As makeup is one of the most essential things linked to gender expectations, I decided to do an experiment using my sister as a model. I took advice from various YouTube tutorials and combined it with my own personal knowledge of makeup to see how far I could alter her appearance without making it look too drastic.

This experiment was pretty much a test of how much makeup can improve a persons self esteem. My sister is a very confident girl and often doesn’t bother wearing makeup, however when it comes to events she doesn’t attend them without looking her best, and she does this by wearing makeup.

Her mood before and after applying the makeup did drastically change. I managed to get her to agree to let me do her makeup after she came home, knackered from an 11 hour shift at work. All she wanted to do was just jump in bed and I actually felt bad keeping her up by doing this. By the end of the video with her makeup done, she felt a lot better about herself. She suggested going out to a bar (this definitely happened).

But why did this boost her confidence so much? see for yourself.

Makeup technique’s used

1. Eyebrow powder and concealer to outline. This gives the impression of a more defined and filled eyebrow. The eyebrows shape the face and so are quite an important part of makeup.
2. Concealer and powder on the eyelid. This sets the eye so that eyeshadow is easily applied on top, it also gets rid of any darkness on the eyelid.
3. Eyeshadow.  Both light and dark shades combined adds dimension to the eye, makes it look bigger, gives it a more ovular shape and also makes it look pretty.
4. Eyeliner. Like eyeshadow, it gives further shape to the eye and gives the illusion of bigger eyes.
5. Mascara and fake eyelashes.  This adds length and makes the lashes stand out more, the dark lashes make her blue eyes really stand out.
6. Foundation. This gives her a clear and smooth complexion, and hides all blemishes while also making her a little more tanned.
7. Triangular shaped light concealer under eyes. This hides any dark circles she may have and also gives the illusion that her face has been lifted.
8. Banana Powder. The light powder makes you assume light is hitting the face on the parts which are more raised. This gives the illusion of a more defined bone structure.
9. Contour. The darker colours gives the illusion of shadows, this then allows the face to look like its slimmer in some parts.
10. Powder highlight. After using matte’ifying powder, this then gives back the look of a healthy glow.
11. Lip liner and lipstick. This gives the illusion of shadows around the edges, making the lips look bigger. The colour finishes off the look and makes the liner look more natural.