The Makeup Guide

Whether you want to master the basics or delve into makeup artistry, we’ve got everything you need to create any and every look. From foundation to mascara, our helpful makeup guide breaks down product types and formulas (plus where to use it), shares iconic best sellers, name-checks the brands to know now, and answers your most-asked questions, so you can curate your own kit with ease.

The Makeup Guide

The Makeup Guide The Makeup Guide

Whether you want to master the basics or delve into makeup artistry, we’ve got everything you need to create any and every look. From foundation to mascara, our helpful makeup guide breaks down product types and formulas (plus where to use it), shares iconic best sellers, name-checks the brands to know now, and answers your most-asked questions, so you can curate your own kit with ease.

Explore the Guide

Beauty Icons

These products reign as the best sellers in luxury makeup, making them time-tested picks for enhancing any routine.

ESTÉE LAUDER

ESTÉE LAUDER Double Wear Stay-in-Place Liquid Foundation

The natural-looking matte base is sweat-, heat-, and humidity-resistant, delivering 24 hours of waterproof coverage.

CLINIQUE Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

CLINIQUE Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

The top-selling lip color in the U.S., this richly hued tinted balm flatters all skin tones.

DIOR Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush

DIOR Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush

Featuring a pH-activated formula, the powder reacts with your skin to create a healthy glow that’s fine-tuned to your complexion.

CHANEL Le Volume de CHANEL Mascara

CHANEL Le Volume de CHANEL Mascara

For an extreme eye-opening effect, natural waxes volumize lashes, while quick-drying acacia gum boosts their curl.

YVES SAINT LAURENT BEAUTY Touche Éclat Awakening Concealer Click Pen

YVES SAINT LAURENT BEAUTY Touche Éclat Awakening Concealer Click Pen

The cult favorite instantly brightens under-eyes and highlights cheekbones—like a magic wand for radiance.

M·A·C Colour Excess Gel Liner in Glide or Die

M·A·C Colour Excess Gel Liner in Glide or Die

Ultra-pigmented and waterproof, this classic black shade lasts 24+ hours on lids and 12 hours on the waterline.

Get the Look

Easy-to-achieve beauty trends with tips from our Makeup Artist in Residence at Century City, Patrick Foley.

Concealer - Item 1
Concealer - Item 1

DEFINED LIPS

“Using a freshly sharpened lip pencil, start at the cupid’s bow and outline the natural shape of your lip with short, light strokes for precision. If you want to slightly overline the top of your lip, slowly blend the color downwards so it doesn’t leave any sharp lines.”

Concealer - Item 1
Concealer - Item 1

BOLD STATEMENT EYE

“Prep the eyelid with a thin layer of eyeshadow primer or concealer. Then use a fluffy brush to apply shadow starting in the center of the eye, then deep in the corners and blended into the crease for a sultry effect.”

Concealer - Item 1
Concealer - Item 1

NO-MAKEUP MAKEUP

“For this look to come alive, blush is the key. A cream blush can be great because it adds color but no texture. I’m partial to soft pink, peach, or rosy tones. However, if you want it to look more flushed, a redder blush can achieve that look effortlessly.”

Names to Know

Get to know the niche brands with devoted followings.

HOURGLASS

HOURGLASS

Launched in 2004 in New York City, the brand set itself apart with extra-luxurious packaging and formulas, especially finely milled powders that recreate the look of ambient light on skin for a real-life filter effect.

Victoria Beckham Beauty

Victoria Beckham Beauty

From the iconic Brit, the line infuses high-performance products with a fashion-like sensibility of color and play, seamlessly combining London’s effortless cool and a hint of edgy appeal.

CHANTECAILLE

CHANTECAILLE

Created by a one-time French beauty executive, the makeup and skincare collection is powered by a high concentration of botanicals, like Rose de Mai from Grasse, France, for the ultimate in complexion-nourishing blends.

HOURGLASS

HOURGLASS

Launched in 2004 in New York City, the brand set itself apart with extra-luxurious packaging and formulas, especially finely milled powders that recreate the look of ambient light on skin for a real-life filter effect.

Victoria Beckham Beauty

Victoria Beckham Beauty

From the iconic Brit, the line infuses high-performance products with a fashion-like sensibility of color and play, seamlessly combining London’s effortless cool and a hint of edgy appeal.

CHANTECAILLE

CHANTECAILLE

Created by a one-time French beauty executive, the makeup and skincare collection is powered by a high concentration of botanicals, like Rose de Mai from Grasse, France, for the ultimate in complexion-nourishing blends.

FAQ

  • How do I choose the right foundation shade for my skin tone?

    Test two or three foundation shades along your jawline in natural light to see which one disappears into your skin and leaves no noticeable lines, a process a beauty stylist at your local Bloomingdale’s can easily help you with to find your perfect color match.

  • What’s the best way to apply makeup for a natural look?

    Start with concealer to diminish any redness and cover blemishes. Then lightly apply foundation or tinted moisturizer, allowing natural characteristics like freckles to show through. Finish the look with mascara, a subtle blush, and a sheer lip color.

  • How can I make my makeup last all day?

    Our natural oils and sweat break down makeup. Create a buffer against them by prepping skin with primer and finishing with a setting spray, and use longwear or waterproof formulas, which feature ingredients like polymers specifically designed to resist humidity and perspiration.

  • What are the best techniques for applying eyeshadow and eyeliner?

    A neutral eyeshadow all over the lid brightens eyes and creates a smooth canvas. Then build depth by layering a darker shade in the crease and outer corner using a windshield-wiper motion for seamless blending.

  • How do I remove makeup effectively without damaging my skin?

    Makeup often contains oils, and you need oil to dissolve oil or waterproof formulas. A biphasic remover like the best-selling Lancôme Bi-Facil gently wipes away eye makeup. Follow with your usual cleanser to wash away any remaining makeup residue.

  • Is good skincare essential for my makeup to look its best?

    Yes, even makeup application begins with healthy, smooth skin. Aim for a consistent daily cleansing and moisturizing routine to improve your skin’s hydration and texture.

  • What is the best way to apply blush?

    Smile to find the apples of your cheeks and apply blush there in circular motions. Then diffuse it outward and upward to your temples for a natural-looking, lifted effect.

  • Should my lip liner match my lipstick or my lips?

    It’s your choice! Some pros recommend matching liner to your natural lip color so that as your lipstick fades, you aren’t left with a harsh line. But liner can also be used to amplify a bold lipstick and make it last longer: Use a shade that matches your lipstick all over your lips, creating a base layer for lipstick application.

For the Lips

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