Beginner’s Guide to Makeup Essentials

Starting with makeup can feel a little scary. You walk into a store, and there are so many products. You see people on the internet using a hundred different things. You might think that you need all of it to look good. But the truth is, you only need a few key items to start. With just a small number of products, you can create a simple, natural look that is perfect for every day.

This article is for anyone who is new to makeup. We will break down the most important products you need to buy and explain what each one does. We will also give you simple tips on how to use them. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly what to buy to start your very own makeup collection.

Part 1: Your Face Base

The first step in any makeup routine is to create a smooth, even color on your face. This is called your “base.”

1. Foundation or BB Cream

A foundation is a makeup product that you put on your whole face. It makes your skin color look more even and can cover up small spots or redness. For a beginner, a BB cream is a great place to start. A BB cream is like a light foundation. It has a little bit of color, but it is not too thick. It often has a moisturizer and sunscreen in it, too.

• How to choose: Pick a color that looks just like your skin. The best place to test it is on your jawline (where your face and neck meet).
• How to use: Use your clean fingers, a sponge, or a brush to put a small amount on your face. Start in the middle of your face and blend it out toward your hairline and neck.

2. Concealer

A concealer is a makeup product that is thicker than foundation. It is used to hide small things like red spots, dark circles under your eyes, or a pimple. You only use a little bit of it on the spots you want to hide.

• How to choose: Pick a color that is the same as your foundation. For under your eyes, you can choose a color that is one shade lighter.
• How to use: Put a small dot on the spot you want to hide. Gently tap it with your finger or a small brush until it blends in.

Part 2: Adding Color and Glow

After you have an even base, you can add some color back to your face. This makes you look healthy and awake.

3. Blush

Blush is a color that you put on your cheeks. It makes your face look rosy and healthy. It can make you look like you just came in from a cool walk outside. For a beginner, a powder blush is easy to use.

• How to choose: A soft pink or a light peach color is a great choice. These colors look good on most people.
• How to use: Smile to see the round parts of your cheeks (called the “apples”). Use a big, fluffy brush to put a little bit of blush on the apples of your cheeks. Blend it well so there are no hard lines.

4. Mascara

Mascara is a product that you put on your eyelashes. It makes them look darker, longer, and thicker. It can make your eyes look bigger and more open.

• How to choose: Black mascara is a good choice. You can also get brown mascara for a softer look.
• How to use: Hold the mascara wand at the base of your eyelashes. Wiggle it a little and pull it up to the end of your lashes. Just one or two coats is enough for every day.

Part 3: Lips and Eyebrows

These small things can make a big difference in your overall look.

5. Lip Balm or Tint

For a beginner, a lipstick can be a lot. A tinted lip balm is a great start. It is a lip balm that has a little bit of color. It keeps your lips soft and gives them a nice, healthy color.

• How to choose: A soft pink, a light red, or a nude color is good.
• How to use: Just put it on your lips like you would a regular lip balm.

6. Brow Pencil or Gel

Your eyebrows frame your face. A little bit of product can make them look neat and full. A brow pencil or gel is a good choice. A pencil can fill in empty spots, and a gel can hold the hairs in place.

• How to choose: Pick a color that is close to your natural hair color.
• How to use:
  • For a pencil: Use short, light lines that look like hairs to fill in any gaps in your eyebrows.
  • For a gel: Brush the gel through your eyebrows to make them look fuller and stay in place.

Part 4: The Best Tools for a Beginner

You don’t need a lot of brushes. A few good ones will do the job.

• Foundation/Concealer Brush or Sponge: A sponge can be used for both. It helps to blend your foundation and concealer so it looks very natural.
• Blush Brush: A big, fluffy brush is best for blush.
• Eyebrow Brush: Some eyebrow pencils already have a small brush on the other end, which is very helpful.

What to Skip at the Start

• Contour, Highlight, and Bronzer: These are great, but they can be hard to use. Start with just blush.
• Eyeshadow and Eyeliner: These can be hard to get right. Master the other steps first.
• Setting Spray or Powder: For a simple, everyday look, you don’t really need these.

Building a makeup collection is a journey. Start with these simple essentials. Learn how to use them well. Once you feel comfortable, you can add more products to your collection. Remember, makeup is supposed to be fun and a way to feel good about yourself.