Table of Contents
- Key Highlights
- Introduction
- The Beauty of Underpainting
- The M.ph by Mary Phillips Underpainting Highlight and Contour Palette
- The Business of Beauty: Launching a Makeup Brand
- The Future of Makeup Techniques
Key Highlights
- Mary Phillips, celebrity makeup artist, has launched her own makeup brand, featuring the Underpainting Highlight and Contour Palette.
- The underpainting technique has surged in popularity, particularly on social media, revolutionizing conventional makeup application methods.
- The palette is available in three colorways, featuring a blend of cream formulas designed to work seamlessly for a sculpted finish.
Introduction
The beauty industry has witnessed transformative trends over the years, and few have been as game-changing as the underpainting technique. This method, made famous by some of the most influential makeup artists, facilitates a natural look by placing color products beneath foundation rather than applying them on top. Leading this movement is Mary Phillips, who has not only shaped iconic looks for celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Lopez but has also branched out to launch her makeup brand. The centerpiece of her launch is the M.ph by Mary Phillips Underpainting Highlight and Contour Palette, a versatile product designed to cater to a variety of skin tones through its innovative use of cream formulas. This article will delve into the underpainting technique, the specifics of the new product, and firsthand experiences from beauty editors who tested it.
The Beauty of Underpainting
The underpainting method is not merely a passing trend; it represents a paradigm shift in makeup application. Traditionally, makeup enthusiasts have approached their routine by laying down a foundation as the first step. Contrary to this long-accepted norm, underpainting flips the process, encouraging users to apply concealer, contour, and blush before their base.
Origins of the Technique
While underpainting is not a new concept, its resurgence can be traced back to the rise of social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have democratized makeup techniques. Tutorials and demonstrations can go viral in an instant, giving rise to new beauty trends at an unprecedented pace. This technique was popularized due to its ability to create a dewy and effortlessly sculpted look.
Celebrity makeup artist Monika Blunder emphasizes simplicity in this technique: “Underpainting is basically painting your concealer, contour, blush, and sometimes even highlight under your foundation.” This statement encapsulates the fundamental approach, prioritizing a natural aesthetic without the typical heaviness that often characterizes makeup.
The Impact of Social Media
TikTok, in particular, has served as a launching pad for makeup artists to share their secrets and techniques with a broader audience. The results of the underpainting technique, captured in transformative videos, have captivated viewers—leading to widespread adoption by both novice and experienced makeup aficionados.
This influx of interest has inevitably caught the attention of beauty brands, exemplified by Phillips' new makeup line. By introducing a product that not only supports this method but also simplifies it, Mary Phillips is bridging the gap between daily makeup routines and high-fashion artistry.
The M.ph by Mary Phillips Underpainting Highlight and Contour Palette
At the forefront of Phillips' brand is the M.ph Underpainting Highlight and Contour Palette. This product embodies the principles of the underpainting method and promises to elevate how makeup is applied.
Palette Features
The Underpainting Palette comes in three distinct colorways: light, medium, and deep. Each palette houses five shades, including a color corrector, two highlight shades, and two contour shades. The selection has been formulated to cater to a wide range of skin tones, allowing for diversity in its application.
- Color Corrector: This shade helps neutralize any imperfections, providing a clean canvas for further application.
- Contour Shades: Designed to sculpt and define the facial structure, these shades can gravitate around cheekbones and jawlines to highlight natural beauty.
- Highlight Shades: Achieving a radiant glow is made easier with these shades, which lend themselves seamlessly to the skin.
The Formula
What sets the M.ph palette apart is its creamy texture, which blends effortlessly into the skin for a natural finish. Unlike powders that can sometimes create a chalky appearance, the cream formula aims to provide a more skin-like result. This innovation is crucial for achieving that coveted, soft glow that underpainting seeks to achieve.
Application Techniques
Learning how to properly utilize the palette is essential for optimal results. The recommended sequence includes starting with the color corrector, followed by contouring, then highlighting. The final step is to apply a foundation or base product over these layers, allowing the underlying colors to subtly enhance the complexion.
Editor Reviews: Real-Life Experiences
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the palette's efficacy, several beauty editors with different skin types and tones tested the product, striving for comparable yet unique outcomes.
Editor 1: Dry Skin Experience
One beauty editor with dry skin found the creamy texture to be an advantage, as it seamlessly blended into the skin without emphasizing dry patches. She reported a soft, sculpted look that lasted throughout the day, making it a staple in her makeup routine. This editor noted that the color corrector was instrumental in resetting her makeup routine, allowing for a well-blended aftermath that felt both light and natural.
Editor 2: Oily Skin Feedback
In contrast, another editor with oily skin had a different take. She found that while the cream-based formula was initially impressive, her oiliness necessitated more frequent touch-ups than she was accustomed to. However, she praised the palette’s adaptability and the impressive sculpting capabilities it offered, particularly for effectively contouring her cheekbones.
Editor 3: Combination Skin Insights
A third editor representing combination skin found balance with the palette. The hydrating quality of the creams delivered a natural brightness without leading to excess shine—a rare compromise for someone often plagued with t-zone issues. She particularly appreciated the versatility each shade provided, allowing her to tailor her makeup to different events and occasions easily.
Community Takeaway
The varying experiences of these editors underline a critical aspect of beauty products: one size does not fit all. While the Underpainting Palette offers innovative technology and formulation, its performance may vary depending on individual skin types and preferences.
The Business of Beauty: Launching a Makeup Brand
Mary Phillips’ journey to launching her makeup brand is as intriguing as the products themselves.
Influencer Culture and the Makeup Market
The current landscape of beauty is increasingly dominated by influencers and celebrity endorsements. Phillips has ingeniously looked beyond traditional advertising, leveraging her relationships with high-profile clients to promote her brand. By aligning her products with beauty icons, she has created a buzz that resonates across social media platforms.
Brand Positioning
Positioning herself within the industry is crucial. As a makeup artist who collaborates with the likes of Dua Lipa and Jennifer Lopez, Phillips’ insights and command over beauty trends create an authentic connection with potential consumers. This cultural relevance is woven into the narrative of her brand, employing storytelling as a key marketing strategy.
Sustainability and Ethics
In today’s market, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of sustainability. Phillips has an opportunity to address this growing concern by emphasizing ethical sourcing and cruelty-free practices in her brand. Initiatives like these can further elevate her brand within the competitive landscape of beauty products.
The Future of Makeup Techniques
As the makeup industry continues to evolve, the rise of techniques like underpainting opens the door to new possibilities. The accessibility afforded by social media allows aspiring artists and casual wearers alike to experiment confidently with their looks.
Evolving Trends and Techniques
With beauty standards continually changing, techniques that once may have seemed unconventional, like underpainting, are rapidly finding their place in the mainstream. This shift underscores a broader acceptance of personal expression through makeup, inviting creativity and innovation.
Education Through Platforms
As platforms like TikTok foster a community focused on creativity and technique, more individuals discover unique ways to approach beauty. This education can dismantle long-held notions about “appropriate” makeup methods, enabling users to adapt their routines to what works best for them.
FAQ
What is the underpainting technique in makeup?
Underpainting is a makeup application method where products like concealer, contour, and blush are applied beneath the foundation, creating a natural and sculpted look that doesn’t sit heavily on the skin.
Who is Mary Phillips?
Mary Phillips is a renowned celebrity makeup artist known for her work with high-profile clients such as Kendall Jenner and Dua Lipa. She has gained popularity for her innovative techniques and has now launched her makeup line.
How does the M.ph Underpainting Palette perform?
The palette is designed to provide a creamy, easy-to-blend formula with options for various skin tones. User experiences vary; some editors found it worked beautifully, while others noted it required more frequent touch-ups for oily skin.
Can I use the Underpainting Palette on all skin types?
The Underpainting Palette is formulated with different skin types in mind. While it generally caters to various skin tones, personal experiences may vary based on individual skin types and preferences.
Where can I buy the M.ph by Mary Phillips Underpainting Palette?
The palette is available for purchase through various online beauty retailers, including Sephora, and may potentially be found at select brick-and-mortar stores.
Does the palette offer cruelty-free options?
Consumer interest in ethical products is on the rise, and brands that promote cruelty-free practices are increasingly in demand. It is encouraged to check the brand's website or product packaging for specific information on its ethical sourcing.
Mary Phillips’ debut in the beauty industry serves as both a celebration of artistry and a testament to the evolving relationship between makeup and modern trends. With innovative products like her Underpainting Palette, she'll likely sustain interest and influence well into the future.