How to Apply Makeup for Beginners

Makeup is a fascinating art, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple and natural makeup look doesn’t require much technique or many tools. You can even blend colors with just your fingers if makeup tools don't suit you. So don’t worry: get started with makeup now to achieve a fresh and glowing face!

Start with clean skin. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser or simply use toner to remove impurities from your skin.

Apply moisturizer. This will help keep your skin from becoming greasy throughout the day and will hydrate any dry patches on your face.

• Wait five minutes before applying foundation (see next step) to allow the moisturizer to absorb into your skin.

Dot a bit of tinted moisturizer or light foundation onto your skin. Apply a few dots with your fingers to the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin, then blend from the center outwards with your fingers or a brush.

• If you need more coverage, you can use a makeup sponge, applying the same blending technique as above.

Apply a bit of concealer under your eyes. Use a small brush to dot concealer in the darkest areas of your under-eye bags, usually the inner and outer corners of the eyes. Dab some concealer on other blemishes that the primer and foundation didn’t cover.

• There’s some debate on whether the concealer should match your skin tone or be lighter; however, it shouldn’t be too different from your natural skin tone. Choose a concealer shade that closely matches your skin, or one that is just one shade lighter.

Apply translucent setting powder to your face to help your foundation and concealer last longer. Use a puff to gently press the powder onto your face (as opposed to using a brush, which often leaves powder residue behind). Then use a brush to sweep off any excess powder. If you’re only using a powder brush, dip the brush into the powder before applying it to your face in circular motions.

Apply the eyeshadow of your choice to your eyelids. For beginners, try simple neutral shades like dark brown or navy blue. Use an eyeshadow brush or your finger to swipe quick, short strokes across your eyelid, all the way up to your brow bone.

• The dark color should be blended from the lash line upwards onto the inner part of your eyelid, then gradually fade towards the brow bone.
• Apply a thin, smooth layer of eyeshadow.
• If using a brush, gently tap it against the edge of the eyeshadow pan to remove excess powder.

Line your eyes. Use a black or brown eyeliner pencil to draw short strokes along your upper lash line.

• Lift your upper eyelid with one hand while looking down into the mirror, then use your other hand to apply the eyeliner.
• The eyeliner area is one that you can really practice to become more confident in applying makeup. Elements such as color, texture, and shape can greatly affect your “windows to the soul.” Don’t hesitate to experiment!

Curl your lashes. Place the eyelash curler at the base of your upper lashes (along the lash line) and squeeze for five seconds.

Next, apply mascara. Use the mascara wand to sweep mascara on both your upper and lower lashes in a Z motion or from the inner corner to the outer corner of your eyes. One coat should be enough.

Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks. Smile to highlight your cheekbones. Sweep the blush upwards and blend towards your temples.

• Use a natural blush color for easy blending.
• If using powder blush, you can apply it with a soft, dense powder brush. Apply the blush to your cheeks and blend evenly.

Use lipstick or lip gloss. Pucker your lips and apply lipstick to the center of both your top and bottom lips. The color might be uneven at first, so use your finger to blend it, or mix in more color by applying lipstick to your fingertip and dabbing it onto your lips.

• If your lips are chapped, take care of them before applying lipstick. Gently wipe your lips with a warm, damp towel, then apply a layer of lip balm. Let the balm absorb into your lips before applying colored lipstick or gloss.
• For beginners, lips are a great place to add color and change up your makeup style without needing complex techniques. You can go for any color from neutral to no-color, or bright red.

Check your makeup in natural light – if possible – to ensure everything is well-blended and looks good. You’re done!

• Choosing the right foundation shade is crucial. A simple trick is to try a bit on your jawline: if it matches, it’s the right shade for you. If not, try a lighter or darker shade.
• If you plan to blend multiple eyeshadow colors but aren’t sure if they’ll work together, a neutral eyeshadow palette is a great choice. You can find one at any cosmetics store. In these palettes, all the shades work well together, and sometimes they’re even labeled by the area of the eye they should be applied to.
• Ask your parents what you should start with; from A to Z with bold blush and dark lips? Or should you begin with clear gloss and a light coat of mascara?

• Don’t overdo your makeup. Start with a natural look and gradually improve your makeup skills over time.
• Some products may cause allergic reactions on sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin or are cautious, consider using cosmetics labeled "hypoallergenic" (non-allergenic).

• Daily facial cleanser and/or toner
• Light moisturizer
• Concealer (matched to your skin tone)
• Light tinted moisturizer or light foundation (matched to your skin tone)
• Translucent setting powder
• Eyeshadow
• Black or brown eyeliner pencil
• Lipstick or lip gloss
• Mascara (brown or black)
• Powder brush
• Concealer brush (optional)
• Eyeshadow brush (optional)
• Blush brush (optional)