Makeup guide for beginners

It can be a little confusing trying to decide what products you need, and how they’re going to up your makeup contest. So we decided to take it back to basics, especially for makeup beginners, and explain the purpose of each product. Here’s the ultimate makeup guide for beginners:

Primer

A primer is designed to create an even base for makeup application. It’ll help your makeup last longer and depending on the primer; it can help diminish the appearance of pores, balance redness, hydrate your skin, and even protect your skin from free radicals. Different primers also have different finishes; like matte or dewy.

Foundation

Foundation is designed to smooth and even out your complexion. Coverage is the most important thing to consider. Light coverage creates a thin veil and is ideal for those who love a natural look or want freckles to show through your makeup. Full-coverage foundation tends to have a thicker consistency and is perfect if you want a product that will cover acne, pigmentation or acne scars.

photo credit: maxfactor.com

Concealer

Concealer can be used to brighten the under eye and conceal dark circles, cover blemishes or marks, and even help contour and snatch the face.

Contour

It is used to create shadows on the face, which will help to sculpt and chisel your features. The powder is quick and easy for beginners while liquid and crème formulas are great for adding a more natural contour.

Bronzer

Bronzer warms up the face and gives the illusion of a sunkissed glow. Although similar to contour, bronzer has warm undertones and it is generally more natural-looking.

Highlighter

Highlighters are used to highlight the high points of the face, giving it a glowing, dewy finish. It is typically a shimmery formula that comes in either powder, cream or liquid form.

Setting powder

It is translucent, or it can be a skin-tone-coloured powder that is applied on top of foundation to ‘set’ your makeup in place so that it doesn’t look patchy throughout the day.

Blush

This product is used to add colour to your cheeks, for a sexy, flushed look.

Brow powder

Brow powder is used to fill in your brows to give the appearance of fuller, thicker brows. It’s great for filling in sparse areas and providing a natural finish.

Brow pomade

A pomade is a waxy formula and gives a more defined, dramatic brow, while the formula also helps to keep the brows in place.

Eyeshadow primer

An eyeshadow primer will create an even base for eyeshadow application and will help the colour pop all day long.