These 10 Makeup Tips for Beginners will help newbies understand how to apply makeup, basic do’s and don’ts when wearing makeup, and how to feel more confident and beautiful!
For anyone just starting out in the world of makeup, it can be a bit intimidating to say the least, and sometimes information overload can make a beginner simply want to give up before even getting started. But here’s the thing- makeup should be fun!
Makeup is not something that needs to be complicated, over the top, or something that requires you to spend your entire life salary on. That’s where I’m here to help! Today I’m going to give it to you straight with 10 Makeup Tips for Beginners, alongside simple Do’s and Don’ts that will help you understand the best ways to apply makeup that will make you both look and feel beautiful.
10 Makeup Tips for Beginners
1. Don’t overspend/buy items you don’t need
One of my number one makeup tips for beginners is NOT to go out and buy a bunch of expensive, high-end products and/or products you simply don’t need. When you are first starting out, it’s all about testing the waters, experimenting with products and finding out what works best for you and your beauty needs. Instead of breaking the bank with products that may or may not work for you, I first recommend heading to your local drugstore.
Although a lot of people will tell you that drugstore makeup products are cheap and low-quality, it’s simply not true. My everyday makeup routine is about 85% drugstore, and what most people don’t realize is that high end products and drugstore products are often manufactured by the same parent company. A great example of this is L’Oreal who also manufactures Giorgio Armani and YSL. See? Dupes aren’t always just a mere coincidence- most of the time they’re simply made by the same company. 😉
2. Makeup brushes are your friend
If you’re still using your fingers or the applicators that come in makeup kits, stop. The way your makeup looks has a great deal to do with the way it is applied, and if you haven’t yet, I would strongly encourage you to invest in a good set of makeup brushes and makeup sponges. It will make all the difference in the way your makeup looks, and will help your makeup look more natural and well-blended.
Here’s just a few of my favorite affordable brush sets below:
3. Make skincare a priority
Beautiful makeup only looks as good as the skin underneath it, which is why skincare needs to be a priority for every beauty lover. Learning what your skin type is (dry, oily, combination) and how to best treat your skin is super important. Again, as stated in my first tip, don’t be tempted to buy products simply because they’re popular, as they may or may not work for you and your skin’s needs. Also, it’s important to realize that your skin is ever changing, and it’s important to constantly evaluate what is working. What worked for you when you were 18 may no longer work for you now that you are 30, and the products and routine will be different.
- Read next– 5 Ways to Cure Dryness for Healthier Skin
4. Find your perfect foundation
Finding the right foundation for your skin can seem like a tedious task at first, but again it’s all about understanding what your skin needs are, combined with what you’re ultimately looking for in a foundation. Tinted moisturizers will give you more of a lighter, natural looking coverage, BB creams (Blemish balms) and CC (Color correcting) creams will offer light to medium coverage plus additional benefits, and full coverage foundations will help camouflage any skin issues that are concerns for you (acne, redness, etc.). Most companies now offer finishes for all skin types, which is awesome, and offer products in a variety of shades so that finding your perfect match is easier.
5. Concealing 101
Another one of my biggest makeup tips for beginners is to invest in is a good concealer. Most of us don’t always get the amount of sleep we want or need, and our under eye area generally suffers the most from it. Finding a concealer that works well is key in making your skin look great and can really brighten your face. Check out this post over here with my favorite drugstore concealers and some helpful tips on how to properly set your under eye concealer.
- Read next– Top 5 Under Eye Concealers for Dark Circles
6. Prime and Blend
There are a few key eyeshadow tips I recommend to enhance your overall eyeshadow look, the first of which is priming the lid. The reason I recommend this is not only will it allow your eyeshadows to last longer on the lid, but it will make the shadows appear more vibrant and beautiful. My second tip is to blend baby blend! If you just swipe your eyeshadow on in one stark color, it’s going to appear super harsh. Instead, start out with a good base color on the lid and in the crease, and slowly add in darker shades blending as you go along. I also recommend adding a good mascara to your collection to make your eyeshadow look pop!
7. Don’t forget your brows
Brows are arguably one of the most important features on your face, but unfortunately it’s an area that most people forget about. Not only does it define the eyes, but it also frames your entire face and can make you appear more well-rested and put together. While each person may have a different natural shape, the ideal shape has the brow beginning at the center of your nose’s nostril and the arch falls over the 1/3 point of the eye. With tons of inexpensive products out there to fill in sparse eyebrows, creating beautiful brows is no longer an issue, and definitely shouldn’t be overlooked.
- Read next– Makeup Mistakes I’ve Learned From
8. Lipstick is a girl’s best friend
Lipstick adds beautiful color to the lips and can really complete your overall makeup look. I’m a firm believer that there is a perfect lipstick out there for every girl, and even beginners can benefit from wearing lipstick. If you’re curious in the beginning about what will look good on you, try to be mindful of what clothing colors you enjoy wearing and which ones are complimentary with your skin and hair. Focus on finding those same color tones in lipstick, and you will be able to find some gorgeous shades that really work for you.
9. Nighttime care
Nighttime care is just as important as finding good quality products to wear. At the end of the day, always take your makeup off using a moisturizing face wash or gentle makeup remover wipes. Be sure and remove ALL of your makeup, and I especially encourage you not to overlook areas such as mascara and eyeliner, which can cause bacteria that can be potentially irritating to the eye area. I’ll also add it’s a good idea to never sleep in your makeup, as this can clog the skin and cause unwanted breakouts.
10. Be creative, have fun
Last but certainly not least, be creative and have fun with your makeup looks! Experiment with colors, try out new things, and know that practice makes perfect. There have been times where I’ve had to practice something a few times before I finally got it right, and that’s okay. Just because you can’t master a winged liner look the first time, doesn’t mean you should give up altogether. Makeup is an art form and should be fun!
Pin Me!
So there you have my 10 Makeup Tips for Beginners! Don’t forget to pin my fun + helpful chart above and check out some of other beauty posts over here!
Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week!- Cara
It still boggles my mind how many people still sleep in their makeup and then wonder how they have dry skin or breakouts the next day. Just keep wipes next to the bed if you’re really too tired.
Oh my gosh I know! It literally only takes less than a minute to remove too!
You are so good! You should actually take these tips into the high schools. It saddens me when I see young girls with their make up caked on or not done correctly. I hope you have a great start to your week sweet pea!
Thanks Andrea! I know, love their hearts they don’t yet understand the less is more concept lol. But I too had some mishaps back in high school- I guess it just takes time. 🙂
I agree on don’t buy really expensive things! Sometimes really expensive products are crap regardless of how good you are at applying! Plus, when trying something new like contouring, I think it’s best to use something less expensive to practice the technique. You can then graduate to a more expensive item once you’ve mastered it! I always tell my friends that products don’t apply themselves so whether it’s $3 or $65 it’s not going to look any better if you don’t know how to apply it.
Exactly! If you’re going to be testing the waters, might as well not break the bank in the process. And I completely agree application makes a huge difference!
I’m 31 but still feel like a makeup newbie (even after working as a reporter!) Definitely agree with not using your fingers though!
Yes, I literally cringe when people tell me they use their fingers to apply makeup lol.
I love this I’m not great at doing my own makeup, I always do everything very minimal but these are great tips! I wish I had better eyebrows because I definitely agree with you on those! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
Thanks! It took me awhile to figure out filling in brows too, but I just started practicing on the weekends, which helped!
These are really great tips especially for those like me who aren’t good with makeup!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
Thank-you! Glad you found it helpful!
#3 for SURE! when you have dry skin, makeup just highlights/accentuates the fine lines and ain’t nobody got time for that!
Yes! Plus at the end of the day, don’t most of us want to look good without makeup?! I sure do! lol
Great post, i love all your hints and tips. I adore you Do’s list and there a fair few of these i need to implement, especially buying drug store x
So glad you enjoyed it Lynne! 🙂
Great tips! I finally invested in some nice makeup brushes last year and it makes such a difference! Pinning this for later too!
Thank-you! They really do make such a difference in the overall application and look of your makeup! 🙂
Lately I’ve been trying to wear less makeup to improve my skin, and for a self confidence boost. If I do anything, it’s my brows… because it’s probably THE most important lol!
Good for you! Since I’m a beauty blogger, most people are shocked that during the work week I wear pretty minimal makeup. I think it’s good to give your skin a break. 🙂
I LOVE this – these are all such good points. And makeup brushes are 100% your friend…they can make a WORLD of difference, too! Tweeting this out, Cara!
Coming Up Roses
Thanks for sharing, Erica! Gotta love makeup brushes! 😉
This is a good post for me… I’m so clueless on make up & want to learn more. I’m always amazed at what people do with it & I do good to get eye shadow on & not look like an idiot.
I hope it’s helpful to you! It really can be a confusing/scary thing at first, I think. I always imagine makeup beginners are like me in a cough medicine aisle lol overwhelmed and no clue on which product is better.
Girl!! I think this was one of my favorite posts yet by you!!! I’ve made the mistake of buying really expensive products when I should have gone through drug store. Question, what type of brush would you recommend for liquid foundation? Thanks!!
Thanks Chelsea! Glad you enjoyed it! I personally use Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, and it works wonders. Always provides a really even, well blended finish. In general, flat topped brushes work best for getting that flawless finish with liquid foundations. Hope that helps! 🙂
Thank you girl! I really, really appreciate the tip! Will look for this ASAP 🙂
Such great tips. I got my first set of really nice make up brushes a couple years ago and didn’t realize just how important they are until then. I used to apply my make up with sponges but now it’s all about the brushes! I also am a huge believer in skin care! I don’t always do as good about keeping up with that as I should be so I definitely need to work on that because it really makes such a huge difference.
I agree! Winter time works havoc on my skin as far as dryness, so I always have to step up my skincare game in those months. And I couldn’t agree more with using brushes! They’re awesome! 🙂
Can’t live without my makeup brushes and sponges! I hate when people look down on drugstore makeup — come on people, it’s not terrible, try it!
Great tips, girlie!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
I know, right?! I think the ones who knock it have never really tried it, they’re just basing it off a one time experience or hearsay. I couldn’t live without drugstore makeup lol.
Eeek… I do so many of the don’ts. Lol. These are great tips, btw. I love that you put a little easy to read chart up.
I so need to get sponges and work the brows. I just don’t like applying all that consealer to my face but I do need to invest in skincare.
Thanks again!
Glad you liked the chart, and hope these are helpful to you! I love using the real techniques blending sponge!
These are the best tips for beginners and otherwise! I struggle so much with foundation – don’t know if I’ll ever get that right!
Thanks Lindsay! What specifically do you struggle with? Finding the right shade or type?
Finding the perfect foundation and blending is an uphill battle for me. I don’t know if I can ever improve that aspect of my makeup. I am so terrible at making up.
Honestly, I think practicing on the weekends is what helped me step up my game. It all takes time, patience, and practice! 🙂
These are some great tips! I love drugstore makeup and you are right, alot of high ends are actually owned by parent companies that own these drugstore brands as well! I still haven’t found my perfect foundation and I have tried ALOT! One thing that I am really good about is never sleeping in my makeup. I maybe forget a couple times a year and that’s it!
Thanks Tanya! That’s great that you don’t ever sleep in your makeup! I used to do that as a teenager, and lived to regret it the next day with a breakout.
Great post! Do you have a favorite moisturizer that you can recommend for really dry skin? Love your tips. Thanks!
Thanks! I personally love using Garnier Moisture Rescue gel cream. I have super dry skin in the winter months and it helps so much!
These are great tips! I wish that lipstick had been “in” when I was in high school. I have always liked it, but when I was in high school, no one ever wore it unless it was time for prom. lol.
Lol I know what you mean! I think it takes time for it to grow on you, but I think it can really add beautiful color to an overall look! 🙂
Awesome tips gurlie! Primer has been a game changer for me, and I can’t believe I used to go to bed without washing off my makeup. It gives me the willies now! <3
Green Fashionista
Thanks! Haha I know, I think we all went through that stage for awhile with not taking makeup off. Thankfully we now know better! 🙂
These are great tips. I agree with the not overbuying at first! Try a few things and get samples to figure out what works best
I agree! I can see why a lot of people love the subscription boxes like Ipsy. It’s a great way to try a product out before fully committing.
Although I know how important it is to hydrate my skin, especially during winter, I still can’t manage to do it properly. I have to work on that.
Have you tried adding it with another daily habit? (Like brushing your teeth?) I do it all in one go, and it helps tremendously in making it part of my daily routine.
What a great post!! Thanks I’ve been trying to get more into the whole makeup look! But girl it is so hard 🙂
xo, Jessica || The Petite Diaries
Thanks Jessica!
I love this post! I’m trying to get it together and truly learn how to do my make-up this year. I finally switched and started using sponges and it is my goal to really learn how to do my eyebrows. Thanks for the great tips!
Thanks Helen! I can’t live without my makeup sponges either!
Awesome list! I honestly have never considered to include my eyebrows in my makeup routine. I was always nervous to experiment because I would always get negative feedback on it. Thank goodness for articles like this and YouTube tutorials. I sure do wish these were around when I was in high school… probably would have saved me from embarrassment.
Thanks! Oh I think we all had those moments in high school lol. I wore bright blue eyeshadow all the way up to my eyebrows in like 7th grade, and it was horrible.
I love these tips! I think you created amazing list. Definitely agree that skincare is very important and that a lot of makeup beginners kinda forget that.
Michelle Morchella
Thanks Michelle! Glad you found it helpful to you!
Great advice! I really love your do and don’t list!! I think I could definitely upgrade some of my brushes, love a great lipstick and have been working to improve my night time face routine.
Thanks Whitney! Glad you enjoyed it! I’m always trying to find ways to improve my skincare routine too!
Great list! So true to all of this! Although sometimes it’s hard to not get caught up in the hype of some product that everyone is talking about 🙂 Lipstick is my best friend.
The struggle is real, I know!- lol Glad you found it helpful! 🙂
What great tips!! I love to try things and make sure that my skin won’t react to them first… and I try really, really hard to not sleep in my make up… I’m so lazy sometimes though. Sigh.
Thanks Sara! Try putting a thing of makeup wipes beside your bed, that way if you’re ever truly exhausted you can just take it off real quick before bed! 🙂
YAS to focusing on skin care and a good quality cash wash to remove makeup! I also love how you stress focusing on your brows because they shape your entire face! Love all these tips!
Brows and skincare are oh so important! 🙂
Yes, brows are so important! Unfortunately, I didn’t learn that until wayy into my 20s lol
I cringe when I look back on photos of me when my brows were soo thin! lol I guess we all go through phases though
Makeup is a lot of fun when you stop being afraid of it. Thanks for these great tips, I need new brushes.
Well said, Cori! 🙂
Well dang these are great tips. I have been applying concealer and foundation with my fingers- it’s definitely time to stop. Pinning this!
Thanks! I will add that I apply concealer initially with my fingers but then I always go back in with a beauty blender or brush to make sure it’s well blended. 🙂
Love this! Your makeup always looks so fab!
Aw thank-you Rachel! 🙂
Wonderful tips cara! I completely agree. Skincare is super important.
Thanks Stephanie! Upping my skincare game is a priority of mine!
Great tips babe! Thanks for sharing. Skin care is so important I’ll definitely be keeping your tips in mind from now on 🙂 xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com
Thanks Sharon! Glad you enjoyed it!
Such helpful tips! I have so many makeup brushes and have just now started using them. I need to look into a good nighttime care!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
Thanks Greta! I think you’ll find that using makeup brushes will make a huge difference! I love mine!
I always assumed that the more expensive makeup was better quality, I had no idea drug store could be just as good! Great info, I’m going to try some new products today!
Yes, please do! I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised! 🙂
These are the perfect tips! Definitely ones we all need to remember. Especially picking the right foundation and now forgetting the eyebrows 🙂
Thanks Annie!
These are really excellent tips! I wish I knew these ten years ago haha!
xx nicole
http://www.nicoleparise.com
Thanks! Haha don’t we all?!
So helpful Cara! I know nothing about make up!
Glad you found it helpful Rachel!
Agreed! Concealer is the BEST! I love Nars and IT cosmetics!
xx,
Lacey
http://www.theglittergospelblog.com
@wearetheglittergospel on IG
Love both of those brands for concealer! 🙂
I remember the time I only used those small sponge applicators to apply my eyeshadows instead of brushes. And at that time I didn’t do anything to my brows either. Those were some dark times lol
Lol I think we all used to do that!
These are all great tips! I have quite a bit of makeup but I rarely ever use it because I have no clue what I am doing. I do really need to invest in a makeup sponge. I have heard such great things about them.
Thanks McKenzie! A makeup sponge was a game changer for me and my dry skin. While I do use makeup brushes with certain types of foundation, I mostly gravitate towards using my beauty blender or real techniques sponge. I highly recommend it! 🙂
Great post Cara and I love the infographic you made! You’re totally right about good skincare too.. that’s just as important!
Thanks Rachael! Skincare is soo important, and I keep realizing that the older I get lol.