High-Definition Makeup: Coming to a Beauty Counter Near You?

As HD-TV becomes increasingly popular, so does high-definition makeup—the television industry's catch phrase for foundations, blushes and mascaras that are totally opaque. But unlike old fashion camera makeup, it's smooth, not cakey, which means your skin looks flawless on the new, more revealing screen.

In an era when beauty experts encourage women—and the occasional man—to wear less foundation and cover-up in order to let the skin's natural beauty shine through, it's surprising that many commercial makeup brands are getting into high def. Smashbox has come out with its own HD foundation and Clinique and Lancôme sell HD mascaras. Even niche brand Cargo, known best for its punchy blushes and lip glosses in industrial-looking compacts, is getting into the game. Its blu_ray high-def collection features blush, highlighter, mattifier, pressed powder and mascara.

But will real women hitch a ride on the high-def bandwagon? Makeup artist James Vincent, who has worked for MTV, CNN and is the lead makeup artist for tradeshow The Makeup Show, which takes place each year in Miami, New York and Los Angeles, says that there is no need to use this makeup every day.

"High-definition makeup is kind of the opposite of what women want. They're looking for glowing skin. Shimmer, glimmer and frost are a no-no when you're in front of a high definition camera. It just looks bad. Like the air-brushing craze, it's not really necessary for every day."

Tying the knot and planning on capturing the day on high-def film? Vincent says that's the only time when you might look into HD makeup. "In general, I think the average person should not be affected by this craze," he says. "Brands just want to jump on the bandwagon."

—Jessica Arthur