How to Apply Makeup for Beginners

Co-authored by Daniel Vann

Makeup may do magical things, but it doesn't have to be a mystery. Applying a basic, natural look doesn't require a lot of skill or tools. You can do lots of the blending with your fingertips, and choose to leave out certain products if they don't appeal to you. So have no fear: enjoy the process and your fresh, glowing face!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Laying the Groundwork

1
Start with clean skin. Wash with a gentle cleanser or simply use a toner to wipe away any impurities from your skin.
2
Apply a light moisturizer. This will keep your skin from getting too oily during the day, and will help moisturize any dry patches on your skin. If you know you have oily skin don't skip moisturizer entirely; instead try a gel based formula that your skin will absorb quickly.
- Wait five minutes before putting on foundation (see the next step) so that the moisturizer can sink in.^{[1]
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3
Dab on a tinted moisturizer or a light foundation to your skin. Apply just a few spots with your fingers to your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, then blend with fingers, or a foundation brush, working the spots outwards from the center in all directions. Be sure to choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and when in doubt choose a slightly lighter shade over a darker one. This will help you avoid looking orange and give you a more natural look.^{[2]
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Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician
Expert Interview. 12 April 2019.}
- If you want more coverage, you can use a makeup sponge to apply, using the same blending technique.
4
Put a little concealer under the eyes. Use a small pointed brush to dot a bit where under-eye circles are darkest, usually at the inner and outer corners of the eye. Add a speck to other blemishes that aren't covered by the foundation and blend into the skin.}
- There's a little controversy about whether a concealer should be the same shade as your skin or ever-so-slightly lighter; however, it should never be lighter than one shade away from your natural tone. Look for something as close as you can find to your skin tone and err on the lighter side if need be.^{[3]
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5
Set the concealer and moisturizer with a translucent powder. Apply it to your face, ideally using a velvet-y powder puff (as opposed to a powder brush, as that leaves a lot of loose powder) in a pressing motion. Use a powder brush to flick off any excess. If you are using a powder brush to apply, tap off the excess powder before applying to your face in circular motions. ^{[5]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Putting on Your Eyes

1
Apply an eyeshadow of your choice to your eyelid. For beginners, try a single neutral shade like taupe or aubergine. Use a rounded shadow brush or your finger and make quick, short swipes across the lid, working your way up to the brow bone.^{[6]
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- It may be easier for you to a smaller flat brush if you’re just starting out.^{[7]
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  Daniel Vann
  Licensed Aesthetician
  Expert Interview. 12 April 2019.}
- The shadow should go from your lash line to just beyond the inner crease. From there it fades upward toward the bone.
- Set with a thin dusting of translucent powder.
- If you're using a brush, tap it lightly on the side of the eyeshadow case to remove any excess.^{[8]
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2
Apply eyeliner. Use a black or brown pencil and apply along the rim of your upper lash line in short strokes.
- If you’re brand new to eyeliner, you may have an easier time applying gel eyeliner instead of using a pencil.^{[9]
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  Daniel Vann
  Licensed Aesthetician
  Expert Interview. 12 April 2019.}
- Lift your upper lid with one hand and look down into a mirror as you apply with your other hand.^{[10]
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- Eyeliner is one of the areas that you can really experiment with as you become more confident applying makeup. Factors like color, texture, and line application can have a big impact on the appearance of your peepers. Play around!
3
Curl your lashes. Place a lash curler at the base of your upper eyelashes (along the lid) and press for five seconds.
4
After this, apply mascara. Apply to the upper and lower lashes with the tip of the wand oriented towards the outer corner of your eye. One coat should suffice for this look.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Adding Cheek and Lip Color

1
Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks. Smile as you do this so you can clearly see where the apples are. Dab on the blush and blend upwards towards your temples.
- Try a cream blush for a natural glow that's easy to blend in.^{[11]
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- If you opt for powder blush, use a brush that's fluffy yet dense. Dust translucent powder over it to blend the edges.^{[12]
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2
Apply lipstick or lip gloss. Pucker your lips like you're about to plant a kiss and dab the lip color to the center of your upper and lower lip. This first application can be straight from the tube; then, use your fingers to blend outwards, adding color with your fingertips as needed.
- If your lips are chapped, prep them before putting on lip color. Gently buff them with a warm, damp washcloth and put on a light layer of lip balm. Let the balm absorb before moving on to lipstick or gloss.^{[13]
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- For beginners, the lips are a great opportunity to add color and vary your makeup regime without having to fuss over application technique, etc. You can work with anything from neutral, barely-there gloss to creamy, fire-engine red.
3
Check yourself in bright light - daylight if possible - to make sure everything is blended and beautiful. You're done!

EXPERT TIP

Kelly Chu
Professional Makeup Artist
Kelly is the lead makeup artist and educator of the Soyi Makeup and Hair team that is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Soyi Makeup and Hair specializes in wedding and event makeup and hair. Over the past 5 years, the team has created bridal looks for over 800 brides in America, Asia, and Europe.

Kelly Chu
Professional Makeup Artist

If you're not sure where to start, ask a professional for help! When you're just starting to wear makeup, it can help to watch a lot of makeup tutorials online and practice along with them. As you get more experienced, you'll start to understand your face shape and what color and makeup styles are most suitable for you. You can also invest in a personal makeup class with a professional makeup artist.

Community Q&A
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Question

What types of foundation are there?

Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician
Daniel Vann is the Creative Director for Daredevil Cosmetics, a makeup studio in the Seattle Area. He has been working in the cosmetics industry for over 15 years and is currently a licensed aesthetician and makeup educator.

Daniel Vann

Licensed Aesthetician

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So you have powders and creams. They're both fine, but you may have an easier time getting a natural look if you use creams to start out.
Question

What kind of eyeliner should I use?

Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician
Daniel Vann is the Creative Director for Daredevil Cosmetics, a makeup studio in the Seattle Area. He has been working in the cosmetics industry for over 15 years and is currently a licensed aesthetician and makeup educator.

Daniel Vann

Licensed Aesthetician

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If you're new to makeup, I'd recommend using a gel liner instead of the pencil eyeliners that most people use. It's going to be a lot easier to get the shape that you're looking for if you start out with a gel.
Question

How can I cover up a scratch on my face?

Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician
Daniel Vann is the Creative Director for Daredevil Cosmetics, a makeup studio in the Seattle Area. He has been working in the cosmetics industry for over 15 years and is currently a licensed aesthetician and makeup educator.

Daniel Vann

Licensed Aesthetician

Expert Answer

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If you're new to makeup, this isn't going to be something you can do on your own. You actually can't put standard makeup over scabs or wounds, so you'll need to go to a professional to get that covered up.

Warnings

Don't over-do your makeup. Start by mastering a neutral look and slowly work your way to more elaborate makeup if you wish.

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Some products may cause an allergic reaction to sensitive skin. If you know you have sensitive skin or simply want to be cautious, seek out makeup that is labelled "hypoallergenic." It is also advised to do patch tests on your lower jaw (near your ear) before you apply it over your entire face, just in case there is any irritation.

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