Types of Makeup: Different Makeup Styles To Try

How you apply your makeup can really change both your look and your mood. Some days you might want a simple, natural finish that feels light and effortless, while on other occasions you may lean into a bolder, more dramatic style.

There isn’t just one “right” way to do makeup – it comes in all sorts of looks and techniques.

The best choice often depends on things like your skin tone, face shape, or just what you’re in the mood for. Once you understand the range of styles and products out there, it becomes much easier to experiment and figure out which ones make you feel your best. Below we’ve compiled a list of makeup looks and styles for you to try out.

Key Takeaways

• The main types of makeup looks are: natural, glam, editorial, bridal, special effects, stage makeup.
• Learn which products match each style
• Get ideas for day, evening, and special occasions
• Find out what works for different skin tones and face shapes
• Explore simple options for beginners and creative looks for pros

What Are the Main Types of Makeup Looks?

Different makeup styles can be soft and simple or bold and artistic. The best choice usually depends on the occasion and how much time you want to spend getting ready. Here are some of the most popular types of makeup looks to explore:

Natural Makeup

A light approach that lets your features shine through. Neutral tones, sheer bases, and a touch of mascara give a polished but effortless look – perfect for daily wear.

Glam Makeup

Defined contouring, bold eyes, and a touch of shimmer or highlighter make this style ideal for parties and evening events. It’s all about creating drama and depth.

Editorial Makeup

Editorial makeup is artistic and experimental Seen on runways and magazine shoots. Think unusual colour choices, graphic liner, or face paints used in creative ways.

Bridal Makeup

Bridal makeup is elegant, photo-friendly and designed to last all day. Products are usually waterproof and long-wearing, with soft tones that compliment without overpowering.

SFX/Stage Makeup

SFX is used in theatre, film, and cosplay. This makeup type can completely transform your appearance with body paint, prosthetics, or dramatic effects like scars and fake blood.

If you want to learn more about stage-ready transformations and performance makeup, check out our theatre makeup tips & tutorials on the Treasure House of Makeup blog.

Makeup Style	Key Features	Best For	Products Used
Natural	Natural appearance, minimal coverage, fresh faced	Every day, work	BB cream, mascara, nude lipstick
Glam	Bold eye makeup, contour, shimmer	Nights out, events	Foundation, eyeshadow palettes, false lashes, loose powder
Editorial	Artistic, experimental	Fashion shoots	Bright eyeliners, face paints
Bridal	Long-lasting, elegant	Weddings	Waterproof foundation, setting spray
SFX/Stage	Dramatic transformations	Theatre, film, cosplay	Body paint, prosthetics, fake blood

How to Choose the Right Makeup for You

With so many different types of makeup available, it helps to know what works best for your skin and lifestyle. The right products and styles will not only look good but also feel comfortable to wear. Here are a few things to think about:

Makeup for Different Skin Types

Your skin type plays a big role in how makeup sits and lasts.

• Oily skin: Lightweight or powder foundations help reduce shine.
• Dry skin: Creamy or hydrating formulas keep skin from looking flaky.
• Sensitive skin: Fragrance-free or hypoallergenic products reduce irritation.

Tip: focus on good skincare first, then layer makeup on top. For example, use oil-control skincare before deciding if you need a powder foundation.

Different Makeup Coverage

Think about how much coverage you want day to day.

• Light coverage: BB creams or tinted moisturisers even out skin without feeling heavy.
• Medium coverage: Liquid foundations work well for most occasions.
• Full coverage: Stick or cream foundations are better if you want a flawless, photo-ready finish. Foundation brushes are the recommended tool for keeping the coverage full.

If you’re working under bright stage lights, cream or grease-based products often perform better than powders, as they won’t wash out or fade as quickly during performances.

Skin Tone

Matching your foundation to your undertone makes all the difference. Warm undertones suit golden shades, while cool undertones match better with pink or neutral tones. If you have red hair or freckles, these stage makeup tips for redheads offer helpful advice on matching foundation and eye colour without overpowering natural features.

If you’re unsure, this guide can help: Colorescience (2023) How to determine your skin tone.

According to Mintel, 57% of consumers say they experiment with new makeup looks to boost confidence.

Products for Different Makeup Styles

Each style of makeup relies on differen

t products to achieve its signature look. Here are some must-haves to keep in mind:

• Natural Makeup look
  • BB cream or tinted moisturiser
  • Nude lip gloss or balm
  • Mascara for light definition
• Glam Makeup look
  • Contour palette for shaping
  • Highlighter for glow
  • False lashes or volumising mascara
• Editorial Makeup look
  • Bright or unusual eyeliners
  • Face paints for bold designs
  • Glitter or metallic shadows
• SFX/Stage look
  • Greasepaint or cream foundation for stage durability
  • Prosthetics or latex for transformations
  • Setting powder to keep makeup in place under hot lights
• Bridal Makeup look
  • Waterproof mascara
  • Long-lasting lipstick
  • Setting spray to hold everything in place

These suggestions give you a base kit to start with, but the fun of makeup is personalising it – swapping products, colours, or finishes until you find combinations that suit you.

Types of Makeup Products & Finishes

Before you try out different makeup styles, it will help to understand the main product types and how they work on the skin. Each formula gives a different finish, and choosing the right one depends on your skin type and the look you want to achieve.

Foundations

• Liquid foundation – versatile and buildable, available in matte, satin, or dewy finishes. Great for everyday wear.
• Cream foundation – richer texture, blends smoothly, and works well for dry or mature skin.
• Powder foundation – lightweight and helps control shine, best for oily or combination skin.
• Stick foundation – easy to apply on the go, handy for contouring or quick touch-ups.

Concealers

• Liquid concealer – flexible, blends easily, ideal for under-eye circles.
• Stick or cream concealer – thicker coverage, perfect for covering blemishes or scars.

For theatre, full-coverage cream foundations and highly pigmented concealers are often used because they give a strong base that lasts under intense lighting.

Blush & Highlighter

• Powder blush – long-lasting, best for oily skin.
• Cream blush – blends easily for a natural glow.
• Liquid highlighter – adds a soft, dewy finish.
• Powder highlighter – stronger shimmer for a more dramatic look.

Eyeshadows

• Powder eyeshadow – the most common, easy to layer and blend.
• Cream eyeshadow – bold colour payoff, quick to apply.
• Liquid eyeshadow – long-wearing with intense pigment.

To make dramatic eyeshadow blend smoothly under stage lights, using the right brushes is key – our stage production brush guide shows which brushes work best.

Lip Products

• Lipstick – comes in matte, satin, or glossy finishes.
• Liquid lipstick – bold colours that last for hours.
• Lip gloss – adds shine, usually with lighter pigment.
• Lip tints/stains – give a sheer, natural wash of colour.

 

Bringing It All Together with Professional Makeup

If you’re ready to try out new looks, having the right products makes all the difference. At Treasure House of Makeup, you’ll find a wide range of professional makeup trusted by theatre artists and makeup enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re experimenting with natural styles or creating dramatic stage effects, investing in high-quality products ensures your makeup looks last and perform well under any conditions. If you’re just starting out, our guide on items in makeup kits for beginners is a great place to see which basics you’ll need to begin your journey. 

Makeup is about more than just colour on your skin — it’s a way to show personality, confidence, and creativity. From natural daytime styles to dramatic stage-ready looks, there are many different types of makeup to explore. The key is to find products and techniques that feel comfortable for you, suit your skin, and match the occasion. With practice and the right makeup brushes and tools, experimenting with makeup becomes both fun and rewarding.

 

FAQs

What are the categories of face makeup?
The main categories of face makeup include foundation, concealer, blush, highlighter, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, and lip products. Each has a specific role in creating different makeup styles.

What are 5 types of stage makeup?
Common stage makeup types include body paint, prosthetics, greasepaint, cream foundations, and special effects (SFX) products like fake blood or latex.

How many kinds of makeup are there?
There are countless kinds of makeup, but most fall into key styles such as natural, glam, bridal, editorial, and stage makeup. Within these, there are many product variations and finishes.

What is the most basic makeup?

For beginners, the makeup basics usually include foundation or BB cream, mascara, a neutral eyeshadow, blush, and a lip product. These create a simple everyday look.