Makeup is not a must, but many people do it to feel confident. Knowledge of how to apply makeup correctly is important for many reasons. Not only do makeup skills help you create the look you want, but they also help your makeup last longer. The steps for natural or dramatic makeup are basically the same, the only difference is the color and the amount of cosmetics used.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Making the Foundation
Step 1. Wash your face, then apply toner and moisturizer
Makeup can clog pores so you should start with a clean face. Toner helps to close pores, while moisturizer will soften the skin and make it easier to apply foundation. Moisturizers also prevent dry, flaky skin under foundation.
- When applying moisturizer, focus on the driest areas, such as the forehead and cheeks.
- A moisturizer is a must, even if your skin is oily. Choose a moisturizer with a light gel-based formula specifically for oily skin types.
- If your skin is very dry, a regular moisturizer may not be enough. Choose a moisturizer with a rich, cream-based formula specifically for dry skin.
Step 2. Consider using a primer
While not essential, primers can create a different look in your makeup. Just a little primer is enough to make a difference so you don't need a lot to cover your face. Primers help reduce shine and “patch” large pores or fine lines making them great for photo shoots and special events. Most primer formulas do not clog pores.
Step 3. Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone
Foundations come in a variety of types, including powder, liquid, and cream. Powder foundations (sprinkled or compacted) are great for oily skin, while liquid or cream types are best for dry skin. Normal or combination skin can use any formula desired. However, in the end you should choose the formula that is most comfortable to use.
- The foundation is available in warm and cool colors. This color is related to the base color of your skin, and helps you determine the most suitable foundation.
- The thicker the foundation formula, the better its function is to cover facial imperfections. If you want a lighter, more natural look, try a BB cream.
Step 4. Apply foundation all over the face
Start by patting or sprinkling foundation on your nose, chin, and forehead. Then, blend it towards your jawline and hairline to create a smooth and silky finish. Use a brush or sponge if you are using a liquid or cream foundation, and a powder brush if you are using a powder foundation.
Step 5. Apply concealer, if desired
Concealer isn't a mandatory part of your makeup, but it can help if you're not confident about acne, birthmarks, and under-eye shadows. For a natural impression, choose a concealer color that matches your skin tone. How to use it depends on what you want to cover, as follows:
- To cover under-eye shadows, apply concealer in an inverted triangle shape, which extends all the way to the top of the cheeks. Blend with ring finger or sponge.
- To cover very dark shadows under the eyes, use an orange or peach concealer first, then top it off with a regular concealer.
- To cover up pimples, first use green concealer to neutralize the red, then top it off with regular concealer. Apply with a mini sponge or brush, then pat with a clean mini sponge to even out.
Step 6. Finish with powder or spray
This final step not only makes the makeup last longer, but also reduces shine and gives a smooth finish. The spray can be simply sprayed onto the face, while the powder should be applied with a soft, fine powder brush.
- Just apply a light powder. The goal is to smooth the appearance of the skin, not create a cosmetic mask.
- If you accidentally use too much powder, brush off the excess with a clean powder brush.
Part 2 of 4: Adding Dimension and Color
Step 1. Consider applying bronzer for a natural look as if you've just been exposed to the sun
Bronzer can be used alone without blush, or together for a brighter look. You can skip the use of bronzer, and go straight to the blush. To control the bronzer, choose a soft, short-bristled brush. Make sure you blend it well. If it's too coarse, grind it with transparent powder.
- If bronzer is used with blush, apply along the hairline/upper forehead towards the curve of the cheeks and just below the jawline.
- If you want to use only bronzer, apply it where you usually get sun exposure, namely the upper cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, and chin. There are also those who like to apply bronzer under the neck to brighten the area, especially if the neck looks pale.
Step 2. Choose a blush
Like foundation, blusher is also available in various formulas, such as powder, cream, and gel/calit. Powder blushes are best for oily skin types, while creams are better for dry skin. Gel formulas (including calit) last the longest. Here are tips for choosing blush:
- If you have fair skin, choose pinks and peaches, and avoid browns.
- If you have a medium skin tone, go for pinks and peaches. If your skin tone tends to be cooler, you can also use a purple color.
- For dark skin, try coral, orange, berry, or copper tones. Stay away from cool or light tones because your skin will look gray.
Step 3. Apply blush
How to apply blush depends on the formula you choose. Powder-based blushes must be applied with a brush, while cream and gel formulas can be applied with fingers. Blusher is usually applied at an angle, starting from the cheeks towards the temples. In addition, you can also use blush to contour the face. For example:
- If you have a round face and want to slim it down, suck in your cheeks and apply blush to the hollows that form. Sweep towards the temples.
- If you have a heart-shaped face and need to balance it out, apply blush just below your cheekbones, then blend it towards your hairline.
- If you want to soften a long face shape, apply blush to the circles of your cheeks and blend it in, but don't brush it towards your temples.
Step 4. Finish with powder or spray one more time
The point is that the blush and/or bronzer are not erased or lost. This second touch also covers areas that previously might have been overlooked.
Part 3 of 4: Eye Dressing
Step 1. Apply eyeshadow primer, if desired
The eye shadow primer helps smooth the eyelids so that the eyeshadow is easier to apply. Primer makes eye shadow appear brighter and last longer. Apply all over the area between the eyebrows and the upper lash line.
Step 2. Choose a shade of eyeshadow
The color itself is not very important, as long as there are light shades of glossy, light shades of not shiny, medium shades, and dark shades. You can use similar colors for a blended look, or contrasting colors for a more dramatic effect.
- For natural makeup, choose neutral colors with lots of beige and brown.
- For evening makeup, consider more elegant shades, such as silver or gold.
- Don't be afraid to try other colors, like green, blue, or brown.
- To make the eyes stand out more, choose a contrasting color. For example, if you have brown eyes, choose blue, green, or purple. For blue eyes, try copper or gold.
Step 3. Apply a medium color all over the eyelid with a soft eyeshadow brush
Start along the lash line, and blend towards the eyebrows. The shades of color chosen should be close to skin tone, not too light and not too dark. Choose a matte blush for a natural look or a glossy blush for a more dramatic look.
If you want simple makeup, the application here is enough. If you want a more dramatic look, keep reading
Step 4. Smooth out the eyeshadow by blending in a light, matte shade under the eyebrows
Use the eyeshadow brush first, then blend with the blending brush. Emphasize the focus on the outside of the eye more than the inside.
Step 5. Create dimension by applying dark shades in the crease of the corner of the eye using a special brush for creases
The color should be darker than the other colors. For a smokey effect, brush up to the outer corner of the eye with a thin brush. Blend the formed shadow into the outer corner of the eye to create a "" shape like a triangle. Focus on the outside, and avoid the inner corner of the eye.
For a smokey look, apply dark eyeshadow on the lower lashes
Step 6. Apply a light glossy color to the brow bone and inner corner of the eye
This color should be the lightest of all the colors used. The best choice is white or the palest color. Bright, glossy colors help open the eyes so they look bigger and brighter.
Step 7. Use eyeliner to define the shape of the eye
Lift your head and lower your eyelids. Look in the mirror, and apply eyeliner along the lash line. If you have difficulty, pull the outer corner of the eye slightly. Note that this technique is not recommended as the delicate skin around the eyes will be attracted and may cause wrinkles.
- For daytime makeup, use a lighter, more natural eyeliner color, such as gray or brown.
- For natural makeup, use a soft brown or black pencil eyeliner. Blend it a little to smooth out any defined lines.
- For dramatic makeup, try a black liquid eyeliner. Consider adding a wing tip past the outer corner of the eye.
Step 8. Finish with mascara if you want to make your lashes appear longer and thicker
Choose mascara that gives a longer effect and gives volume. Apply from the base of the lashes to the tips in short circular motions.
- For natural makeup, choose a dark brown or soft black mascara, and apply it to the upper lashes only. The result is more natural and smooth.
- For evening makeup, apply mascara on the top and bottom lashes. Choose a type of mascara that lengthens and thickens.
Part 4 of 4: Lips Coloring
Step 1. Start with a lip balm to moisturize the lips
Lip balm not only makes lips appear fuller, but also softer. If you prefer natural makeup, wearing a tinted lip balm will suffice. However, if you want more, keep reading.
If you have chapped lips, consider exfoliating with a toothbrush or sugar scrub
Step 2. Choose a lipstick color and lip pencil
You can choose any color, but make sure they match. For natural makeup, consider a lip color, or a shade or two older than your natural lip color. Avoid excessive gloss. For dramatic makeup, consider a bright, bold color, such as red. Shiny colors are also perfect for a dramatic look.
If your eye makeup is already dramatic, choose a neutral lip color. Thus, the lip color will not overpower the eye makeup
Step 3. Use a lip pencil to outline the lips
The pencil not only defines the shape of the lips, but also prevents the lipstick from spreading out of line. If you want to make your lips appear fuller, place the pencil outside the natural line, but not too far away, as this will make your lips look fake.
Step 4. Fill in the entire lips with a pencil
This step is usually overlooked, but it is important. The lipstick will last longer because it sticks to the pencil. Lipstick color also looks richer. In addition, the faded lipstick is also not very visible.
Step 5. Apply lipstick
You can apply lipstick straight from the tube, but using a brush will give you more control. Don't cross the lip line.
Step 6. Dry the lipstick with a tissue, apply a second coat, then dry again
This method makes the lipstick last longer. Fold the tissue in half and tuck it between your lips, and close. Apply the lipstick one more time, then dry it one last time.
Check to see if the lipstick gets on the teeth. If so, wipe it off with a tissue
Step 7. Make the lipstick last
This step isn't absolutely necessary, but it will make life easier because you won't have to apply lipstick over and over again. Start by pulling the tissue thin. Paste it on the lips, then gently pat the powder on the lips using a soft and smooth powder brush. After that, remove the tissue and throw it away.
Step 8. Finish with a coat of lip gloss, if desired
The addition of lip gloss makes the lips fuller. However, it's best to apply lip gloss only to the center of your lips, which is usually exposed to light.
Tips
- Apply foundation for at least 5 minutes after moisturizing. Powder foundation will absorb the oil and produce a longer lasting makeup.
- Focus only on the eye or lip area. That is, if you want to wear a bright lipstick, eye makeup should be neutral. If you want eye makeup that stands out, choose lip color lipstick.
- Apply foundation first, then concealer. The reason is, the foundation may be enough to cover the area you want to hide. Also, if applied first, the concealer may be rubbed off when you layer it with foundation.
- Use a moisturizer with SPF to protect your skin from the sun.
- Consider contours. Contours are not really necessary, but in recent years are very popular. Contours can emphasize the natural angles of the face, perfect for shooting.
- If you want simple makeup, skip the lipstick and use a light lip gloss.
- Some BB creams are designed to blend in with skin tones and aren't available in multiple shades, but the newer BB creams come in a variety of colors. For best results, choose the new breed with a color that is closest to skin tone.
- If you are using an eye pencil, coat it with a similar colored eyeshadow to make it last longer.
- For best results, use a liquid foundation that also contains a moisturizer to hydrate and soften the skin.
- Don't use too much shimmer or glitter. Usually, you only need to use it in one area. For example, if you choose metallic eyeshadow, avoid glitter on your cheeks or neckline.
