unit 209 The effect of lighting

The effect of lighting

Lighting

• The light that make-up is applied in or to be worn in is important

• The best light for a natural day make-up is white light/daylight.

• The light must fall directly on to the face with no shadows cast.

• Apply soft, subtle colours for a natural day make-up effect, as daylight intensifies colours.

Types of lighting

Natural daylight: creates white light

Fluorescent lights: create blue/green light.

Incandescent light bulbs: create yellow/red light.

White light/Natural daylight

This is made up from the sun’s visible rays within the electro-magnetic spectrum.

It contains the 7 colours of the rainbow:

indigo

blue

violet

green

yellow

orange

red

The effect of fluorescent light

Make-up which is to be worn under fluorescent light should be carefully chosen.

Fluorescent light contains an excess of blue and green tones. Yellow and red tones are reduced and do not show up.

Dark tones become intensified by this light .

Select soft blues and grey tones as these colours show up well under this form of lighting and produce a soft flattering make-up.

Sunlight/white light

Generally white objects reflect most of the white light that falls on them, eg during the summer months we wear light-coloured clothing which reflects the sunlight to keep us cool.

Black clothing absorbs the heat.

Sunshine is composed of:

12% visible light rays

8% ultra violet rays which have a germicidal effect

Infrared rays which heat the skin tissues

Incandescent light

Incandescent lighting is produced by a light bulb which is a filament lamp

This source of light produces an excess of yellow and red tones which creates warmth

This produces a flattering effect to facial features

This light is good for evening make-up.

Generally make up to be worn in this light needs to be much brighter to emphasise facial features.

Cosmetics worn should reflect the light eg

use frosted high lighters, silver and gold tones

Foundation should be one shade lighter in this light

Avoid using grey or brown tones they do not show up in this light.

Avoid purple shades as dark tones are intensified in this light, not flattering to features.

Colour has ‘temperature’

Colour can be classified as ‘warm’ or ‘cool’.

Some colours can be both warm or cool depending on the shade or tint.

Some colours/shades combine better than others.

Pink ?

This colour can be warm and fresh

Pink is flattering to most skins unless very bright

Pastel tints produce a cool effect/look.

Add red to it and the pink becomes warmer in shade

Pink blends well with other pinks, and with blue, black, green, yellow, grey, purple, brown, beige

Do not use on florid/ red skins, as skin colour is intensified

Blue ?

Blue is a cool colour

It complements most skin tones

Light blue enhances darker skin tones

Light blue brings out the colour in light skin tones

Blue blends/combines well with most colours eg pink, green, soft yellow/gold, black, beige and brown tones

Green ?

Most greens are cool in colour

Except for bright yellow green

Adding yellow/ gold to green creates warmth.

Cool greens are flattering to most skin tones

Bright green to intensify red tones

Blue greens are cooling and flattering on light to dark skin tones.

Green combines well with other greens, blue, yellow, orange, beige, brown, and black colour

Red ?

Use this colour carefully

It is not suitable for florid complexions as it intensifies any red colouring in the skin

It makes freckles appear darker when it is reflected into the face

It is considered a warm, hot and exciting colour

Red combines well with shades of black, beige, grey, navy, green and yellow

re-cap

When formulating a make-up treatment plan find out what type of lighting the make-up to be worn in

Recommend colour choice based on lighting and the following:

type of occasion

client’s colour preference

co-ordinate with client’s outfit

the skin, hair colour and conditions presented