If you’re new to makeup, the world of cosmetics can feel a little overwhelming. With so many products and techniques to explore, it’s hard to know where to begin. However, mastering a few basic makeup skills will set you up for success, helping you achieve a polished, natural look with confidence. Here are the essential makeup techniques every beginner should learn.
1. Prepping Your Skin: The Foundation of Great Makeup
Before applying makeup, it’s crucial to start with a clean, moisturized face. Prepping your skin ensures a smooth, flawless application and helps your makeup last longer.
- Cleanse: Start by cleansing your face to remove any dirt or oil that could affect how your makeup adheres.
- Moisturize: Use a hydrating moisturizer suited to your skin type. This step creates a smooth base and prevents your makeup from clinging to dry patches.
- Apply primer: A makeup primer helps to fill in pores and fine lines while creating a barrier between your skin and makeup. It can also help control oil or add extra hydration, depending on the formula.
Tip: If you have oily skin, opt for a mattifying primer. For dry skin, choose a hydrating or dewy primer.
2. Perfecting Your Base: Foundation and Concealer
Foundation and concealer are the key products for creating an even skin tone and hiding imperfections.
- Foundation: Start with a lightweight foundation that matches your skin tone. Apply small amounts and blend outward from the center of your face using a makeup sponge or foundation brush. Avoid caking on too much product; instead, build coverage gradually.
- Concealer: Concealer is used to brighten under the eyes and cover blemishes. Choose a shade that’s one or two shades lighter than your foundation for the under-eye area and a matching shade for blemishes. Apply in small amounts and blend with your fingers or a sponge.
Tip: For long-lasting coverage, set your foundation and concealer with a light dusting of translucent powder, especially in areas where makeup tends to wear off, like the T-zone.
3. Eyebrow Shaping: Frame Your Face
Well-groomed eyebrows define your face and give it structure. Even if you prefer a minimal makeup look, filling in your eyebrows can make a huge difference.
- Shape and groom: Use a spoolie (eyebrow brush) to brush your brows into shape. Tweeze any stray hairs to define the arch.
- Fill in sparse areas: Use an eyebrow pencil or powder to fill in any sparse areas with light, hair-like strokes. For a natural look, focus on defining the arch and tail of the brow.
- Set with brow gel: To keep your brows in place all day, use a clear or tinted brow gel.
Tip: Avoid overfilling your brows. Light, feathery strokes will give a more natural, flattering finish.
4. Mastering Eyeshadow: Keep It Simple
For beginners, neutral eyeshadows are the easiest to work with. A simple two-tone look can add depth and dimension to your eyes without being overly complicated.
- Start with a base shade: Apply a neutral eyeshadow close to your skin tone across your entire eyelid to create an even base.
- Add definition with a crease color: Use a slightly darker shade in the crease of your eyelid to add depth. Blend the color out in a back-and-forth motion using a fluffy brush.
- Highlight the inner corner: For a brightening effect, apply a light shimmer shade to the inner corners of your eyes.
Tip: Use a good blending brush to avoid harsh lines. The key to great eyeshadow is blending until the colors transition smoothly.
5. Eyeliner: Define Your Eyes
Eyeliner helps define your eyes and can enhance their shape. Whether you prefer a soft, smudged look or a sharp wing, mastering basic eyeliner techniques is essential.
- Pencil eyeliner: Start with a pencil eyeliner for a soft, easy-to-apply look. Line your upper lash line and gently smudge it with a small brush or your finger for a more natural finish.
- Liquid or gel liner: For a more defined look, use liquid or gel eyeliner. Begin by applying a thin line close to the lash line. If you want to create a winged effect, draw a small line extending outward from the outer corner of your eye.
Tip: Start small and build the intensity of your eyeliner. You can always add more, but it’s harder to take away if you apply too much at once.
6. Mascara: Lengthen and Volumize Your Lashes
Mascara is one of the easiest ways to make your eyes pop. It adds volume, length, and definition to your lashes in just a few swipes.
- Curl your lashes: Before applying mascara, use an eyelash curler to lift and lengthen your lashes. Hold the curler at the base of your lashes for a few seconds.
- Apply mascara: Wiggle the mascara wand at the base of your lashes and pull upward to coat the lashes evenly. Apply one to two coats for a natural look, or add more for a dramatic effect.
Tip: To avoid clumping, let each coat dry before applying the next one. Use a clean spoolie to separate lashes if needed.
7. Blush: Add a Natural Flush
Blush adds a healthy glow and dimension to your face. Choose a blush color that complements your skin tone for a natural finish.
- Apply to the apples of your cheeks: Smile and apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it out toward your temples. Use a soft blush brush for even distribution.
- Start with a small amount: Less is more when it comes to blush. Start with a small amount and build up if needed.
Tip: Cream blushes are great for a natural, dewy finish, while powder blushes offer more control and are ideal for oily skin.
8. Bronzer and Highlighter: Sculpt and Glow
Bronzer and highlighter can help define your facial features and give your skin a radiant glow.
- Bronzer: Apply bronzer to areas where the sun would naturally hit, like your forehead, cheeks, and jawline. Use a light hand and blend well to avoid harsh lines.
- Highlighter: Apply highlighter to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your brow bones. This adds a natural-looking glow and makes your skin appear more radiant.
Tip: Use a fluffy brush to apply bronzer for a sun-kissed look, and a fan brush or your fingers to apply highlighter for a precise glow.
9. Lip Color: Finish with a Pop
Whether you prefer bold lips or a subtle tint, lip color completes any makeup look. Choose a lip product that complements your overall makeup style.
- Lipstick: For a classic look, apply lipstick in your desired shade. Use a lip liner beforehand to define the edges and prevent feathering.
- Lip gloss: If you’re going for a more natural look, a sheer lip gloss adds a hint of color and shine without being too bold.
- Tinted lip balm: For a quick and easy everyday look, opt for a tinted lip balm that hydrates and adds a subtle wash of color.
Tip: Exfoliate your lips regularly and apply lip balm before your lip color to keep your lips smooth and hydrated.
10. Setting Your Makeup: Keep It Lasting All Day
To ensure your makeup stays flawless throughout the day, set it with the right products.
- Setting powder: If you have oily skin or want to lock in your foundation and concealer, use a light dusting of translucent setting powder on your T-zone and under your eyes.
- Setting spray: For a dewy or long-lasting finish, spritz a setting spray over your entire face after applying your makeup. This helps your makeup stay in place and prevents fading.
Tip: If you tend to get shiny throughout the day, carry blotting papers to absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup.
Conclusion
By mastering these basic makeup skills, you can build a strong foundation for any look, whether it’s a natural daytime glow or a more dramatic evening look. Start with these essentials and practice regularly to gain confidence in your makeup application. Over time, you’ll find your personal style and perfect the techniques that work best for you.