Beginner Makeup Tutorial

Makeup may do magical things, but it doesn't have to be a mystery. Applying a basic, natural look doesn't require a lot of skill or tools. You can do lots of the blending with your fingertips, and choose to leave out certain products if they don't appeal to you. So have no fear: enjoy the process and your fresh, glowing face!

? Laying the Groundwork

1. Start with clean skin. Wash with a gentle cleanser or simply use a toner to wipe away any impurities from your skin.

2. Apply a light moisturizer. This will keep your skin from getting too oily during the day, and will help moisturize any dry patches on your skin.

Wait five minutes before putting on foundation (see the next step) so that the moisturizer can sink in.

3. Dab on a tinted moisturizer or a light foundation to your skin. Apply just a few spots with your fingers to your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, then blend with fingers or a foundation brush, working the spots outwards from the center in all directions.

4. Put a little concealer under the eyes. Use a small pointed brush to dot a bit where under-eye circles are darkest, usually at the inner and outer corners of the eye. Add a speck to other blemishes that aren't covered by the foundation and blend into the skin.

5. Set the concealer and moisturizer with a translucent powder. Apply it to your face, ideally using a velvet-y powder puff (as opposed to a powder brush, as that leaves a lot of loose powder) in a pressing motion. Use a powder brush to flick off any excess. If you are using a powder brush to apply, tap off the excess powder before applying to your face in circular motions.

? Putting on Your Eyes

1. Apply an eyeshadow of your choice to your eyelid. For beginners, try a single neutral shade like taupe or aubergine. Use a rounded shadow brush or your finger and make quick, short swipes across the lid, working your way up to the brow bone.

2. After this, apply mascara. Apply to the upper and lower lashes with the tip of the wand oriented towards the outer corner of your eye. One coat should suffice for this look.

? Adding Cheek and Lip Color

1. Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks. Smile as you do this so you can clearly see where the apples are. Dab on the blush and blend upwards towards your temples.

2. Apply lipstick or lip gloss. Pucker your lips like you're about to plant a kiss and dab the lip color to the center of your upper and lower lip.

3. Check yourself in bright light - daylight if possible - to make sure everything is blended and beautiful. You're done!