Hello lovelies!
I don’t know for you, but when I grew up in the 1990s and the beginning of the 2000s, a face full of makeup was a definite no-no.
However, when I scroll around social media and YouTube channels of some beauty influencers, I am quite scared with the current makeup trends. Do we really need to have so much makeup on our faces to be feminine?
Fortunately, the answer is no. We don’t need to apply too much makeup to enhance our beauty. But we must definitely kill the “too much makeup” trend and bring back good taste and elegance.
Consequently, I’ve started this makeup tutorial to remind you that makeup is first and foremost meant to enhance your natural beauty. Here is my step-by-step makeup tutorial for beginners. I’ve taken these steps from the Bobbi Brown’s Makeup Manual. And just between you and me, I believe that Bobbi Brown is one of the G.O.A.T. of makeup artists. Let’s get started!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission whenever you click on the links and purchase the products, with no additional cost to you.
Step #1: Take care of your skin
Sorry ladies, you must take care of your skin before applying makeup! Indeed, a clean and hydrated skin is the perfect foundation to have a makeup which lasts longer. Also, if you have dark circles, don’t hesitate to apply an eye cream. This will enable you to apply your concealer homogeneously.
If you want to have more information about pre-makeup skincare, read my beginner’s skincare guide first.
Step #2: Concealer
The concealer will help you hide your dark circles and other imperfections. Moreover, it will enlarge your eyes, giving them freshness and radiance.
Apply it under your eyes and all the darker zones of your face, and blend it by patting with your fingers. As a remainder, your concealed must be one to two shades lighter than your skin. If your concealer is dull, it means that it’s too clear. On the contrary, if it’s too yellow, this means that your concealer is too dark.
Step #3: Foundation
Apply your foundation with a brush, a sponge, or your fingers. If you have imperfections and dark spots, apply a stick foundation of the exact color of your skin. Then, pat with your fingers to blend it. Repeat if necessary.
If you want to find the perfect foundation shade, you must try many shades on your cheek and your forehead. Don’t try these shades on your ankle; you’re nor trying a perfume!
Moreover, Bobbi Brown recommends to have two foundation shades, according to the seasons: a lighter shade in winter and a darker shade in summer. You must blend the two shades in spring and fall to make the transition.
If you want to unify your complexion, you can use tinted moisturizers to have a more natural and casual look.
Step #4: Powder
Apply powder of an appropriate shade with a brush or a sponge. This will enable you to fix your concealer and foundation. If you have dry skin, you must apply powder only on your nose and forehead.
Step #5: Blush
Smile and apply your blush on your cheekbones. Blend the blush from bottom to top towards the hairline, and from bottom to top to soften the color. Don’t forget to tap or blow on your brush to remove excess powder. If you have a dry skin, choose a creamy blush.
Do you want to warm up your complexion? Then, Bobbi Brown recommends to apply bronzing powder to the areas of your face that are usually affected by the sun: cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin.
Step #6: Lipstick
Work on clean, supple, and moisturized lips. You can exfoliate your lips and apply a lip balm before applying your makeup.
You can apply neutral or transparent lipstick/gloss directly from the tube. However, if you work with lighter or darker shades, you must use a lip brush for a more precise application. If you have thin lips, choose a light to medium color as darker shades have a reducing effect.
Also, you must choose your lipstick shade by observing the natural color of your lips. The closer to your natural lip color, the better.
Step #7: Lip liner
For natural definition and to prevent color fading, outline your lips after applying your lipstick. Use a lip brush to soften and blend overly accentuated lines.
For a better makeup hold, you can invert steps n°6 and 7 and apply your lip liner before your lipstick.
Step #8: Eyebrows
Define your eyebrows with a blush or pencil that matches the color of your eyebrows and hair. Start at the inner corner of the eyebrow and follow its natural shape with light brush strokes. Moreover, if you have unruly eyebrows, discipline them with a modeling mascara.
Step #9: Eyeshadow
Do you want to apply eyeshadow with multiple shades? Then, here is the process to follow:
- Apply a veil of light shadow from your lash line to your brow bone
- Afterwards, continue with a medium color on the eyelid down to your crease
- If desired, sculpt the eyelid by applying a darker color on the outer part to correct the shape of the eye and add depth to your look
Step #10: Eye liner
Draw a line along the upper lash line with dark eyeshadow, wet or dry. Afterwards, look straight ahead to see if there are any gaps to fill. If you’re also lining the lower lashes, make sure that the lower line is thinner and that the upper and lower lines meet at the outer corner of the eye.
Makeup tip: did you know that black eye liner drew beautiful eyes for a very sexy look? That’s why you can add a layer over your usual eyeliner (if it’s not already black, of course), but only on your upper lid.
Step #11: Mascara
You must choose your mascara according to your needs and the effect you desire on your eyelashes:
- thickening mascara densifies each of your lashes, and is ideal for sparse lashes
- for enhanced lashes with a natural look, opt for structuring or lengthening mascara
- waterproof mascara is ideal if you want your makeup to last longer or if your usual mascara tends to run
Moreover, when you apply mascara, hold the brush horizontally and brush from the root to the tip of the lashes, starting at the outer corner. Then, turn the brush on itself as you apply to separate the lashes and avoid clumping. Always apply two to three coats of mascara.
Also, if you want to curl your lashes, do so before applying mascara. Curling made-up lashes can break them and that’s what you need to avoid!
Makeup tip: use black mascara for a striking effect, and brown mascara for a softer effect.
Bonus: Always remove your makeup before going to bed
This step is crucial to keep your skin supple and radiant. Indeed, makeup is a great tool to enhance your beauty and hide your imperfections. However, this doesn’t mean that you must keep it forever on your face.
Without make-up removal, the pores of the face become clogged with makeup. Thus, the skin can’t breathe properly and the epidermis can no longer absorb and benefit from other skin care products.
Therefore, you must absolutely remove all your makeup before bed with a double cleanse. You can get more information about this cleansing method in our beginner’s skincare guide.
Summary: the simpler, the better
To sum up, our beginner’s makeup tutorial shows that applying an elegant makeup requires skill. However, even if you have several steps in this makeup tutorial, don’t worry! It will only take 10 to 15 minutes maximum to apply your makeup properly.
Once you master the proper makeup application techniques, applying makeup will be easy like ABC (yes, this is my Michael Jackson fan side…). Also, never forget that practice makes perfect.
Well, that’s it for today! What do you think of this beginner’s makeup tutorial? Have you other steps that you follow? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
Take care!
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Thank you for creating such a comprehensive and beginner-friendly makeup tutorial! As someone new to the world of makeup, I found your step-by-step guide to be incredibly helpful and engaging.
Your detailed explanations, from choosing the right product to application techniques, are enlightening and easy to follow. I appreciate the emphasis you put on the importance of a good skincare routine before makeup application.
Thanks Tony!
This article on a makeup tutorial for beginners is an absolute gem! As someone who is just starting to explore the world of makeup, I found the step-by-step instructions and helpful tips provided in this article to be incredibly valuable.
You have done a fantastic job of breaking down the process into manageable steps, making it easy for beginners like me to follow along. From prepping the skin to applying foundation, blush, eyeshadow, and lipstick, each stage is well-explained with clear instructions and even product recommendations.
What sets this tutorial apart is the emphasis on technique and application. The article takes the time to explain the purpose of each makeup product and how to apply it properly, ensuring a flawless and natural-looking finish. The inclusion of visual aids, such as images or video tutorials, would have further enhanced the learning experience.
I’m grateful for the valuable insights shared in this article and look forward to putting them into practice. With the guidance provided, I feel more equipped to navigate the world of makeup and create looks that make me feel confident and beautiful. Kudos to the author for creating such a helpful and informative tutorial!
You’re welcome!
Hi!!! I just want to tell you I totally agree with the less is more approach… I often get criticized because I don’t like wearing too much makeup (if any) I feel like I’m dressed up and not being true to myself. Could you give video instructions? I’m a more visual person when it comes to makeup guidelines.
Thanks for your comment Constanza! As for making videos, this is a request I’ll examine for the future. Maybe start a YouTube channel, who knows…
Hello Elodie,
What could I, as a man, say about the great rituals of women? I suppose your article is a good tutorial for young ladies.
What can I do now? I read articles about Bobbi and about the lipsticks created by her. (by the way, at the end of your article, you wrote” Click below to buy Bobbi’s manual” but there is nothing to click on. Maybe you missed something)
Even though I have never had a desire to wear makeup, I appreciate the quality of this post. It is made simple, to the point, and very easy to understand. Congratulations!
I wish you many achievements with everything you do.
Daniel
Thanks Daniel!
This is a very helpful tutorial for any beginner that wants to know the best ritual to follow when applying makeup. I agree with you that too much makeup is not required to enhance your beauty. A natural look is achieved by keeping it simple, without thick layers of foundation.
I was told many years ago that the best way to apply foundation, is to spread it with a slightly damp makeup sponge. Would you recommend that, or are there better ways to get an even and natural cover? How essential is it to apply powder, as well as foundation? Thank you.
Hello Line, thanks for your comment! Tes, it’s best to apply foundation with a slightly wet sponge; especially if you want your foundation to blend well. And powder is essential because I fixes your foundation; and if you have an oily or combination skin, it will stop your skin from shining. Hope that this helps!
Thank you Elodie for this excellent resource that I think will be helpful to many young women as they make the transition into wearing makeup for reasons other than just play time. It is very valuable that you start this tutorial with the need to take good care of your skin first and foremost. Many young women may get carried away with the way that they look with the makeup on and fail to consider that there may be consequences to the health of their skin below this outward mask that may cause them problems down the road.
Thanks for your comment!
Hi, I have 2 daughters and a granddaughter and would like to refer them to your website. I noted that you have some very informative articles about make up. Can you tell me what is unique about what you offer so I can pretend that I know more about this subject than I actually do? Thanks Alan
Hello Alan, thanks for your comment and your offer to refer my website! Well, my unique selling proposition is that my website explores beauty in all its forms, whether in the rituals, in history, or even in lifestyle in general.Also, my platform is inclusive and will explore beauty around the world. I value knowledge and I believe that knowledge is power, even in beauty! Hope that you will sell my website to your daughters and granddaughter well! Good luck!