Effective draping: what is it, how and with what to do it?

Draping is an undeniable makeup trend for the summer of 2021, which is impossible to ignore. It fits perfectly into both colorful summer looks and the most natural make-up options, which equally rule the roost in the new season.

Draping in makeup involves correcting the face using blush and highlighter, rather than the usual darkening and brightening corrector. This trick helps to refresh the face, give it texture and correctly place accents to get a spectacular, but at the same time harmonious image.

As always, a new trend is a well-forgotten old one. Draping was first used by star makeup artist Wei Bendy back in the 70s - back then, bright and shocking images were especially valued. Over time, draping returned to the catwalks, and then migrated to commercial makeup.

In the summer of 2021, the trend is again at the peak of popularity, so we advise you to take full advantage of it! Together with professional makeup artist Evgenia Elisova, we’ll figure out what draping means in makeup, how to choose the right shades and textures, how to do draping and who it’s most suitable for. A must read for anyone who misses bright colors!

Evgenia Elisova , professional makeup artist & stylist, works with such stars as Jamala, Laura Marti, Yasya Minochkina, Yulia Magdych, Mira, Maria Yastremskaya

What is draping?

Draping is modeling the cheekbone line using two shades of blush and a highlighter.

What beauty products will you need to perform this makeup technique?

To perform the draping technique, you will need blush of the same tone, but of different color saturation. For example, dark pink and light pink. Draping can be done with both dry and liquid blush.

How to choose the perfect shades of blush for your skin color?

To choose the right shades of blush for a client or model, follow this simple recommendation. Look at the inside of the girl's forearm or wrist. If her veins are blue and purple, cool shades of blush will suit her: pink, ash-beige, wine. If the veins are colored green, you should give preference to warm shades: salmon, peach, soft pink. For girls with pink or blue slightly visible veins, blush in neutral shades is ideal: beige-pink or soft pink.

Makeup, hairstyle: Evgenia Elisova; Photo: Vadim Sery; Model: Kristina Pytsyak

Blush in reddish and orange shades suits dark-skinned and dark-skinned girls. I would also like to highlight the soft pink and salmon shades of blush - they suit almost everyone.

How to do draping correctly?

The draping technique is similar to contouring with the only difference: we do not use ashy shades to create cheekbone relief. First, we highlight the cheekbone area with a darker shade of blush, then apply a lighter blush to the upper part of the cheekbone, and lightly shade the temple with it. Apply highlighter to the prominent part of the cheekbone over blush. Finally, use a clean fluffy brush to blend the products well. This will allow you to make a smooth transition and avoid stripes and lines on the skin.

Who is suitable for draping and who is not?

Draping suits many people. The exception is conservative young ladies and girls, whose face naturally has a pronounced blush.