With it being the summer holidays for many times, it's a perfect time to start experimenting with one's personal style. A big part of one's style is makeup, which can be used as a powerful form of self-expression. One's makeup can show their aesthetic and shape how others view them. Those who are masters of this art can create looks like the post below, and are an inspiration to other beginners.
However, every single professional makeup artist started off as a beginner, and they worked on their skills until they perfected the basics. For beginners, there are so many resources online which can help you get started. This article will hopefully simplify the basics of what one would need as one starts their makeup journey. We'll begin with products that you would need for a simple and easy makeup look, and later move to easy ways to spice up a makeup look.
Step 1: Skin Prep
1) Skincare
The key to a flawless makeup look is making sure that your skin is clear and is a blank canvas for whatever art you create on top of it. This often means washing your faces and doing your skincare routine. This routine can be as simple or complicated as you'd like. The steps that everyone should do are:
- Wash your face with a cleanser
- Moisturize
- Apply sunscreen liberally
It's very important to protect your skin from the sun and keep your skin hydrated, regardless of your skin type. If you'd like to try other skincare additives or supplements, be sure to check out this article to learn what kinds of skincare ingredients would be best for you.
Source: Allure
2) Priming the face
After the sunscreen, apply a primer. Now, this part is very personal to each individual. You can use a primer that targets your specific skin concern.
For example, if you want to reduce the visibility of your pores, make sure to use a pore smoothing primer, like Benefit's "The Pore-fessional". There are many types of primers that can add a glow or mattify your skin, and what you use is entirely up to you.
Step 2: The makeup
1) The Base
The next step would be a product that creates a consistent complexion throughout your face. For some, this may be a tinted moisturizer that is low coverage, while others may opt for a higher coverage foundation. You can apply the base with either a brush or a makeup sponge.
Source: Keira Lennox
2)Spot-Correcting
The next step is taking a concealer and covering any trouble spots on your face. A concealer typically has higher coverage than the base and can cover any imperfections. Place some concealer under the eye if you are concerned about having dark under eyes.
3)Blush
This step is arguably my favorite! Adding blush to the cheeks can give one a beautiful and healthy glow. In addition, placing your blush in different locations can give different effects. For example, placing blush on the high points of your cheek gives you a more contoured and defined look, while placing blush on and near your nose will give you an "almost sunburned" look.
Source: Pinterest
4) Mascara
Another staple in any makeup collection, use mascara to either thicken or lengthen your lashes
5) Lips
The next step would be lips. If you're a beginner, I would recommend sticking to lip gloss or lip balm, with different tints as they are fairly easy to apply and impossible to mess up.
Source: Into The Gloss
Step 2: Trying New Things
After you are more comfortable with the basics, you can elevate your makeup game by incorporating new products into your routine. Some of these may be a highlighter, an eyeshadow palette, or lipstick. All of these products are easily usable once you get the hang of things.
If you wanted to step away from neutral looks and have a more bold look, these are two very easy ways to incorporate color into your makeup.
- Add a colorful inner corner using a bright eyeshadow
- A Colored Eyeliner Pen: Using colored eyeliner on your waterline or for a wing creates an easy pop of color to any makeup look.Source: Byrdie
At the end of the day, makeup is a utility for self-expression, so feel free to do as elaborate or as simple of a look as you want. It's all up to you. Makeup isn't something exclusively for makeup artists but is something that anybody, regardless of gender, can have fun with.
It takes time and practice to become a professional, but everyone starts as a beginner. So be patient with yourself. If you mess up your winged eyeliner, don't stress, just try it again, because eventually, it will be very easy for you.
Have fun creating gorgeous looks!
