How to Create the Perfect Makeup Look A Beginner’s Guide

Doing makeup isn’t a walk in the park, but it’s also not rocket science. If you’re one of those women who don’t quite know where to start but would like to get it right, we’ll guide you step-by-step to creating a beautiful makeup look. Here are the basics and tricks of the makeup trade that will help you do it yourself with confidence.

What makeup products and tools do you need to get started?

Check your makeup bag. Look over the expiration dates on your products. If you find any that have long been past their use-by date, toss them straight in the bin. Lay out what you have on the table and make sure it includes:

• a day cream or primer,
• foundation, tinted moisturizer, or BB cream,
• eye pencil or liquid eyeliner or pen eyeliner,
• mascara,
• eyeshadow palette,
• powder and blush,
• bronzer (or a contour kit),
• lipstick in a classic shade.

You’ll also need a small set of tools to apply your makeup:

• makeup sponge,
• set of brushes for the face and eyes,
• optional eyelash curler,
• cotton pads.

Once you have your essential tools and products, sit in front of the mirror and follow along with us to create a basic, everyday makeup look.

Easy everyday makeup – step-by-step guide

The secret to success with an everyday makeup look is care and patience. Give yourself more time until you get the hang of it. Don’t get irritated by touch ups and apply slowly but accurately. Remember, too, that the quality of your products can make a big difference. Professional-grade makeup is pricier, but it’s definitely a worthwhile investment.

Step 1. Preparing your face for makeup

Before starting, follow your regular skincare routine. Each morning before applying makeup, be sure to:

• cleanse your skin thoroughly with a gel or foaming cleanser. Try to use cosmetics that do more than just cleanse your face. Ideally ones that hydrate and soothe the skin;
• cleanse it with a toner – its task is to balance your skin’s pH. Pick one suitable for your skin type. Try to avoid those with alcohol, which can be irritating for the skin.

Step 2. Applying primer

Tie your hair back, pop on a headband, and get ready to apply a makeup primer. You have three options:

• choose a traditional primer – illuminating, corrective, wrinkle-filling, hydrating, or mattifying. Consider a glycerine-based primer if you’re using a water-based foundation,
• use a light day cream instead of a traditional primer – these often work well as a makeup base. If you opt for this option, choose a day face cream with as light a texture as possible that is quickly absorbed by the skin,
• skip the primer – this might mean your makeup won’t last as long. However, it will feel lighter and look more natural.

You can apply primer to your face with either your fingers or a makeup sponge. Just remember not to rub it in; instead, gently press it into your skin.

Step 3. – Applying foundation or tinted moisturiser and powder

You can choose a foundation or tinted moisturiser in mousse, powder, cream, or liquid form. If you’re a beginner, go with one of the latter two options. These types are easier to blend on your face, creating a thin, even layer that smooths out imperfections.

Grab a makeup sponge (a cone shape works best) and dampen it with warm water. Then, dab a small amount of product onto the sponge. Instead of rubbing it onto your face, gently press it in, “stamping” it onto your skin. This technique helps the foundation or tinted moisturiser blend better with your complexion and creates a smooth, even finish. Start applying from the bridge of your nose, then move to your forehead and temples. Finish with your cheeks and jawline.

After each use, wash your sponge and leave it in a spot where it can dry properly.

Once your foundation is on, use a large brush to apply a translucent powder over it. Lightly dust it across your entire face for a soft, satin finish.

Step 4. – Applying bronzer and blush

Using bronzer is a bit of an advanced technique, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly. It’s a useful skill, as bronzer helps define your facial features.

Bronzer comes in various forms, such as powder, stick, cream, or pencil. As a beginner, go for a powder bronzer, which is easier to control. Apply it with a medium-sized, rounded brush with soft bristles.

Here’s where to apply bronzer based on your face shape:

• Round face: just below your cheekbones and along the temples,
• Square face: along the sides of your cheeks and at the temples,
• Triangular face: along the jawline,
• Oval face: along the hairline.

Blend the bronzer in circular, fluid motions to create an even contour. Once you’ve completed the bronzer, add a touch of warmth to your cheeks with blush. Use a kabuki brush. Try to apply lightly to keep the look soft and elegant. If you accidentally apply too much, gently remove the excess with a cotton pad for a natural finish.

Step 5. – Eye Makeup

A defined gaze is the cherry on top of your makeup look. To create a simple yet striking eye look:

• Apply eyeshadow to your upper eyelid, either using a powder or liquid formula. Always begin at the inner corner of your eye and work outward. To brighten up your eyes, add a touch of light, pearly shade to the centre of the lid.
• Use an eyeliner pencil, liquid liner, or felt-tip pen – all great beginner-friendly options – to draw a winged line on your upper eyelids. Start by drawing a small “wing” at the outer corner of each eye, then draw the line along the lash line toward the inner corner.
• Use a light eye pencil on your waterline to “open up” your eyes;
• Carefully apply mascara in layers, ensuring at least two coats.

If you want a lifted, curled effect, use an eyelash curler. Remember that you can only use it before applying mascara.

Step 6. – Lip makeup

Natural-looking lips are very trendy right now, but there’s nothing wrong with adding a bit of extra flair. Start by dusting a bit of translucent powder over your lips. The same powder you used on your face will work well here. Then, apply your favourite lipstick, ideally in a nude, soft pink, or peachy shade. You can finish your makeup here or:

• dab a small amount of clear gloss to the centre of your top and bottom lips, then gently spread it for a subtle, radiant glow,
• for a fuller look, brush a light face powder or highlighter along your Cupid’s bow,
• lightly trace your lips with a liner in a shade slightly lighter than your lipstick to give them a softly defined look.

Remember, practice makes perfect! With time, you’ll get more comfortable and precise with your lip makeup. Having this skill is absolutely worth it – a well-done makeup look can boost your confidence, enhance your natural beauty, and improve your mood.