In this article, we\u2019ll take a closer look at these two kinds of lighting that professional makeup artists prefer. We\u2019ll also discuss the lighting tools that makeup artists use to create their flawless looks. We\u2019ll also look into the other kinds of light makeup artists used before LED lighting for makeup came along. And finally, we\u2019ll share with you a few lighting tips to help you get the best lighting for your makeup routine. Let\u2019s begin!<\/p>\n\n\n
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The Best Light for Makeup Artists<\/h2>\n
For makeup artists, the best light for doing your makeup is natural light or daylight. The light coming from the sun is the most honest–it\u2019s clear, evenly diffused, and it shows the true colors of your makeup and outfit. The next best thing to natural light is a warm white light from LEDs, which closely resembles natural light and can be adjusted to become warmer or cooler.<\/strong><\/p>\n The light that comes from the sun is the best lighting for makeup because it is clear, soft, and diffuse, lighting your face evenly. When you use natural light for makeup, your makeup colors are bound to match your skin tone<\/a> perfectly.<\/p>\n This is why makeup artists recommend applying your makeup near a window or skylight. Through a window or a sheer curtain, natural light is like a softbox light you\u2019ll commonly see in photography studios.<\/p>\n Makeup artists don\u2019t always have access to natural light, so their best alternative is to use the white light<\/a> that comes from light-emitting diodes or LEDs. LEDs with a color rendering index or CRI of 90-100 are preferred.<\/p>\n The CRI is a scale that indicates how good a source of light is at rendering colors, like natural light. LEDs with the highest CRI are the most accurate when rendering colors, which is an absolute must when applying makeup.<\/p>\n Makeup artists also use LED lights with a brightness output of up to 5800 lumens because the brighter it is, the more they will see what they are doing.<\/p>\n If makeup artists have no natural light access, they use several LED devices to provide lighting. The most common lighting devices they use are LED ring lights, LED mirrors, and LED headlamps.<\/p>\n Ring lights have become extremely popular not only for makeup application but also for taking photos of your makeup when you\u2019re done. Ring lights spread light evenly, eliminating shadows and highlighting your features beautifully. The brightness and the color temperature of ring lights can also be adjusted to suit skin tones and makeup looks.<\/p>\n Ring lights have also become a must-have for beauty vloggers, influencers, photographers, tattoo artists, hairstylists, lash specialists and those who want to have good lighting for online meetings and classes. Ring lights come in various styles and sizes and can benefit anyone in need of good, even lighting that renders colors accurately.<\/p>\n LED mirrors are similar to ring lights in how they provide light and the kind of light they emit. Makeup artists use LED mirrors so that their clients can also see the transformation is done.<\/p>\n LED mirrors are also for personal use. Having a reflective surface allows you to see what you\u2019re doing easily and lets you check your blending, contouring, and highlighting. LED-lighted mirrors are great for anyone who wants to see a clearer, more well-lit reflection of themselves in the mirror. We have also written this article that discusses if LED mirrors are good for makeup.<\/a> Check out the article for an in-depth discussion about the topic. <\/p>\n Some makeup artists also use LED headlamps that give off warm white light. LED headlamps for makeup artists help if a dressing room or makeup area is too small or cramped for a bigger lighting setup. Imagine a busy backstage with a lot of foot traffic–someone could seriously get hurt when they trip over a lighting cable or accidentally bump into ring lights and lighted mirrors.<\/p>\n In this YouTube video from consumer electronics company B&H, photographer Cory Rice and celebrity makeup artist Moani Lee show how lighting and makeup work together to create stunning images in both daylight and artificial lighting settings. Rice explains the different effects of lighting setups on portraits, and Lee shows what she does to achieve the effect she wants, considering the kind of photography lighting in use.<\/p>\n\n\nNatural Light<\/h3>\n
LED Light<\/h3>\n
What Makeup Artists Use for Lighting<\/h2>\n
LED Ring Lights<\/h3>\n
LED Mirrors<\/h3>\n
LED Headlamps<\/h3>\n
\u2705 Video – How Lighting and Makeup Work Together<\/h4>\n