Let’s dive a bit deeper into the wonderful world of makeup for beginners and beauty enthusiasts. We all know that makeup shopping can be an exciting adventure, but it can also leave you scratching your head with so many products to choose from.
Sometimes, you might wonder if you truly need all those different products like contouring kits and bronzer. And the brow game can be perplexing with eyebrow pencils, gels, and the mystery of filling in your brows. It’s not uncommon to feel like you’re going in circles, especially when you watch makeup tutorials on YouTube, and it feels like everyone’s speaking a different language.
But here’s the good news – you’re not alone in this makeup maze. Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of cosmetics or you’re someone who loves keeping up with the latest beauty trends, we’re here to offer you a refresher on the makeup basics, and we’re going to do it in a way that makes sense to you.
So, fasten your seatbelts because we’re about to give you a crash course in makeup that’s easy to understand. We’re going to help you say goodbye to makeup creases, show you how to make dry skin look radiant, and help you manage that oily shine. Plus, we’ll guide you on how to make the most out of your makeup brushes, eyeshadow palettes, lip balm, and other essentials.
We’ve collected some fantastic makeup tips and tricks from professional makeup artists, and we’ve even thrown in some advice from our very own editor. Whether you’re looking to up your game in the world of face makeup or create a mesmerizing eye look that could rival what you see at Sephora, we’ve got you covered.
These makeup insights will have you feeling confident and ready to dash to the drugstore or beauty supply store for the makeup products that catch your eye. So, what are you waiting for? Keep scrolling and start experimenting with makeup, because the beauty world is your oyster!
Let’s start with the basics: What are all these makeup things?
Whether you’re a makeup pro or a beginner like me, sometimes we need a little reminder about what’s inside our makeup bag. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with a simple guide on how to use makeup. We’ll take it one step at a time.
First, let’s talk about the stuff you put on your face to make it look flawless.
1. Primer
Picture a primer as the magical base for your makeup. It’s like the smooth canvas an artist uses before creating a masterpiece. Primers come in different forms, such as gel, cream, or spray. Their job is to create an even surface for your makeup by filling in tiny lines and hiding those pesky large pores. Why is this important? Well, it makes sure your makeup goes on evenly, stays put longer, and doesn’t end up looking all thick and cakey. It’s a crucial step in your makeup routine that often gets overlooked.
2. Foundation
Now, let’s talk about foundation, the backbone of your makeup routine. Whether you’re a newbie or a makeup pro, you’ll want to have at least one trusty foundation in your kit. Foundations come in various forms, including liquid, cream, or powder. Think of foundation as the superhero that evens out your skin tone and smooths over imperfections. Not sure which type of foundation is right for you? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
Choosing between powder and liquid foundation depends on your preferences and what kind of coverage you’re aiming for. You can go for a sheer coverage, akin to a skin tint or tinted moisturizer, or opt for full coverage that conceals even the tiniest blemishes. The key here is to pick the one that suits your skin type and the look you want to achieve.
3. Concealer
This little wonder product can do so much! Imagine it as your secret weapon to tackle those under-eye circles, pimples, acne scars, and other imperfections. Whether you want a smooth, matte finish or a dewy, radiant look, there’s a concealer for every style. It’s like your personal beauty touch-up tool, allowing you to put your best face forward. We can delve even further into the world of concealer by discussing how to apply it effectively.
4. Highlighter and Contour
Have you ever marveled at how celebrities and influencers achieve those perfectly sculpted faces? The answer lies in the magic duo of highlighter and contour. Contour shades create shadows, giving your features depth and dimension, while highlighters bring light to the forefront, making your face appear radiant and well-defined. It’s like painting with light and shadow to create a masterpiece.
Given that everyone’s face is unique, you can experiment with liquid, powder, and cream formulas to determine what complements your individual features best. The possibilities are endless, and you can embrace this art form to make your facial features truly pop.
5. Blush and Bronzer
Let’s clear up a common makeup beginner’s conundrum – the difference between blush and bronzer. While contouring is all about creating shadows, bronzer is your go-to for achieving that healthy, sun-kissed glow. It enhances and lifts your cheekbones and other facial features, giving you a natural radiance.
Bronzers come in various forms, such as liquids, creams, and powders, so you can pick what suits your style and application preferences. On the flip side, blush is your ticket to adding a lovely hint of color to your cheeks. Like bronzer, it also comes in different formulas, so you can choose the one that resonates most with you.
6. Setting Your Makeup:
When it comes to making your makeup last, you have a few choices. To keep your makeup in place, you can use setting powder. It’s like magic for your look! If you want to smooth out fine lines and make your skin look flawless, use finishing powder. It’s like an airbrush for your face.
And if you want your makeup to stay fresh and have a little glow, setting spray is your buddy. I never forget to use setting products! If you feel like putting product all over your face is too much or makes your skin look too flat, you can just use powder on some parts (like your T-zone and under your eyes) and leave the rest looking dewy.
7. Eye Makeup Helpers:
Before you start with your eyeshadow, use eyeshadow primer. Most primers for your face have silicone or water, but for your eyelids, go with a special eyeshadow primer. It helps your eyeshadow stick and stay on all day!
8. Eyeshadow:
Imagine eyeshadow as a colorful, magical dust that you can apply to your eyelids to make your eyes pop! It’s like painting a beautiful picture on your eyelids. You can pick from all sorts of colors and finishes, like matte for a soft look or shimmering for a bit of sparkle. There are so many options to choose from! Some eyeshadows have lots of color, while others are more subtle. It’s like choosing how bold or subtle you want your eye art to be. So, have fun experimenting with different shades and create eye-catching looks!
9. Eyeliner:
Eyeliner is like a secret weapon for your eyes. It’s a special tool that helps define your eyes and make them stand out in a crowd. You have a few options when it comes to eyeliner: there’s the classic pencil, the smooth liquid, and the fancy gel. You can pick the one that matches your mood and the time you have.
Pencils are easy and quick, liquids give you sharp lines, and gels are great for experimenting. If you’re not sure which one to use, don’t worry! We’ve got a guide that can help you decide which eyeliner is perfect for you. So, go ahead and have fun with your eyeliner, and let your eyes do the talking!
10. Mascara:
Mascara is like a magic wand for your eyelashes. It’s a special makeup tool that can make your lashes look fuller, thicker, longer, or darker – or even all of these at once! It’s like a makeover for your eyelashes. The type of mascara you choose can give you different effects.
Want your lashes to look dramatic and bold? There’s a mascara for that. Prefer a more natural look? There’s a mascara for that too. You can even find waterproof mascara for those teary moments or hot summer days. So, grab your mascara wand, and give your lashes the attention they deserve. Your eyes will thank you!
Eyebrow Products
Eyebrow Gel:
Eyebrow gel is like a superhero for your eyebrows. It comes in a small tube or pot, just like mascara. This gel is your secret weapon for taming unruly brow hairs and keeping them in place. Think of it as hair gel but made especially for your brows.
The great thing about eyebrow gel is that it comes in different types. Some are clear, so they don’t add any color to your brows but help with hold. Others are tinted and can add a little extra oomph to your brows. You can even find some with strong hold if you need those brows to stay put all day.
Eyebrow Pencil:
An eyebrow pencil is like a magic wand for your brows. It’s a slender stick, and it’s designed to help you draw in eyebrow hairs that might be missing. The cool thing about an eyebrow pencil is that it can create tiny lines that look just like real hair.
The texture of an eyebrow pencil is a bit like wax, which makes it perfect for mimicking real brow hairs. It comes in different shades to match your brow color, so you can go for a natural look or even make your brows a bit bolder if you like.
Eyebrow Powder:
Now, let’s talk about eyebrow powder. It’s like the makeup version of a coloring book for your eyebrows. This is an excellent choice, especially if you have some sparse spots in your brows. It’s pretty easy to use, which makes it a good option for beginners.
You can apply eyebrow powder with a brush. It helps fill in those gaps and gives your brows a more defined look. If you don’t have eyebrow powder, don’t worry! You can use eyeshadow in a similar shade to your eyebrows to achieve a similar effect. Just make sure it matches your brow color, and you’re all set.
Lip Products
Lip Primer
Imagine lip primer as the foundation for your lips. Just like you use foundation to create a smooth base for your makeup, lip primer does the same for your lips. It’s like giving your lips a fresh start before you apply any color. This product not only helps your lip products stay in place but also ensures that they go on smoothly. It’s like preparing a canvas for a beautiful painting.
Lip Pencil
Lip pencils are like the architects of your lip look. They help you outline your lips, giving them a defined and well-shaped appearance. Think of it as setting the boundaries for your lip color, so it doesn’t go wandering outside the lines. But lip pencils aren’t just about boundaries; they’re also great tools for creating optical illusions. By drawing slightly beyond your natural lip line, you can make your lips appear fuller and more plump. It’s like magic!
Lipstick
Lipstick is where the real fun begins. It’s like the paint you use to fill in your lip canvas. Lipsticks come in an astonishing variety of forms, textures, and colors. From classic bullet lipsticks to liquid lipsticks, and from subtle nudes to bold reds and everything in between, lipstick is your key to expressing your personality and style. You can make your lips stand out or keep them subtle, depending on your mood and the occasion. It’s the finishing touch that can truly transform your look.
Lip Gloss
If lipstick is the paint, lip gloss is the final touch of shine. Lip gloss adds a beautiful, glossy finish to your lips, making them look alluring and kissable. It comes in various forms, from sheer and translucent to highly pigmented and glittery. One of the tricks to using lip gloss is to apply it with the applicator it comes with and then gently spread it with your finger. This helps distribute the gloss evenly and gives you more control over the shine level. The result? Irresistibly luscious lips!
So, when you’re getting ready to show off your radiant smile, don’t forget these essential lip products. Lip primer sets the stage, lip pencils give you precision and plumpness, lipstick adds color and personality, and lip gloss provides the final touch of shine. Whether you’re going for a natural look or a bold statement, these lip products are your trusted allies in the world of makeup and beauty. Have fun experimenting with them and creating the perfect lip look for any occasion!
Simple Tips for Putting on Makeup if You’re New to It
1. Taking Care of Your Skin Before Makeup
If you’re all set to look your best with makeup, the first thing you’ve got to do is take care of your skin. Just like you wouldn’t paint a wall without priming it first, your skin needs a little prep work too. This step is essential for achieving that flawless, natural look.
Start with a Clean Slate: Begin by washing your face with a gentle cleanser. This gets rid of any dirt, oil, or remnants of yesterday’s makeup. Think of it as giving your canvas a fresh start. Use a cleanser that suits your skin type – whether it’s oily, dry, or somewhere in between.
Give It Some Love: After cleansing, it’s time to show your skin some love. Apply a moisturizer that’s right for your skin type. If your skin is on the dry side, opt for a rich, hydrating moisturizer. If it’s more on the oily side, go for a lightweight, oil-free option. This moisturizing step helps your makeup look even and radiant. It prevents your foundation from settling into fine lines and dry patches.
Why Is This So Important? Well, when your skin isn’t properly prepared, your makeup can turn into a bit of a mess. Imagine trying to build a sandcastle on a wobbly foundation – it just won’t hold up. Without proper skincare, your foundation might appear heavy and uneven, clinging to dry areas, while your concealer could become cakey and unnatural.
2. The Magic of Primer
Now that your skin is all prepped, it’s time to introduce you to a secret weapon in the world of makeup: primer. Think of primer as the base coat before you paint your nails. It provides a smooth canvas for your makeup to work its magic.
Choosing the Right Primer: Not all primers are the same. Just like you pick the right paintbrush for a particular job, you should select a primer that suits your skin type. Some are designed to control oil, while others give your skin a radiant glow. There are even primers that fill in fine lines and pores. If you’re unsure, you can always check out reviews or ask for recommendations to find your perfect match.
The Art of Application: When it comes to primer, less is more. Don’t slather it on like frosting on a cake; instead, use a small amount. Apply it in thin, sheer layers. If you overdo it, your primer might start to clump or form little balls on your skin – definitely not the look we’re aiming for. To get that polished finish, focus on your forehead, cheeks, and chin. These are the areas that usually get a bit oily during the day, and the primer will help keep them matte and blur out imperfections.
So, there you have it! Prepping your skin and using the right primer are the secret ingredients to getting that perfect makeup look. It’s all about creating a solid foundation for your artistry, just like a painter starts with a clean canvas and the right brushes. Have fun, and remember, makeup is about enhancing your natural beauty, not covering it up!
3: Let’s Get Your Makeup On
Now that your skin is all set, it’s time to put on your makeup. Normally, we start with foundation and then use concealer, but sometimes we switch it up and use concealer first. If you’re not sure, you can read our article about whether to start with foundation or concealer for a quick refresher.
For foundation, put a few dots on your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin (we call this area the T-zone). Then, use a special brush to blend it in. You can also use a makeup sponge or even your fingers, but a foundation brush is a quick and easy choice, especially if you’re new to makeup or want a simpler routine. To make it look natural, start with just a little bit of product and blend it upwards and outwards. For more tips on this, check out our story on how to put on foundation with a brush.
Once your foundation is on, it’s time for concealer. Focus on the spots you want to hide, like under your eyes, around your nostrils, and any blemishes or dark spots. When you put on concealer, don’t drag it – just gently tap it in place. “Dab the concealer on the spot you want to cover, don’t spread it around,” says Castro.
For blemishes, apply the concealer directly on the spot and gently dab it with your ring finger, a concealer brush, or a sponge. To hide under-eye circles, draw two upside-down triangles under your eyes and blend the edges into your foundation by gently tapping. The upside-down triangle trick is easy to do and makes your whole face look brighter. The result? You’ll have a lovely glow.
4: Set Everything in Place
Now, let’s use a brush or a soft puff to apply setting powder. Before putting it on your skin, make sure the brush or puff has an even amount of powder. Then, gently press the powder onto your face to make sure your makeup stays put and doesn’t move around. Concentrate on the areas that tend to get oily throughout the day, usually the T-zone. If you have a special event or want a super smooth finish, you can also “bake” your makeup. For a complete baking tutorial, you can check out our guide to perfecting the technique.
Sure, I can make this makeup advice sound more friendly and simple for you:
5. Creating Depth
Alright, when it comes to contouring, there are a few choices: powder, liquid, or cream. But if you’re just starting out, powder is your best buddy. Get yourself an angled brush, and let’s start shaping your face.
Start right under your chin; it’s like a secret weapon. Then, put some contour makeup under your cheekbones, along your hairline, and on the sides of your nose. It might take a little practice, but trust me, it’s worth it, especially in photos. You can also check out some tips for your face shape to level up your game.
Now, if you’re a bit scared of contouring, no worries. You can start with bronzer. Find a matte bronzer that’s not too orange. Put it under your chin, on your cheeks, and around your forehead, just like you would with contour. Bronzer is forgiving, so it’s perfect for practice.
When it’s time for highlighter, think about where the sun would naturally hit your face. Add some highlighter above your cheekbones, by your eyebrows, down your nose bridge, and blend it well. To keep it simple, start with a pressed powder highlighter. Dip your brush, tap off the extra, and gently swipe it over those high points. If you’re not sure which one to pick, you can try some of our favorites.
6. Get That Color Back
Choosing the right bronzer is crucial. Don’t go more than one or two shades darker than your skin tone. Now, you’re ready to give your skin some warmth. Grab a fluffy brush, and picture a number three. Start at your hairline, move down to your cheeks, and round it out under your jawline. Circular motions are your friend here, and don’t forget a little on the bridge of your nose for a sun-kissed look.
For blush, go for a color that matches your skin undertone. Smile, and apply it to the apples of your cheeks. Keep that brush moving in circles, and let it hug your cheeks as you brush upwards. Blush can really make you glow.
7: Focus on Your Eye Makeup
- Choose Your Look: When you’re doing your eye makeup, it’s all about what you like. Do you want a natural look for the day? Or maybe a smoky eye for a special night out? You can even get creative with unique eyeliner styles for a fun time with friends. Depending on where you’re going and what you’re wearing, you can pick the makeup that matches your mood. Here’s a tip: always have eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara with you – the rest is your choice.
- Eyeshadow First: Once you’ve put on your eyeshadow, it’s time for eyeliner. If you’re new to this, start with a soft, non-waterproof pencil close to your lashes. Take it slow until you feel comfortable with eyeliner or creating wings and cat-eye looks. Keep some Q-tips nearby for easy cleanup.
- Perfect Your Brows: Your eyebrows deserve attention too! You can make them look fuller or enhance their natural shape using different products like brow pencils, powders, or gels. If you’re not sure which one to use, here’s a simple rule: a pencil for a natural look that mimics your real hair, a powder for filling in sparse areas, and a gel to keep unruly brows in place. You can even use a combination of pencil and powder for added dimension and a longer-lasting, natural look.
8: Swipe on Your Lip Products
- Prep Your Lips: Before you start with lip products, use a lip primer to get your lips ready.
- Outline with Lip Liner: Use your lip liner to outline your lips. If you want to create the illusion of fuller lips, you can go slightly outside your natural lip line.
- Fill in with Liner: Fill in your lips with the liner – this acts as a base for your lipstick.
- Apply Your Lipstick: Finally, apply your lipstick to complete the look. For more tips, you can check out our detailed guide on how to apply lipstick like a pro.
With these steps, the right makeup products, and a bit of practice, you’re all set to elevate your makeup game. It’s all about expressing your creativity and finding the look that makes you feel confidently you. Most importantly, remember that makeup is all about your pace and what makes you comfortable.
Conclusion
Makeup can seem like a complex world with numerous products and techniques to master, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We hope this comprehensive guide has demystified the art of makeup for beginners and beauty enthusiasts. Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of cosmetics or someone looking to refine your skills, we’ve taken you through the essential makeup basics step by step, making it all easy to understand.
We started with the fundamentals, exploring the various makeup products, their functions, and how to choose the right ones for your needs. From primers and foundations to concealers, highlighters, and contours, we broke down the purpose and application of each. We also ventured into the realm of eye makeup, with a focus on eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. Plus, we gave you the lowdown on how to perfect your eyebrows, adding structure and definition to your face.
Finishing off your makeup look, we discussed lip products, including primers, lip liners, and lipstick. These products are your allies in achieving a polished, well-rounded appearance. And throughout this guide, we emphasized the importance of skincare and proper preparation for your makeup application.
We wrapped things up with simplified tips and easy-to-follow steps, making it clear that makeup is an art form meant to enhance your natural beauty and express your personality. Remember, the beauty world is your oyster, and experimenting with makeup should be an enjoyable journey of self-expression. So, whether you’re looking to achieve a natural, everyday look or a bold, glamorous style, you now have the knowledge and confidence to create your own makeup magic. Happy experimenting, and let your inner artist shine!
