Step-by-step Simple Makeup Tips

The main purpose of makeup is to enhance our natural beauty and at the same time cover any imperfections we may have.

The following step-by-step makeup process will give an overview on what to do in a simple daily makeup. It can take about 10-15 minutes initially, but practice makes it perfect. Once you are used to, the whole makeup can be completed in just 5 minutes or less.

For a more dramatic and special occasion makeup look, check out our collection of makeup tips for specific events and our previous makeup articles. 

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Makeup Preparation

Begin by washing your face. Use a gentle cleanser that does not dry out the skin. Follow up with a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type. Cover your clothing with a towel to protect it while you do your makeup application.
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Foundation is the base

A foundation that matches your skin tone exactly is the best choice. With liquid foundation, start by putting on in dots over the middle of your face. Use your fingertips, a makeup sponge or foundation brush to spread it out until it covers your entire face.

To keep the foundation in place, dust on the same colour of loose or pressed powder with a brush or powder puff. You can take a compact with pressed powder with you for touchups later.

Concealer comes next

Even top models don't have flawless skin. Concealer hides any blemishes or dark eye circles. When using liquid foundation, apply the concealer later after the foundation, as sometimes with the well-coverage liquid foundation, you may not need any concealer later.

Select a color one shade lighter than your foundation. Using your ring finger or small concealer brush, put dots of concealer over any blemishes and under eye circles. Blend it in with the tip of that finger or a makeup sponge. You can use either a liquid concealer or cream type.

The eyes have it

There are several steps in how to apply makeup around the eyes. Start with the eyebrows. If they have been plucked excessively, you will need to create a brow line using eyebrow pencil or powdered shadow. These products can also fill in any gaps in the natural brows. Eyebrow pencil can look harsh and unnatural unless used carefully. Never use black pencil for eyebrow as it can look too harsh. To apply eyebrow using powdered eyeshadow, use a hard slanted brush.

Eye shadow should coordinate with your eye color and your skin tones. Use dark eye shadow to line the edge of your upper eyelid, following along above the upper lashes. Medium colored eye shadow is placed above that and up to the crease of the eye. Light eye shadow goes from there to just under the eyebrow. For day wear, use matte colors. Gleaming or sparkling colors are more appropriate for evening.

Wet a cake eyeliner in a darker coordinating color to bring out the eyes more and apply it in a thin line on the bottom edge of the upper eyelid using a brush. If you wish the eyes to appear larger, apply the eyeliner only on the upper eyelid, extending the line about one-half inch beyond the corner of the eye.

Women with large eyes or who prefer a more dramatic evening look may also apply eyeliner on the edge of the lower lid below the eyelashes. Make sure the lines are thin to avoid a raccoon appearance. Eyeliner pencil can be used instead of the cake eyeliner.

Mascara is the last step in the eye part of makeup application. Again, select a color based on your skin tone, using dark brown if you are fair and black for darker skin. Navy or plum can be used for evening, but are not really appropriate for work. Dip the applicator into the tube and gently wave it over the upper and lower lashes. Wait a few minutes for it to dry before applying a second coat. This will help avoid clumping. For evening, you may wish to use an eyelash curler to get a more exotic look, but be sure to do this before applying mascara.

For more eyes makeup tips and looks, check out our eye makeup tips or subscribe to our Newsletters.

Blush adds life

Blush comes in both powder and gel forms. Whichever you choose, apply it sparingly to avoid looking like a clown. Find the apples of your cheeks by smiling and then put the blush either on them or just below, whichever is more flattering to you.

Kissable lips

Apply lip liner around the edges of the lips before the lipstick is applied. Make sure the lip liner color is a similar shade to the lipstick, as very dark lip liner with pale lipstick will look silly.

Pick a lipstick color that goes with both your skin tone and your outfit. Either apply it from the tube or use a lipstick brush as professional make up artists do. 

Be safe with your cosmetics

Cosmetics don't last forever. They can become contaminated with bacteria, so to be safe they should be discarded once they are expired. This is especially important for mascara which should not be kept longer than 4 months after it is first used. Avoid risking health problems by not sharing cosmetics with other people. 

Now that you know how to apply makeup, why not practice before your next big event? By following these instructions, you'll look great wherever you go.

For more make up tips, ideas or new makeup looks, check out also foundation application tips, eye makeup tips, these books and subscribe to our Makeup Newsletters.