Hey pretty girl! Welcome back to the blog! In today’s post I am excited to share some makeup wisdom from my favorite makeup artist. Shuneil is the woman who has been making me look good for the majority of my photoshoots. What I love most about her is that she makes me look beautiful while ensuring that I still look like myself.
Since I’ve been doing my makeup more often and I have been sharing all of the things I’ve learned with you along with my favorite products, I thought it would be cool to speak to Shuneil and get her insight just in case you need some tips as well!! I want to warn you now – this is probably the longest post I’ve ever written on the blog. I asked Shuneil a ton of questions because I wanted to ensure that I got useful information for you as the reader.
If you are trying to master your makeup application or you need some inspo, this is the post for you!
MEET SHUNEIL OF @BEAUTYBYSHUNEIL
- Where are you from? Age? Profession? I am originally from Montgomery Al, I am 38 years old and I work in the utilities industry.
- How long have you been applying make up professionally? 8 years
- When did you first fall in love with beauty (make up)? I first fell in love with beauty when I began practicing on friends and family, but it truly deepened after doing a co-worker’s wedding and realizing the impact of my craft.
SHUNEIL'S BRAND FAVORITES
Fenty Beauty – Stands out for its inclusivity and diverse shade range.
MAC Cosmetics – Known for high-quality, professional-grade products.
NARS – Loved for its natural finishes and bold pigments.
ESSENTIAL TOOLS
QUESTION: In your opinion, what are the must-have tools or brushes that everyone should invest in for their makeup kit? Do you have a go-to brand? If so, what is your go-to and why?
ANSWER:
Must-Have Tools and Products:
- High-quality brushes
- A versatile eyeshadow palette for day-to-night looks
- Tinted moisturizer or foundation for even skin tone.
Go-To Brand for brushes:
- Real Techniques – Affordable, durable, and professional-quality tools for all skill levels.
Must-Have Brushes:
- Foundation brush or beauty sponge
- Blending brush for eyeshadow
- Angled brush for eyeliner or brows
- Powder brush for setting makeup
- Contour brush for sculpting.
DAILY MAKE UP ROUTINE
QUESTION: What are your go-to products for a simple yet polished everyday makeup look?
ANSWER:
- Tinted moisturizer or BB cream for light, even coverage
- Concealer to brighten under the eyes and cover imperfections
- Brow pencil or gel for natural definition
- Mascara to enhance lashes
- Lip balm or tinted lip gloss for a subtle color pop
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- Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer – 5N
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- Sephora Love The Lift + Volumizing Mascara
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- Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm Serum Skin Tint Stick
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- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brown Pen – Dark Brown
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- NYX Buttergloss – Sugar High
AGE APPROPRIATE PRODUCTS
QUESTION: How do you tailor makeup recommendations for different age groups? Are there specific products you suggest for younger versus more mature skin?
ANSWER: For different age groups, I tailor makeup recommendations by focusing on the specific needs of the skin. For younger skin, I suggest lightweight, buildable formulas and vibrant colors to enhance natural beauty. For more mature skin, I recommend products with hydrating ingredients, luminous finishes, and softer textures to create a youthful, polished look.
COMMON MISTAKES
QUESTION: What are some common makeup mistakes you see everyday women make, and how can they avoid them?
ANSWER: Some common makeup mistakes include using too much foundation, applying eyeliner or mascara too thickly, and not blending properly.
To avoid these, women should:
- Use a lightweight foundation and blend well for a natural look.
- Apply eyeliner and mascara in thin layers and build as needed.
- Focus on blending for seamless transitions, especially with eyeshadow.
FOUNDATION TIPS
QUESTION: What tips can you share about choosing the right foundation and applying it flawlessly?
ANSWER: To choose the right foundation and apply it flawlessly:
Start by selecting your shade:
- Test the foundation on your jawline or wrist to find the closest match to your natural skin tone.
- Consider your skin type: Choose a formula that complements your skin type—matte for oily skin, dewy for dry, and balanced for combination.
- Always test in natural light to ensure it matches throughout the day.
- Use a brush, sponge, or your fingers to apply, and blend well, starting from the center of your face and working outwards.
- Set with a translucent powder if necessary to lock in the foundation and prevent it from budging.
A FEW OF MY FAV FACES BY @BEAUTYBYSHUNEIL
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- a woman posing for a picture
LONGEVITY
QUESTION: How can someone make their makeup last throughout the day, especially in warmer weather or during long events?
ANSWER: To make your makeup last throughout the day, especially in warmer weather or during long events:
- Start with a good primer to create a smooth base.
- Use long-wearing or waterproof formulas for products like foundation, concealer, and mascara.
- Set your makeup with a translucent setting powder to prevent shine.
- Finish with a setting spray to lock everything in place.
- Touch up as needed with a blotting paper for excess oil.
SKINCARE PREP
QUESTION: How important is skincare in the makeup application process, and what products do you recommend for a flawless canvas?
ANSWER: Skincare is crucial for a flawless makeup application as it provides a smooth, hydrated base that helps makeup adhere better and look more natural.
Recommended skincare products for a flawless canvas:
- Cleanser to remove dirt and oil.
- Toner to balance the skin’s pH.
- Moisturizer to hydrate and prime the skin.
- Sunscreen with a high SPF for sun protection.
- A lightweight, hydrating primer to smooth the skin and prolong makeup wear.
ROBYN'S SKINCARE FAVS
EYE MAKE UP ESSENTIALS
QUESTION: What are your top tips for achieving beautiful eye makeup, especially for beginners?
ANSWER: For beautiful eye makeup, especially for beginners:
- Start with a good eye primer to prevent creasing and make colors pop.
- Use neutral shades as a base to build up color gradually.
- Blend well between colors for a seamless look.
- Focus on shape – use a flat brush for lid color and a fluffy brush for blending.
- Practice applying eyeliner with small strokes for precision.
- Finish with mascara to open up the eyes and add volume.
HIGHLIGHTING AND CONTOURING
QUESTION: What’s your approach to highlighting and contouring, and what products do you recommend for a natural look?
ANSWER: For highlighting and contouring, I aim for a natural, soft effect that enhances the face’s features without looking overly done.
Recommended products for a natural look:
- Cream or liquid highlighters for a dewy finish.
- Matte contour products like powder or cream bronzer for defining cheekbones and adding warmth.
- Use a light hand and blend thoroughly to avoid harsh lines.
- Focus on the high points of the face – cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and brow bone for highlighting.
- Blend out the contour along the hollows of the cheeks and jawline for natural definition.
COLOR SELECTION
QUESTION: How do you suggest someone chooses the right lipstick or blush shade for their complexion?
ANSWER: To choose the right lipstick or blush shade for your complexion:
- Consider your undertone: If you have cool undertones, go for pinks, purples, or cool reds. If you have warm undertones, opt for peachy, coral, or warm reds.
- Test shades against your skin tone: Hold the lipstick or blush against your wrist to see how it complements your skin.
- For lipstick: Bright shades work well for lighter skin tones, while deeper shades like berry or burgundy are better for darker skin tones.
- For blush: Choose shades that mimic your natural flush – soft pinks and peaches for lighter skin, berry and plum shades for deeper skin tones.
MAKE UP TRENDS
QUESTION: Are there any current makeup trends that you believe every woman should try or avoid?
ANSWER:
Trends to Try:
- Glowy skin – Embrace luminous foundations and highlighters for a radiant finish.
- Bold lips – Experiment with vibrant reds, deep berries, or trendy neutrals.
- Graphic eyeliner – Play with colors and shapes for a fun, artistic look.
Trends to Avoid:
- Over-the-top contouring – Opt for subtle definition rather than heavy lines.
- Cake-y foundation – Stick to lightweight, breathable formulas to avoid looking heavy.
- Trendy makeup that doesn’t suit your skin type or face shape – Always consider what enhances your natural beauty.
WEEKEND LOOKS
QUESTION: What tips do you have for transitioning a daytime look to an evening one effortlessly?
ANSWER:
To transition a daytime look to an evening one effortlessly:
- Add more defined eyeliner and build up the eyeshadow for a bolder, smoky effect.
- Deepen the lipstick shade with a darker color or a richer finish like matte.
- Layer a highlighter to create a more dramatic glow.
- Switch to a darker blush to add more depth to your cheeks.
- Touch up and set your makeup with setting spray for long-lasting wear.
MAKE UP APPLICATION MISTAKES
QUESTION: Can you share an anecdote about a significant makeup mishap and what lesson it taught you?
ANSWER: In my early days as a makeup artist, I remember a significant mishap with a darker-skinned client. I didn’t have the right products to match her complexion, which made her look washed out in photos. It taught me the importance of being prepared with inclusive products and the right tools for every skin tone, ensuring everyone’s beauty is highlighted.
ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS
QUESTION: For those who are just starting their makeup journey, what advice would you give to help them feel confident and empowered in their daily applications?
ANSWER: For those just starting their makeup journey, my advice is to begin with the essentials—foundation, mascara, and a lip color that makes you feel confident. Take your time to learn the basics and practice regularly. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your skin type. Makeup should enhance your natural beauty and boost your confidence, so have fun with it and enjoy the process.
BONUS!!!
QUESTION: Do you have a favorite area/feature of the face that you like to apply make up? If so, what is it and why do you love it?!
ANSWER: Yes, my favorite feature to apply makeup on is the lips. I love it because it allows for bold color choices and transformations that can completely change a look. From vibrant reds to soft nudes, it’s a versatile area that adds a finishing touch to any makeup look.
I’ve added a collection of all of the products mentioned in the post here.
I hope you enjoyed this post with my friend and fav makeup artist @beuatybyshuneil! If you did, please comment below and let me know! Also don’t forget to let me know which tip you plan to use. If you have any tips that you’d like to share, make sure to leave them below!
’til next time!
xo, Robyn
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THE POSH & POLISHED LIP COMBO I’M WEARING ON REPEAT – Pretty Prim & Proper
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