiori

Photography - Ctabphotography

Step 6: Contour and highlight

Now it's time for contouring and highlighting . For contouring, use a bronzer or contouring product that's two shades darker than your natural skin tone.  I prefer cream bronzers because they look more natural and they are easier to blend.  Apply the contour powder along the hollows of your cheeks and around the perimeter of your face, then blend well . For highlight, use a cream concealer that's two shades lighter than your natural skin tone.  Apply the highlight underneath your eyes and in the center of your face - your t-zone.  When you're done set the highlight with a translucent powder, and you can set the contour with a powder contour or bronzer.

Step 7 : Blush is your friend

I love blush because it brings color back to the skin after you removed everything with your base.  There's a blush shade for everyone whether it's a pop of color or more subtle.  I'm currently a fan of peach and orange tones.  I apply a cream blush with a stippling brush - you can also use your fingers.  Always start light with blush and build up the color.  Lightly dust the blush onto the apples of your cheeks , then blend back towards your hairline .   You can top the cream blush with a powder blush to lock it in place and ensure it lasts all day.   Then I finish off the entire face with a setting spray. 

                                                 

Step 8 : Lips

My go to for soft glam is an ombre lip.  Start by picking a brown lip pencil close to your skin tone.  Line your lips and apply a bit more liner to your corners - you're essentially contouring them. Then apply a nude lipstick.  Reline the lip again to ensure the edges are even, and then apply a gloss just to the center of the lips as highlight.  

And there you have it —a soft glam makeup look!  Hope you enjoyed!  If you'd like to learn how to do this look I offer Private Makeup Lessons as well as My Signature Makeover Glam.  

Makeup by Me

Model - Maya Chesnut

Agency - Click ATL

Photographer - Ctabphotography