Flight Attendant Makeup?

I'm not a flight attendant, not yet but, will soon be! Still and all, many aspirants like me will agree that we have this one thing in common, MAKEUP... We all have questions about makeup, frustrations about makeup, shopping list for makeup and eager-to-learn attitude towards makeup. I can definitely say that MANY FAAs are going ga-ga over makeup!

Since I'm not the only one who is this nutty about learning how to put the right makeup, knowing the right shade, discovering the best lipstick and blush color, etc, etc, etc, I did a little research about how real FA's do their makeups and how important makeup is to their world.

No-make-up Makeup Look from purelypro.com
"the attempt to have a "no-make-up" look takes lots of make-up"

By the way, if you want to know your skin undertone, click this link. This can help you choose the right foundation, eyeshadow, blush and lipstick color.

So anyways, here's what I saw from newflightcrew.com's article:

Makeup for Flight Attendants

For a Flight Attendant getting your makeup right is not optional. It is part of the over-all look and in my airline if you didn't have perfect makeup you would get a warning that could eventually lead to black marks on your record.

The same is true for your interview, please don't turn up with poorly applied makeup.

If you're really not that good (and trust me you will be after a year or so) then what I suggest is on interview day go see a professional.

My airline approved makeup regime

This method works for me and over time with plenty of practice, it can take as little as 15 minutes for the whole process. Some women may require more steps while others less but I believe that my routine is simple yet effective.

1. Makeup base

Most makeup bases work as a “hold” for makeup, helping makeup to stay on longer and at the same time moisturize face.

Flash Balm by Clarins – This product acts as a makeup base for me. Apply evenly on the whole face and wait for a few minutes before applying foundation/powder. It also acts as a “perk me up” to make skin look more radiant.

During the occasional pimple outbreak, I use the concealer by H&M.

2. Foundation

Studio Fix by MAC - Studio Fix is a powder and foundation in one that combines good coverage with easy application. You can say it’s for the lazy women or those in a hurry. The texture is velvety and provides a very matte finish. Re-application or touch-up is quick as well.

3. Eye Brows

Eye brow pencil by Shiseido – My brows are very sparse so this is a must. 

I was taught to use a shade or two lighter than my hair colour so I wouldn’t look too fierce. 

Drawing the brows takes skill which is developed over time with lots of practice. 

Nobody gets it right the first few times and probably need several attempts at it. 

Always be careful here as brows that are drawn too thick look really artificial. 

Remember to use the brow brush to remove excessive application and to soften the look.

4. Eye Shadow

I have used the following over the years:

-        Shiseido

-        Kanebo

-        MAC

-        Red Earth

-        Bobbi Brown

My favourite are Bobbi Brown and Red Earth for different reasons. Just make sure you know your skin tone; warm or cool. Mine’s warm so I tend to use colours like brown, beige and cream. The eye shadow is usually applied from the inner lid to the outer and in small, light strokes. The first step is to use a lighter colour to apply on the whole eye lid. This acts as a highlight to make the eye sockets look deeper. Then a darker colour is applied on the bottom half of the top eye lid (Use double eye lid crease as guide)

Optional: Liquid or pencil eyeliner to “enlarge” eyes.

       Eye Contour Gel by Clarins to prevent puffiness.

5. Mascara

After trying several brands, I find the most suitable and highly recommended one to be HYPNÔSE by Lancome. This mascara doesn’t clump or smudge and allows smooth application. After applying the desired amount, leave lashes to dry for 5 minutes and then use eyelash curler to enhance curls.

6. Cheeks

Blushcreme by MAC – This product is creamy and glides smoothly on cheeks. It will not crack like some other brands. Once again, choosing the correct colour is important and it is essential to determine skin tone.

7. Lips

There are 2 things I swear by when it comes to my lips – Lip Balm & Lip Liner.

Lip Balm – This is essential for moisturizing the lips. There’s nothing uglier than chapped lips. EEEEWWW! I recommend anything from Blistex especially the Herbal Answer and Spa Effects.

H&M Lip Liner – This is a great product and best part is; it’s cheap! It’s definitely US$5 well spent! The liner glides on the lips effortlessly and stays on for hours! The liner is important firstly to define the lip contours and secondly to ensure that the lips look good even when the lipstick slowly disappears.

Lipstick – Good choices are Slimshine by MAC, Sheer Envy by Red Earth, All-Day Lipstick by Estee Lauder & Super Lustrous Shiny Sheers by Revlon. 

Actually, lipsticks preferences are very subjective, plus there are so many products in the market. At the end of the day, just choose one that fits your budget and more importantly one that contains moisturizing ingredients. When choosing colors, the same skin tone criteria apply.

Summary

Makeup is important in a Flight Attendant’s life. Knowing the correct techniques will help ensure the makeup is not excessively applied. When applied correctly it can help to enhance the features on your face, boosting your confidence and making you stand out in a crowd. Which is definitely what you want in a Cabin crew interview.

What Cams, also known as CMW_gal of PEX, said about FAAs and FA makeups is also correct. This is what she quoted:

Make sure you don't look pale. wear full makeup. use neutral eyeshadows, eyeliner and mascara. It's nice if you wear red lisptick - use a lip liner and use a lipstick brush for application. I suggest you use liquid foundation (if you have dry to normal skin type). Don't use cream foundation if you have oily skin. If sobrang smooth naman ng skin mo and you don't need to conceal anything (except your eyebags), you can use powder foundation pero mas okay parin talaga ang liquid.  

Just remember, makeup brands which work well for other people may or may not work well for you. It's really important that you continue searching for the best cosmetic product that will look good on you and is compatible to your skin type and tone.

I am also still in search for the best cosmetics but, to continue my search, I must prepare my pocket too. I'm glad makeup boutiques have testers and knowledgeable staffs that can help us on our search! :)

But, aside from makeup, there are also OTHER FACTORS that can add up to our ganda points like, SMILING (a sincere smile), watching our posture and poise (the way we sit, walk and stand), and having confidence.

Photo from Google

Wonder woman!
Photo from wired.com

 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him." 

Jeremiah 17:7 (NKJV)

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."

"And the LORD, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed."

Deuteronomy 31:6 & 8 (NKJV)

And there's where I get my smile and confidence... :)


Your All-time Kikay Morena,
Joanne