Summer is just around the corner, and the beaches and pools are calling for you. Unfortunately, you feel less confident because the abdomen that looks less attractive. However, don't let yourself be discouraged. The pleasure of the hot sun in a swimsuit can still be enjoyed with makeup in the right part. This technique called “contouring” will make your tummy look more attractive.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing Your Body and Equipment
Step 1. Choose a foundation, tinted moisturizer, or sunscreen as a base
Before applying makeup to your stomach, it takes some kind of canvas to hold the makeup. This base or “canvas” can be a skin-tone foundation, tinted moisturizer or sunscreen. Use a tinted moisturizer, or you can mix a foundation that matches your skin tone with sunscreen. Choose as needed:
- Foundation will give wider coverage and match your skin tone. A cream foundation will be more opaque than a liquid foundation.
- A tinted moisturizer will hydrate and nourish your skin, while also harmonizing your skin tone. However, the coverage is not as good as the foundation.
- Sunscreen will protect the stomach skin from sunburn. When mixed with foundation, it will suit your skin tone a little better.
Step 2. Choose a powder bronzer
It is recommended to choose a bronzer that is two shades darker than your skin tone. Do not use a shiny bronzer because it will stand out. Just use a matte bronzer. You'll be creating false shadows to give the illusion of a muscular tummy, so try to look for a bronzer that looks natural.
Bronzer can be replaced with brown eyeshadow or compact foundation. As long as the color is not two shades darker than the skin tone
Step 3. Choose a powder highlighter
Choose a highlighter that is one shade lighter than your skin tone. This powder is shiny, because it works to highlight parts of the body.
A powder highlighter can be replaced by a compact foundation that is a few shades lighter than your skin tone, or a pale ivory eyeshadow
Step 4. Prepare a powder brush and two creasing brushes
You'll need two types of brushes: a large powder brush and a creasing brush. The creasing brush can be replaced by a small makeup brush with rounded ends. One creasing brush will be used for the bronzer, and another for the highlighter.
If you have to, one brush can be used alternately for bronzer and highlighter. Be sure to clean the brush with a tissue until there is no trace of bronzer at all
Step 5. Use a well-lit area
Make sure your workplace is well lit to see your abdominal muscles and the shadows they create.
Step 6. Show Your Abdomen
It is recommended to take off the clothes so as not to stain the makeup. However, please wear your gym or swimming suit. Most importantly, your stomach is clearly visible.
Do not wear the same clothes as the one you plan to wear later. There's a risk that the clothes will get dirty, and the traces of makeup might leak your secrets
Step 7. Determine how much muscle to add
Six packs? four packs ? Or two packs? Make sure before you start wearing makeup.
Part 2 of 3: Using Base and Shadow
Step 1. Apply foundation, tinted moisturizer, or sunscreen on the abdomen
Use your fingers to apply foundation, moisturizer, or sunscreen to your skin. Make sure to blot all the areas you want to show and blend the edges if using foundation or moisturizer.
Use a brush or cosmetic wedge if you are using foundation
Step 2. Wait for the base to dry
To avoid damaging your brushes, wait for the foundation, tinted moisturizer or sunscreen to dry. The applied base is dry when the skin no longer looks shiny, moist, or dewy.
When in doubt, just touch your belly with your finger. If there are still marks on your finger, then your base isn't dry
Step 3. Flex your abdominal muscles
By flexing your abdomen, it will be easier for you to find the muscles to highlight in the next step. The abdomen doesn't need to be flexed all the time, but do it every time a line is drawn to make sure the shadow is in the right place.
Step 4. Apply powder bronzer to the creasing brush
Turn the brush on the powder bronzer and lightly pat or blow gently to remove excess powder.
Step 5. Draw a vertical line right in the middle of the abdomen
Take a brush and draw a straight line down the middle of the abdomen. Start just below the rib cage to the navel.
If the line isn't dark enough, it's best to try again. However, be careful not to layer it too much. The lines made should be thin. If it's too dark, you'll see it right away
Step 6. Apply more bronzer to the area under the ribs
Add bronzer to the brush and draw two more lines just below the ribs, like drawing an arrow pointing up.
Step 7. Create two more vertical lines
Flex your abdomen again, and find the vertical curves on either side of your abdomen. This curve starts under the ribs and extends down towards the abdomen. Draw using a brush and bronzer
If you flex your abdomen, you may notice a horizontal curve on either side of your belly button. This indentation extends from your belly button and connects to the vertical line you just made. If you want a "firm" abdomen, feel free to apply bronzer to this curve, like the other lines
Step 8. Use a powder brush to blend the edges
Take a powder brush and brush on the lines made in quick up-and-down motions. If needed, do a sideways motion to make it look more cohesive. The lines should look blended and the shadows should not look harsh.
Don't panic if the line looks too dark. Apply solid foundation to the brush, and brush on the abdomen. This powder will lighten the lines and blend it all together
Part 3 of 3: Using Highlights and Finishing Touches
Step 1. Look at your abdomen
Your abdomen has been given an additional base and shadow, so that now on the abdomen it looks something like an arrow pointing up and a few squares. These boxes are your false muscles, and they need to be emphasized.
Step 2. Apply powder highlighter to the new creation brush
Rotate the brush over the highlighter, then lightly pat or blow gently to remove excess powder.
Step 3. Fill the boxes with powder highlighter
Take a brush, and slowly apply highlighter to the muscles. At first, use a patting or flicking motion, then blend the edges in left-right, up-and-down strokes.
Step 4. Blend, blend, match
Take a powder brush, then perfect all the lines that have been made.
Step 5. Done
Look at yourself in the mirror. Check your work from all angles: front, left and right. Add bronzer or highlighter if necessary, but don't forget to blend it back in.
If the highlighter is too bright, and the bronzer is too dark, and blending doesn't work, you can use a compact foundation to fix it. Just turn the powder brush onto a foundation the color of your skin, then brush it over your abdomen
Tips
- Look in the mirror when blending, to make sure it looks as natural as possible.
- When buying mineral powder, shimmer powder or brown pigment, match your skin tone and choose a darker shade.
- If you are not satisfied with your work, just wash your stomach and start over.
- Preserve your work by spraying hairspray, setting powder, or makeup sealing spray.
- Use a waterproof powder so that it is not easily lost by water or sweat.
- Stand straight and don't slouch. These fake abdominal muscles will be exposed if you walk hunched over, because your stomach will fold and your makeup will look awkward.
Warning
- Don't put on makeup while wearing a swimsuit. There is a risk that your swimsuit will get dirty and this secret will be found out.
- Don't wear too much makeup, which makes the lines too light or dark to look fake.
- Hot weather can melt your makeup.
- Don't swim because your hard work will run out in the water.
- Use a foundation, tinted moisturizer or sunscreen that matches your skin color. This makeup should look as real as possible.
