If you don’t know the name Scott Barnes by now, you should! Scott is a makeup legend with over a decade of work under his belt. He has worked his makeup magic on an array of celebrities from the likes of Beyonce to Kim Kardashian and more. He’s worked on countless magazine covers, runway looks, red carpets, music videos—you name it and he’s done it! But Scott is most famously known for his work with the fabulous Jennifer Lopez. He’s responsible for her legendary bronze glow and creating some of her most iconic makeup looks on and off stage.
Recently, I saw several videos pop up on YouTube titled, I Tried Following Scott Barnes and Tati Makeup Tutorial, with many beauty gurus and fans trying out the techniques that he revealed in this video. In fact, I clicked on it, did some research and found out that he did a handful of informative videos on beauty guru, Tati Westbrook’s channel. Not only that, but he also started his own channel where he does quick tutorials and showcases upcoming products from his beauty line. But the one video that picked up the most steam was the one with his very first appearance on Tati’s channel. I might be a little late to the party in discovering this, but I do faintly remember watching the first one. In any case, I decided to dive in headfirst and consume the videos all at once, absorbing all his hacks and secrets for getting a full-coverage, glamorous look and test them out on myself.
TBH it’s definitely the sort of makeup that works best on camera or special occasions but I’ve started to slowly use specific techniques in my daily makeup routine. Like the lip enhancing technique is one I use the most, especially with my small lips; I can use all the help I can get. Fingers crossed, once things get back to normal, I can bust out my newfound skills for a special event!
Keep scrolling to check out the top makeup tips I learnt from watching his videos and then watch the video for yourself below:
1. Think about the full face
Before picking up your makeup, have a plan in place. Think about the story or look you’re going for so everything works seamlessly. This includes your hair, makeup and outfit as well.
2. Use one product in multiple ways.
Don’t limit a product just to their intended use. Like Tati mentions in the video, we are conditioned to think we need multiple products for almost every specific feature on our face. Scott goes on to explain that you could just get two items and probably do a whole face with it. He’s done it himself on occasions when he’s been in a pinch. So use the bronzer as an eyeshadow, lipstick, blush or even a brow product.
3. Contour and highlight first.
Scott recommends always start with contouring. Allow it to do all the work underneath the foundation for a seamless look. Begin with the lighter concealer to being forward and lift parts of the face that need it. For example, he initially applies it under the eyes, centre of the forehead, centre of the nose and chin. Almost like reverse contour. Then he moves on to the darker contour shades beginning with carving out the jawline.
4. Look S’natural
If you want to look snatched but natural, use mainly cream products for contouring and bronzing. He even goes down the neck to make it appear skinnier by creating a ”V” shape, ending right at the centre of the collar bones. Scott states his love for all cream products including cream blushes. Cream products are the best choice to give the natural look from within the skin.
5. Be careful while contouring your nose
During this process, Scott points out that many people often mess up when they contour the nose. The key here is to use less product to avoid dragging in too much brown which can create a muddy look. Along with your nose, don’t forget to contour your lips, too! Scott contours the lip around the edges with a brush and fills in the inner sides.
6. Use light layers of foundation on top
To blend out the harsh or pigmented contouring, go over with very light layers of foundation with a stippling motion. Including over the mouth as well to gently blend out the edges. One thing I took note of was his expertise in gently blending out the face. Everything looks seamless without making it look like the contour disappeared completely. So take your time when blending your face and pay attention to the brushes you’re using, with a light hand. Remember to match your hands and exposed body parts to your foundation—this means your ears too!
7. Apply Highlighter
Interestingly enough, Scott uses a mashup of highlighter colours and applies it to all the high points on the face, including the chest and shoulders.
8. Get the Body Glow
One of the most surprising moments in the video that blew my mind was when he sprayed Tati with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Lightweight Sunscreen Spray on the chest and shoulders to give a stunning glow. Colour me surprised! It apparently locks in the makeup and keeps you protected from the sun when you step outside. I need to get my hands on this stuff ASAP!
9. How to make your lips look fuller
We already contoured the lips, but Scott goes in with a nude lip liner to connect the peaks of the lip and slightly fill them in. Then places the gloss on the very outer edge of the lips to make them look fuller.
10. Use powders with a subtle sheen
Use powder only in areas where you need to lock in your makeup and most importantly use powders with a subtle sheen to blend out the contour or set the makeup. It prevents the skin from looking dead or too flat. Also, Scott used a finely milled powder with a subtle pink undertone to cancel out the blue-purple tones that naturally appear under the eye.
11. Mascara technique
This is an interesting technique I have never seen before. Barnes applied the mascara by backcombing it on the lashes. Essentially pushing it to the root then brushing it out to create volume.
Watch the original videos here:
Check this alternate video where Scott breaks down his process and makes it easier to follow.
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