The Ultimate Guide to Makeup for Beginners

If you’re just starting to get into makeup, things can be a bit overwhelming. Aside from stocking your vanity with the latest and greatest products, you’ll also need to become familiar with tools and techniques. And on top of all that, you’ll want to master different makeup looks! Yup, there’s more to it than simply swiping on a lip color. If you want to become a jack of all trades when it comes to makeup, let us help you get started. Read on for the ultimate guide to makeup for beginners.

10 MAKEUP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS YOU NEED TO KNOW

First, let’s talk makeup tips. There are a few basics every makeup newbie should be aware of, and we’re sharing 10 of them below!

TIP #1. KNOW YOUR SKIN TYPE

Think about it: You wouldn’t use the same skin care products for oily skin as you would for dry skin, right? In the same way, your skin type plays a role in which makeup formulas will work best with your complexion. For example, those with oily skin may want to use matte products, while those with dry skin should look for hydrating formulas.

TIP #2. AND YOUR COLORS

Ever notice certain colors of clothing look better against your skin tone than others? The same goes for your makeup. Different shades will be more flattering based on your skin tone, eye color, and even your hair color! To find your most complementary colors, check out our articles, The Best Makeup Colors for Every Skin Tone, The Best Eye Makeup Shades for Every Eye Color, and The Best Makeup Shades for Every Hair Color.

TIP #3. STOCK UP ON THE BEST PRODUCTS

It’s a good idea to invest in the best of the best when it comes to beauty products, but that doesn’t necessarily mean spending a lot of money. Instead of splurging, you turn to the top drugstore products! Not sure where to start? Rather than draining your wallet in the beauty aisle, pick up some of Our Best Drugstore Makeup Products for 2020.

TIP #4. AND THE RIGHT TOOLS

Aside from having the proper products, it’s important to invest in the right tools. These are key to creating a seamless, blended makeup look! From face makeup to eye makeup, there’s quite a bit to add to your makeup bag. Don’t worry, you’ll find everything you need to know in The Ultimate Guide to Makeup Brushes and Sponges.

TIP #5. KEEP YOUR BRUSHES CLEAN

As you can probably imagine, after each use, your makeup brushes and sponges will become dirty. Before you go to use them again, make sure they’re clean! Keeping your tools clean will help your makeup apply smoothly, and also prevent any unwanted breakouts that could occur because of a dirty brush coming into contact with your skin. No thanks!

TIP #6. START WITH MAKEUP PRIMER

Newbie or not, makeup primer is a must for every makeup look. What is makeup primer? This handy product should be the first step in your routine, and will help your makeup apply smoothly and last all day.

TIP #7. AND FINISH WITH SETTING SPRAY

Makeup primer’s partner in crime, a setting spray is a must as the last step in your routine. A few spritzes will keep your look fresh and in place day and night! Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray, which will give you a “just applied” makeup look around the clock.

TIP #8. DON’T SKIP YOUR BROWS

You might be focused on perfecting your foundation and eye shadow, but your eyebrows deserve attention, too! Seriously, don’t underestimate the power of groomed, filled-in brows. They can completely change your beauty look (in a good way) whether you’re sporting a no makeup, makeup look or something more extravagant.

TIP #9. STAMPS AND STENCILS ARE YOUR FRIENDS

Think you can’t pull off a slick, winged eyeliner look just yet? Think again! With the help of winged eyeliner stamps and eyeliner stencils, even those just starting to dabble in makeup can rock a sharp winged look. These tools get rid of the need for an extra steady hand and precise eye.

TIP #10. USE LASH PRIMER

Aside from face primer, it’s a good idea to have an eyelash primer in your makeup bag, too. Not only will this prep your lashes for mascara, but it’ll also help boost your lash look by increasing fringe thickness and length. Who doesn’t want that? Stock up on a lash primer and mascara duo, like the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Primer and L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara.

9 MAKEUP TUTORIALS FOR BEGINNERS

Now that you know some of the basics, you can tackle a few of the hottest makeup trends at the moment. Yup, just because you’re a makeup novice doesn’t mean you have to forego a trendsetting look. Here are nine trendy makeup tutorials for beginners.

TUTORIAL #1: BEGINNER’S EYESHADOW

Eyeshadow is one of the toughest things to master since it requires pairing colors together and being an expert blender. Thankfully, an easy tutorial can help you out. This may not exactly be trending, but a beautifully blended eyeshadow look is always en vogue! Follow The Easy Eyeshadow Tutorial for Beginners and see what we mean.

TUTORIAL #2. MONOCHROMATIC MAKEUP

Monochromatic makeup has been trending for quite a while, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere any time soon. What is monochromatic makeup? It’s a look that involves using the same hue on your lids, cheeks, and lips! Pretty, right? Even those at the very beginning of their makeup journey can master this trend. Consider trying one of these 5 Trendy Monochromatic Makeup Looks.

TUTORIAL #3. MATTE LIP GLOSS

Need an excuse to add a new lip product to your collection? As it turns out, matte lip gloss is one lippie that’s creating quite the buzz. The formula combines the liquid formula you know and love of a lip gloss, and the staying power of the oh so reliable matte lipstick. The finish? A beautiful satin. Swipe one on as the last step in your routine.

TUTORIAL #4. HIGH CHEEKBONES

High cheekbones are one of the most sought-after beauty traits. If you don’t have naturally high cheekbones, you can fake their appearance with the help of makeup. Even better, this look isn’t difficult to master! Here’s How to Fake High Cheekbones with Makeup.

TUTORIAL #5. COLORED MASCARA

Rather than playing up color with your eye shadow or eyeliner, colored mascara happens to be all over our social media feeds at the moment. Yup—a few swipes and you’ll have an eye-catching look! Swap your daily black mascara for a tube with a different hue, like the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous in Cobalt Blue, Deep Burgundy, or Deep Green.

TUTORIAL #6. WHITE EYESHADOW

If you prefer to stick to neutrals when it comes to your eye makeup look, we have good news! White eyeshadow has made a major comeback this year, and it’s a look makeup newbies can pull off with ease. Pick up the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in String of Pearls, then read up on one of these 11 White Eyeshadow Looks You Need to Try.

TUTORIAL #7. ORANGE LIPSTICK

When you’re just starting to toy with makeup, you tend to stick with safe shades. This is particularly true when it comes to your lip color, with soft pinks reigning supreme. While there’s nothing wrong with a pretty pink pout, orange lipstick just so happens to be trending. So, ditch the pink and opt for an orange hue that will instantly transform your makeup look from safe to statement-making.

TUTORIAL #8. SOAP BROWS

Whether you’re new to makeup or not, we’re sure you’ve seen the endless photos of celebrities, influencers, and friends alike rocking full, thick brows. The soap brow trend takes bold, brushed up brows to a new level—and yes, soap is used to achieve the look. Learn all about it in our article, How to Do Soap Brows for the Perfect Fluffy Eyebrow Look.

TUTORIAL #9. CORAL BLUSH

Like we’ve mentioned, you don’t have to learn a completely new technique to be on-trend. Sometimes, a color change is all you need. Rather than sweeping on a rosy-toned blush, opt for a trendy coral blush instead! This shade is perfect for spring and summer in particular.

Next: 5 Beginner Skin Care Mistakes You Might Be Making