Before you start
- Moisturiser and sunscreen
- Foundation, BB cream or tinted moisturiser
- Concealer and setting powder
- Brow pencil or gel, mascara, a neutral eyeshadow, blush and a lip colour
- A sponge and a few basic brushes
Method 1 Prepare your skin
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Step 1: Cleanse and moisturise
Start with a clean face and a moisturiser suited to your skin. Let it absorb for a couple of minutes.
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Step 2: Apply sunscreen
Use SPF 30 or higher as the last skincare step. Let it set before makeup.
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Step 3: Prime (optional)
A primer can help makeup last longer, blur pores or control shine, but it’s not essential.
Method 2 Even out your skin
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Step 1: Match your shade
Test 2–3 foundation shades on your jawline and check them in natural daylight. The right one disappears into your skin and matches your neck. Consider your undertone: warm (golden), cool (pink) or neutral.
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Step 2: Apply a thin layer
Dot foundation or tinted moisturiser on the centre of your face and blend outwards with a damp sponge, brush or fingers. Build up only where you need more coverage.
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Step 3: Conceal
Dab concealer under the eyes, around the nose and on blemishes, then pat (don’t rub) to blend. For dark circles, a concealer with a peach or orange tone can help on medium and deep skin.
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Step 4: Set with powder
Press a little translucent or matching powder onto the T-zone and under the eyes to reduce shine and creasing.
Method 3 Define brows and eyes
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Step 1: Brush and fill brows
Brush brows upwards with a spoolie. Fill sparse areas with light, hair-like strokes of a pencil or powder one shade lighter than your hair (or darker if you have very light hair), then set with brow gel.
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Step 2: Add eyeshadow
Sweep a neutral shade (beige, taupe, soft brown) over the lid, and a slightly deeper shade in the crease. Blend until there are no harsh lines.
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Step 3: Line the eyes (optional)
Draw a thin line close to the upper lash line with a pencil, or smudge it for a softer look.
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Step 4: Apply mascara
Wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes and sweep upwards. Two thin coats look better than one thick, clumpy one.
Method 4 Add colour and finish
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Step 1: Blush
Smile and apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending up towards your temples. Start with a little; it’s easier to add than remove.
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Step 2: Bronzer or highlighter (optional)
Sweep bronzer where the sun naturally hits (forehead, cheekbones, jawline), and a touch of highlighter on the tops of the cheekbones.
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Step 3: Lips
Apply lip balm first, then lipstick, tint or gloss. Blot with a tissue for a longer-lasting, natural finish.
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Step 4: Setting spray (optional)
Mist a setting spray to help makeup last and look less powdery.
| Product | Replace after (once opened) |
|---|---|
| Mascara and liquid eyeliner | About 3 months |
| Liquid foundation and concealer | 6–12 months |
| Lipstick and lip pencils | About 1–2 years |
| Powders (blush, eyeshadow, setting powder) | About 2 years |
| Sponges | Wash after each use; replace every 1–3 months |
Troubleshooting
My foundation looks cakey
Use less product, moisturise well first, apply with a damp sponge, and use powder only where you get oily.
My concealer creases under the eyes
Use a thin layer, blend while it’s still wet, and set immediately with a light dusting of powder.
My foundation looks grey or ashy
The shade or undertone is wrong. Try a warmer or deeper shade, and check it in daylight.
Frequently asked questions
What should beginners buy first?
A tinted moisturiser or foundation, concealer, mascara, brow product and a lip colour cover most everyday looks.
Do I need expensive brushes?
No. A sponge, a fluffy powder brush and a small eyeshadow brush are enough to start.
How do I make makeup last in hot weather?
Use a mattifying primer, lightweight long-wear foundation, set with powder and setting spray, and carry blotting papers.
Summary
Prep your skin with moisturiser and sunscreen, apply thin layers of foundation and concealer matched in daylight, and set the T-zone. Fill brows, add a neutral eyeshadow and mascara, then blush and lips. Keep products and brushes clean, replace old makeup, and always remove it before bed.
