Lighting for Makeup Application

Whether it's a night out on the town or just getting ready to go to work, applying makeup is just what us ladies do. And whether we do this in the bathroom or in a vanity seating area, having the correct lighting can ensure we are seeing our true complexion along with the lines and shapes of our face.

It's important to remember that the right lighting isn't a one size fits all situation. The right lighting is created by assessing several factors separately to find the right fit for your lighting needs. Let's go through a few tips to make sure you have the right lighting solution.

Color temperature directly impacts the way skin tones took under the light. Choosing a color temperature refers to whether the light produced by the fixture has more of a bluish-white appearance, a yellow appearance, or an appearance that falls somewhere in the middle. A general rule is to stay away from anything too extreme towards one end of the spectrum or the other. For example, if you go too blue, you end up with a washed-out complexion and harsh details that are being brought out in greater detail whereas going too yellow will lead to making your complexion seem warmer than it really is. You'll want to find a middle ground for color temperature to make sure you look your best when applying makeup. Your best bet is to use a color temperature of between 3500 and 4000k on the color temperature scale.

While color temperature and lamp types are important, another aspect to consider is the direction the light is spread. If using too much upward light, you'll create a harsh shadow (think how holding a flashlight to your face when telling ghost stories looks). Conversely, the use of too much downlight can highlight wrinkles or creases in the face which can be just as unsettling when applying makeup. It is best to opt for fixtures that use a mix of light directions.

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