Make up Tutorial for Beginners

How to Apply Makeup like a Pro (Even if
You're a Beginner)

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 and apply bronzer? What’s the difference between an eyebrow pencil
and eyebrow gel? After a while, the items in your shopping cart can start to seem
redundant. The good news? You’re not alone. Whether you’ve never created a
contoured beauty look or you love trying all the latest trends, we’ve got you
covered.
Buckle up, because we’re about to school you with our crash course in makeup
for beginners. Find out how to master your makeup technique and read on for
tips and tricks to help you achieve a flawless finish, all with pointers from a red
carpet pro.
First Things First: What Are All These Products?
Whether you’ve totally mastered your everyday makeup look or you’re just a
beginner, we can all use a refresher when it comes to what’s in our cosmetic case.
Brush up on your makeup basics with our comprehensive guide below.

Complexion Product Basics

Primer: Primers come in gels, creams, and even sprays. They create an even
canvas for your makeup application by filling in fine lines and large pores. The
result? Your makeup glides on evenly, lasts longer, and doesn’t look cakey. Be
sure to check out our guide to primer for more pointers on picking a primer
that’s right for your skin tone.
Foundation: Foundation evens out your complexion, smooths over
imperfections, and comes in three forms: liquid, cream, or powder. While there
are a variety of types available, the most important thing to consider is the
coverage level you’re hoping to achieve. If you want to take a more natural
approach, opt for lighter coverage. It creates a thin veil and smooths over your
complexion. If you have freckles, for example, you’ll still be able to see them with
a light coverage foundation on your face. If you want a more airbrushed look, a
heavier, full-coverage foundation is your best bet. These types of foundations are
thicker in consistency and can cover up blemishes, hyperpigmentation, and even

acne scars. Unsure which formula is right for you? Check out our breakdown
of powder and liquid foundation.
Concealer: Concealer is meant to add an extra layer of coverage over dark spots,
pimples, scars, or wherever you want more coverage. 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 a varying level of coverage. While some are
strictly meant to conceal, others can help brighten and are often used in
conjunction with highlighter. You can check out our guide on how to apply
concealer here.
Highlighter and Contour: Want to know the secret behind the perfectly chiseled
face we so often see on celebs and influencers? These two magical makeup
products that can completely transform your complexion. While contour creates
shadows and adds dimension to your face, highlighter enhances the high points
of your face. “Contour colors always recede, meaning they will add depth, where
light and highlighter brings that light forward,” says Robert Sesnek, celebrity
makeup artist for CATRICE—Chances are you’ve seen his handy work on the
faces of Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner. Both highlighter and contour come in
liquid, powder, and cream formulas. We broke down how to apply
highlighter and how to apply contour to help you perfect your technique.
Blush and Bronzer: While some may think bronzer seems interchangeable with
contour, they actually serve two totally different purposes. 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. Blush is used
to add a flushed color to your cheeks and comes in liquid, powder, and cream
formulas. For a quick and easy application, a powder should be your go-to. For
more info, check out our guide on how to apply blush.
Setting or Finishing Powder: In order to get the most mileage from your
makeup and have your glam face last all day, you should set it. While setting
powder sets your makeup and locks it in place, finishing powder smooths fine
lines and blurs pores, creating an airbrushed finish. While some think you can
opt out of using a setting powder if you want a more dewey glow, it should
always be a non-negotiable step in your makeup routine. “It’s 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 (like your cheeks).
If you’re unsure which powder is right for you, check out this refresher on setting
vs. finishing powder.

Eye Product Basics:

Eyeshadow Primer: Eyeshadow primer is just like a face primer, however it’s
made up of a formula that specifically targets the skin above the eye. Your
standard primer won’t be able to do the trick. While most primers for your
complexion contain silicone or water, eyeshadow primers offer up more of a grip
and aren’t as smooth. This allows your eye makeup to stay in place all day. If
you’re unsure where to start, check out some of our favorite eyeshadow primers
right here.
Eyeshadow: Eyeshadow is powder applied to your eyelids to accentuate your
eyes. The colored powder comes in a variety of formulas and shades, ranging
from matte to shimmering. They also contain varying levels of pigmentation.
Check out our comprehensive guide to applying eyeshadow here.
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. “Pencils are usually the easiest to use and have the most wiggle
room to blend since they are mostly creamy,” says Sesnek.
Mascara: Mascara is used to define and enhance eyelashes. Depending on the
formula, you can make your lashes look fuller, thicker, longer, or darker. With so
many options available it can be tricky deciding which to use, so check out our
guide on all of the different types of mascara.

Eyebrow Basics:

Eyebrow Gel: Eyebrow gel keeps unruly brows in place.The formula is usually
either clear or tinted, and you can check out a few of our favorite brow gels here.
Eyebrow Pencil: An eyebrow pencil is used to draw in hairs and allows you to
achieve the most natural-looking approach. Not only does a fine tip create
strokes that resemble real hair, but “the wax texture mimics real brow hairs,”
says Sesnek. Check out our favorites here.
Eyebrow Powder: Powder is perfect for filling in sparse spots and is a great go-
to for beginners--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. “Brow powder is what most people find the easiest to
use,” says Sesnek.

Lip Basics:

Lip Primer: Much like a facial primer or an eyeshadow primer, a lip primer is
used to keep your lip products in place. Although it isn’t a crucial part of a
makeup routine like a regular primer, it can help your pout stay put.
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 gently over-line.
Lipstick: Lipstick adds color and coating to the lips, further enhancing the
mouth. It’s available in a variety of forms, from liquid lipstick to matte lipstick,
and it comes in every shade under the sun. Two of the most popular color
categories include red lipstick and nude lipstick.
Lip Gloss: Lip gloss creates a glossy finish and comes in a variety of shades, from
completely translucent to highly pigmented. Check out our faves here.

8 Steps to Applying Your Makeup

Step 1: Prep your skin.
Before you start layering on makeup and perfecting your technique, it’s crucial
that you wash and moisturize your face. “Always cleanse and prep your skin with
the moisturizer that’s right for your skin type,” says Sesnek. The reason?
“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. For more info,
check out our complete guide to building a skincare routine here.
Step 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.
Once you have your primer, you’re ready to get to work. “Apply primer in fine,
sheer layers,” says Sesnek. If you use a heavy hand the primer will start to ball or
pill. Instead, apply sheer layers, focusing on the forehead, cheeks, and chin. “This

will allow it to blur and mattify in these areas also known as the T-zone, which
are usually the areas that are the oiliest.”
Step 3: Apply foundation & concealer.

Now that your skin is prepped and primed, you can start applying your makeup.
While typically you should 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. For more on that technique, check out our story on
how to apply foundation with a brush here.

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. 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 triangle technique pretty fool-proof but it also
brightens up the entire face, contributing to your gorgeous glow.
Step 4: Apply setting powder.
Swipe a brush or velvet puff into your setting powder and tap it to remove any
excess. You want to ensure it’s evenly covered before you apply it to your
complexion. 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 tutorial if you want to perfect your
technique.
Step 5: Highlight & contour.

Contour comes in powder, liquid, and cream formulas, with powder being the
most fool-proof, making it 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,” says Sesnek. 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 beigey 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,” Sesnek says.
When it comes time to apply highlighter, focus on the “high” points of the 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, feel free to check out some of our favorite highlighters here.

Step 6: Apply your bronzer & blush.
When selecting the right bronzer be sure not to go more than a shade or two
darker than your regular complexion. You can also check out some of our favorite
bronzers here. Once you have selected your shade you’re ready to begin
bronzing. Using a brush, blend bronzer around your hairline, on your
cheekbones, and on your jawline. The easiest way to remember this? Just think of
the number 3. For a fool-proof application, draw a number 3 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, (you can check out our favorite blushes here 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! The area that rounds out as you smile is where you should apply your
blush.

Step 7: Apply your eye makeup.
When it comes time to apply eye makeup, the choice is really up to you. Do you
want to create a natural makeup look for a day at the office? A smoky eye for a
sexy date night? Do you feel like trying your hand at the edgy negative space liner
look 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.
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. If you want to fill in sparse spots, a brow powder will be your best
friend. Finally, for unruly brows, take out the brow gel to lock them in place. “I
personally use all three formulas, sometimes all on the same set of brows,” says
Sesnek.

Step 8: Apply your lip products.
If 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 simply 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--and we can’t wait to see your
flawless faces! Share a photo on Instagram or Twitter and be sure to tag us
@IPSY to show off your skills.

Want in on all the Glam Bag fun? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. And
don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.