Applying makeup for dummies isn't a book, but if you don't know where to begin when it comes to cosmetics, you'll be glad to know just about anyone can learn the basics.
Simple Tips for Applying Makeup
Walk into any drugstore or department store cosmetic department and you may feel overwhelmed by the number of choices available, not just in terms of products, but in the wide array of colors as well. Do you really need eyelid primer? What about the different types of makeup brushes? The best way to approach makeup application for newbies is to start small and stick to a few basics that can carry you through most occasions.
- The right tools: Quality counts when it comes to makeup tools, but you don't need to spend like a professional makeup artist to get good results. Invest in a fluffy powder brush, blush brush, eyebrow brush, flat eye shadow brush and cosmetic sponges to begin with. You can find suitable tools at local drugstores, where they'll be affordable for most budgets. Choose natural hair brushes - they last longer than synthetic hair and provide for smoother application.
- The right colors: Color is an area that often trips women up, even if they've worn makeup for years. In order to create the most flattering look, it's important to choose colors that work with your skin's undertones. You need to first identify whether your complexion is warm or cool: warm skin tones look best in gold, peach and orange-based reds; cool tones look good in blue, purple, silver and blue-based reds. Consult with a cosmetic expert at a department store if you need help determining your best colors. Once you know which shades flatter your skin, you can avoid a lot of color mistakes by wearing tones that either wash you out or clash with your complexion.
- Apply with a light hand: It's easier to add more makeup if you feel you need it than to take it away if you've applied too much. Begin with a light application and build from there. A common mistake that women make is not realizing just how much makeup they have on. Put your makeup on by a window that lets in natural light when possible. If you don't have access to a window, step outside once your makeup is on to check that it's blended well and not too harsh.
Step by Step Makeup Application for Dummies
For a simple look, this is all you need:
- Concealer and/or foundation - should match your skin tone exactly
- Loose powder
- Eyebrow pencil
- Eye shadow
- Eyeliner
- Mascara
- Blush
- Lipstick
Foundation
Use a moisturizer after cleansing your face; this helps makeup go on smoothly. If your skin is relatively blemish-free, you may not need foundation. You can then spot-apply concealer where needed and use loose powder over your entire face instead. If you use foundation, look for a lightweight formulation, such as a liquid or misting variety. Use clean fingers or a clean sponge to apply; blend well around your jawline and into your temples. You don't want an obvious line that highlights where your foundation ends.
Eye Makeup
Brush your eyebrows into place with an eyebrow brush. Color in any sparse areas with an eyebrow pencil, though eyeliner will also work. The color should match your eyebrows. Apply eye shadow to upper eyelids. Line upper lids with eyeliner in a thin line, beginning at the inner corner and stopping at the outer corner. Apply one to two coats of mascara; you can use an eyelash curler before applying mascara for extra curl, as this helps to open up the eye area.
Blush
If you use cream blush, this should be applied after moisturizer and before powder. Powder blush is applied after foundation and powder. Whichever blush you use, good blending is essential to avoid a chalky, harsh appearance. Apply blush to the apples, or the most rounded part, of your cheeks. Smile broadly to identify the correct area. Remember that blush should imitate a natural flush, not stand out in an obvious way.
Lips
Use light-colored lipstick if you're not yet confident in your skills - light colors don't need lipliner to hold them in place and to prevent feathering. If you want to try a dramatic shade like cherry red, use a matching lipliner on your natural lip line. Color in your lips with the lipstick tube or with a lip brush. You can follow up with a light coat of gloss, but save heavy gloss application for evening.
Good Looks
Applying makeup for dummies isn't difficult, but it may take practice until you're comfortable with your skill level. Once you have the basics down, you can branch out into specific techniques like cat eye makeup and contouring, but simple steps are more than enough to enhance your beauty on a daily basis.
