A global makeup artist shares his top 10 application tips

Estée Lauder Philippines recently brought global makeup artists Bobby Wang and Vincent Wu to SM Aura where they spent the entire day sharing their best tips and tricks using the latest Estée Lauder products.

The PV team caught the first session with Bobby Wang, and boy, did we learn loads! PV contributor Marianne even got to be Bobby’s model for his demo, and she attests to how light his hands are when applying makeup. Bobby's tutorial included some very practical tips that we've started incorporating into our routines, and they can make such a difference in yours, too!

Bobby’s Tip #1: Prep your face with good skincare.

Before applying makeup, make sure you have a clean and well-moisturized base. Bobby swears by the Estée Lauder tandem of Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion and Advanced Night Repair Serum.

One of the things that makes Estée Lauder an HG brand for us is the quality of their skin care products, so even though skin care is just part of prepping your face, it certainly pays to invest in something of good quality. 

Bobby’s Tip #2: Start applying foundation from the center of the face, such as the sides of the nose.

The center of the face is where we usually need to apply more foundation, so applying on the sides of the nose first will ensure that we get coverage where we need it the most. Our noses are usually the most prone to redness, blemishes, oiling up, and getting touched (like when you push up your glasses or cover a sneeze) so this should be your focus point. 

Bobby also did a demo water test for the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup, which claims to be completely waterproof and transfer-proof. Check out these photos to see how well it actually held up!

Bobby’s Tip #3: Choose your tools for application wisely.

The tools you use matter just as much as the makeup. To apply powder foundation, he recommends using a brush or a sponge to keep the finish light and natural. For liquid, opt for a brush because it won’t absorb as much of the product. And of course, make sure to set with powder like Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Powder Makeup to make everything stay put longer.

Bobby’s Tip #4: Use two shades of concealer instead of just one.

The darker concealer shade is applied first to neutralize the bluish tones of the under eye area. The lighter shade is then applied to blend and lift the triangular area from the eyes to the sides of the nose. Tap lightly with your finger to set the concealer into the foundation.

Bobby’s Tip #5: Apply makeup in upward strokes.

This is Bobby’s secret for an instant face-lift with makeup. By using upward strokes, everything is blended in a lifting motion which will do wonders for the face. Use this technique for applying your base, and when putting on blush, contour or highlighter.

Bobby’s Tip #6: Apply blush first.

Bobby prefers applies blush before any eye or lip makeup. Why? He believes that blush is the most important of all colors. A great blush is like a post-workout glow which creates that healthy look, and applying it first gives a better frame of reference for the kind of lip or eye makeup you apply. 

He prefers a cream one for the most natural looking flush. For on the go application, pack the Estée Lauder Pure Color Lip and Cheek Multistick to give you that pop of color.

Bobby’s Tip #7: Powder only on the T-zone.

To retain that healthy glow and keep the skin from looking too matte and cakey, dust powder only on the t-zone. Keep your cheeks powder-free for a more natural finish.

Bobby’s Tip #8: Use a lip volumizer for the most kissable lips.

He applies the Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Lip Volumizer on the cupid’s bow for a sexy pout. It also doubles as a sort of lip balm as it helps keep your lips hydrated.

Bobby’s Tip #9: Maximize your products.

Do you know about the Estée Lauder Little Black Primer? It’s designed to tint, amplify, and set your lashes but Bobby also uses it on the eyebrows! It instantly primes the brow hairs while setting them in place.

Bobby’s Tip #10: Take time to perfect your mascara application.

With perfectly applied mascara, Bobby says you can even skip eyeliner. Just pack it on especially at the roots of the lashes as this will support that much desired curve. Around three layers should do the trick, but build it carefully to avoid clumping.

Just look at Marianne’s lashes – so lush and fluttery! Bobby achieved this without an eyelash curler, only several coats of Estée Lauder Double Wear Extreme Zero Smudge All Effects Mascara.

We also got matched with our perfect Estée Lauder foundation shade. Mine is Warm Crème for the Estée Lauder Double Wear Makeup to Go Liquid Compact. I love how convenient and hygienic the compact is! But the winner for me that day is Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Lip Potion in Quiet Riot. It was my first time to try and I now fully understand what Liz meant when she named the EL Lip Potions as the Best Liquid Lipstick.

Do you attend brand makeup workshops? What is your favorite Estee Lauder product?

The Estée Lauder Foundation Master Class was a free event and open to the public. For schedules of future events, follow Estée Lauder on Facebook.