Are you someone who thinks technology is confined to the world of mobile phones, televisions and the like? Well, think again, because that world is fast approaching the world of makeup! While tech brands compete furiously with each other to bring out the latest High Definition (HD) product, makeup artists and brands have to keep up. So gone are the days when cakey foundation and thick mascara pass off as television-worthy makeup. Brides-to-be, listen up! If you want to look flawless in your wedding video, it’s time to switch over to HD makeup. A number of international brands offer HD foundations and primers today, which promise perfect coverage of all blemishes and imperfections.

Why do we need it?

As HD televisions enter our living rooms, they aim to bring us images as close to real life as possible. The equipment used to film weddings and other footage is also suited for this purpose. So it is only natural that the makeup used on the artists or brides be designed for HD as well. Earlier, marks and blemishes could be hidden under foundation that was two shades lighter than the wearer’s skin tone. But now, that would look completely artificial on the screen.

Added to this is the contradictory situation created by HD technology. Just as every imperfection on the skin will be clearly visible on screen, so will every botched attempt to cover up the said imperfection. So it is up to the makeup artist and the product she uses to walk the thin line between the two. Looking natural has never been this tough.

What can we use?

Thankfully, some professional makeup brands have already started creating products that will cover the skin in a neat, seamless manner to give you the flawless look you’re looking for. The main ingredients in these products are light-diffusing minerals, which scatter light falling on the face and create a soft look. Mica, quartz, silicone and other minerals are usually present in micro form as fine crystals distributed within the pigment. Don’t worry about reactions as these are tested and deemed suitable for application on the skin. Loose powder makeup should have a very fine, almost undetectable texture when rubbed between your fingers.

Also present are moisturising ingredients which prevent the makeup from drying out, which could cause it to crack or wrinkle on the surface. For brides standing under harsh lights at weddings, this is a must as frequent touch ups are impossible during ceremonies. Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup for the face and body provides up to twelve hours coverage and has a lightweight texture that enables a natural finish. Most HD-friendly makeup will also contain mattifying agents that will cover oily skin to prevent glare. For this reason, the makeup itself might be oil-free.

A popular and rising trend is the use of the airbrush to apply foundation. Here, a liquid-based foundation (usually water, and not alcohol-based) is contained under pressure within the pen-like device and is sprayed onto the skin directly. It is preferred by professional makeup artists as it is easy to use and creates a fine, even covering film. It also dries quickly, leaving little room for error. Flawless Mu’air is the first brand to bring the personal High Definition Airbrush kit to India.

We might have seen airbrushes being used on models backstage at fashion events, but now, it is possible to get the same look on our own skin. Flawless provides various shades to match different skin tones.

If you don’t want to go in for the whole airbrush kit, Revlon provides an alternative with its PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Makeup. It is air-infused to feel very light on the skin when applied. Revlon’s PhotoReady technology contains photochromatic pigments that bend and reflect light (ranging from indoor fluorescent to bright sunlight outdoors) to minimize flaws. The light mousse is both oil and fragrance-free, and just a pea-sized amount needs to be evenly applied onto the skin using your fingertips. If pores are an issue, the Revlon PhotoReady Primers can be used to minimise them, and will act as a base to your foundation and eye shadows. These Primers are free from oil, talc, parabens and fragrance. The PhotoReady Sculpting Blush Palette can give you the perfect “blushing bride” look!

The Prep+Prime series from M.A.C is also a good choice as they contain special-effect silicones that calm and soothe the skin, while blotting out excess oil. American brand NYX’s HD Studio Photogenic Foundation and Primer is available online to Indian consumers. It is infused with tri-peptides and light-diffusing ingredients to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and smooth skin. The brand is considered by many as one of the best in HD makeup.

Remember that makeup is only as good as the one who applies it, so if you wish to create the HD picture perfect look at home, practice often with your supplies. With the festive season on its way, you have to be HD ready!

archana.a@thehindu.co.in

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