How to Do Natural Pretty Makeup for School (Teen Girls)

Co-authored by Yuka Arora and Amber Crain

Last Updated: November 27, 2022 References Approved

Sometimes the best makeup look for school is one that gives you a natural, effortless-looking glow. If you're wondering how to apply makeup that hides problem areas and plays up your features while still looking natural, this article has got you covered!

Here are 10 tips for doing a natural, beautiful makeup look for school.

1

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.

Lather up with lukewarm water and rinse off your skin thoroughly. Makeup goes on best when your skin is clean and dry! Wash your face with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser formulated for your skin type. Then, gently pat your face dry with a soft towel.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Avoid harsh cleansers with alcohol in them since they can dry out your skin.
- If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, stick with fragrance-free and non-comedogenic products.^{[2]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}

2

Apply moisturizer with SPF 30.

Hydration and protection are key, so use a product that gives you both! Moisturized skin is the perfect canvas for natural makeup. Choose an oil-free, non-comedogenic facial moisturizer and smooth a pea-sized amount all over your face. Give your skin about a minute to absorb the product.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Make sure the label says “broad-spectrum sunscreen” for full protection against the sun’s rays.^{[4]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
- Dermatologists agree that moisturizer benefits all skin types, including oily skin. Just be sure to choose an oil-free product.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
- If you have acne, the sun can make it worse. Sunscreen will prevent that.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}

3

Use sheer foundation.

Stick with a lightweight foundation if you want to even out your skin tone. Heavy and full-coverage foundations tend to look unnatural and can make you break out, so stay away from those.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} Sheer/light coverage foundation, BB cream, and tinted moisturizer are all great options for a pretty, natural look.^{[8]
X
Research source} Use your fingers or a foundation brush to smooth a thin layer of product all over your face, starting in the center and blending out to your cheeks, forehead, and chin.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Choose a product that matches your skin tone so it blends naturally.^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
- Stick with liquid and cream formulas since they look more natural than powder foundations.
- If you’re using your fingers, don't forget to wash your hands first, especially if you have acne-prone skin.^{[11]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
- You could also consider using a face primer before your foundation as it will help the make up last longer.

4

Cover blemishes with a dab of concealer.

A little concealer can disguise imperfections like pimples. Choose a concealer that matches your skin tone and use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to dab a small amount straight from the applicator on any dark spots or pimples you have. Then, buff around the spot lightly with a small makeup brush to blend the concealer out and you’re all set.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Too much concealer tends to look unnatural, so use it on problem areas only.

5

Set your foundation with powder.

Use a fluffy brush to lightly dust your face with powder if you have oily skin. Go with a setting powder that matches your skin tone or use a translucent powder. Use a fluffy kabuki brush to dust a little powder all over your face. This locks in your foundation and gets rid of any shiny areas.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- You can skip powder if you don't have oily skin since light coverage foundation creates a great natural finish. Powders never look as natural as liquid/cream formulas on the skin.
- Use a powder puff if you want a more matte look.^{[14]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Yuka Arora
  Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 30 August 2018.}

6

Use rosy blush on the apples of your cheeks.

Cream blush formulas are easy to blend and look really natural. Choose a rose or peachy shade and use your fingertips or a blush brush to smooth the blush on the apples of your cheeks. Use circular motions to blend the blush out toward your hairline for a soft, healthy-looking flush.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- To find the apples of your cheeks, look into a mirror and smile. The apples are the front parts of your cheeks that pop up under your eyes when you smile.
- Cream blush formulas look more natural than powder blush.
- Look for a blush shade that’s similar to the color of your cheeks after you exercise.^{[16]
  X
  Research source}

7

Curl your eyelashes and apply mascara.

This makes your lashes look longer and opens up your eyes. For a super subtle eye look, curl your lashes and skip the mascara completely. If you want to enhance your lashes a little more, apply 1-2 light coats of mascara to your top lashes only.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- If you have blonde or red hair, stick with brown mascara since black will look a bit harsh and unnatural. If you have brown or black hair, go with black mascara.
- You could also use a clear mascara to give your lashes definition without adding colour.

8

Fill in sparse brows with brow powder or pencil.

Use a brow product that closely matches your natural hair color. If your brows are a little patchy or super blonde, brow powder or pencil can give them more definition. Start by combing both brows up with a clean spoolie. Then, use light, feathery strokes to fill in any sparse areas with brow pencil or powder. Run a spoolie through each brow once more to blend the makeup.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- Teenagers usually have thick, healthy brows, so you may not need to do this.

9

Swipe on lip balm or gloss.

Use a sheer rose or nude lip gloss for a hint of color. Hydrated lips look amazing on their own, so a little balm might be all you need to complete your look.^{[19]
X
Research source} To add a little shine, apply a clear or natural looking lip gloss. A natural-looking rose lip stain is a great way to add a little color without looking unnatural.^{[20]
X
Research source}
- Avoid dark shades since they tend to look unnatural. Stay away from matte formulas, as well, since they're very drying.

10

Use an oil-free makeup remover at night.

Sleeping in your makeup can cause breakouts and clogged pores. Always remove your makeup at night before you hit the sack! Just soak a cotton round with oil-free makeup remover and rub it gently all over your face to get off most of your makeup. Then, follow up with a gentle cleanser to wash away any leftover residue and dirt.^{[21]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}

Community Q&A

Question

Where can I buy eyeshadow?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Drug stores (CVS, Walgreens), grocery stores, department stores, beauty supply retailers (Sephora, Ulta), and online.
Question

Young girls shouldn't be expected to better themselves using makeup to look pretty IN MIDDLE SCHOOL! What do you say to this?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Middle school is really young for makeup! Most girls do start wearing makeup between the ages of 12 and 14, though, which is about middle school age. Makeup can be really fun and empowering to use; it's not really about "bettering yourself." It's more about enhancing your favorite features (like your eyes) so they really stand out.!
Question

Why won't my mom let me wear makeup?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Most girls don't start applying makeup until they're about 12 or 13. If you're younger than that, it's understandable if your mom doesn't want you to wear it yet. If you're older than that and she's still saying no, ask her to explain her reasoning to you. If your friends are already wearing makeup, tell your mom that. She could change her mind.