Pro Tip: Feel a slight tackiness after primer; that means it’s gripping. If it feels slippery, you applied too much—blot excess with tissue.
2. Perfecting Coverage: Concealer & Foundation Pairing
2.1 Concealer First, then Foundation—Why?
Nina flips the classic order. By applying Tarte Shape Tape first, you correct discoloration and use less foundation later, yielding a skin-like finish while shaving off minutes.
2.2 The Technique
- Swipe Shape Tape on inner and outer under-eye corners, around the nose, and over blemishes.
- Blend with a damp Beautyblender, bouncing (never swiping) for seamless diffusion.
- Dot Shiseido Synchro Skin Foundation on cheeks, chin, and forehead. Use Hourglass Veil Brush to buff outward in circular motions so product melts with primer.
- Spot-check; if redness peeks through, tap more concealer only where required.
2.3 Setting the Base
Lightly press Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Powder with a Real Techniques Setting Brush on the under-eye and nose. Avoid over-powdering; you’ll add more powder steps later.
Time-Saver: Blend concealer and foundation using the same sponge to minimize tools and create one cohesive layer.
3. Sculpt & Glow: Cream Bronzers, Blush, and Highlight
3.1 Choosing the Right Textures
Cream formulas, like SimiHaze Skin Suede Bronze Balm, deliver a second-skin vibe. Nina pairs it with One Size Cheek Clapper 3D Duo for dimension that survives high-definition cameras.
3.2 Placement Principles
- Bronzer: Lift cheekbones by applying above the hollows, not inside them.
- Blush: Smile softly and dab onto the apples, sweeping toward temples.
- Highlight: Focus on high points—tops of cheekbones, bridge of nose, cupid’s bow.
- Blend Tools: Use Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Complexion Brush for cream bronzer and the clean side of your sponge for blush.
- Layering: Tap powder blush over cream to lock longevity.
3.3 Seven-Step Cheek Routine (Quick Recap)
- Warm bronzer on back of hand.
- Stamp onto outer cheekbones.
- Buff upward toward hairline.
- Apply cream blush above bronzer edge.
- Melt edges with sponge.
- Dust powder bronzer (IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores) over cream.
- Finish with powder blush center from Cheek Clapper for gradient effect.
Glossy Secret: Mix one drop of Dior Lip Maximizer with your cream highlight for a wet-skin sheen that doesn’t disrupt base.
4. Brows & Eyes: Framing the Face with Precision
4.1 Two-Product Brow Strategy
Nina alternates between Lime Crime Bushy Brow Pen for hair-like strokes and MAC Eyebrows Styler for structure. She starts under the arch, draws strokes upward, then fills tails lightly.
4.2 Smokey Neutrals Eye Trio Breakdown
The DOLL 10 × Nina Ubhi trio includes:
| Shade | Function | Extra Tip |
|---|
| Matte Taupe | Transition in crease | Diffuse edges with fluffy brush |
| Rich Chocolate | Deepen outer V | Pack color, then blend upward |
| Rose Champagne Shimmer | Center-lid pop | Apply with damp fingertip for foil effect |
4.3 Liner & Lash Lift
Using a Sigma E06 angled brush, she smudges chocolate shade along the lash line for soft definition. Kevyn Aucoin Lash Curler lifts lashes; two coats of YSL Lash Clash Mascara add 200% more volume according to lab tests.
“Soft shading with powder liner creates depth without committing to the permanence of gel or liquid—perfect for quick glam.”
– Nina Ubhi, Professional Makeup Artist
5. Lips That Last: Liner, Lipstick, and Plumping Gloss
5.1 Outline for Symmetry
Shape lips with Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Pencil, focusing on the cupid’s bow. Nina recommends overdrawing only the center 1/3 to avoid an exaggerated, unnatural perimeter.
5.2 Velvet Blur Technique
SimiHaze Velvet Blur Matte Lip Balm glides like butter but sets to a blurred, pillowy finish. Tap color in the center, press lips together, then use ring finger to feather edges—this prevents harsh lines.
5.3 Plump & Shine
Finish with Dior Lip Maximizer. The minty tingle boosts circulation, giving a naturally flushed tint even once gloss fades.
Lock-In Hack: Blot lips with tissue, dust translucent powder through the tissue, then apply a second gloss layer for transfer-proof sparkle.
6. Set, Refresh, and Go: Powder & Mist Synergy
6.1 Strategic Powdering
Revisit Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Powder, pressing into smile lines and forehead only, leaving cheek high points radiant. A fine-milled formula blurs pores via silica microspheres.
6.2 Hydration Mist
Nina ends with a hydrating setting spray (e.g., MAC Fix+). Spritz in X and T motions eight inches away. The mist re-melts layers so makeup looks like skin—not layers of product.
6.3 On-the-Go Touch-Up Kit
- Mini powder compact
- Sponge in a travel pouch
- Blotting papers
- Mini gloss
- Fragrance pen
- Hair clip
- Travel mascara
With these items, you can revive glam in under three minutes between events.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can beginners replicate this full glam makeup tutorial in 30 minutes?
Absolutely. The streamlined product list and multitasking techniques (e.g., using one brush for multiple creams) cut down on steps, making the routine beginner-friendly.
2. How do I prevent cakiness when layering cream and powder products?
Always press products rather than swipe, let creams set 30 seconds before powders, and use minimal amounts. Hydrating mists between layers also help meld textures.
3. What foundation alternatives work for acne-prone skin?
Opt for non-comedogenic formulas like Estée Lauder Double Wear Light. Combine with a salicylic-acid primer for extra blemish control.
4. Is the Milk Hydro Grip Primer suitable for oily skin?
Yes. Despite its hydrating base, the formula contains blue agave that grips makeup without extra oil. Pair with blotting papers for midday shine control.
5. How can I adapt this look for daytime?
Skip the shimmer shadow, use one mascara coat, and substitute glossy lips with a tinted balm. Reduce contour intensity by 50% for softer dimension.
6. What’s the best way to clean Beautyblenders?
Soak in warm water with antibacterial soap, squeeze repeatedly until water runs clear, then air-dry on a ventilated rack to curb bacteria growth.
7. How often should I replace eye products like mascara?
Dermatologists advise every three months to avoid bacterial buildup that can cause conjunctivitis or sties.
Product Comparison: Cream vs. Powder Essentials
| Aspect | Cream Products | Powder Products |
|---|
| Longevity | 8–10 hrs with setting | 6–8 hrs, may fade |
| Finish | Dewy, skin-like | Matte to soft focus |
| Blendability | High—melts into skin | Moderate—needs fluffy brush |
| Best for Skin Type | Dry/normal | Combination/oily |
| Flashback Risk | Low | Moderate (silica) |
| Learning Curve | Requires practice to avoid patchiness | Beginner-friendly |
| Layering Order | Before powder | After cream |
Conclusion
Mastering a full glam makeup tutorial in just 30 minutes hinges on four pillars: meticulous skin prep, strategic product layering, precise feature framing, and smart setting techniques. By following Nina Ubhi’s workflow—serum, primer, concealer-first, hybrid textures, soft smokey eyes, defined lips, and a setting mist—you’ll achieve:
- A base that looks airbrushed yet real
- Lifted, sculpted facial structure
- Eyes that command attention without heavy liner
- Lips that stay plush and plump
- Makeup endurance past the 12-hour mark
If today’s guide elevated your beauty routine, don’t forget to watch Nina’s embedded video, subscribe to her YouTube channel, and join her Beauty Breakfast Club for weekly pro tips. Now grab your brushes, set a 30-minute timer, and unleash your flawless glam!