Skip to main content

How to apply makeup: a step-by-step guide for beginners

Applying makeup has always been a way to enhance your beauty. Using the right products and application methods will help you enhance your features and create different looks.

 

Makeup for beginners’ steps

 

Before applying makeup it’s important to have a clean surface to work on. This is why you should start with your skin routine.
Wash your face with your everyday cleanser and follow by applying your toner, then serums, and lastly moisturizer.

When this step is complete you can proceed by applying your makeup.

1° STEP: FACE MAKEUP

For full-face makeup, you will need a foundation, concealer, blush, and powder to set these products.
If you want to ease the application of these products on your skin you can apply a primer before going in with your foundation.

Take a flat round brush and start dabbing the foundation onto your skin to achieve medium/high coverage. 
For a more natural look, instead of tapping the foundation, you can apply it in small circular motions. If you prefer using a beauty sponge remember to slightly wet it before to limit the absorption of the product.

The second step includes a concealer. Use it to disguise dark circles under your eyes. 
Start off with adding a few dots of the product onto the area of your face where you want to reach higher coverage and use a concealer brush to blend in the product.

When watching makeup artists apply the products, you may notice that sometimes they contour the face. If you want to try this, use a contour stick to apply the product to the areas you want to add some shade. 
Usually, these areas include the forehead (close to your hairline), on your lower cheekbones, and along the jawline. Blend it well with a contour brush.

If it’s a matte finish you want to achieve, the next makeup product you want is face powder. This comes in various shades and you will want to choose the one closest to your skin tone. Apply it with its applicator or with a kabuki brush and gently sweep it across your face.
To add color to your cheeks you will need to use blush. Use a blush brush to apply it by gently sweeping it on your cheeks from the inside out. 
Start with a small amount of product and add more if needed.

The best way to light up some features, such as your upper cheekbone or the tip of your nose, is to use a pointed powder brush or a fan brush to apply the highlighter on the desired areas.

If you are planning to spend all day or night outside you will want to use KIKO MILANO’s setting spray or setting powder to keep makeup in place, making sure it lasts throughout the day.

2° STEP: EYE MAKEUP

To make your eyes pop use eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow, and a pencil.

After taking care of this area with an eye base, you can proceed with applying your makeup.

Start by creating a nice and precise line right above your lash line with either a pencil or liquid liner. If you want to create a wing, draw it by placing the eyeliner right next to the outer corner of your eye slightly moving upwards.

Once this step is completed, you take out your eyeshadow palette and begin by applying various fashion shades to your eyelid with a flat brush.
To add depth to your eyes, use a darker shade in your crease and blend it out with a round blending brush.

The final step for gorgeous eyes includes mascara
Start applying it on the upper lashes of both your eyes and then apply it on your lower lashes.

To touch up your eyebrows, use a brow pencil and fill them in with small lines following their natural growth.

3° STEP: LIP MAKEUP

After using a lip scrub to create a smooth and soft base for your lip makeup, apply your lipstick or lipgloss to complete your look. 

For more precision, start by using a lip pencil outlining your lips and then add the lipstick.

Makeup tips for beginners

 

When you start to use makeup, you may need a few pointers to achieve the perfect look, so here are a few tips to help you get started.

1.    Moisturize: Before applying your foundation and after you cleanse your skin, you should always use a face cream that will hydrate and nourish your skin throughout the day. A face cream will also create the perfect base for your makeup.

2.    Testing foundation: When you are shopping for the perfect foundation you will have to try out different shades before finding the right one. Test it directly on your face and not on your hand because the skin tone will be different in these two areas.

3.    Concealer: Unlike foundation, concealer needs to be one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. This way it can disguise blemishes or discoloration.

4.    Setting powder: To keep your makeup in place, especially during the summer, you may want to use a powder that will set your face.

5.    Start with the eyes: The first few times you apply eye makeup, especially eyeshadow, some residue will probably end up on your face. This is why you will want to start with the eyes, so when you remove the excess from your face you will not remove your face makeup.

6.    Eye primer: Use the right primer for your eyes countour. Don’t go in with your foundation or your concealer because they can provide too much hydration to your eyelids making your eyeshadow smudge.

7.    Bigger eyes: If you want to have bigger eyes, this can be achieved by using a white pencil in your waterline.

8.    Exfoliate lips: Using a lip scrub will remove any dead skin from this area providing a smooth base for your lipstick.

9.    Lip liner: To help you remain within the borders of your lips, you will want to use a lip pencil. This way you will not get any product around your lips.

10.    Start small: Always apply a small amount of product to your face and eyes and add more where needed.

Remember that makeup allows you to express yourself and at the same time have fun by using your creativity, imagination, and by adding a personal touch!