Tips & Tricks

High-Def Makeup 101

March 28, 2009

Celebrities, news anchors and models freaking out over the latest high-def technology and the switch from analog to digital transmission is definitely not news to us. HD cameras can see up to 6 times the human eye and magnify EVERY single flaw on your face – fine lines, wrinkles, shine, pimples, facial hair and even mismatched foundation. They also tend to pump up certain colors like red and blue which can flatten skintone. Talk about SCARY!

To counter this unforgiving technology, a new generation of products, HD makeup, was invented. I sat down with Emmy Award Winning Makeup Artist Kevin James Bennett to get the low down on HD makeup.

HD foundations provide a full yet coverage that is needed for television and photography. The finish is neither matte nor glowy and true to color. They also contain light-reflecting particles that reflect instead of absorb light to blur away fine lines and imperfections so skin looks completely flawless.

According to Bennett, “HD makeup is a great alternative for airbrush makeup”. While airbrushing is quick, it is not as precise as HD makeup, which can be applied by hand. Plus airbrushing may not be suitable for everyone. Not only does it require a set of equipment which can be quite expensive, you need open space to apply it, which is not always the case, especially in crammed movie trailers on the set.

HD makeup, on the other hand, is great for the general public. “Hey if it it looks great on cameras that can magnify everything, why not in person?” said Bennett. HD makeup is easy to use for everyday woman to create that flawless look they see on screen and perfect for brides.

So what are some of the brands that carry HD makeup? Let us find out!

Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation, Dior Capture Totale High-Definition Serum Foundation and CARGO HD Picture Perfect Concealer



I recently bought the Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation and I am telling you this stuff *rocks*! I will update with a review shortly so stay tuned!

You Might Also Like

15 Comments

  • Reply Emily March 28, 2009 at 10:31 pm

    Hi Phyllis! I actually went to Sephora a few months ago to try the HD foundation from Make Up For Ever. I don’t know if it was just the way the salesperson/make up person did it, but it winded up looking so cakey, thick and heavy. Is there a special technique that should be used with this kind of make up? Or maybe special skin prep? Could you give some tips and advice on how to use this make up properly? Thank you so much!

  • Reply Marsadie March 28, 2009 at 11:35 pm

    Oh wow I want to try this stuff! Can’t wait to see your review 🙂

  • Reply Trina (Trendqueen) March 29, 2009 at 12:07 am

    Sounds interesting.

  • Reply Bunnie March 29, 2009 at 2:15 am

    I have the Cargo blu_ray pressed powder and I loooove it! Best pressed powder I’ve ever used. 😀

    I can’t wait for your MUFE HD foundation review!!

  • Reply J_Doll March 29, 2009 at 3:11 am

    i can’t wait for your review. i am interested in using this kind of makeup for photoshoots.

  • Reply Jasmine March 29, 2009 at 12:32 pm

    looking forward to your review!

  • Reply skyle March 29, 2009 at 9:20 pm

    hey Phyllis,

    I’m NC25-30 but i find that MUFE HD foundation in 120 is paler on camera for some reason. have you had this problem?

  • Reply Jane March 30, 2009 at 2:17 am

    interesting how it works. i can’t wait for your review! i’ve heard so many good things about the make up forever HD foundation, i’m really wanting to go buy it right away. but i’ll wait for your review until i make my final decision 😛

  • Reply Taj March 30, 2009 at 10:05 am

    I have tested MUFE on back of hand, and not sure if it performs that well on face. Can’t wait for your review, and hopefully a comparison with other HD foundations as well. Thanks !

  • Reply parice March 31, 2009 at 3:02 pm

    For photography or camera, it’s best to choose a foundation 1 to 2 shades darker. It works!!!

  • Reply MEii April 1, 2009 at 7:20 pm

    I’ve read a lot of reviews on the MUFE HD and a lot of those review said that it’ll fade after 2-3 hours and it make your face really oily.
    so i’ll be looking forward to your review about it.

  • Reply Randy B. April 26, 2009 at 11:51 am

    Can’t wait to read some more posts – these are great!

  • Reply Colette Cormier July 24, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    Hey guys. I’m a pro artist. I’ve used the HD MUFE and you are right. It doesn’t wear as long as you’d hope–especially for an occasion such as a wedding. It can also be shiny; I believe it is silicone-based, which could account for the shine. And it does have a heavier application…it’s hard for a non-pro to navigate the application without it appearing heavy. Also had some challenges getting the shades to be golden enough. But I do love so many other MUFE products. Especially the full coverage camouflage..it’s the best!

  • Reply Marie July 1, 2010 at 4:07 pm

    I love Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder but its so expensive! I tried Sheer Miracle’s comparable product – Extreme CloseUp HD Mineral Finishing Powder and fell in love. Same quality and ingredients at half the price. I think you can get it on Amazon and on their corporate site at http://www.SheerMiracle.com

  • Reply Princezz Julie January 12, 2012 at 2:12 am

    I tried MUFE HD & mat-velvet foundation with their HD Primer (Purple), i don’t have the problem of cakey or heavy. My problem is shiny & oily after few hours, no matter with the combi of HD foundation + Primer, or mat-velvet + Primer. Please help, i don’t want to waste it.

  • Leave a Reply