If you want to experiment with makeup but don’t know where to start, this guide is for you! Navigating the world of cosmetics can be a bit overwhelming at first. It’s not just the headache of choosing from countless products but mastering techniques and recognising trends. Hence, this makeup for beginners guide.
Right from the get-go, it’s important to stress the crucial role of good skincare. No makeup product is going to sit comfortably on the skin if your face is flaky, oily or breakout prone. Make sure you adopt a regular routine that is tailored to meet the needs of your specific skin type and concerns. Always thoroughly cleanse and moisturise - even if your skin is oily. A light moisturiser with SPF will keep the face hydrated and provide a barrier between the skin, its natural oils and cosmetics - not to mention prevent sun damage. If you need any help with your skincare goals, check out the features in my skincare section.
Secondly, makeup doesn’t have to be expensive. As long as you stick to known brands, you can build a collection that is budget friendly and safe too. Inexpensive brands include Collection Cosmetics, Revolution and W7, among others.
Thirdly, tools are important. Not just to achieve the right aesthetics but for hygiene purposes. Brush sets don’t have to cost a lot. Short of cash? You only really need a powder brush, a fluffy eyeshadow blending brush, a puff, and a beauty blender.
Makeup for beginners: the base
While professional makeup artists almost always start their routine with brows and eyeshadow, in the real world most people begin with the base. If you want to start with the eyes, scroll down and come back to this base section.
Thoroughly cleanse your skin and moisturise. You can apply a primer next, but it doesn’t matter if you haven’t got one. If you really want to prime your skin first, you can use a setting spray as an alternative - information about how to get that right can be found here.
Pump a small amount of foundation that closely matches your skin tone onto the back of a hand. Using a damp beauty blender, pick up a small amount of product and press into the skin on the face. Pay careful attention to the sides of the nose and the T-zone. If your foundation is slightly darker than your skin, blend the product under the chin and onto the neck to avoid a tideline.
If you want more coverage, you can repeat the process. However, if there are just one or two areas that need camouflaging, you can use a concealer or simply go over those with more foundation. You don’t have to apply concealer under the eyes unless you have dark circles or redness. If your eyes are a concern, use a small amount of product close to the inner corner or the eye. Choose a shade very slightly lighter than your foundation for a lifting and brightening effect. Tap into the skin.
Once you have achieved the right amount of coverage, set in place with a spray or move onto the next step.
Cheek makeup for beginners - blush and bronzer
The current trend focuses on the use of both bronzer and blusher. That doesn’t mean you need to use both. It’s all about personal preference and the look you want to achieve.
I find cream and liquid products easier to blend when it comes to the cheeks. Start with one or two dots of bronzer and blend, either with a brush or clean fingers. Placement will depend on the shape of your face and may require a bit of experimentation. Make sure you diffuse the edges so that the product promotes a warm glow.
You can also apply bronzer to the top of the forehead. Avoid trying to fully sculpt your face until you have got used to using your makeup products.
Next, apply your blusher. I prefer to place mine higher up on the cheekbone but overlapping the bronzer. One or two dabs and blend in the same way as the bronzing product.
Here are some blush techniques you may like to try.
You can set your look in place and brighten the under-eye area after you have taken care of your eyes.
Eye makeup for beginners
First, the brows… You don’t have to attempt to shape your eyebrows. If it’s something you want to try, this guide may help you. A makeup beginner should simply use a brow gel to tidy up the brow hairs and set them in place. A clear gel will ensure you don’t make any mistakes.
Ignore all the complicated eyeshadow tutorials you’ve been blown away by. We’re going to keep things really simple to start with. For this eyeshadow look, you will need just two shades - a medium-light transition colour and a shimmer. For the purposes of this tutorial, we’re going to go for a nude brown and a simple highlighter.
Using a brush, lightly press a small amount of the nude shade onto the outer section of your upper lids (the last third of the lid). Tap the brush before applying to remove excess product. A light hand is essential. Now, using the same brush and without adding more product, gently sweep backwards and forwards along the crease. You want to be able to see a very light wash of colour just above the crease line. Keep swiping until the shade is completely diffused.
Now you can add your shimmer. Use a finger or another brush to press the pigment into the lid, making sure it goes all the way to the inner corner. Now, using your brush, blend the transition shade into the shimmer from the outer section of the eye to the centre of the lid. For a simple eyeshadow look, that’s it. Some people like to use the transition shade under the eye to create a smudged liner effect.
For complex eye looks or for a more pigmented finish, I recommend using an eye base or concealer. However, for now, stick with easy-to-blend neutral shades and one shimmer.
Finish with mascara. How many coats you apply is entirely down to you. I recommend at least two. Beauty influencers love their lash curlers but, if you haven’t got one, don’t worry.
Setting the base
You can use a powder brush to apply a light dusting all over the face (less is more). However, the under-eye area is best served by patting the product into the skin using a puff. I find powder useful for further diffusing cheek products as well as sealing in liquid and cream cosmetics.
A final blast of setting spray will keep your base good for literally hours.
Lip looks for beginners
I always do my lips last. I don’t know why, but I always have. The simplest way to define the lips is to use a soft lip liner. Beginners should start by simply outlining the lips. Once done, use a clean finger to diffuse sharp lines. Smudge the colour onto the lips. Finish with a clear lip oil or gloss.
Other makeup tips
Avoid using liquid eyeliners and graphic liners until you feel confident enough to give them a try. If you fancy using eyeliner in your waterline, stick to a simple pencil.
Take your time. Don't try to do everything at once. Start with a few basic products and gradually add more as you become more comfortable.
The more you practise, the better you'll become at applying makeup. Having said that, cosmetics are a form of self-expression so have fun and experiment with different looks.
Never stress about achieving perfection. Nobody is perfect. Nobody. Perfection is an illusion created by marketeers. Just have fun and enjoy feeling more confident about yourself.
Want to experiment some more?
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