Makeup Tutorials for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Pro Application
Entering the world of makeup can feel overwhelming. Colors, tools, and techniques abound. Whether you want a natural everyday look or to master bold styles, this guide offers a step-by-step approach to makeup application, helping you express yourself confidently.
The Foundation: Skincare is Key
No professional makeup artist starts without proper skin preparation. Makeup enhances your natural glow when applied to nourished and radiant skin, rather than covering imperfections.
1. Start With a Nourishing Skincare Routine
Begin with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and prepare your skin to better absorb makeup. Follow with light exfoliation, serums, and moisturizer (plus sunscreen during the day!). This will plump your skin and help it look its best both without and under makeup.
It’s important to start with a clean palette, so you’ll first want to remove any makeup you might have (accidentally) slept in, or wash off any makeup from earlier in the day. We recommend using a makeup remover or micellar water to get rid of any residue, then following up with a mild facial cleanser and moisturizer. Celebrity makeup artist Matin Maulawizada will even give the skin a little relaxing massage while working in the products. “I take the moisturizer and warm it up between the palms of my hands, and then massage it into the skin with upward and outward circular motions,” he says.
Customize your pre-makeup skincare based on your skin type. Serums containing hyaluronic acid hydrate and plump oily skin without adding extra oils, while ceramide-rich serums work for drier complexions. Water-based gel-creams are a game-changer for combination or oily skin, and richer creams will make even the driest skin glow.
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2. Apply Makeup Primer for a Smooth Base
While not always necessary, makeup primer helps keep your makeup in place and increases its longevity, especially on a busy or warm day. “A proper primer is meant to allow your makeup to wear the same all over your face,” says Maulawizada. “Meaning that the makeup won’t disappear, sit on the surface of the dry areas of the skin, and will not separate on the oily areas such as the T-zone.”
Give your skincare a minute or two to fully absorb, then work a pea-size dollop of primer over your skin. Blend it all over or focus the product just in your T-zone, depending on the look you’re going for.
If you have dry skin, look for a hydrating makeup primer, like the CIATÉ LONDON Everyday Vacay Hydrating Face Primer. It’s infused with conditioning vitamin B5 and soothing peach extract to lock in that non-greasy hydration. Those with oily skin should opt for an oil-absorbing or pore-blurring primer.
The type of primer you use can affect the finish of the foundation. “A primer with a glow can make the base look more airbrushed and have a softer lit-from-within appearance,” says makeup artist Amanda Bell. “Whereas, a more matte-textured primer can make the base appear more velvety.” If a matte finish is what you’re after, the lightweight ELIZABETH MOTT Thank Me Later Face Primer will help keep your complexion shine-free and minimize the appearance of pores.
3. Consider Color Correcting
Color correcting helps cover up discoloration and blemishes. While optional, it’s helpful if you want to conceal hyperpigmentation from sun damage or acne scars.
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Unlike concealer or foundation, color correcting doesn’t match your skin tone. Instead, it utilizes the rules of the color wheel: Using colors that lay opposite from one another on the wheel to effectively cancel each other out. Green, for example, can help neutralize the appearance of redness caused by blotchiness or blemishes. Meanwhile, peach, and orange tones can help soften the look of dark circles, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. This KIMCHI CHIC BEAUTY Undercover Hoe palette is packed with every color you might need. Apply the appropriate color corrector shade where needed, and use your fingers or a concealer brush to blend it out until it’s even.
Building the Canvas: Foundation and Concealer
Foundation and concealer create an even base for the rest of your makeup.
4. How to Apply Foundation for a Flawless Finish
Foundation (or whatever you choose for your base: tinted moisturizer, BB cream, skin tint, you name it!) is super customizable. You can apply foundation with your fingers, a makeup sponge, or a foundation brush-it’s all up to your comfort level and the finish you’re looking for. Maulawizada recommends using your fingers when applying a small amount, such as one layer of lightweight liquid foundation or a BB cream. You can also use a concealer brush to add a little extra foundation over blemishes. For a more full-coverage yet natural look, Maulawizada recommends distributing the foundation evenly with a synthetic foundation brush to the flat parts of the face (like your cheeks, forehead, and chin), then, with less product on the brush, apply foundation to your T-zone. “This will create the illusion of less makeup,” he says.
Keep in mind that your foundation should be the same color as your natural skin tone, not much lighter or darker. That way, your foundation matches your chest and neck (and doesn’t leave your face a different color than the rest of your body). Make sure to blend your foundation into your neck and earlobes if necessary.
If you’re struggling to choose a foundation type, consider your preferred look and your skin type. Mature skin or dry skin types should reach for a liquid foundation, as powder foundation can settle into fine lines and wrinkles. That said, powder foundation is a great option for oily skin types since it absorbs and controls excess oil. Those with combination skin can try out a liquid or powder foundation (or even a mixture of the two). Apply powder foundation in oily areas and a liquid formula in other areas of your face, or top off your liquid foundation with a dusting of powder foundation for a full-coverage and oil-free look. Just don’t pack them both on, since too much product will give you a cakey finish. Cream foundation tends to be heavier than liquid or powder foundations, which makes it great for full coverage looks. You might want to steer clear if you’re prone to breakouts, however, since cream formulas may clog pores.
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One of the most common mistakes beginners often make when applying foundation is not matching it to their skin tone, which can result in a visible contrast between the face and neck. Be sure to test foundation shades along the jawline in natural light to prevent this. Over-application can also lead to a cakey appearance.
When it comes to foundation, finding the perfect shade for your skin is priority number one. So how do you go about picking? Test foundation colors against your jawline. After applying, if the foundation disappears without any sort of blending, you’ve found your true match. This may take a bit of trial and error, but taking the time to pick the right shade is crucial. Some women prefer to use their fingers, while others opt for beauty tools like brushes and sponges. If you’re looking for a light coverage look, your fingers may prove to be the right applicator; however, never touch your face without thoroughly washing your hands, and be sure to wash them after application-you don’t want to find your makeup handprints all over the house. Start from the center of your face and blend the liquid foundation outwards. As you sweep your foundation across the skin, be sure to buff it in. Some women like to stipple a damp sponge over their foundation to help ensure it gets into those lines and creases, which can create a smoother, more even texture.
5. Conceal Where You Want More Coverage
Just like foundation, you can apply concealer with either a makeup brush, beauty blender, or just your fingers. (Note: A brush will give you a more full-coverage makeup look.) Still, when it comes to concealer, remember that a little goes a long way. You really only need to apply concealer to the areas you want to hide.
Concealer is meant to even out your complexion, so pick a shade fairly close to your skin tone. You can also use a concealer in a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone to brighten dark areas or high points of your face. Dot concealer under your eyes to cover dark circles, starting small and building up as needed to avoid looking cake-y on the delicate skin around the eyes, says Maulawizada. Then, apply a little concealer to any blemishes, dark marks, or red spots, allowing the formula to set for a minute or two before blending and applying any type of powder on top.
It’s also important to note different types of concealers and the purposes they serve. “Concealers with a creamy texture are more versatile,” Bell explains. “You’ll be able to use them under the eyes and on other parts of the face, as they blend seamlessly into the skin. Richer and thicker formulations, like concealer in a stick or pot, are superb for covering spots and blemishes."
If you opt for a creamy formula, Bell advises to “pat in with clean fingertips or a makeup sponge.” With richer stick and pot concealers, “It’s worth investing in a precision concealer brush,” she says. “These allow you to be very targeted with where you add the extra coverage. Once you have applied these types, dot gently with your brush to blend into the skin.”
Concealers are championed for their prowess in neutralizing under-eye darkness. Thanks to their high pigment concentration, they can dramatically brighten tired eyes, making you look refreshed and awake. As with other makeup products, careful selection and application are critical. Choosing the wrong shade can accentuate rather than hide imperfections.
It’s wise to invest in two shades of concealer. One should be very similar to your skin tone and can be used to cover dark spots, pimples, and other facial blemishes.
Note: Some women prefer to apply concealer before liquid foundation. The order of these two steps is truly a matter of preference-and trial and error.
Adding Dimension and Glow: Bronzer, Blush, and Highlighter
These products sculpt your face and add a healthy glow.
6. Create Some Dimension with Bronzer and Contour
Bronzer is a super versatile makeup product because it can be used to contour or just add a burst of warmth to your skin, like you just got back from a beach vacation (minus the sun damage!). When applied as a contour to sculpt, you want to only add color where there would be natural shadows on your face, like under your cheekbones, along your jawline, and on your forehead around your hairline. You can also use the contour to create the visual illusion of a recessed area if you’re trying to change the shape of your nose or fake the look of a shorter forehead.
”Contour should mimic the color of shadow on your skin,” says Maulawizada, so be careful not to choose a color too deep for your skin tone, and opt for a cooler undertone. For traditional bronzer application, Bell recommends the continuous 3-shape method, which adds color in a 3-shape where the sun would naturally hit you. Swirl a fluffy powder brush in your bronzer, tap off any excess powder, then start on your forehead near your hairline. Sweep the brush out and down along your hairline and across the tops of your cheeks, then continue sweeping it back again toward your ears and then down along your jaw and chin. “This technique refines the bone structure while simultaneously adding warmth,” says Bell. If you’re using a liquid formula, follow the same application and then buff out the product with a big bronzing brush.
The trick with bronzer is truly in the application. It’s usually swept onto the high points of the face-the areas where the sun would naturally touch first, like the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, your forehead, and your chin. A common misconception is equating bronzer with contour. While both products enhance the face's natural structure, their purposes differ.
Once you’ve got the right shade, apply your bronzer in the shape of a number “3” on both sides of the face. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to blend it into your neck.
7. Use Blush to Bring Color Back to Your Face
After bronzer, you’ll want to apply blush to add back a bit of warmth to your face-only this time to strategic areas. Think the apples of your cheeks for a doll-like effect, tops of your cheeks and across the bridge of your nose for a sun-kissed look, or along your cheekbones and temples using the newly re-popularized draping technique. “[For draping], you take the blush higher than just the apples of your cheeks,” Bell says. “It gives an incredibly vivacious look, really adding a pop of color and also adding extra dimension to the face. Start at the apple of the cheek and sweep the brush higher towards the hairline in a teardrop shape. This draping technique works beautifully with cream, gel, liquid and powder blush.”
While the blush placement you opt for works equally no matter the blush formula you choose, the applicator you use should differ. “For a gel and liquid, I like to use a soft makeup sponge,” Bell says. “For a powder blush, I use a soft fluffy cheek brush so I can blend the blush into the skin in a soft circular movement for an effortless look.”
A touch of blush on the apples of the cheeks can give an instant lift, carving out the cheeks and imparting a fresh, lively appearance. It also helps to break the monotony of a flat, one-dimensional base, adding depth to the face. Like all good things, moderation is key when it comes to blush.
There’s not a one-size-fits-all answer for blush application.
Pink blush: When using pink blush, apply it only to the apples of your cheeks. Pink blush is designed to mimic the natural flush your body creates, during which blood pools into your cheeks. To find the apples of your cheeks, put on your best smile.
Peach blush: Instead of using pink blush on just the apples of the cheeks, utilize these shades to help sculpt your face and add just a tiny hint of color. Twist one side of your face (as if you were pursing your lips and directing them to the opposite side of the face).
8. Highlight Your High Points for Depth and Glow
If you ask us, no makeup look is complete without highlighter. You can go for either a swipe of highlighter so blinding you can see it from space, or a simple, natural-looking glow. Either way, highlighter will add dimension and keep your face from looking flat. “Highlighters can be applied wherever you want to bring attention, like cheekbones or even clavicles,” says Maulawizada. (Unless you’re going for that, of course, then rock on!) You can also brighten up the deepest areas of your face-like the inside corners of your eyes, underneath your eyebrows, or your cupid’s bow-to make your face look more bright and awake.
Just like bronzer and blush, highlighter comes in a ton of different shades and formulas, like gels, liquids, powders, creams, and more, so the highlighter world is your oyster! Gels and liquid formulas will give you more of that lightweight dewy look, while powders and creams offer a long-lasting glow.
Highlighter possesses the enchanting ability to capture light and create an illusion of radiant skin. Its primary role is to accentuate and bring forth specific areas of the face, giving it depth and dimension. A dab under the arch of the eyebrows lifts the brow bone, while a tiny dot in the inner corners of the eyes can make them appear larger and more awake. Highlighter can also be a subtle ally in contouring by emphasizing areas you want to stand out, making the shadowed, contoured areas appear even deeper by contrast.
Highlighters come in a variety of forms, including liquids, creams, and powders. You can choose to use one, or find your favorite combination of two or three. Once you’re happy with your liquid highlighter application, blend it in using your fingertips or a sponge.
Defining Features: Brows, Eyes, and Lips
These steps add detail and personality to your makeup look.
9. Groom and Shape Your Eyebrows
This step in your makeup routine is all about grooming your brows to frame your face and enhance your overall makeup. Paying attention to your brows is essential because they can either make or break your look. Well-groomed brows can add symmetry to your face, draw attention to your eyes, and give your entire appearance a polished finish.
When it comes to grooming your brows, there are several product options depending on your preference and desired outcome. One popular choice is a brow pencil, which allows for precise filling and shaping. Brow powders are great for achieving a softer, more natural look, while brow gels help set your brows in place and add volume. For those seeking a long-lasting solution, eyebrow pomades offer a waterproof and smudge-proof option.
When picking out a product, choose a shade that’s close to your natural hair color. Start by brushing your brow hairs upwards with a spoolie brush to reveal their natural shape. Then, use your chosen brow product to fill in any sparse areas, following the natural arch of your brows. Remember to blend the product well with your clean spoolie brush for a seamless finish. If you want, you can even use a concealer to clean up the edges and define the shape further. Finally, set your brows in place with a clear or tinted brow gel to make sure they stay put.
The shape, fullness, and arch of your eyebrows can have a dramatic influence on your facial dynamics. Well-defined eyebrows can add the appearance of symmetry to the face.
10. Experiment with Eyeshadow (and Blend, Blend, Blend)
There are numerous ways to apply eyeshadow, but when it comes to the basics, there are a few things to remember. To keep your eyeshadow from creasing or fading, we recommend using an eyeshadow primer. Applying it from the roots of your lashes to the top of your crease will help your eyeshadow last longer.
The most classic (and the easiest) eyeshadow look is to apply a single color over the entirety of your eyelid. For this, you can apply your preferred shade of eyeshadow with an eyebrow brush (or finger, for higher pigmentation), starting in the center of your lid and blending outwards. Prevent harsh lines near your crease, and on the corners of your eyes by fading your eyeshadow into your natural skin tone. For some extra help, see our guided visual tutorial on applying eyeshadow.
If you want a more defined look, it’s helpful to have a few darker shades around. “The light shades similar to your skin tone act as a base,” explains Maulawizada. “A darker shade creates shape and definition, as well as contours the eye. Shades in between are for the lids to marry the two seamlessly.” Focus the darker shades on the outside corner of your lash line, moving upward to create a “C” shape. Then, use an in-between shade on a fluffy eyeshadow brush to blend them all together.
As for those shimmer shades? Add them to the inner corners of your eyes to make them look big and bright.
A masterfully applied eyeshadow not only draws attention to the eyes but accentuates their shape and color. Eyeshadows come in a vast palette of hues. Neutral tones, like browns, taupes, and creams, can give a soft, natural enhancement, perfect for regular wear. For the best results, blend, blend, and blend some more!
Dip your eyeshadow brush into the light shade, then tap the brush to get rid of any excess product. Now dip your brush into the darker color, tapping off the excess once again. Apply the color at the outer corner of your eye, just above your lash line. Stop application around the center of your eyelid, as you don’t want to darken the inner corners. Take a clean shadow brush and blend the two shades together.
11. Define Your Eyes With Eyeliner
There are those who can’t live without eyeliner and those who only bust it out on special occasions-but it’s always nice to have a basic black liner in your makeup bag for when the feeling strikes. (If you have brown or blonde hair, you might also consider using a brown eyeliner for a more natural look). Maulawizada likes to use a pencil eyeliner to make eyeshadow deeper and more dramatic. “It can be dotted between lashes to create a fuller lash base,” he says. “And of course as a liner sharply or smudged to create definition around the eyes.”
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