I learnt how to apply cosmetics in January 2025. So, officially, I did at least more then ten makeup looks between January and July. However, every time I apply cosmetics, I receive praise from everyone who passes by.

Mind you, I don't use any high-end products from Dior, Rare Beauty, or Rhode. I am a girl who has achieved the most flawless, dewy, no-makeup look base.

Now I'll walk you through the tools I use and how I apply my makeup to achieve the shiny skin effect. See, buying additional products isn't the solution. The trick is in the application.

Image Credit: Photo by Roxana Maria on Unsplash

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Step 1 - Skincare

Again, I don't have any skincare products, so I make a homemade mask with all-natural components and leave it on for 15 minutes. Then I was it with face wash, and then I like to have an Ice Facial.

On a typical day, I don't use makeup, so I'd rub ice on my face and obtain such glowing skin that you wouldn't need makeup afterwards. Then I give my face ten minutes to absorb all of the benefits and relax.

I would moisturise my skin lightly, then wait 10 minutes for it to soak in.

Step 2 - Eye Makeup

I always begin with the eyes. If you've seen 5 Minute Craft, you'll know the makeup trick of placing tape around the corners of your eyes and drawing the liner at the proper angle for a sleek effect. I do the same thing; however, I apply it throughout the cosmetic procedure.

Now comes the facial proportionality factor. I have a gap between my eyes and brows that is regarded as the Golden Ratio for eyes. So, given the distance, here's what I do step by step.

A. I apply primer.

B. I put on concealer

C. Above my eyelids, I apply a bit of foundation

Now, here's what I do for my eyes. I have this sand-colored skin. Remember, eye makeup is really vital for improving your face makeup.

It makes or breaks the appearance. Know what type of eyelids you have. I have two eyelids. I like to be inspired by Rani Mukherji's Kabhi Khush Kabbhi Gham looks. Always discover inspiration. I want a baddie and dramatic eye look.

Products Used - Sugar (04 fetish). https://www.sugarcosmetics.com/products/blend-the-rules-eyeshadow-palette?variant=42411736236115

Nudes by Mabelline, New York, eyeshadow palette. https://www.maybelline.com/eye-makeup/eyeshadow/the-nudes-eye-shadow-palette?variant=Eye+Shadow+Palette

Image Credit: Photo by Amir Seilsepour on Unsplash

Steps

• I apply the Soft apricot shade first, all over my upper lid.
• From the Mabelline palette, I apply the dark brown colour on the outer sides of my upper lid and my lid's folds.
• I blend very little in
• With the shade Cinammon Brown, I blend it with the brown and bring it into wards 3/4 of my eyelid towards the inner corner of my eye
• I apply a bit of Salmon gold at the inner corner and on a bit of the soft apricot shade remaining part
• I apply eyeliner, achieving the wing liner look. Take off the tape.
• Garnishing with mascara

For my waterline, I'd use a back or brown eyeliner pencil. Many people choose white. But I usually do it for my Indian looks.

Usually, I'd start with brown, then move on to cinnamon brown, and then salmon gold. From the outside to the inside corner. It makes my almond eyes appear larger.

Products I usedMascara - Double Date Extreme Volume Mascara Duo- 01, Black Jack, Sugar. https://www.sugarcosmetics.com/products/double-date-extreme-volume-mascara-duo-01-blackjack

Eyeliner- Eye Warned you so! Double Matte Eyeliner. https://www.sugarcosmetics.com/products/eye-warned-you-so-double-matte-eyeliner

Image Credit: Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash

Step 3 - Base makeup

A. Apply Primer. Primer is the substance that helps makeup stay in place.

Because of how effectively the primer holds your makeup in place, it can last all day. It's an absolute must.

Product I use- Lakme Absolute, Blur Perfect, Makeup Primer

B. I do not have a colour corrector, so I use my blush. I apply Blush to my grey areas. I apply a lighter shade of concealer than my skin tone on top of the blush and blend it out.

Product I use-

Blush Stick, Shade:02 Primer, Sugar, https://www.sugarcosmetics.com/products/face-fwd-blush-stick

Light concealer stick, Shade: 03 Sticky Golden, Kareen Kapoor Khan Lakme Absolute.

C. Then I apply foundation. I use a bit of it from my beauty blender.

Do not use way too much foundation. Little will work well, just enough to cover the concealer. Evenly coat the skin, let it look Cakey. Now for the trick: while mixing, moisten the top of your beauty blender. Then, on top of the foundation, apply dots of sunscreen or any other hydrating moisturiser to your skin and mix them in. Continue blending, and watch the base become really dewy.

Product I use -

Cream to powder foundation, 32 Cortado, Sugar Mettle, https://www.sugarcosmetics.com/products/mettle-cream-to-powder-foundation?variant=42411695341651

D. Apply concealer on all the areas where you have your greys or applied the base concealer before.

Products I use- Auto correct, Creaseless Concealer 45 Con Panna, Sugar. https://www.sugarcosmetics.com/products/auto-correct-creaseless-concealer?variant=42411700191315

Image Credit: Photo by Ashley Piszek on Unsplash

Step 4 - Blush and Bronzer

I adore this portion. So I enjoy a very pink and flushed look. So I usually make a W on my face, running from the corners of my eyes to my cheekbones and nose.

Then on my chin, and a little on my forehead. Combine that with the wet beauty blender component.

My nose is round and somewhat big in length, as is my nasal bridge, so apply there too.

I shape my lengthy nose and the button area. So the nose bridge and my round, chubby nose. This highlights the facial structure. Apply a bit on the end of my forehead, and that's it.

Products I use-

Blush - Shade: 02 Primer, Blush stick, Sugar

Concealer, Shade: 02 Espresso Edge, Contour Stick. https://www.sugarcosmetics.com/products/face-fwd-contour-stick?variant=42411728699475

Step 4 - Setting it all in and a highlighter

First, I apply setting powder to my entire face. This is an alternative to makeup spray, although you can still use makeup spray afterwards.

Second, use a fan brush or merely the tip of a brush, not the big ones, to apply highlighter wherever you put the blush. Don't apply too much or too little; you want a thin line that gives you a dewy look, shine and glow.

Third, walk out with confidence, like you own it.

Products I use-

Contour De Force Highlighter palette, 01 Glow Genius. https://www.sugarcosmetics.com/products/contour-de-force-highlighter-palette-01-glow-genius

All Set To Go, Translucent Powder. https://www.sugarcosmetics.com/products/all-set-to-go-translucent-powder

Image Credit: Photo by kalpa mahagamage on Unsplash

The Key Ingredient

Understand your facial proportion. I have petite, plump lips and large eyes. So the bigger face feature will be highlighted the most.

Understanding facial proportions is essential when applying makeup; otherwise, it will not look decent. Each face is unique and requires a unique approach, so don't settle for internet lies.

When selecting a brand, opt for one that may not be widely known but fits your specific needs. As someone with an Indian skin tone and a particular skin type, I really love the brand Sugar and all of their products. While you're free to choose any other brand, make sure it suits you personally, rather than just following what an influencer recommends. Ultimately, you are the one who has to look good.

Conclusion

Getting makeup done like a professional requires a lot of self-awareness, but what holds all looks together is confidence. If I look horrible, I wear the hideous appearance with pride. That's the spirit. So walk as if you own it, because you do.