Have you ever found yourself shopping for new beauty products and feeling totally confused over why there were so many options? Do you really need to contour your face and apply bronzer? What’s the difference between an eyebrow pencil and an eyebrow gel (and how do you even fill in your eyebrows)? After a while, the makeup items in your shopping cart can start to seem redundant and almost boring. The good news? If you feel like this, you’re not alone. Whether you're a total newbie when it comes to makeup, or you love trying all the latest beauty trends, we’re bringing you back to the basics with everything you need to know as a beginner in makeup.
Buckle up, because we’re about to school you with our crash course in simple, must-know makeup knowledge. Find out how to master your makeup technique and read on for makeup artist tips and tricks to help you achieve a flawless finish.
About the Experts:
Yesid Castro is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist and makeup artist, as well as a salon owner and educator for the global brands Laura Mercier, Shiseido, and Bumble and Bumble. Castro works with both editorial and red-carpet clients.
Cara Lovello is a celebrity and bridal makeup artist in New York whose clients include Chrishell Stause, Real Housewives stars Melissa Gorga and Romana Singer, and reality star Nicole Polizzi (a.k.a Snooki).
Robert Sesnek is a New York-based celebrity makeup artist whose clientele include celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, Vanessa Hudgens, and more. His work has been featured in Vogue, Vanity Fair, ELLE, and campaigns for Ralph Lauren and Redken.
First Things First: What Are All These Products?
Whether you’ve totally mastered your everyday makeup look or you’re just beginning your makeup journey, most of us could use a refresher when it comes to what’s in our cosmetic case. Read on to brush up on your makeup basics with our comprehensive guide below
Whether you’ve totally mastered your everyday makeup look or you’re just beginning your makeup journey, most of us could use a refresher when it comes to what’s in our cosmetic case. Read on to brush up on your makeup basics with our comprehensive guide below
Complexion Products
Primer: Primers come in gel, cream, or spray form and can create an even canvas for your makeup application by filling in fine lines and blurring large pores. The result? Your makeup glides on evenly, lasts longer, and doesn’t look cake-y.
Foundation: Foundation can come as a liquid, cream, or powder, and is meant to even out your skin tone and smooth over imperfections. Unsure which formula is right for you? Check out our breakdown of powder and liquid foundation. Another factor to consider when choosing foundation is the coverage level you want. You can get foundations ranging from sheer coverage (like a skin tint or tinted moisturizer) to full coverage foundation.
Concealer: Concealer is meant to add additional coverage over select areas, like dark circles, breakouts, acne scars, and more. Depending on the look you want to achieve, you can opt for a concealer with either a matte or dewy finish. Just like foundation, concealers offer varying levels of coverage. Want to know more? Here’s our guide on how to apply concealer.
Highlighter and Contour: These two are the secret behind the perfectly chiseled faces we often see on celebs and influencers. “Contour colors always recede, meaning they will add depth, where highlighter brings that light forward,” says makeup artist Robert Sesnek. Together they add an overall dimension. Both highlighter and contour come in liquid, powder, and cream formulas.
Blush and Bronzer: While contour is used to create shadows, bronzer creates a natural, sun-kissed glow that accentuates and lifts your cheekbones and other features. Bronzers come in liquids, creams, and powders (brush up on our tips for how to apply bronzer here). On the flip side, blush is used to add a hint of color to your cheeks and comes in liquid, powder, and cream formulas.
Setting Products: You have a few options to set your makeup. Setting powder sets your look and locks it in place; finishing powder smooths fine lines and blurs pores for an airbrushed finish; setting spray locks everything in with a more dewy glow. “[Setting makeup] is a step I never skip, even if the client wants a glowing look,” says Sesnek. Just powder select areas (like your T-zone and under your eyes) and leave others dewy.
Primer: Primers come in gel, cream, or spray form and can create an even canvas for your makeup application by filling in fine lines and blurring large pores. The result? Your makeup glides on evenly, lasts longer, and doesn’t look cake-y.
Foundation: Foundation can come as a liquid, cream, or powder, and is meant to even out your skin tone and smooth over imperfections. Unsure which formula is right for you? Check out our breakdown of powder and liquid foundation. Another factor to consider when choosing foundation is the coverage level you want. You can get foundations ranging from sheer coverage (like a skin tint or tinted moisturizer) to full coverage foundation.
Concealer: Concealer is meant to add additional coverage over select areas, like dark circles, breakouts, acne scars, and more. Depending on the look you want to achieve, you can opt for a concealer with either a matte or dewy finish. Just like foundation, concealers offer varying levels of coverage. Want to know more? Here’s our guide on how to apply concealer.
Highlighter and Contour: These two are the secret behind the perfectly chiseled faces we often see on celebs and influencers. “Contour colors always recede, meaning they will add depth, where highlighter brings that light forward,” says makeup artist Robert Sesnek. Together they add an overall dimension. Both highlighter and contour come in liquid, powder, and cream formulas.
Blush and Bronzer: While contour is used to create shadows, bronzer creates a natural, sun-kissed glow that accentuates and lifts your cheekbones and other features. Bronzers come in liquids, creams, and powders (brush up on our tips for how to apply bronzer here). On the flip side, blush is used to add a hint of color to your cheeks and comes in liquid, powder, and cream formulas.
Setting Products: You have a few options to set your makeup. Setting powder sets your look and locks it in place; finishing powder smooths fine lines and blurs pores for an airbrushed finish; setting spray locks everything in with a more dewy glow. “[Setting makeup] is a step I never skip, even if the client wants a glowing look,” says Sesnek. Just powder select areas (like your T-zone and under your eyes) and leave others dewy.
Eye Products
Eyeshadow Primer: While most primers for your complexion contain silicone or water, eyeshadow primers offer more of a grip. This allows your eye makeup to stay in place all day. “Primers guarantee the longevity of your eyeshadow, but they won’t get along with some cream eyeshadows or smudging pencils,” says makeup artist Yesid Castro.
Eyeshadow: Eyeshadow is pigmented powder or cream applied to your eyelids to accentuate your eyes. The colors come in a variety of finishes and shades, ranging from matte to shimmering to duochrome and satin. They also contain varying levels of pigmentation.
Eyeliner: Eyeliner is used to define the eyes, enhance their shape, and create different looks. When it comes to eyeliner, you can opt for a gel, liquid, or pencil. If you’re unsure which one is right for you, turn to our guide on which eyeliner you should use.
Mascara: Mascara is used to enhance eyelashes. Depending on the formula, you can make your lashes look fuller, thicker, longer, or darker (or all of the above if you hit the mascara jackpot).
Eyeshadow Primer: While most primers for your complexion contain silicone or water, eyeshadow primers offer more of a grip. This allows your eye makeup to stay in place all day. “Primers guarantee the longevity of your eyeshadow, but they won’t get along with some cream eyeshadows or smudging pencils,” says makeup artist Yesid Castro.
Eyeshadow: Eyeshadow is pigmented powder or cream applied to your eyelids to accentuate your eyes. The colors come in a variety of finishes and shades, ranging from matte to shimmering to duochrome and satin. They also contain varying levels of pigmentation.
Eyeliner: Eyeliner is used to define the eyes, enhance their shape, and create different looks. When it comes to eyeliner, you can opt for a gel, liquid, or pencil. If you’re unsure which one is right for you, turn to our guide on which eyeliner you should use.
Mascara: Mascara is used to enhance eyelashes. Depending on the formula, you can make your lashes look fuller, thicker, longer, or darker (or all of the above if you hit the mascara jackpot).
Eyebrow Products
Eyebrow Gel: Eyebrow gel keeps brow hairs in place. The formula is usually either clear or tinted, natural, or extra-hold.
Eyebrow Pencil: Eyebrow pencil is used to draw in hairs and allows you to achieve the most natural-looking finish. Not only does a fine tip create strokes that resemble real hair, but “the wax texture mimics real brow hairs,” says Sesnek.
Eyebrow Powder: Powder is perfect for filling in sparse spots and is a great go-to for beginners, says Sesnek. In fact, if you don’t have a powder on hand, you can use an eyeshadow to achieve the same effect. Just be sure to select a shade most similar to your eyebrow color.
Eyebrow Gel: Eyebrow gel keeps brow hairs in place. The formula is usually either clear or tinted, natural, or extra-hold.
Eyebrow Pencil: Eyebrow pencil is used to draw in hairs and allows you to achieve the most natural-looking finish. Not only does a fine tip create strokes that resemble real hair, but “the wax texture mimics real brow hairs,” says Sesnek.
Eyebrow Powder: Powder is perfect for filling in sparse spots and is a great go-to for beginners, says Sesnek. In fact, if you don’t have a powder on hand, you can use an eyeshadow to achieve the same effect. Just be sure to select a shade most similar to your eyebrow color.
Lip Products
Lip Primer: Lip primer is used to keep your lip products in place and create a smooth canvas for your lip products.
Lip Pencil: Lip pencils enhance the shape of your lips and are used as an outline to set parameters before you apply lipstick. This step also prevents your lipstick from bleeding. If you want to create a fuller pout, you can use your lip liner to contour your mouth and lightly over-line.
Lipstick: Lipstick adds color to the lips, further enhancing your mouth’s fullness. It’s available in a variety of forms, from liquid lipstick to matte lipstick, and comes in every shade under the sun.
Lip Gloss: Lip gloss creates a glossy finish and can come in a variety of colors, from completely translucent to highly pigmented. “Depending on the formula, I always find the best way to use lipgloss is when it is applied with the original applicator and spread with the finger,” says Castro.
8 Beginner-Friendly Steps to Applying Makeup
1. Prep Your Skin
Before you even reach for makeup, it’s crucial that you prep your skin with skincare. “Always cleanse and moisturize for your skin type,” says Sesnek. “Makeup will never lay properly without it.” When your skin isn’t properly prepped, you won’t be able to achieve an even, flawless finish. Instead, your foundation will look heavy and gravitate toward the dry parts of your complexion while your concealer gets cakey.
2. Apply Primer
Not all primers are created equal, so to achieve the best results, it’s best to select the right primer for your skin type. We also rounded up the best primers according to Ipster reviews here if you need help picking the perfect primer for your skin. “Apply primer in fine, sheer layers,” says Sesnek. If you use a heavy hand, the primer will start to ball or pill (not the look we’re going for). Instead, focus a thin coat on your forehead, cheeks, and chin. “This will allow it to blur and mattify in these areas (a.k.a. the T-zone), which are usually the areas that are the oiliest.”
3. Grab Your Foundation and ConcealerNow that your skin is prepped and primed, you can start applying your makeup. While typically, you would start with foundation first and then concealer, there are certain instances where you’ll want to reach for concealer first. If you’re unsure, our IPSY story on whether to apply foundation or concealer first is a great refresher.
Dab a few dots of foundation on your T-zone, focusing on your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Next, use a foundation brush to blend it in. While you can also certainly use a makeup sponge or even your fingers, using a foundation brush is quick and easy, making it a great option for beginners (and anyone who’s looking to simplify their makeup routine). To achieve a natural finish, start with a small amount of product and blend up and out. For more on that technique, check out our story on how to apply foundation with a brush.
Now that your foundation is applied, you’re ready to apply concealer. Focus on any areas you want to conceal: under the eyes, around the nostrils, and any blemishes or dark spots. When it comes to covering up, it’s important to dab, never drag. “When applying concealer, you never want to spread it, but always dab it in place, allowing it to saturate the area you are trying to cover,” says Castro.
Spot apply on blemishes and lightly dab, using either your ring finger, a concealer brush, or sponge. To conceal under the eyes, draw two inverted triangles under your eyes and blend the edges into your foundation by lightly dabbing. Not only is the upside-down triangle technique pretty foolproof, but it also brightens up the entire face, contributing to a gorgeous glow.
4. Set Your Base
Swipe a brush or velvet puff into your setting powder, and tap it to remove any excess. You want to ensure that it’s evenly covered before you apply it to your skin. Next, press it into your face to ensure you don’t move your makeup around in the application process. Focus on areas that often seem to need a touch-up throughout the day (typically the T-zone). If you have a special occasion ahead of you or you just want to create a more airbrushed finish, you can also “bake” your makeup. Check out our full baking tutorial if you want to perfect your technique.
5. Create Dimension
Contour comes in powder, liquid, and cream formulas, with powder being the most foolproof and therefore ideal for beginners. Using an angled brush, focus on the areas you want to create dimension. “I always like to start under the jawline first,” says Sesnek. Next, place contour under the cheekbones, around your hairline, and on the sides of your nose. “Contour takes a little longer to perfect but it makes a world of difference, especially in photos,” Sesnek adds. Check out our tips on contouring based on your face shape to take your glam to the next level.
If you’re still slightly intimidated by the idea of contouring, Sesnek recommends practicing with a bronzer. “Use a beige-y or non-orange matte bronzer to get your skills up,” he says. Apply the bronzer under the jawline, on the sides of the cheeks, and the perimeter of the forehead, just like you would with contour. The beauty of practicing with bronzer? “There is more wiggle room, as it tends to be more forgiving,” he adds.
When it comes time to apply highlighter, focus on the “high” points of your face that the sun would naturally hit. “Adding highlighter above cheekbones, by the eyebrow arch, down the bridge of the nose and blending very well will give the most realistic dimension,” says Sesnek. While highlighter comes in a variety of forms, a powder highlighter is easiest to use if you’re a beginner. To apply, dip your brush in the powder and tap it to remove excess powder. Next, lightly glide it over the high points mentioned above. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, check out a few of our favorite highlighters first.
6. Add Back Some Color
When selecting the right bronzer, be sure not to go more than a shade or two darker than your regular complexion (and don’t forget to check out some of our favorite bronzers). Once you have selected your shade, you’re ready to begin bronzing. Using a fluffy brush, blend bronzer around your hairline, on your cheekbones, and on your jawline. The easiest way to remember this? Just think of the number three. For a flawless application, draw a number three on your face, starting at your hairline and then continuing down to your cheekbones before rounding it out under your jawline. Blend in circular, sweeping motions for a flawless finish, and dust some on the bridge of your nose to complete your sun-kissed glow.
When it comes to blush, it’s best to select a hue that brings out your skin’s natural undertone (check out our favorite blushes for a little beauty inspo). Next, using a brush, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks to create a subtle, natural-looking flush, moving your brush in circular motions to blend as you go. If you’re unsure where the apples of your cheeks lie, simply smile! “A foolproof way to apply blush is by smiling and dusting on the excess, allowing the brush to hug the cheek by brushing upwards,” says Castro.
7. Focus on Your Eye MakeupWhen it comes time to apply eye makeup, the choice is really up to you. Do you want to create a natural makeup look for the day? A smokey eye for date night? Do you feel like trying your hand at the edgy negative space liner for drinks with friends? Depending on where you’re headed and what you plan on wearing, you can tailor your eye makeup to match your mood. Rely on your eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara to create the perfect glam look.
Once you’ve applied your eyeshadow, you can move on to your eyeliner. “As a beginner, I would use a creamy, non-waterproof pencil closest to the lashes and start slowly until you become more comfortable applying eyeliner or adding wings or feline flicks,” says Sesnek. Keep Q-tips close by for fuss-free cleanup.
Brows deserve attention all on their own. You can either make your brows look fuller or enhance your natural shape using a variety of products, like brow pencils, powders, or gels. If you aren’t sure which product is right for you, stick to these guidelines: Use a pencil for the most natural-looking approach that mimics your real hair. Use a brow powder if you want to fill in sparse spots. And finally, whip out the brow gel when you need to keep unruly brows in place. “I personally use all three formulas, sometimes all on the same set of brows,” says Sesnek.
Castro’s favorite eyebrow formula is the combination of pencil and brow powder. “It simply adds dimension and the powder sets the pencil in place guaranteeing longevity and a more natural look,” he says.
8. Swipe on Your Lip ProductsIf using a lip primer, prep lips before you begin. Next, use your lip liner to outline your mouth. This is where you can also contour and create the illusion of a larger pout by lining slightly over your lips. Next, fill in your lips with your liner. Use this as an outline and apply your lipstick. For more tips, check out our comprehensive guide to applying lipstick like a pro.
With these expert tips, the right products, and a little practice, you’re ready to take your makeup routine to the next level. It’s all about expressing your creativity and finding the look that makes you feel like the most confident version of you.
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