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A simple makeup routine for beginners

By Lookslate · Updated

A beginner routine follows a simple order: prep the skin, apply a thin base, conceal where needed, set with a little powder, fill in brows, add eyeshadow or liner, apply mascara, then blush and a lip color. Start with a few products and thin layers; you can always add more.

A short starter kit

You do not need a large collection. These eight products cover a complete everyday look. They are also the products the Lookslate quiz asks you about:

  • Foundation or skin tint
  • Concealer
  • Powder
  • Eyebrow pencil
  • Mascara
  • Cream blush
  • Bronzer
  • Nude lipstick

For tools, your fingertips, one fluffy eyeshadow brush and a damp makeup sponge are enough to start.

The order of application

  1. Skin prep: cleanse, moisturize and, in daytime, apply sunscreen. Let them absorb for a few minutes.
  2. Base: apply a thin layer of foundation or skin tint from the center of the face outward and blend toward the hairline and jaw.
  3. Concealer: dab it only where you need it, such as under the eyes or on a blemish, and pat the edges in.
  4. Powder: press a little onto the T-zone and under the eyes to stop creasing and shine.
  5. Brows: fill gaps with short, hair-like strokes and brush the hairs up.
  6. Eyes: sweep one neutral shadow across the lid, or skip it and go straight to mascara.
  7. Mascara: wiggle the wand at the root of the lashes, then pull it through to the tips.
  8. Cheeks: tap cream blush onto the apples of the cheeks and blend upward. Add a little bronzer where the sun would hit.
  9. Lips: finish with a nude lipstick or tinted balm.

Techniques that make the biggest difference

  • Thin layers. Two thin layers look more natural and last longer than one thick layer.
  • Blend in daylight. Check your makeup near a window; artificial light hides edges.
  • Less product than you think. It is easier to add than to remove.
  • Clean tools. Wash brushes and sponges regularly so products blend smoothly.

What to learn next

Once the routine feels easy, Business makeup and Soft Glam are natural next steps; both build on the same products. The Lookslate quiz also asks about your experience level and the products you own. Your result guide is currently based on the look you choose.

Frequently asked questions

What is the correct order to apply makeup?

Skin prep, foundation, concealer, powder, brows, eyeshadow, mascara, blush and bronzer, then lips. Doing eyes before foundation also works when you use dark eyeshadow that may fall onto the cheeks.

What makeup does a beginner need?

A base such as foundation or skin tint, concealer, powder, a brow pencil, mascara, cream blush, bronzer and a nude lipstick cover a full everyday look.

Should I apply concealer before or after foundation?

Usually after. Foundation evens out much of the skin, so you need less concealer and only apply it where you still need coverage.

Looks to try

Business

The business look is polished daytime makeup: light, even coverage, neutral taupe or soft brown eyes, a thin line at the lashes, groomed brows, soft rose blush and a muted rose lip.

How to do Business makeup

Soft Glam

Soft glam is a polished but gentle look: an even, luminous base, warm-brown and rose eyeshadow blended until no edge shows, fluttery lashes, diffused rosy blush and a satin pink-nude lip.

How to do Soft Glam makeup

All faces shown are AI-generated fictional models, not real people.

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