Editorial makeup stands at the intersection of beauty and art, pushing boundaries and creating visual stories through cosmetic application. Unlike everyday makeup or even special occasion looks, editorial makeup prioritizes impact, creativity, and conceptual expression—often at the expense of conventional beauty standards or wearability. As professional makeup artists with extensive experience in editorial work, we're excited to share insights into this fascinating and creative aspect of makeup artistry.
What Defines Editorial Makeup?
Editorial makeup is characterized by its artistic, often avant-garde approach. Created primarily for photography, runway shows, and fashion editorials, these looks are designed to make a statement, communicate a concept, or complement a broader artistic vision. Key characteristics include:
- Emphasis on creating visual impact rather than conventional beauty
- Exaggerated features or proportions
- Experimental use of color, texture, and placement
- Cohesion with an overall creative concept or theme
- Design for the camera rather than everyday wear
Unlike commercial beauty makeup, which aims to enhance natural features in a flattering way, editorial makeup often deliberately subverts beauty norms to create something visually arresting and thought-provoking.
Essential Tools for Editorial Makeup
The ambitious nature of editorial makeup requires a specialized kit that goes beyond standard beauty products. Professional editorial makeup artists typically include:
Products
- High-pigment color products – Cream colors, pigments, and multi-use products that can be applied to eyes, lips, or cheeks
- Special effects basics – Including adhesives, waxes, and specialized setting products
- Diverse foundation palette – For creating custom shades and finishes
- Unique textures – Glitters, metallics, glosses, and ultra-mattes
- Body makeup – For extending looks beyond the face
Tools
- Precision brushes – For creating detailed line work and patterns
- Silicone tools – For unique texture application and blending
- Airbrush equipment – For flawless base application or creating gradients
- Diverse sponges – Different shapes and densities for various effects
- Application tools – Cotton swabs, toothpicks, and other unconventional tools for precision work
Foundation Techniques for Editorial Work
The base makeup for editorial looks often differs significantly from everyday foundation application:
Perfect Skin vs. Conceptual Skin
While some editorial looks require flawless, "poreless" skin as a canvas, others deliberately play with texture, finish, or even "imperfections" as part of the artistic statement. The approach depends entirely on the concept:
- Ultra-perfected skin – Created through meticulous color correction, foundation layering, and strategic powdering
- Conceptual skin textures – Including deliberately glossy, wet-look, multi-tonal, or textured finishes
- No-makeup skin – Sometimes the most impactful editorial looks feature bare skin with dramatic elements elsewhere
Technical Considerations
Editorial foundation must withstand intense lighting, long shooting days, and maintain its intended finish under various conditions:
- Consider how the foundation photographs under different lighting setups
- Anticipate how products interact over time (will that glossy element disrupt nearby matte areas?)
- Understand which products can be layered without pilling or separation
Creative Eye Techniques
Eyes often become the focal point of editorial makeup, with techniques that go far beyond standard beauty approaches:
Graphic Elements
Sharp, defined shapes create bold statements in editorial work:
- Precision lines created with gel liners, liquid products, or even electrical tape as a guide
- Geometric shapes that extend beyond the natural eye area
- Negative space techniques that play with bare skin amid color
Color Theory in Practice
Editorial makeup often employs advanced color principles:
- Complementary colors to create vibration and tension
- Monochromatic schemes for sophisticated, cohesive looks
- Color blocking with definitive separations between hues
Texture Play
Mixing textures creates dimension that photographs beautifully:
- Layering gloss over powder for controlled shine
- Building up cream products for dimensional color
- Strategic placement of reflective elements (glitter, metallic pigments)
Avant-Garde Lip Approaches
Editorial lip techniques extend far beyond traditional lipstick application:
Shape Distortion
- Overdrawn lips that deliberately exaggerate proportions
- Blurred edges that diffuse into the skin
- Reshaping techniques that create new mouth shapes entirely
Material Innovation
- Multi-dimensional metallic effects
- Ombré techniques with dramatic color transitions
- Application of non-traditional materials (with appropriate safety considerations)
Working with Photographers and Creative Teams
Editorial makeup exists within a collaborative creative process, requiring strong communication skills:
Understanding Photography Needs
- Adjust makeup intensity based on shooting distance and lighting setup
- Consider how colors translate through the camera's specific settings
- Anticipate how makeup will photograph from different angles
Concept Development
- Create detailed face charts or mood boards to communicate your vision
- Understand the broader creative concept and how makeup serves it
- Be prepared to adapt and problem-solve on set
Building an Editorial Portfolio
For makeup artists looking to develop their editorial skills:
Test Shoots
- Collaborate with emerging photographers and models for portfolio-building shoots
- Create cohesive series of looks that demonstrate range and technical skill
- Document your process through high-quality behind-the-scenes content
Concept Development
- Practice translating abstract concepts into makeup designs
- Develop original ideas rather than simply recreating existing work
- Create presentation boards that show your conceptual process
Professional Insights from SilentJunction
From our years of experience in editorial makeup, we've gathered some key insights:
Technical Mastery
The most successful editorial makeup artists combine artistic vision with technical excellence:
- Practice precision application techniques consistently
- Master color theory principles through deliberate experimentation
- Develop a thorough understanding of how different products interact
Creative Discipline
While editorial makeup celebrates creative freedom, successful looks require:
- A clear conceptual foundation
- Deliberate decision-making rather than random experimentation
- Understanding when to stop – sometimes less is more impactful
Practical Considerations
Behind every successful editorial look is careful planning:
- Consider wearability for the duration of the shoot
- Plan application order strategically to prevent contamination between products
- Have solutions ready for quick adjustments or repairs
Editorial makeup represents the artistic pinnacle of makeup artistry, where technical skill meets creative vision. Whether you're a professional looking to expand into editorial work or simply fascinated by the artistic possibilities of makeup, we hope these insights inspire your creative journey. At SilentJunction, we're passionate about pushing the boundaries of makeup artistry and helping others develop their skills in this exciting field.
