Makeup Application
This domain tests product knowledge, hygiene, colour theory, face-shape correction and the differences between day, evening and bridal looks. Questions ask you to choose a corrector or place contour for a stated face shape.
Tools and hygiene
Brushes for foundation, powder, blush, eyeshadow, blending, liner and brows; sponges for base. Sanitise brushes between clients, never share mascara wands, sharpen pencils, and use disposable applicators.
Base and colour theory
Match foundation at the jawline in natural light, checking undertone (warm, cool, neutral). Correctors: green neutralises redness, peach or orange neutralises blue or dark circles, purple neutralises sallow yellow, yellow neutralises purple bruising. Concealer is usually one to two shades lighter than foundation.
Looks
- Day: light base, soft brows, neutral eyes, cream blush, SPF, tinted lip.
- Evening: stronger eyes or lip, contour, highlight, setting spray.
- Bridal: long-wear and waterproof products, trial run, touch-up kit, tear-proof mascara, photography check for flashback.
Face shapes
Oval, round, square, heart, long and diamond. Contour recedes an area; highlight brings it forward. For a round face, contour the jaw and temples and highlight the centre; for a long face, contour the forehead and chin.
Worked example
A client with redness across the cheeks and a round face wants an evening look. Reasoning: apply a thin green corrector only on red areas, then a neutral foundation; avoid shimmer on the redness. Contour the jawline and temples, highlight the centre of the face, and set the T-zone with powder. Check in daylight and in a photograph before finishing.
Traps that cost marks
- Choosing foundation by hand swatch, giving an orange or grey result.
- Sharing mascara or using a double-dipped wand.
- Heavy SPF or titanium dioxide causing white flashback in flash photography.
- Contouring every face shape identically.