How to Apply Makeup Step by Step for Beginners

If you are new to makeup, it can feel confusing at first. Because there are so many brushes, products, and methods that it can be hard to know where to start. 

Makeup isn't about hiding your face. It's about enhancing your natural beauty to shine through and feeling good about yourself.

This guide shows you a simple step-by-step approach to applying makeup. You do not need expensive tools or professional skills. With practice, anyone can create a fresh, natural look.

Step 1: Start with Clean, Moisturized Skin

• Wash your face gently with a mild cleanser to remove dirt and oil.

• Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.

• Apply a toner if you have one to refresh your skin.

• Use a moisturizer that suits your skin type to keep it soft and smooth.

• Apply sunscreen if you are doing makeup during the day.

Clean and hydrated skin helps makeup blend better and last longer.

Step 2: Apply Primer

• Take a small amount of primer on your fingertips.

• Spread it evenly on your face, focusing on the forehead, nose, and chin.

• Use a primer suitable for your skin type: hydrating for dry skin, oil-absorbing for oily skin.

• Let it sit for a minute before applying foundation.

Primer smooths the skin and helps makeup stay in place longer.

Step 3: Apply Foundation or BB Cream

• Choose a shade that matches your skin tone.

• Apply a small amount to the back of your hand.

• Use a brush, sponge, or fingers to apply, starting from the center of your face.

• Blend outward toward your hairline and jawline.

• Use light layers rather than applying too much at once.

Foundation evens out your skin tone and creates a smooth base for the rest of your makeup.

Step 4: Apply Concealer

• Pick a concealer that matches your skin tone.

• Apply under your eyes to cover dark circles.

• Dab on spots or redness as needed.

• Blend gently using your fingertip or a small brush.

• Avoid rubbing to keep the product in place.

Concealer brightens your face and hides imperfections naturally.

Step 5: Set Your Base with Powder

• Use a fluffy brush to apply a small amount of powder.

• Focus on the T-zone: forehead, nose, and chin.

• Apply lightly on cheeks if your skin is dry.

• Blend softly to avoid a cakey appearance.

Powder sets the foundation and concealer and helps makeup last longer.

Step 6: Shape and Fill Your Eyebrows

• Brush your eyebrows with a spoolie.

• Fill in sparse areas with a pencil or powder that matches your hair color.

• Use short, light strokes for a natural look.

• Blend again with the brush to soften harsh lines.

• Optional: set with clear gel.

Eyebrows frame your face and enhance your features.

Step 7: Apply Eyeshadow

• Picking soft shades like beige, brown, or peach.

• Apply a light shade over the eyelid as a base.

• Use a medium shade on the crease for depth.

• Apply a darker shade on the outer corner for definition.

• Blend carefully for a smooth, natural look.

Eyeshadow gives warmth and dimension to your eyes.

Step 8: Apply Eyeliner

• Use pencil eyeliner if you are a beginner.

• Draw a thin line along the upper lash line.

• Keep it close to the lashes for a natural effect.

• Extend slightly at the outer corner if desired.

• Clean mistakes gently with a cotton swab.

Eyeliner defines your eyes and makes lashes appear fuller.

Step 9: Curl Your Lashes and Apply Mascara

• Now curl your lashes using an eyelash curler.

• Hold for a few seconds and release carefully.

• Apply mascara from the roots to the tips.

• Move the wand in a slight zigzag motion to separate lashes.

• Apply a second coat if you want more volume.

This makes your eyes appear bigger and brighter.

Step 10: Apply Blush

• Smile lightly to find the apples of your cheeks.

• Apply a small amount of blush with a brush.

• Blend upward toward the temples for a soft lift.

• Choose shades like peach, rose, or coral depending on your skin tone.

• Build the color gradually for a natural glow.

Blush adds color and freshness to your face.

Step 11: Highlight and Contour (Optional)

• Apply contour powder or bronzer under your cheekbones.

• Lightly apply to the sides of your nose and under the jawline.

• Blend well to avoid harsh lines.

• Apply highlighter on the cheekbones, nose bridge, and Cupid’s bow.

• Use a light hand for a subtle, natural glow.

This adds shape and dimension to your face.

Step 12: Apply Lip Color

• Exfoliate your lips if dry.

• Apply lip balm for moisture.

• Choose lipstick, tint, or gloss that suits your look.

• Apply directly or dab with your finger for a softer finish.

• Gently blot with tissue for a longer-lasting color.

Lip color enhances your look and brings the entire makeup together.

Step 13: Set Your Makeup

• Use a setting spray to keep makeup in place.

• Hold the spray at arm’s length and mist your face lightly.

• Let it dry naturally without touching your skin.

• In another method, press a thin tissue on your face to remove extra oil.

Setting makeup ensures it stays fresh throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

Makeup helps highlight your natural features and show your personality. Keep your routine light and natural at first. Gradually explore new techniques and colors as you gain confidence.

Healthy, clean skin is the best base for any look. Makeup should make you feel confident and comfortable. Confidence is your most beautiful accessory.

FAQs

How to do makeup step by step?

• Step 1: Clean and moisturize your face.
• Step 2: Apply primer.
• Step 3: Apply foundation or BB cream.
• Step 4: Apply concealer on dark circles and blemishes.
• Step 5: Set your base with powder.
• Step 6: Fill in and shape eyebrows.
• Step 7: Apply eyeshadow.
• Step 8: Apply eyeliner.
• Step 9: Curl lashes and apply mascara.
• Step 10: Apply blush.
• Step 11: Optional: contour and highlight.
• Step 12: Apply lip color.
• Step 13: Finish with setting spray or powder.
• 
  

What are the correct steps to put on makeup?

• Step 1: Cleanse and moisturize your face.
• Step 2: Apply primer.
• Step 3: Apply foundation or BB cream.
• Step 4: Apply concealer.
• Step 5: Set with powder.
• Step 6: Shape and fill in eyebrows.
• Step 7: Apply eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara.
• Step 8: Apply blush and optional contour/highlight.
• Step 9: Apply lip color.
• Step 10: Finish with setting spray or powder.
• 
  

How to apply primer?

1. Take a small amount on your fingertips.
2. Spread evenly over your face, focusing on forehead, nose, and chin.
3. Choose a primer suitable for your skin type.
4. Let it set for a minute before applying foundation.
5. 
   

Which comes first, primer or foundation?

1. Apply primer first.
2. Let it set for a few seconds.
3. Apply foundation over the primer.
4. Continue with the rest of your makeup steps.