Makeup can be a fun and creative way to enhance your natural features, express your personality, and boost your confidence. Whether you're new to makeup or just looking for a simplified routine, learning how to do basic makeup step by step can be empowering. A basic makeup look is versatile enough for daily wear, a night out, or any occasion in between.
In this guide, we’ll break down the process of doing a basic makeup routine that is beginner-friendly and easy to follow.
Step 1: Start with Clean, Moisturised Skin
Before applying any makeup, it’s important to start with a clean and hydrated base. Clean skin helps makeup go on smoothly and last longer.
Cleanse your face
Use a gentle facial cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and any leftover makeup from the previous day. If you have sensitive skin, choose a product that’s formulated for your skin type.
Moisturise
Apply a lightweight moisturiser to your face to keep your skin hydrated. This step helps prevent dryness and ensures your makeup won’t cling to dry patches.
Apply sunscreen
If you're going outside, don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Many makeup products include SPF, but it’s still a good idea to have a layer of sunscreen underneath for added protection.
Step 2: Apply Primer
Primer is an important step that provides a smooth surface for makeup to adhere to. It can also help control oil, blur imperfections, and make your makeup last longer.
Choose a primer
Choose a primer that suits your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, look for a mattifying primer. If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating primer.
Apply a pea-sized amount
Apply a pea-sized amount of primer to your face, focusing on areas where your makeup tends to fade or where you have large pores, such as the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
Blend it in
Gently rub the primer into your skin with your fingers or a brush.
Step 3: Foundation
Foundation helps to even out your skin tone and provide a smooth canvas. Whether you prefer liquid, cream, or powder foundation, the application process remains largely the same.
Choose the right shade
Select a foundation that matches your skin tone. To test the right colour, apply a small amount to your jawline and blend it in. The shade that disappears into your skin is the right one for you.
Apply foundation
Use a foundation brush, sponge, or your fingers to apply foundation to your face. Start in the centre of your face (around the nose, cheeks, and forehead) and blend outwards toward the jawline and neck.
Blend thoroughly
Make sure to blend the foundation into your skin, especially along your jawline and neck, to avoid a noticeable line where the foundation ends.
Build coverage
If you need more coverage, apply additional layers in thin amounts, and blend well.
Step 4: Concealer
Concealer is perfect for covering blemishes, dark circles, or other imperfections. It is usually thicker and more pigmented than foundation, which makes it ideal for targeted coverage.
Pick the right shade
Choose a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your foundation for brightening under the eyes or a shade that matches your foundation for blemishes and redness.
Apply to problem areas
Dab concealer onto dark circles under your eyes, blemishes, redness, or other imperfections.
Blend
Use a makeup sponge or your fingers to gently blend the concealer into the surrounding skin. Be careful not to rub it in too much, as you want it to cover the imperfection, not just blend away.
Step 5: Set Your Makeup with Powder
Setting your makeup with powder helps lock everything in place and ensures it lasts throughout the day. It also prevents your face from looking too shiny, especially if you have oily skin.
Choose the right powder
You can use a translucent setting powder or a powder that matches your skin tone. Loose powders are usually best for setting the face, while pressed powders are easier to carry in your bag for touch-ups.
Apply with a fluffy brush
Dip a large, fluffy brush into the powder and tap off the excess. Lightly dust the powder across your face, focusing on areas where makeup tends to move or crease, like the under-eyes and T-zone.
Set your concealer
To prevent your concealer from creasing or settling into fine lines, apply a light dusting of powder to those areas as well.
Step 6: Add Colour with Blush
Blush gives your face a healthy, natural flush of colour and enhances the appearance of your cheekbones.
Choose a blush
For a natural look, pick a soft, neutral blush colour that complements your skin tone. Pink tones work well for fair to medium skin, while peach and coral tones suit medium to deep skin tones.
Apply the blush
Smile to find the apples of your cheeks. Using a blush brush, sweep the blush onto the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards toward your temples.
Blend well
Make sure to blend the blush well so it doesn’t leave harsh lines.
Step 7: Sculpt with Bronzer (Optional)
Bronzer can add warmth to your complexion and create the illusion of a sun-kissed glow.
Pick a matte or shimmery bronzer
If you want a natural effect, choose a matte bronzer that’s only a shade or two darker than your skin tone. If you’re after a bit of shimmer, choose a bronzer with a subtle shimmer.
Apply bronzer
Lightly sweep bronzer along the edges of your face, where the sun naturally hits — around your forehead, jawline, and under your cheekbones (contouring).
Blend
Be sure to blend the bronzer well, avoiding any harsh lines.
Step 8: Define Your Eyes
Eyebrows
Well-groomed eyebrows frame the face and enhance your overall look. If you need to fill in your brows, use a brow pencil or powder that matches your natural eyebrow colour. Fill in any sparse areas with light, hair-like strokes, and then use a
spoolie to blend.
Eyeshadow
Apply a neutral eyeshadow shade over your eyelid for a natural look. You can start with a light beige or peach shade as a base and add a darker colour in the crease to create dimension.
Eyeliner
For a simple, subtle look, apply eyeliner along your upper lash line. You can use a pencil, gel, or liquid liner, depending on your preference. For a more dramatic effect, line both your upper and lower lash lines.
Mascara
Finish off your eye makeup with a coat or two of mascara on your upper and lower lashes. Choose a lengthening or volumizing mascara, depending on the look you're going for.
Step 9: Highlight (Optional)
A highlight can add a radiant, glowing effect to your face, especially on the high points of your face where light naturally hits, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and down the centre of your nose.
Choose the right highlight
Opt for a highlighter that complements your skin tone. If you have fair skin, try a pearl or champagne colour. For medium to dark skin tones, golden or bronze highlights work well.
Apply the highlight
Use a fan brush or a makeup sponge to apply a light dusting of highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and the cupid’s bow.
Step 10: Finish with Lipstick or Lip Gloss
For a polished, complete look, don’t forget your lips. Lipstick or lip gloss can bring colour and shine to your face.
Choose your lip product
Pick a lipstick or lip gloss in a colour that complements the rest of your makeup. For a natural look, choose a nude or soft pink shade. For a bolder look, go for reds or deep plums.
Apply the lip product
If you’re using lipstick, outline your lips with a lip liner to define them, then fill in with lipstick. If you’re using lip gloss, simply apply a layer directly to your lips for a shiny, glossy finish.
Conclusion
There you have it! A basic makeup routine that is simple, effective, and perfect for everyday wear. Now you know how to do basic makeup step by step and remember that makeup is about expressing yourself, and there is no one right way to do it. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the steps to suit your preferences. Whether you’re going for a natural look or something more bold, this guide gives you the foundation to get started and create a flawless makeup look step by step.
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