DIY beauty routine for spa clients

Editor’s note: When spa clients come in for a beauty treatment, they may look to you as the spa therapist for a sustainable beauty routine that they can take with them when they leave. Makeup artist Stacey Camacho gives us some helpful tips about where to start.

Makeup is designed to enhance naturally beautiful features, not to camouflage them. When applying makeup, always remember to remove any and all excess product onto a paper towel or the back of the hand. This prevents makeup from looking caked on. In addition, apply makeup in a downward motion to prevent the product from entering the pores. Another option is to apply the product from side-to-side, just so long as it is in a downward motion. Don’t use fingers to apply makeup. The oils in the hand differ from the oils on the face. Mixing these two, plus the oils in makeup products, will cause makeup to separate. 

Blush 
Highlight cheekbones by adding blush. Blush is often applied just above the cheekbone, or just below. The trick is knowing exactly where to place blush; ask the client to smile so the cheekbones are easier to see. 

Eye Liner
In keeping with clean and crisp eye makeup, eye liner should also be clean and crisp. Tight-liner, which is applying liner very close to the upper lash line so you cannot see it, adds to this crisp look. Eye liner also helps to create the illusion of full lashes. When evening falls, don’t be afraid to go all-out with the eye liner. Cat eyes, anyone? 

Moisturizer
Begin by prepping the skin with a moisturizer. To speed up the time it takes to apply makeup, opt for a two-in-one formula that moisturizes the skin and preps the makeup application at the same time. This way there is no need to wait a few minutes to allow the moisturizer to set in. 

Foundation & Concealer
Foundation is designed to even out the complexion. Two-in-one foundations have built in concealer to cover up imperfections such as redness, dark circles and brown spots. 

Powder
Powder sets makeup. If your client does not like powder, you can suggest applying a loose powder with a fluffy brush so that it’s less concentrated. Many women are afraid of powder, thinking it will give them a powdery finish or a caked-on look. Not true, as long as the excess product is removed. Without powder, a blush application will fade away instantly and eye shadow will blend with face makeup. 

Eye Shadow
Keep the eyes neutral, clean and crisp for day. Create a soft, smoky eye using a neutral palette or light eye shadow colours. Why not create some eye looks, such as a cut crease eye or a colour wash of the neutrals or light colours, such as pastels? Play up the eyes in the evening before heading out. 

Lipstick 
For daytime, use something in the nude family, or a hue that matches the natural lip colour. Daytime lighting is harsh. Another good tip is to apply lip liner after applying lipstick, rather than before. Save bright colours for the evening. 

Primer
Primer is designed to prolong the makeup application. 
In addition, it acts as a barrier so that makeup doesn’t come in direct contact with the skin. If your client is not a fan of silicone, as most primers are still silicone-based, you may want to suggest a primer that is water-based, oil-based (infused with essential oils), or lotion-based. Apply primer with a foundation brush.