By now, the frivolous neons and eccentric shapes that underpin maximalist beauty have certified themselves as a mainstay this year. Much of this can be attributed to none other than the collective clean girl fatigue. We’ve now traded in our neutral glams for all the more vivacious beats, partly due to Zara Larsson’s world-sweeping tour looks. Which—might we add—made for a feast of Y2K meets mermaid-core in the best ways imaginable. The Swedish songstress isn’t the only it girl indulging in this moment, however. The red carpet has grown equally accustomed to a barrage of eccentric occasion make-up moments, from Chapell Roan’s embodiment of Pre-Raphaelite visuals to Jenna Ortega’s fondness for an amped up vamp. And just when we thought a striking visage marked the upper limit, some of the internet’s most revered make-up artists have only gone and taken it a notch further—delving straight into the realm of body make-up.
As it stands, make-up for the face-down typically involves your cream and powder formulas that address common skin concerns such as uneven pigmentation. Or, extended to a light body shimmer for when things require a little sprucing up. And while these means prove well and good, one can’t help but wonder if the frontier of experimentation has truly been achieved. Enter: a comprehensive guide to occasion make-up for the body, as recited by make-up artists who have made the craft their own.
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A blank canvas
“If you’re just starting out, keep it really simple,” says make-up artist to vocal powerhouses, Saba Khan, who also goes by thefacefairy. “Try adding an iridescent highlight or wash of colour across the décolletage; it catches the light beautifully and feels elevated without being too much. Brands like Half Magic and Kaleidos Makeup do amazing duochrome pigments and shadows, which are perfect for experimenting. You could also play with little shapes like hearts or stars for something fun and unexpected, just have fun with it!”
Khan additionally ascertains how nostalgia and creativity can come into the mix, as her own journey with body make-up took shape by intertwining South Asian embroidery and textiles. “I fell back in love with the prints and materials instantly, and it sparked something that felt nostalgic and new at the same time.” And for the indecisives at heart, embarking on a similar walk through memory lane just might be what it takes to get the creative juices flowing.
Further elaborating on starting points, make-up artist Britney, also known as britneyydoesmakeup, emphasises taking on an unhampered approach to body work. “I would say start anywhere, literally,” she states. “The only way to not feel overwhelmed when trying something new is to just start.” Britney also touches on the more overt qualms: a fear of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, coupled with the unease of being perceived. She recommends viewing body make-up “as a form of art and expressing ourselves” as opposed to a rule-bound craft which can impose a limiting mindset. “We are the canvas and there are endless possibilities of what we can create or what we want to say through our art.”
Perfecting the formula
According to the aforementioned professionals, matte formulations take the cake.
“When it comes to products, matte formulas are always the safest choice,” shares Khan. “The last thing you want is anything slipping or transferring onto clothing. If you’re after dimension, you can layer powder shimmer or fine glitter on top so you get the reflection without compromising the base.”
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Britney agrees, noting that matte finishes work especially well for skin that leans on the oily side. Divulging on what technique to opt for, she finds that a barrier spray works wonders in achieving the desired matte base and also in keeping your applied products intact. “Making sure you set with a translucent setting powder and a good matte setting spray is really going to help lock the paints in,” she notes.
So you’ve got your matte base down, and are now looking to add a tinge of iridescence into the mix? No biggie. Khan discloses that when applying glitter, she is sure to use a glitter glue that ensures a stronger hold and water resistance. “And for application, I actually prefer fine art brushes, especially for detail work,” she shares. “I like to loosely map out the design first, then build in intensity once the placement feels right.”
Where technique comes in
Of course, the relatively uncharted territory of occasion make-up and body work is not without its supposed hurdles. For starters, there’s the undying need for a long-lasting look—free from smudge. After all, an all-out occasion calls for a stellar beat that keeps pace. “You want to make sure your skin is prepped and set properly to ensure the best outcome and longevity of your looks!” Britney tells us.
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Khan chimes in, expanding on the steps that best follow sufficient skin prep. “For longevity, I lean towards cream-to-matte formulas like the Colorfix range from Danessa Myricks Beauty, they really don’t budge until you remove them properly. I’d also recommend a good sealing spray and a light dusting of translucent powder. I love the setting spray from Kryolan. It truly locks everything in!”
As a maximalist make-up fiend—or an onlooker looking to dip your toes into the realm of body work—the technicalities of it all emerge as the next hurdle to conquer. Britney explains that areas like the collarbone or shoulders require more thought. She goes on to expound that, unlike the face, body work relies on adjusting and readjusting yourself to see exactly how your paints appear in the mirror. She adds that the way you hold your brushes also makes placement less tricky when reaching certain areas. “Other than that, it’s a lot more like a canvas, so it’s pretty easy to paint smoothly without too many bumps like the collarbone.”
As for clothing-related transfer, Britney notes that “no matter how much you prep and set your makeup, there will always be at least a little transfer.” Bearing this in mind, consider your outfit as part of the equation. A strapless silhouette lends itself generously to artwork that cascades across the décellotage. Similarly, a slit dress invites intricate detailing along the leg.
“The biggest challenge for me has definitely been symmetry and placement,” Khan explains. “The body is such a big canvas, it can feel overwhelming knowing where to begin, but I always make sure the design reads clearly from the front.”
A full-on phenomenon
If you now find that body make-up beckons your name, you wouldn’t be the only one. “People are so much more curious about how we can extend the story beyond the face. It feels like such a natural & fun evolution of artistic expression, and almost a way of reconnecting with art and texture the way we did as children without overthinking,” Khan remarks. “It’s a reminder that make-up doesn’t always have to be serious or linear. There’s always space for experimenting & to further individualise ourselves amongst the crowd.”
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Britney shares a similar sentiment. “A lot of us creative make-up artists already incorporate our body makeup into our everyday make-up. I know there are girls and guys out there that would love to wear some more make-up without feeling judged by others,” she observes. “Just as people can have tattoos all over their bodies or wear clothes that complement their style and personality, make-up should be seen the same way. At the end of the day, it’s a form of art that we get to change every day and do as we please because we can.”
In other words, occasion make-up need not stop at the jawline. Perhaps a sweep of shimmer across the collarbone or even a small constellation of stars along the shoulder. It needn’t be the most theatrical display—especially not to begin with—but if the current wave of experimentation is anything to go by, the body might just be the most exciting canvas we’ve yet to work with.
