Essential Makeup Tips for Beginners

Starting your makeup journey can feel overwhelming. With so many products, techniques, and styles, it’s easy to get lost. But don’t worry - learning the basics will help you build confidence and create looks that suit your personal style. Whether you want a natural everyday look or something more glamorous, these beginner makeup tips will guide you step-by-step.

Keep your makeup clean, and declutter your collection often. If you don't reach for it, get rid of it.

Understanding Your Skin and Choosing the Right Products

Before applying makeup, it’s important to understand and embrace the skin type you have now. Typically, when we age, our skin can get drier, or new texture/issues can emerge.

• Oily skin: Look for oil-free, mattifying foundations and primers. Stay away from dewy or balmy textures, and opt instead for liquid products that set on the face, for longevity. Powder products are also an immediate yes for oily-skin gals.

• Dry skin: Choose hydrating and creamy formulas. The key to making makeup work on dry skin is proper skin prep. Finding a great moisturizer or serum that will work well under your makeup is really all you need to prep dry skin. A hydrating mist is also a great tool to refresh your makeup throughout the day.

• Sensitive skin: Opt for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free options. Makeup brands that are skin-care based, or limit how many ingredients they use, can be a great place to start. When you apply your makeup, try to decant or pump it onto your face or the back of your hand, instead of using the applicator. Keep your makeup brushes clean and covered. Also, wash your hands before you apply your makeup.

• Mature skin: Look for self-setting liquid and cream products, or cream products that turn into a powder. These types of products will typically be user friendly, and long lasting, without the use of extra setting powders. Look for products that offer a skin like finish- this will be the most flattering and complimentary to any skin texture or fine lines.

  
  

When you are looking for a foundation, colour matching can be tricky. If you struggle with colour matching, remember to look at your chest, décolletage, and even shoulders. Your face and body should match. Look at the colours in conjunction with one another- compare the bottles to each other, don't focus on the names or numbers as much. If you test the foundation on your hand, let it dry for a few minutes. Some foundations can oxidize, and look darker than they do initially.

Hold bottles next to each other to truly "see" the shade, it will help you with colour matching

Tips for Enhancing Your Natural Features

Makeup should enhance your natural beauty, not mask it. Think of makeup as bringing harmony to your face- what features would benefit from a little definition, colour or illumination, and what features can be pretty much left untouched. Makeup that looks effortless takes a little effort in the beginning! Once you master your look, and balance your features, your makeup application time will speed up. Here are some tips to highlight your best features:

• Highlighter can bring attention to features you love, and help your makeup catch the light. A little glow, placed strategically can add radiance and help the skin to look juicy and healthy.

• Shape your eyebrows with a pencil or powder that matches your hair color. Brushing through your eyebrows can really help you see the shape, before you add any product.

• Curl your lashes before applying mascara to open up your eyes. Curling lashes is a true "no-makeup" makeup technique. It takes practice, but it is worth the time investment.

• Choose lip colors that suite your colouring; not necessarily what is trending at the moment. Think of the colours you like to wear for clothing. What makes you feel energized? What colour do you get the most compliments for when you wear it? This is a good guideline for lip colours.

  
  

It is easy to feel overwhelm when makeup shopping. Begin with the end in mind. Think of words to describe what you want to look like. Start with one key goal in mind. Perhaps you want to look more polished and professional. This is achievable with a routine designed with minimal effort, but maximum impact. Establish a routine that you know is achievable- you are more likely to do it, and keep doing it. A professional makeup artist can help guide you with techniques, proper tool recommendations and how to use products in a multi tasking way. This will minimize over consumption and put the focus on skill over shopping.

Final Thoughts on Starting Your Makeup Journey

Makeup is a fun way to express yourself and boost your confidence. By understanding your skin, practicing simple techniques, and investing in the right products, you’ll quickly improve your skills. Remember, everyone starts somewhere - patience and practice are key.

Explore local resources like a makeup lesson to get expert advice and personalized support. Enjoy the process and have fun experimenting with your new looks!