High-definition TV sets can project larger images with 2 to 5 times the resolution of analog sets. So everything from wardrobe malfunctions to a host’s outfit show in much more vivid detail. That was the inspiration for high-definition makeup.
Ever since the trend of high-definition makeup came about, we’ve been intrigued. If we can look as in-focus and defined as the people on our television screens, we’re on board. However, it leaves us wondering how HD makeup is constructed and what makes it so different than the average bottle of foundation, powder, or blush.
REGULAR VS HD FOUNDATION
The upgrade from a traditional foundation to an HD formula can be likened to the moment you had to upgrade your ’90s-era television for a hi-definition flat screen—you weren’t aware you needed to trade in your old model, but once you did, you can’t imagine life without it.
Many beauty products claim to have that HD finish, but what actually makes the formula high definition is the unique way the pigments are coated, and how they appear under the most discriminating camera lenses. Ultra HD cameras have 4 times the amount of pixels as compared to standard definition. This means the photographer and videographers have a lot more capability when it comes to editing and expanding images with more clarity and color saturation, but because of this, you can see the texture and color on the skin on a magnified scale. While traditional foundations can look mask-like or heavy, ultra HD foundations mimic the look of skin and are less detectable on camera. They can help to even skin tone and texture, even with minimal product.” The product is then tested under super hi-def cameras to determine whether or not it keeps its promises.
HD formula in particular uses the tiniest sphere-shaped pigment particles, which impart a smooth, skin-like finish, and have been coated to keep the color stable—meaning you won’t risk taking on an orange, oxidized tint. The side of hyaluronic spheres blended into the foundation ensure that the complexion stays hydrated, so you won’t have to aggressively pile on moisturizer beforehand. Start by applying the foundation to areas that need the most coverage first, typically the center of the face. Use a tapping or dabbing motion in these areas to build coverage, then stretch or buff the foundation outward from the area toward the edges of the face.
WHAT IS HD MAKEUP?
High-definition makeup formulas are designed to be sheer while still concealing uneven skin texture and other flaws. High-definition cameras expose any crease, wrinkle, or blemish. But thick, unnatural pancake makeup is also obvious through an HD lens. To avoid the cakey texture of standard makeup, high-definition makeups are sheerer while still hiding uneven skin texture and other flaws. You can see the skin through the makeup, but the makeup creates a softer focus.
In other words, these cosmetics simultaneously camouflage imperfections, cover blemishes, and still manage to appear invisible. The pigments and formulas are designed to blend seamlessly with the skin.
Most Ultra HD Foundations take the original beloved HD formula to the next level to meet the demands of 4K technology that’s on the rise. With 4K technology, digital devices display images with unbelievable detail, stunning clarity, and heightened color than existing HD technology. The product is meant to mimic a ‘second-skin effect’ both on camera and in person, looking natural and nearly invisible both on advanced 4K cameras and to the naked eye.
The HD formula is a little lighter in texture, goes on smoother, and has a more skin-like finish. It’s neither matte nor dewy, but it truly mimics the skin texture and, therefore, is invisible to the eyes. Ultra HD was formulated to give the ideal coverage, comfort, and finish while maintaining the natural look of the skin.
To learn a little bit more about how this whole HD technology works across the board, we go deeper into its chemistry. The pigments are coated with light-diffusing coatings, which help blur the light when it reflects back. There has been a lot of work on coating pigments in the last few years to provide different visual effects and these foundations and powders make use of that. By softening the way the light bounces back, it helps soften the focus at an imperceptible level so that the eye (and the camera) get to see some of what is underneath, but mixed in with the pigment to present a more even yet translucent look.
Lastly, the way that you apply HD makeup is key to how well it’ll work. You will notice, almost all talk about how to apply HD makeup focuses on a brush or even how to use a makeup sponge to get the proper effect. If you pile on HD makeup and apply incorrectly, you are still not going to have a transparent look. This can very well count as a pro tip for flawless makeup application.
WHAT’S ‘IN’ HD MAKEUP?
The main difference that makes HD make-up superior is it’s light-scattering ingredients. Diffusing light creates an illusion of an even finish so you can’t detect the flaws underneath. Cosmetics with an HD label will likely contain one of the following: mica, silicone, crystals, or quartz. These particles sit on top of the skin and help to scatter light in subtle ways.
The powders are often milled to a fine consistency to help avoid detection by the cameras. Mineral pigments in a micronized texture are often present as well because they don’t settle into pores.
Some formulas may contain mattifying agents to prevent shine in oilier skin textures and avoid glare. So foundations are usually oil-free. HD makeup is often made to moisturize because makeup can settle into cracks and creases of dry skin. The hydration also plumps up dry skin to make wrinkles and lines less noticeable.
HD TECHNIQUE
High-Definition Makeup is not a brand of makeup that we use on our face, this is actually a TECHNIQUE amalgamated with specifically designed products. A technique that a makeup professional has to undergo training, practice, and master to be able to do makeup for HD cameras. Doesn’t mean that if you use HD Makeup, you are HD-camera ready.
We really are talking about makeup that performs well on TV and on stills that the skin still looks like REAL SKIN, pores aren’t really noticeable, blemishes are hidden naturally and carefully, and the powder we use to hide and set them is also invisible; there are no obvious seams where a color starts and stops – meaning the blend of the product is really smooth, there are no mismatches in the colors of the face with the neck, the shades are true to real skin and not too pink, yellow, purple, gray or green. The makeup doesn’t make the hairs on the face and jaw-line look like you have fur! HD in the products means that cosmetics manufacturers have tried harder with foundations to make them fill in lines on the face with addition of silicon and other ingredients. Real HD face powders means they are finely milled and when you touch them you can barely feel them on your fingers.
A perfect and professional trained makeup artist in HD makeup techniques should know how to bring out the best of their client’s features with the use of as little product as possible. Getting HD camera ready means having to look like yourself with natural, glowing skin with a little color but not the inch-thick makeup look.
WHY IS HIGH-DEFINITION MAKE-UP SO FLATTERING?
High-definition cosmetics are made with light reflecting ingredients and it is the reflective particles that make HD foundation flattering. Diffusing light gives the illusion of an even and smooth finish so you can’t make out the flaws the foundation is concealing. It is like airbrushing but for your skin. HD Cosmetics usually contain one of the following ingredients: mica, silicone, crystals or quartz. The particles of these ingredients sit on top of the skin, which helps with scattering light in subtle ways.
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High-definition powders are usually processed into a very fine powder to provide a sheer consistency that works to help avoid detection by cameras and people. HD powders often have mineral pigments but they are in a micro-texture format so the powder won’t settle into the skin’s pores.
Some high-definition cosmetic formulas may contain mortifying agents to prevent shine and avoid glare. Since these formulas are designed for people with oily skin, the ingredients used are usually free of oils as well.
HD make-up formulas may also be designed to moisturize the skin because makeup can settle into cracks and creases common with dry complexions. The hydration also serves to plump up dry skin, which makes wrinkles and lines less noticeable.
The flattering appearance created by using high-definition make-up means you do not have to be a star to create the illusion of flawless skin.
