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Makeup Flashback: What It Is and How to Make Sure It Doesn’t Happen to You
Today's celebrity news—which is making beauty editors and makeup artists HIGHLY uncomfortable—is the appearance of Ashley Judd on the red carpet with white powder under her eyes.
Ashley Judd at a 2011 book signing for ‘All Things Bitter and Sweet: A Memoir.’
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And that's the not the first time a celebrity has stepped out with this particular makeup "look." As you may recall, Nicole Kidman was the frontrunner in this new “Trend”:
Nicole Kidman at the 2009 New York City premiere of ‘Nine.’
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And Angelina Jolie has been spotted with it, too:
Angelina Jolie at the 2014 New York City premiere of ‘The Normal Heart.’
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And now here we are, and most of you are probably thinking that a) these makeup artists should be fired, because clearly they harbour secret hatred for their clients, or b) the suspected powder, Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder, should be banned.
In fact, just a few days before this latest disaster broke, reader Nicky wrote in with this timely question:
Make Up For Ever HD powder, responsible for Nicole Kidman's white powder face according to another blog, but in yours, you were saying it was tha shitz for NOT having cakey white powder all over. Who says the truth? I’m concerned, because on your advice, I just ordered the HD powder on Sephora's website... PLZ help!
Oh dear! I don't want to lead anyone astray, so let me reveal what I've learned. Because I'm not giving up on MUFE just yet!
Here's the deal as I see it.
Translucent Powder is Still the Best
Even though this flashback is all from translucent powder, I still believe it is the BOMB if you want the most natural-looking "real skin" texture.
When you're using regular compact powder or what have you, it does add texture to the skin, and especially if you touch-up throughout the day, it's going to get a bit cakey and heavy. Translucent powder, which looks white but is colourless on your face, can be used on all skin tones and gives you the most seamless, natural finish.
You will also look amazing both in person and if you appear on high-definition film. That's what these powders, such as the MUFE one, are made for. HD film is very cruel and unforgiving because it reveals every line and pore—so that's why these prodz have been a boon for anyone in the public eye. They conceal and soften imperfections.
However...
You MUST Apply It Sparingly
Let me repeat that. Spar-ing-ly. Get rid of your giant-sized fluffy powder brush or kabuki brush, stat—and instead invest in a domed eyeshadow brush.
Yes, eyeshadow brush. You want to dip it in the loose powder, tap of all the excess, and sort of buff your skin. And ONLY apply it on the areas where you tend to shine, such as the forehead and chin. If you've primed correctly, you shouldn't need much at all. (Priming is key, people!)
Unfortunately, the light of a camera flash can reflects off the pigments when you apply too much. Makeup artist Wayne Goss did a great vid on this, however, even HE says that it's not problematic unless you apply a lot.
Don’t Use Powder to “Catch” Errant Eye Makeup
You know that old trick where makeup artists apply a bunch of powder under your eyes before they do your shadow and mascara, so that any flaky bits can be quickly dusted clean afterward instead of sticking to your cheeks? It looks to me like that's been done with most of these celebs, and this is absolutely NOT the right product to use for that, because you'll have to use too much of it. Instead, try something like Shadow Shields (at Sephora).
There Are Many Options
While it's still up for debate whether it was indeed MUFE's product that caused these celeb makeup mishaps (the company says it wasn't), there are certainly other options out there. Goss says MAC's Prep + Prime Translucent Finishing Powder doesn't do this. Apparently MUFE does, unfortunately, produce the most whitish cast under flash. But I'm still a fan, and because I'm really not photographed all that often, it's not really a problem for me on a day-to-day basis. Your mileage may vary!
