Makeup Basics 101

If you’re new to makeup and have never worn it before, it can be quite confusing and intimidating to start. There are various kinds of makeup products, colours, shades, tools, brushes, and techniques. You might go to YouTube to learn and watch a makeup 101 YouTube video “tutorial” where the creators are doing full glam looks, no makeup looks with tons of different products to look like they have no makeup on and you on the other hand are still confused what you should invest in keep reading.
 
All this is very normal and it’s okay to feel this way. There is nothing you can’t learn for that here are my top tips for what basics you need to start your makeup journey and become pro l but don’t forget practice is the key.
 
DIFFERENT KINDS OF MAKEUP
 
Most people want to learn the basics of makeup application styles to wear to school, work, or weddings or any special occasions. On the other hand, there can be people who really want to go all out or try different kinds of makeup on going in the trend or learn stage, editorial or digital world makeup.
 
The reason you want to wear makeup could determine the type of products you should use – and could be completely opposite of what someone else needs. So, pick and choose your products according to the need of what makeup style you wish to wear and learn.
 
What is your skin type?
 
Your skin type is important to understand because different makeup products are formulated for different skin types. Your skin type can change over time, depending on your age, location or climate, and the time of the year. In the winter, most people tend to be drier than they are in the summer. Likewise, hot summer temperatures often cause your skin to become oilier.
 
For example, mattifying products are great for oily skin, and hydrating or dewy products are great for dry skin.
 
Knowing your skin type will help you choose makeup products that will work best for your individual needs.
 
Prep your skin!
Preparing your skin before makeup is the key to any kind of makeup be that be very little makeup or a face full of heavy-duty makeup. One needs to keep in mind that if your face is not well prepped then the makeup will not layer up nicely which will lead to cakey makeup, will not look flawless and will not last longer. The foundation will look heavy and cling on to dry parts of your skin and look patchy.
 
There are a few main skin types: Dry, oily, normal, combination, sensitive you need to understand your skin type and then use and skincare or makeup product.
 
For prepping your skin you really need to start with a clean face, use a gentle cleanser do your daily skincare steps and don’t forget to use a moisturizer with is very hydrating and makes your skin smooth and soft for the makeup products to glide on easily.
 
Also, sleeping with makeup on or wearing makeup for multiple days is very bad for your skin!
 
You should come up with a good double cleansing routine to ensure you get all the makeup off your skin, every single day. Yes, every day. I recommend using an oil-based cleanser, then a water-based cleanser. An oil-based cleanser will remove makeup effectively, and oil cleansing is very hydrating for your skin. The second cleanser will remove any traces of oil left by the first cleanser.
Then do your rest of the skincare according to what suits you, don’t forget to add exfoliation timely and to always finish your routine by moisturising your skin nicely as per your skin type.
 
Basic Makeup Products To Invest InPrimer

Primers come in gels, creams, and even sprays. They create an even canvas for your makeup application by filling in fine lines and large pores. As a result, your makeup glides on evenly, lasts longer, and doesn’t look cakey.
 
Foundation or BB Cream

Foundation is a liquid, cream, or powder makeup applied to the face to create an even, uniform color to the complexion, cover flaws and, sometimes, to change the natural skin tone.
It can be hard to find your foundation shade. You have to get used to wearing a layer of product on your entire face – if you touch your face a lot through the day, you’ll rub it off.
 
There are a variety of types available, the most important thing to consider is the coverage level you’re hoping to achieve. If you want to take a more natural approach, opt for lighter coverage. 
It creates a thin layer and smooths over your complexion. If you have freckles, for example, you’ll still be able to see them with a light coverage foundation on your face. If you want a more airbrushed look, a heavier, full-coverage foundation is your best bet. These types of foundations are thicker in consistency and can cover up blemishes, hyperpigmentation, and even acne scars.
 
BB Cream
BB Creams are PERFECT for beginners 
Using a BB Cream or tinted moisturizer will give you a slight layer of coverage on your skin, without feeling heavy. You typically apply these products like you would a lotion, using your fingers.
 
Concealer
Concealer is meant to add an extra layer of coverage over dark spots, pimples, scars, or wherever you want more coverage. Depending on the look you want to achieve, you can opt for a concealer with either a matte or dewy finish. Just like foundation, concealers offer a varying level of coverage. While some are strictly meant to conceal, others can help brighten and are often used as highlighting the high points of your face.
 
Highlighter and Contour
Want to achieve a perfectly chiseled face like your favorite celebs and influencers? These two magical makeup products that can completely transform your complexion. While contour creates shadows and adds dimension to your face, highlighter enhances the high points of your face. “Contour colors will add depth, whereas highlighter brings that light forward by brightening high points of your face. Contour and highlighter both comes in liquid, powder, and cream formulas. Pick and choose according to your skin type, intensity of the product and preference.
 
Blush and Bronzer
Bronzer-While some may think bronzer seems interchangeable with contour, they actually serve two totally different purposes. While contour is used to create shadows, bronzer creates a natural, sun-kissed glow that accentuates and lifts your cheekbones and other features. Bronzers come in liquids, creams, and powders.
 
Blush-Blush is used to add a flushed color to your cheeks and comes in liquid, powder, and cream formulas. For a quick and easy application, a powder should be your go-to. Whereas for having that easy effortless flush of color that looks like you have that flush of color from within go for cheek tints that comes in liquids, cream, balm forms. One such from the brand Peri-Pera is my absolute favorite.
 
Powders (loose powders, compact powders)
 
Powder is very helpful product that is used to set your makeup in place so it doesn’t let your makeup melt quickly and sets it in place for a longer time.
 
For example- When you use a liquid or cream product like foundation or concealer, it can look shiny on your face and move around because it is creamy. This is amplified when you have oily skin, because your skin’s natural oils will cause more shine and slip.
 
Dusting a light layer of pressed powder or loose powder on top of your foundation and/or concealer will set it in place and help it last much longer.
However, if you have dry skin, powder might emphasize your dryness in a negative and noticeable way.
Instead of using powder over your entire face, you can try setting only your T-zone. If powder makes your skin look dry no matter what, you can skip it entirely – but your makeup might not last as long.
 
Whereas if you prefer your makeup to look dewy you should not skip the powder entirely instead just dust it around the places where your makeup budges or creases.
 

Eye Product Basics:

Eyeshadow Primer: Eyeshadow primer is just like a face primer; however, it’s made up of a formula that specifically targets the skin above the eye. Your standard primer won’t be able to do the trick. While most primers for your complexion contain silicone or water, eyeshadow primers offer up more of a grip and aren’t as smooth. This allows your eye makeup to stay in place all day.
Eyeshadow: 

Eyeshadow is powder or liquid applied to your eyelids to accentuate your eyes. The colored pigments come in a variety of formulas and shades, ranging from matte to shimmering. They also contain varying levels of pigmentation.
Eyeliner: Eyeliner is used to define the eyes, enhance their shape, and create different looks. When it comes to eyeliner, you can opt for a gel, liquid, or pencil sketch. If you are a beginner opt for sketch liners or pencil ones as they are easier to get hang of as compared to the other ones.
Mascara: 

Mascara is used to define and enhance eyelashes. Depending on the formula, you can make your lashes look fuller, thicker, longer, or darker.
 
Eyebrow Basics:
Eyebrow Gel: Eyebrow gel keeps unruly brows in place. The formula is usually either clear or tinted.
Eyebrow Pencil: An eyebrow pencil is used to draw in hairs and allows you to achieve the most natural-looking approach. Not only does a fine tip create strokes that resemble real hair, but “the wax texture mimics real brow hairs.
Eyebrow Powder: Powder is perfect for filling in sparse spots and is a great go-to for beginners–in fact, if you don’t have a powder on hand, you can use an eyeshadow to achieve the same effect. Just be sure to select a shade most similar to your eyebrow color.

Lip Basics:
Lip Primer: Much like a facial primer or an eyeshadow primer, a lip primer is used to keep your lip products in place. Although it isn’t a crucial part of a makeup routine like a regular primer, it can help your pout stay put. 
Lip Pencil: Lip pencils enhance the shape of your lips and are used as an outline to set parameters before you apply lipstick. This step also prevents your lipstick from bleeding. If you want to create a fuller pout, you can use your lip liner to contour your mouth and gently over-line. 
Lipstick: Lipstick adds color and coating to the lips, further enhancing the mouth. It’s available in a variety of forms, from liquid matte, and it comes in every shade under the sun. Four of the most popular color categories include red, nude, pink and brown. If you own these shades, you are pretty much sorted with your majority of looks and outfits.
Lip Gloss: Lip gloss creates a glossy finish and comes in a variety of shades, from completely translucent to highly pigmented. To shimmery ones.
Makeup setting spray-
This is not an essential but if you want your makeup to last long and prevent for melting away . Invest in a good makeup fixer to set all the makeup and spritz it all over your face from a distance. This will equally melt the makeup nicely so that it looks flawless and doesn’t look cakey and on top of that adds that extra freshness and glow to the face which everyone loves and desires to achieve.
 
BASIC MAKEUP TIP #1: KNOW YOUR STEPS
 
Now if you have the products right correct order of applying them is equally important
Step 1: Prime. So, when applying makeup, what goes on first? That would be your primer. This gives the rest of your makeup an even base to stick to and helps it last longer.
Step 2: Foundation or BB cream. Next up is your foundation or BB cream—whichever product you want to use for all-over coverage.
Step 3: Concealer. If you have any spots that need more coverage, follow with concealer. You can also use it for highlighting under your eyes and high points of your face.
Step 4: Cheek products. Now’s your chance to apply blush, bronzer, and highlighter—everything you need to make your cheekbones pop. Also, the contour if the jawline is what you want.
Step 5: Eyeshadow. Sweep on your eyeshadows when your face is finished, but make sure fallout doesn’t mess with your under-eye concealer.
Step 6: Eyeliner. Eyeliner should be applied after eyeshadow so that it doesn’t get muddied.
Step 7: Mascara. Coating your lashes can really complete any look!
Step 8: Lipstick. Last but certainly not least, lipstick (or any lip product) will be the finishing touch.
Step 9: As discussed earlier you can go for a makeup setting spray for that final finishing and extra added glow
Step10: At the end never ever forget to remove your makeup before ending your day and going to bed since you don’t want to ruin your skin by sleeping in the makeup and clogging your pores . Do follow a Double cleansing makeup removing routine do your skincare and say Hello to Happy skin!

By Radhika Agrawal