Makeup is a fun and exciting world of self-expression. But it can also be extremely intimidating. With all the different types of makeup and tools, steps you can take, and techniques you can use, it can be a really confusing and rather daunting task. I have been using makeup for nine years and only have mastered about three basic looks. With YouTube tutorials and Instagram stories, though, anyone can learn just about anything there is to know about makeup and self-care. So, whether you are here as a beginner or wanting to learn something new, here are 10 easy tips for everyone!
With a strong foundation, we will build! Before we even get to the makeup–like compact powder, eyeshadow, and lip-gloss – let us start with a base. Either with or without soap, wet a washcloth with warm water and gently wipe your entire face and neck, then pat with a soft towel or air dry. From here, you can start with a makeup primer. Personally, I use E.L.F. Cosmetic’s Hydrating Face Primer, but they have others such as mineral-infused, poreless, and tone-adjusting based on your needs. Putting a little bit on your fingertips, you will spread and message across your entire face. This will create a smooth canvas for makeup application.
Okay, we have a smooth canvas, so let us bring in the skin products. Though, I will be honest and say this is not my area of expertise because I have freckles. So, I do not use an all-over foundation or anything like that. Instead, I use Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint (with SPF 30) for the edges of my face, right above my eyebrows, and across my chin. This product is extremely light but provides even coverage and works well with compact or loose powder. Which, is the only other skin product I use – Covergirl’s Clean Matte Compact Powder. I pad on the powder in the same areas as the skin tint, but also under my jaw and down my neck. This helps bring evenness to my skin while also framing my face.
I will preface this section by saying that I not only pluck my eyebrows, but I actually shave just above the brow and in between the brow and my temple. I use a men’s Gillette ProGlide Razor with the precision trimmer. I do this to not only help my skincare products be even but so that my eyebrow powder does not cling to the little hairs.
Once they are in good shape, I use E.L.F. Cosmetic’s Clear Brow And Lash Mascara. This sculpts the brows to look exactly the way you want and keeps them from moving around too much when brushed through or touched. Then, instead of using an eyebrow pencil or any sort of gel, I use Benefit Cosmetic’s Foolproof Brow Powder (which has two shades, the lighter for the start of the brow to the arch, and the darker from the arch to the tail end). I use the E.L.F. Eyebrow Duo Brush and Q-tips to clean the lines. I have found that I much prefer powder because all it does is fill what I already have and look way more natural.
Now comes the super fun part of makeup for beginners! Eyeshadow! Whether you want a more natural look or to have a fun time with lots of colors, here are the three basic things I learned about eyeshadow:
1. Use the darkest color for just above the lashes, the outer corner, and the crease.
2. Use the lightest color as a highlight on your brow bone, just under the arch.
3. Use something sparkly to have a soft line down the middle of your lid.
So, with my favorite, more natural look, I use the E.L.F. eyeshadow palettes “Everyday Smokey” and “Nude Rose Gold”. I use the dark brown for point 1, (blended with a lighter brown across the lid), I use white for point 2, and then, I use the rose gold for point 3. I use Estee Lauder’s Gentle Eye Makeup Remover with a Q-tip to clean up the edges, my bottom lid, and my inner corner.
Here’s one of the most helpful tips for makeup for beginners: nothing is simpler than doing lashes and nothing is more impactful. The change that can be seen with doing a simple black mascara is worlds apart. With clean, bare lashes, I do a quick brush through with E.L.F.’s Eyebrow Duo Brush. Then, I whip out Maybelline New York’s Great Lash Mascara. Making sure not to pump the mascara brush, instead of sort of swirling it around the bottle, I then apply the mascara across all my top lashes. After doing the first brush on, from root to tip, I brush through it softly with the Duo Brush. Then, I do a second brush on of the mascara, focusing on the tips. A second brush through with the E.L.F. brush and wah-la!
So, I should probably comment that I have never worn blush before and have only just started experimenting with highlighter. When I did my makeup to figure out how to write this article, though, I made sure to do both! Funnily enough, the only blush I have is the Milani Tea Rose Powder Plush (that looks like a rose), that I got to go with my Beauty And The Beast makeup and the highlighter I have is the Milk Makeup Highlighter stick that gives a sort of rose gold shimmer. But don’t worry, there are a ton of different options for all skin types. And for every face shape, there is a perfect way to use both blush and highlighter. Just remember, the key is to be subtle and blend well.
After I bought the Beauty And The Beast Rose Water Lip Scrub, I thought “where has this been all my life?” I have a terrible habit of nibbling on chapped lips and forgetting where I put my Chapstick, and this lip scrub has totally changed everything. I use it when needed, (which actually isn’t that often). Taking a pea-sized amount, I then gently scrub my lips and then wipe off the excess sugar, leaving my lips smooth and soft! And to just double the softness and add some protection, I use Rebels Refinery Lip Balm. When it comes to makeup, though, I really love a matte look. E.L.F. has a wonderful line of liquid matte lipsticks. Plus! To have a really polished look, use a Q-tip with a little bit of makeup remover to clean the edges.
Something that is really important to skin’s health and to keep makeup looking amazing over and over again is making sure to fully take it off. Makeup removal should be part of your daily skincare ritual because it is good for your skin. There are countless ways to do this, from liquid makeup remover to wipes. Here are the specific benefits: It washes away cosmetics, impurities, and dirt from the surface of your skin, which if left on, could lead to irritation or cause your skin to age more rapidly. Removing makeup reduces the risk of developing pimples, redness, blackheads, and other types of blemishes. It promotes cellular renewal by eliminating dead skin, it stimulates skin’s microcirculation due to the massage action, and it lets your skin breathe.
Speaking of skin! I love how skincare has become such a big part of self-care. For me, my #SelfCareSunday includes a huge skincare routine. After wiping down my face gently with a warm cloth, I…
1. Use St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub. I gently massage it in for a deep clean, then rinse and wipe it off with warm water and a washcloth.
2. Use Bath & Body Works Calming Clay Mask, (with French red clay and bentonite clay). I apply a thin layer to my T-zone, down my nose, over my cheeks, and on my chin. I leave it on for about 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water and a washcloth.
3. Use Bath & Body Works Illuminating Sleeping Mask, (with watermelon and hyaluronic acid). I scoop out a thin amount and apply it all over my face, gently massaging it in.
For every night though, my routine is just as thorough. I:
1. Use Estee Lauder’s Revitalizing Supreme+ Anti-Aging Cream on my forehead.
2. Use Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matric on the outer corner of my eyes.
3. Use Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Serum on my cheeks and chin.
It is never too early to care for your skin!
Whether you’re trying makeup for the first time or have mastered your everyday look, whether you stick to neutrals or love color, the best advice I can give is to be confident. It is the easiest and most basic way to enhance your makeup. Makeup is meant to be a form of self-expression; a fun and exciting way to build on top of your natural beauty. So, be who you love and love you who are, and no matter what, you do you!
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