Beginners Guide To Make-up

Starting out with Make-Up

Starting out with make-up is something that many girls (and sometimes guys) go through. It took me a long time to really get the hang of everything and even now I'm still learning new things. There's new products all the time and things I've never even heard of. So here I'll tell you all the products I think any person that is starting out with make-up should have. Keep in mind that you don't need to have all these things, you can just start with a few products.

Even I've made mistakes

When I first started out with make-up I made many mistakes, but I have learnt from them all. Having someone to teach me how to do my make-up was not one of the privileges that I had, as my mum doesn't wear a lot of make-up. So I taught myself, watched many YouTube videos and discovered new things. I started using brushes, blush, and eye-shadow. When I was younger the first product I ever owned was concealer, which I only used under my eyes to hide my dark circles. I then moved on to foundation, concealer and mascara. It took me a long time to realise that your skin has an undertone and that buying more expensive make-up normally does mean that its better quality. There are some things that are really good dupes of more expensive products.

Products you'll need:

A make-up bag: A make up bag is an essential. Used to keep all your makeup and brushes in one place and great for travelling too. I use this one to take my make-up with me. You'll need one that's going to be able to fit everything that you own or will be getting in it. 

Sunscreen or Primer: Primer is used to fill in pores and fine lines to give your foundation a smoother application. It also helps to keep your foundation on longer, sunscreen has a similar effect as long as you let it fully soak into the skin before applying.
A liquid foundation or bb cream: When applying, apply to your whole face and down your neck. A foundation is used to make your whole face one colour. It should be applied after a layer of primer or moisturiser. Foundation can be applied with your fingers but applying with a brush will produce a better finish.
- Matching your foundation
Everyone has different undertones to their skin, cool, warm, or neutral. If you don't know what colour undertones you have take this test to find out. You can also get a trial in store to find out which shade of foundation you will be. This is often the best way to find the right shade.
Mascara: Darkens your eyelashes and can give volume or length depending on the formula. Should be put on last to prevent getting powder and eye shadow sticking to it.
Cream Blush: A cream blush is applied after foundation and before powder. They give a really natural look and give your skin a more dewy look than that of a powder. This is not essential for a beginner and a powder will be just fine.

A concealer (not in picture): A concealer can cover up dark circles, discolouration, and blemishes. Using a concealer that is a shade or two lighter for under your eyes can really help to brighten up this area. Concealer can be applied before or after foundation, it's up to you.

A natural eye-shadow palette (Browns and golds work for most people): Eye shadow isn't something that has to be worn everyday but is nice on a special occasion. It should be applied after foundation and powder to make it easier to brush away any that falls onto your face, so it doesn't stick to the wet foundation.

A natural or pink based lipstick: A natural looking lipstick can make your make up look finished and really well done. Even a clear lip gloss or shiny lip balm can give the same effect, if you want something really natural looking.

Powder: is applied after your liquid foundation or bb cream, this will will help set your make-up so that it will last longer. A mattifying powder is a real asset to someone who has oily skin, as it prevents your skin from becoming shiny.

A powder blush: A blush is used to give your face a nice flush, it doesn't have to be mad just a subtle pink will be perfect. Both corals and light pinks give this nice flush. It should be applied after your powder with a blush or small powder brush.

Eyebrow powder/pencil: An eyebrow powder or pencil is used for filling in your eyebrows. If you want something softer than a pencil powder is a great alternative. Filling in your eyebrows frames your face and gives definition.
Bronzer (not in picture): Bronzer is used to give a nice glow to your skin. Bronzer should be applied after powder and can be applied before blush of desired. Applying in a 3 shape on your face gives the best result.

Brushes:

Foundation brush: Used for applying foundation. This is a paddle brush, a common brush for applying foundation. There are many different brushes used for applying foundation and you can also use your finger but a brush produces a better finish.
Powder brush: A large brush used to apply powder all over the face,
Flat angled eyeliner brush: This brush can be used for gel eyeliner or for filling in your eyebrows with powder.
Angled blush brush: A small brush used for applying blush to your cheeks.

Concealer brush: Used to apply concealer to blemishes, under the eyes or on any problem areas.

Eye shadow brush: Great for applying eye shadow all over the lid. Can also be used to highlight the brow bone.

Crease brush (not in picture): Used to apply a darker eye shadow in the crease of your eye lid to give depth and definition.

Blending brush (not in picture): Used to blend your eye shadow together so there are no stark lines.

Tools:

Sharpener: Used to sharpen eye liner, lip liner, and anything else that needs sharpening.
Eyebrow brush/ spooly: To brush your eyebrows into place and make them look more done up.
Tweezers: For plucking the stray hairs out that pop up in between getting your eyebrow done.

Eyelash curler: Curling your eyelashes can make them look much longer. This is especially good for people who have short eyelashes.