How to Apply Makeup

Remove Makeup. The first step in any makeup routine is to start with a clean face. Make sure to remove any leftover makeup from the previous day or wash away old makeup. Applying new makeup over old layers (except for touch-ups) can make your face appear cakey and unnatural compared to starting fresh. You can use a dedicated makeup remover or even baby oil to effectively cleanse your skin.

• Always remember to remove your makeup at the end of the day; sleeping with makeup on can clog pores, leading to wrinkles and breakouts.

Cleanse Your Face. Just like removing makeup, washing your face is essential; eliminating oil and sweat ensures your foundation stays radiant and lasts longer throughout the day. Use a gentle facial cleanser, massaging it for about a minute to remove bacteria and dead skin cells from your pores. Finish by applying a moisturizer. Dry skin can flake during makeup application, and excess oil may accumulate later, so ensure your skin is well-hydrated before starting.

Apply Concealer. Concealer is designed to hide imperfections like blemishes or dark circles under the eyes. Use a concealer brush or clean fingertips to blend it onto the under-eye area, redness, or uneven spots like freckles. Blend thoroughly to avoid patchiness and ensure a seamless finish.

Blend Foundation. Foundations come in various forms, but they all serve the same purpose: creating a uniform complexion. Whether liquid, cream, or powder, foundation evens out your skin tone, blending naturally with areas where concealer has been applied. Use a foundation brush to apply it across your face, neck, and ears if needed. Choose a shade that matches your skin tone perfectly—neither too dark nor too light. Apply foundation over concealed areas for a flawless look.

• You can use a concealer brush to add a bit of foundation to stubborn blemishes.
• Liquid foundation can be applied with your fingers, though this may increase the risk of bacterial transfer and future breakouts.

Set with Concealer. Concealer helps blend darker areas into the surrounding skin. You can also use a slightly lighter shade to brighten specific areas. Apply it in an inverted triangle under the eyes, along the nose bridge, under the chin, the center of the forehead, and above the lips. Blend well to ensure it merges seamlessly with the foundation.

Set Your Base. This step is optional but highly recommended for long-lasting makeup. Use a neutral setting powder to lock in your foundation and concealer. A large, soft brush works best for evenly distributing the powder. This step is particularly useful if you’re using liquid foundation, as it prevents shine and keeps your makeup intact.

Apply Highlighter. After setting your foundation, your face might appear slightly flat due to the evened-out skin tone. To add depth and dimension, create contrast between light and dark shades. Use a cream or powder highlighter to accentuate the high points of your face, such as the inner corners of your eyes, brow bones, cupid's bow, and cheekbones. This technique will make your face appear brighter and more awake.

• Draw a number '3' from your cheekbones to your brows and up to your forehead for perfect light reflection.
• You can use your fingers or a small highlighter brush for application.

Contour. While highlighter brightens certain areas, contouring involves applying a darker shade to areas you want to recede. Typically, contour along your cheekbones and the sides of your nose. This creates a slimmer appearance and adds natural shadows without relying on foundation.

Apply Blush. The final step is adding blush to your cheeks. Everyone has a natural flush, but the intensity varies. Use a large brush to apply blush to the apples of your cheeks (the rounded area that lifts when you smile). Apply lightly for a natural, healthy glow.

Shape Your Brows. This step is optional and depends on your brow thickness. If you have sparse or thin brows, use a brow pencil or powder that matches your hair color. Start by drawing short, hair-like strokes along your brows, then fill in the gaps. Follow the natural direction of your hair growth for a realistic look.

Use an Eye Primer. This step is optional, but applying an eye primer helps your eyeshadow last longer. If you’ve never used one, you might notice that the skin around your eyes can become oily, causing creasing after a few hours. Use your fingertip to gently blend the primer over your lids, which also helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.

Apply Eyeshadow. There are countless ways to apply eyeshadow, though the simplest and most classic method is using a single shade across the entire lid. Use an eyeshadow brush to apply the color, starting near the lash line and blending outward. Ensure the shadow seamlessly transitions into your natural skin tone near the crease and outer corners to avoid harsh lines. For a more dramatic look, add a darker shade in a 'C' shape from the outer corner of your eye to the crease, covering half the lid.

• Eyeshadow should never extend beyond your brows or too far from the lid (unless you’re aiming for a bold, avant-garde look).
• You can apply eyeshadow to the lower lash line, but be careful to avoid smudging.
• When using multiple shades, always blend them well for a cohesive look.

Line Your Eyes. The purpose of eyeliner is to create the illusion of thicker lashes, so choose a shade that matches your natural hair color (brown for blonde hair). For a smoky effect, use a pencil, gel, or liquid liner to create a sharp or soft line. Start by drawing small dashes along the lash line, then connect them for a smooth finish. You can create a subtle wing or extend the line outward for a more dramatic look.

• Line the lower lash line only for special occasions, as it can darken your overall appearance and look less natural compared to upper lash lining.
• If you’re comfortable, try tightlining by applying liner to your upper waterline for a more defined look.

Apply Mascara. To complete your eye makeup, coat your lashes with mascara. There are various types of mascara depending on your needs—use lengthening mascara if your lashes are short or volumizing mascara if they’re thin. Dip the wand into the tube once, then wipe off excess product on the rim or a tissue. Look downward and apply mascara to your upper lashes, starting from the inner corner and moving outward. Repeat for the lower lashes and let it dry naturally.

• Twist the wand as you apply to ensure even coverage on all sides of the lashes.
• Avoid pumping the wand in the tube, as this introduces air and dries out the product.
• You can apply mascara to the lower lashes, though this may darken your eyes, which some people prefer to avoid.
• Avoid applying multiple coats, as this can make your lashes look clumpy and unnatural.
• For thicker-looking lashes, dust a light layer of baby powder between mascara coats to add volume and length.

Moisturize Your Lips. Apply lip balm, lip gloss, or a lip primer. This step ensures your lipstick lasts longer and applies more smoothly. Plus, who doesn’t love soft, smooth lips? Using a balm or lip conditioner prevents dryness and cracking, which can be caused by matte lipsticks or glosses.

Use Lip Liner. Choose a lip liner that complements your natural lip color. Outline your lips to define their shape and fill them in slightly. This step enhances the lip color and makes applying lipstick or gloss in the next step much easier.

Apply Lipstick or Gloss with a Brush. Select your favorite lipstick or gloss and apply it over the lip liner. For a natural look, opt for a lighter shade that enhances your features. Start from the center of your lips and blend outward, ensuring you stay within the lip line. To prevent lipstick from sticking to your teeth, place your index finger in your mouth, then pull it out gently—this removes excess product.

Final Touches. With your lips perfectly done, your makeup is now complete. Double-check for any imperfections or smudges, and use a soft brush to clean up any fallout from eyeshadow. If needed, use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover for precise corrections.