Make-Up Tips: How to Apply Make-Up For Beginners?

Make-up, according to different people, means different things. Logging on to YouTube and searching up the term ‘how to apply make-up’ will list down thousands of results, with each beauty guru telling you a separate way of doing it from the rest. So, it’s understandable how some may get lost in the haze, and end up feeling more confused than ever. Women of all ages — no matter how young or old — may still find it hard to lock down a surefire way of applying make-up, but let us tell you this: you don’t need to go all the way. You just need to master the basics!

Here’s how to apply your make-up properly, step by step, like a pro:

Step 1: Prep the skin with the right skincare products

The first rule that should be included in every beginner’s guide to applying make-up is that the skin must be perfect. After all, to create a work of art, one must have a clear canvas. Start your skincare routine as you would do normally, i.e. cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser, eye care creams, spot treatments and such, followed by one of the most important things in your routine: sunscreen.

Opt for an SPF that is at least SPF50 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and sun damage, such as the UV Plus [5P] Anti-Pollution Rose. Once that’s smoothed in, be sure to lock all that skincare in with a hardy primer that would help your make-up go on smoothly, such as the Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch or the Instant Poreless, which would work as a veil and fill in any wrinkles, pores and fine lines. If you’re thinking of applying lipstick, now would also be a good time to put some lip balm, like the Hydra-Essentiel Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm, so it will sink by the time you get to the lips.

Step 2: Choose the right foundation

Prepping your face with a good primer is an essential step to make sure that your make-up stays flawless throughout the day. Colour-correcting primers are one of the key products to ensure an even complexion. Counter redness with a green primer base, or fix dull skin with a rosy, light-coloured primer.

After your base is ready, it’s essential that you choose a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly. Here’s a make-up application tip: the colour should match your neck, and not your hands. It is common practice to try a foundation on your hand, but it should, in fact, match your neck and the rest of your body. Another make-up tip is to choose the right formulation for your skin. For example, if your skin is on the drier side, choose a hydrating formula such as the Skin Illusion SPF15 Natural Hydrating Foundation. If your skin is oily, opt for an oil-free mattifying foundation like the Extra-Firming Foundation with SPF 15. Apply generously depending on how much your skin needs, either with your fingers or a foundation brush.

Step 3: Highlight and blush

By now, you might have realised that your face is looking a bit flat and monotoned. Highlight the high points of your face such as the top of your cheekbones, bridge of the nose, above your lip and brow bone. Blend it away with a brush, and ensure that everything is seamless. Top it off by adding some glow and radiance to your face with a blusher such as the Joli Blush for that healthy-looking finish.

Step 4: Frame the eyes

If you’re looking for a more polished, classy look, you should focus more on grooming and enhancing instead of exaggerating. This means that the brows should be brushed and filled in with an Eyebrow Pencil, and defined with a Waterproof Eye Pencil.

If you’re feeling adventurous or in need of a pop of colour, feel free to experiment with eyeshadows. If a powdery texture is what you prefer, the Ombre Sparkle Powder Eyeshadow that comes with three striking shades should be to your liking. Looking for eyeshadows with cream texture? Be spoilt for choice with our Ombre Velvet Cream Eyeshadow or Ombre Satin Cream Eyeshadow.

Next, focus on the lashes - the bigger the better, as they open your eyes and make you look wide awake. The right tool for this would be like the 4D Wonder Perfect Mascara, which will thicken, plump and elongate your lashes (even after you’ve removed the make-up!)

Make-up tip: a slightly winged-out liner and big lashes look good on every eye shape. Plus, using a pencil would be more forgiving, especially if you’re not confident and are prone to mistakes.

Step 5: Seal it with a kiss

Take your pick of what kind of lipstick you’d like to go with your look. Here’s an excellent make-up tip: a red lipstick would add more of a ‘pop’ to the face, and would definitely grab attention, like the creamy Joli Rouge Velvet! You can choose between the different finishings to switch up the look, such as Joli Rouge Velvet and Shiny Lacquer. For a shinier pout, add on with a Lip Comfort Oil for extra moisturisation and plumper-looking lips.

Final step: Finish it off with a make-up setting mist

Now that you’re all ready, it’s time to set your make-up. This is to make sure that your make-up doesn’t move, especially if you’re on your way to a party or a meeting. You would want to look impeccable, so spray a generous amount of Clarins’ Fix' Make-up that not only gives long-lasting hold, but also instantly moisturises and soothes skin. Looking great all-day isn’t impossible, after all.