It's easy to know how to practice makeup without a model. All you need is a mannequin head. It's an essential tool both for someone who is just learning how to apply makeup and a professional who has been working for years already. If you have a mannequin head, then you don't have to waste your time looking for a live model to work with. With a training head, you can practice anytime and anywhere. You are not constrained by time and space. But applying makeup to a mannequin head is still a tricky business. So it would be useful for you to read and apply the tips found in this article. 

Buy a high-quality mannequin head 

If you want to learn how to practice makeup without a model then the first thing that you need to do is to get a mannequin head. You can find mannequin heads in stores that sell mannequins or hair and makeup supplies. You can even get mannequin heads online. Mannequin heads that are used for makeup training are usually made with silicone. This is because silicone mimics the texture of the human skin. So applying makeup on a silicone mannequin head is just like applying makeup on a human model. Mannequin heads come with different skin tones as well. It's useful for you to get several with different skin tones, especially if you're expecting to have diverse clients in the future. 

Prepare your mannequin head 

When you already have your mannequin head, you need to prepare it first. You need to clean it thoroughly first. You don't know how long it has been sitting on a store shelf or in a warehouse so it's advisable for you to clean it first. It's important that you clean your mannequin head first before you apply makeup on it. To clean the mannequin head, you need to use an alcohol-based wipe or cleaner. This is to disinfect the mannequin head as well. Some training heads come with a removable cover. If you have this kind of training head then you should clean the cover first before applying makeup on it. 

Choose your makeup 

The next thing that you need to do is to choose makeup. If you prefer to use powder makeup then you need to make sure that your foundation, eyeshadow, and blush are all in powder form. If you want to use liquid makeup then you need to follow it with a cream-based eye shadow or blush. If you're using a liquid foundation then you need to use a damp makeup sponge. Just apply a thin layer and spread it all over the face of the mannequin head. Let the makeup dry for one minute. If you're using mineral or powder foundation, then what you should do is dip and swirl your brush over the powder and then apply it to the entire face of the mannequin head. Remember to dust lightly. 

Not the same 

You also need to keep in mind that working on a mannequin head is not exactly the same as working on real human skin. Even the best mannequin heads out there does not compare to what mother nature has created. A training head's skin is harder and not as absorbent as real skin. The purpose of the mannequin head is for you to learn basic brush and application techniques. Sooner or later, you'll need to find a real live model to practice on. Real skin is more pliable and tends to move more. You won't get these qualities on a mannequin head. 

Develop habits 

If you want to know how to practice makeup without a model, you'll need to develop good habits. And you can use a training head to help you develop these good habits. One of the most important habits that you need to develop is to be sensitive and gentle when you're applying makeup. A mannequin head doesn't feel pain or discomfort. But the face of a real human being is quite sensitive. This is why you need to avoid resting your hand on any part of the client's face. And you need to develop this habit while working on a training head. You don't want your future clients to complain.