Michael Jackson was not just a musician, he was an iconic figure who transcended generations with his music, dance moves, and captivating performances. His fans, known as Moonwalkers, admired his enigmatic stage presence, and many have sought to recreate his signature look through makeup tutorials.
From his early days in the Jackson 5 to his solo career, Michael Jackson's appearance evolved, but he maintained certain signature elements that made his look instantly recognizable. His makeup was an intricate part of his stage persona, contributing to his aura of mystery and glamour.
In this tutorial, we'll break down the steps to achieve the iconic Michael Jackson makeup look. We'll delve into the preparation, foundation, contouring, eye makeup, and finishing touches, ensuring you can recreate this signature style.
michael jackson makeup tutorial
To achieve the iconic Michael Jackson look, follow these important points:
- Prep skin for flawless base.
- Use light foundation for even tone.
- Contour to define cheekbones.
- Apply dark eyeshadow for dramatic eyes.
- Create sharp eyeliner flick.
- Use false eyelashes for added drama.
- Highlight brow bone and inner corners.
- Apply nude lipstick for subtle finish.
- Add beauty mark for signature touch.
- Set makeup with translucent powder.
With these steps, you'll be able to recreate the iconic Michael Jackson makeup look and channel his enigmatic stage presence.
Prep skin for flawless base.
A flawless base is essential for a successful Michael Jackson makeup look. Here's how to achieve it:
1. Cleanse and moisturize: Start with a clean and well-hydrated face. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue. Follow with a moisturizer that suits your skin type. This will help create a smooth canvas for your makeup.
2. Exfoliate: Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells and achieving a smooth, even complexion. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a chemical exfoliant, being careful not to over-exfoliate. Exfoliating once or twice a week is sufficient.
3. Apply a primer: A primer helps create a barrier between your skin and makeup, ensuring it lasts longer and looks flawless. Choose a primer that suits your skin type and concerns. For example, if you have oily skin, opt for a mattifying primer. If you have dry skin, choose a hydrating primer.
4. Color correct: If you have any blemishes, dark circles, or uneven skin tone, use color correctors to neutralize them before applying foundation. Green color corrector is used to neutralize redness, while orange or peach color corrector is used to neutralize dark circles and hyperpigmentation.
With these steps, you'll have a flawless base ready for applying the rest of your Michael Jackson makeup.
Use light foundation for even tone.
Michael Jackson often wore a light foundation to achieve an even skin tone and a natural finish. Here are some key points to keep in mind when choosing and applying foundation:
- Choose the right shade: Select a foundation that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. You can test the shade by applying a small amount to your jawline. It should blend seamlessly with your skin.
- Use a light hand: Apply foundation with a light touch, using a foundation brush or a damp beauty sponge. Start from the center of your face and blend outward, making sure to cover all areas, including your neck and hairline.
- Build coverage as needed: If you have blemishes or uneven skin tone, you can build coverage by applying additional layers of foundation. However, be careful not to apply too much, as this can result in a cakey or unnatural finish.
- Set your foundation with powder: Once you have applied your foundation, set it with a translucent powder. This will help absorb any excess oil and keep your makeup in place throughout the day.
By following these tips, you'll achieve an even and natural-looking complexion, which is the foundation for the rest of your Michael Jackson makeup look.
Contour to define cheekbones.
Contouring is a technique used to define and enhance facial features. When it comes to the Michael Jackson makeup look, contouring the cheekbones is essential for achieving his signature chiseled look.
To contour your cheekbones, follow these steps:
1. Choose the right contour shade: Select a contour shade that is two to three shades darker than your foundation. Make sure it has a cool undertone, as warm tones can look unnatural.
2. Apply contour to the hollows of your cheeks: Using a contour brush, apply the product to the hollows of your cheeks, just below your cheekbones. Start at the top of your ear and blend downward, following the natural contours of your face.
3. Blend, blend, blend: The key to successful contouring is blending. Use a clean brush to blend the contour product seamlessly into your foundation. Make sure there are no harsh lines or edges.
4. Highlight the tops of your cheekbones: To further define your cheekbones, apply a highlighter to the tops. Use a shimmery highlighter for a more dramatic effect, or a matte highlighter for a more natural finish.
With proper contouring, you can create the illusion of higher, more prominent cheekbones, which is a key element of the Michael Jackson makeup look.
Apply dark eyeshadow for dramatic eyes.
Michael Jackson's eyes were one of his most striking features, and his makeup often emphasized them with dark, dramatic eyeshadow.
To achieve this look, follow these steps:
1. Apply a base eyeshadow: Start by applying a neutral eyeshadow to your entire eyelid, from your lash line to your brow bone. This will help the darker eyeshadow blend more easily and prevent it from looking patchy.
2. Choose a dark eyeshadow palette: Select a palette that contains a variety of dark shades, such as black, navy, and gray. You can also use shimmery or matte eyeshadows, depending on your preference.
3. Apply the eyeshadow: Using a small eyeshadow brush, apply the darkest shade to the outer corner of your eyelid, blending it inward. Then, use a lighter shade to highlight the inner corner of your eyelid and blend it into the darker shade. You can also add a pop of color to the center of your eyelid using a shimmery eyeshadow.
4. Blend, blend, blend: The key to successful eyeshadow application is blending. Use a clean brush to blend the eyeshadow shades together until there are no harsh lines or edges. You can also use a fluffy blending brush to diffuse the edges of the eyeshadow and create a softer look.
With dramatic eyeshadow, you can create a captivating and alluring eye look that will turn heads.
Create sharp eyeliner flick.
Michael Jackson's signature eyeliner flick was an iconic part of his look. It helped to elongate his eyes and create a dramatic, captivating effect.
To create a sharp eyeliner flick, follow these steps:
1. Choose the right eyeliner: Liquid eyeliner is the best choice for achieving a precise and sharp flick. Gel eyeliner can also be used, but it may not be as long-lasting.
2. Start with a thin line: Begin by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line, starting from the inner corner of your eye. Work your way outward, following the natural curve of your eye.
3. Create the flick: To create the flick, extend the line beyond the outer corner of your eye, angling it upward. The length and angle of the flick is up to you, but a classic Michael Jackson flick is typically long and dramatic.
4. Thicken the line: Once you have created the flick, go back and thicken the line along your upper lash line. This will help to create a more defined and dramatic look.
With a sharp eyeliner flick, you can add drama and definition to your eyes, just like Michael Jackson.
Use false eyelashes for added drama.
False eyelashes can take your Michael Jackson makeup look to the next level, adding volume, length, and drama to your eyes.
- Choose the right false eyelashes: There are many different types of false eyelashes available, so it's important to choose a pair that suits your eye shape and desired look. For a natural look, choose lashes that are similar in length and thickness to your natural lashes. For a more dramatic look, choose longer, thicker lashes.
- Trim the lashes if needed: If the false eyelashes are too long for your eyes, trim them to the desired length. Use a small pair of scissors to trim the lashes from the outer corner.
- Apply eyelash glue: Apply a thin line of eyelash glue to the band of the false eyelashes. Wait a few seconds for the glue to become tacky.
- Apply the false eyelashes: Center the false eyelashes on your lash line and press them down gently. Use tweezers to adjust the lashes if needed.
With false eyelashes, you can create a glamorous and captivating eye look that will turn heads.
Highlight brow bone and inner corners.
Highlighting the brow bone and inner corners of your eyes can help to create a brighter, more youthful appearance. It can also help to lift and open up your eyes, making them look larger and more defined.
To highlight your brow bone and inner corners, follow these steps:
1. Choose a shimmery highlighter: Select a shimmery highlighter that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone. You can use a powder highlighter or a liquid highlighter.
2. Apply highlighter to your brow bone: Using a small brush, apply the highlighter to the area just below your eyebrow. Blend it outward, following the natural curve of your brow bone.
3. Apply highlighter to your inner corners: Use a small brush to apply highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes. Blend it inward, towards the bridge of your nose.
4. Blend, blend, blend: The key to successful highlighting is blending. Use a clean brush to blend the highlighter seamlessly into your skin. Make sure there are no harsh lines or edges.
By highlighting your brow bone and inner corners, you can create a brighter, more lifted and youthful eye look.
Apply nude lipstick for subtle finish.
Michael Jackson often wore nude lipstick to achieve a natural and subtle finish. Nude lipstick can help to enhance your lips without overpowering your other makeup. It's also a great choice for everyday wear.
To apply nude lipstick, follow these steps:
1. Exfoliate your lips: Before applying lipstick, exfoliate your lips to remove any dead skin cells. This will help the lipstick go on smoothly and evenly.
2. Apply a lip balm: Apply a hydrating lip balm to your lips to keep them moisturized. This will help prevent the lipstick from drying out your lips.
3. Choose the right nude lipstick: Select a nude lipstick that is close to your natural lip color. You can also choose a nude lipstick that is one or two shades darker or lighter than your natural lip color, depending on your preference.
4. Apply the lipstick: Apply the lipstick to your lips using a lip brush. Start from the center of your lips and work your way outward. Blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess lipstick.
With nude lipstick, you can create a natural and polished look that is perfect for any occasion.
Add beauty mark for signature touch.
Michael Jackson's beauty mark was one of his most iconic features. It added a touch of mystery and allure to his look and became a signature part of his stage persona.
To add a beauty mark to your Michael Jackson makeup look, follow these steps:
1. Choose the right placement: Michael Jackson's beauty mark was located on his left cheek, just below his eye. You can place your beauty mark in the same spot or choose a different location that you think suits your face shape and features.
2. Use a liquid eyeliner or eyebrow pencil: You can use a liquid eyeliner or an eyebrow pencil to create your beauty mark. If you are using liquid eyeliner, make sure it is waterproof and smudge-proof.
3. Create the beauty mark: Dip the liquid eyeliner or eyebrow pencil into the product and gently press it onto the desired spot on your cheek. You can make the beauty mark as small or as large as you like.
4. Blend if desired: If you want a more natural look, you can blend the edges of the beauty mark with your finger or a small brush.
With a beauty mark, you can add a touch of Michael Jackson's signature style to your makeup look.
Set makeup with translucent powder.
Setting your makeup with translucent powder is an essential step to ensure it lasts throughout the day and prevents smudging or creasing. Translucent powder helps to absorb excess oil and keep your makeup in place.
To set your makeup with translucent powder, follow these steps:
1. Choose the right powder: Select a translucent powder that is suitable for your skin type. If you have oily skin, choose a powder that is mattifying. If you have dry skin, choose a powder that is more hydrating.
2. Apply the powder: Dip a large fluffy brush into the powder and tap off any excess. Lightly dust the powder all over your face, focusing on areas that tend to get oily, such as your T-zone.
3. Blend, blend, blend: Use a clean brush to blend the powder into your skin. Make sure there are no harsh lines or edges.
4. Reapply as needed: Throughout the day, you may need to reapply translucent powder to keep your makeup looking fresh and prevent it from smudging or creasing.
By setting your makeup with translucent powder, you can ensure it lasts longer and looks flawless all day long.
FAQ
Have questions about achieving the iconic Michael Jackson makeup look? We've got you covered with our frequently asked questions (FAQs):
Question 1: What are the essential steps for a flawless Michael Jackson makeup look?
Answer: The key steps include prepping your skin with a good skincare routine, using a light foundation for an even tone, contouring your cheekbones to define them, applying dark eyeshadow for dramatic eyes, creating a sharp eyeliner flick, adding false eyelashes for extra drama, highlighting your brow bone and inner corners, applying nude lipstick for a subtle finish, and finishing with translucent powder to set your makeup.
Question 2: How can I achieve a smooth and even skin tone like Michael Jackson?
Answer: Start with a clean and well-moisturized face. Use a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and promote a smooth canvas. Apply a light foundation that matches your skin tone and use a beauty blender or brush to blend it seamlessly. You can also use a color corrector to address any blemishes or dark circles.
Question 3: How do I create Michael Jackson's signature contoured cheekbones?
Answer: Use a contouring powder or cream that is two to three shades darker than your foundation. Apply it to the hollows of your cheeks, blending it well to avoid harsh lines. Highlight the tops of your cheekbones with a shimmery highlighter to create a lifted and defined look.
Question 4: Can I use regular eyeliner instead of liquid eyeliner for the sharp flick?
Answer: While you can use regular eyeliner, liquid eyeliner is generally preferred for creating a precise and sharp flick. It provides better control and allows for a more defined line. If you're using regular eyeliner, make sure it's a long-lasting and smudge-proof formula.
Question 5: How do I apply false eyelashes like Michael Jackson?
Answer: Choose false eyelashes that suit your eye shape and desired look. Trim them if necessary. Apply a thin line of eyelash glue to the band of the false eyelashes and wait a few seconds for the glue to become tacky. Then, carefully place the false eyelashes as close to your natural lash line as possible, using tweezers if needed.
Question 6: What's the best way to set my makeup and make it last longer?
Answer: Use a translucent powder to set your makeup. Apply it with a large fluffy brush, focusing on areas that tend to get oily, such as your T-zone. Blend the powder well to avoid a cakey or powdery finish. You can also use a setting spray to help keep your makeup in place throughout the day.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Experiment with different techniques and products to find what works best for you. Have fun creating your own version of the iconic Michael Jackson makeup look.
Now that you've got the basics down, here are some bonus tips to elevate your Michael Jackson makeup look:
Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you achieve a flawless Michael Jackson makeup look:
Tip 1: Start with a clean and well-moisturized face: This will create a smooth canvas for your makeup and help it last longer. Use a gentle cleanser and a hydrating moisturizer suitable for your skin type.
Tip 2: Use a beauty blender to apply your foundation: A beauty blender will help you achieve a smooth and even application of your foundation. Dampen the beauty blender before use and bounce it gently over your skin, paying attention to areas that tend to get oily or dry.
Tip 3: Set your concealer with powder: After applying concealer to any blemishes or dark circles, set it with translucent powder to prevent it from creasing or smudging throughout the day.
Tip 4: Blend your eyeshadow well: To create a seamless and professional-looking eyeshadow look, blend your eyeshadow colors well. Use a fluffy blending brush to soften any harsh lines and create a smooth transition between colors.
Remember, the key to achieving a successful Michael Jackson makeup look is practice and attention to detail. With patience and some experimentation, you'll be able to master this iconic look and turn heads wherever you go.
Now that you have all the essential steps and tips, it's time to put your skills to the test and create your own version of the Michael Jackson makeup look. Embrace your creativity and have fun with it!
Conclusion
Congratulations on embarking on your journey to recreate the iconic Michael Jackson makeup look!
To recap the main points:
- Start with a clean and well-moisturized face to create a smooth canvas for your makeup.
- Use a light foundation that matches your skin tone and apply it evenly with a beauty blender.
- Contour your cheekbones to define them and highlight the tops of your cheekbones for a lifted look.
- Apply dark eyeshadow to your eyelids, blend it well, and create a dramatic flick with liquid eyeliner.
- Add false eyelashes for extra drama and highlight your brow bone and inner corners to brighten your eyes.
- Finish with nude lipstick for a subtle touch and set your makeup with translucent powder to ensure it lasts.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and products until you find what works best for you. The goal is to create your own version of the Michael Jackson makeup look that makes you feel confident and fabulous.
So go ahead, embrace your creativity, and have fun transforming yourself into the King of Pop!
