Alright, bestie, let’s talk textures. 🧡 Because here’s the deal: makeup isn’t just about colors—it’s about textures too. Matte, glossy, shimmer… they all have their own personality, vibe, and little quirks. Once you crack the code on how to work with them, you’re basically a wizard with a brush. 🪄✨
Whether you’re an MUA working on a client or just perfecting your own glam, understanding texture is the key to turning a good look into a jaw-dropping masterpiece. Let’s break it down, so you can master textures like a pro!
- Matte: The Sophisticated Queen 👑
Matte textures are like that classy friend who always shows up put-together. They’re smooth, velvety, and scream “polished AF”. Matte foundations, eyeshadows, and lipsticks are great for creating a flawless, refined look. Plus, they’re amazing for oily skin because they keep shine under control.
💡 Tips for Matte Magic:
Prep the skin like a boss! Matte textures can cling to dry patches (and we’re NOT about that life). Use a hydrating primer or moisturizer to keep things smooth.
Matte eyeshadow blends better on a primed lid, so don’t skip the primer step.
Pair matte lips with a lip liner—matte formulas don’t play nice with uneven edges.
🚩 Heads-Up: Matte can sometimes feel flat if overdone. Balance it with a little gloss or shimmer elsewhere to keep the look alive.
- Glossy: The Fun, Flirty Type 💋
Glossy textures are all about that juicy, dewy glow. Think: plump lips, glossy lids, and glass-like skin. Gloss gives a youthful, fresh vibe, but it can also be a bit… high-maintenance. It loves to move around, so you gotta keep an eye on it.
💡 Tips for Gloss Goals:
For glossy lips, start with a hydrating balm or lip mask. Flaky lips + gloss? Yeah, no thanks.
Keep glossy lids minimal—apply a wash of color underneath, then pat a tiny amount of gloss on top. Too much, and it’ll crease like nobody’s business.
Glass skin starts with skincare! Layer lightweight, hydrating products before applying a glow-enhancing foundation or cream highlighter.
🚩 Heads-Up: Gloss can feel sticky or heavy if overdone. A little goes a long way!
- Shimmer: The Life of the Party ✨
Oh, shimmer. You’re the sparkle we all need in our lives. Whether it’s a subtle glow or full-on glam, shimmer adds dimension and light to any look. But—real talk—it’s easy to overdo it. You wanna shine, not look like you fell into a glitter factory.
💡 Tips for Shimmer Success:
Use a damp brush for shimmer shadows. It makes the pigment pop and keeps the fallout to a minimum.
Highlight the high points of the face—cheekbones, brow bones, and the inner corners of the eyes. Bam! Instant glow-up.
Cream or liquid shimmer products blend better into the skin for a more natural look. Powders can sometimes sit on top of the skin, especially on textured areas.
🚩 Heads-Up: If your client has textured skin, use shimmer sparingly. It can emphasize pores and fine lines.
When to Use Each Texture (AKA The Texture Match Game 🎯)
Matte: Perfect for formal events, long-wear looks, or when you want that chic, editorial vibe. Great for clients with oily skin or uneven tone.
Glossy: Best for fresh, youthful looks or dewy, skin-focused makeup. Works great in bridal glam or natural photo shoots.
Shimmer: Your go-to for parties, red carpets, or any time you wanna catch the light (and some compliments). It’s fabulous for evening glam.
Combining Textures: The Real Power Move 💪
The magic happens when you mix textures, babe. Like pairing matte and glossy, or matte and shimmer—it’s all about contrast! For example:
Matte Base + Glossy Lips: Gives a fresh, modern vibe.
Shimmery Eyes + Matte Lips: Classic glam with balance.
Matte Base + Shimmer Highlight: Sculpted and glowing, but still polished.
💡 Tip: If you’re mixing textures, make sure they complement each other. Too much going on = chaos.
Texture Tools You NEED 🛠️
Flat Brushes: Great for shimmer and glossy lids.
Blending Brushes: Matte textures blend better with fluffy brushes.
Fingers: Yep, your fingers! Glossy and cream products melt into the skin like butter with the warmth of your hands.
Damp Sponge: Essential for smoothing out matte or blending liquid shimmer.
Textures aren’t just an afterthought—they’re the secret sauce to taking your makeup skills to the next level. Whether you’re going matte for a sleek, editorial look, glossy for that fresh, youthful glow, or shimmer for a touch of drama, it’s all about knowing when and how to use them.
So grab your tools, experiment with textures, and remember—there’s no “wrong” way to play with makeup. You got this! 💄✨
