Makeup Techniques for Beginners: What Are the Dos and Don'ts?
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Step 1: First, apply makeup after cleansing your face, then apply moisturizer.
Step 2: Next, apply a thin layer of primer. Most primers today also function as sunscreen or base makeup.
Step3: Spot-apply concealer to areas with significant imperfections.
Step4: Lightly dab foundation across the entire face, then blend using a brush or sponge.
Step5: Asian facial features often lack dimension, so highlighters and contouring are needed to sculpt the face. Typically, apply contour powder along the sides of the face and highlighter to the T-zone.
Step 6: Sweep blush along the highest point of the cheekbones. Angled application slims the face, while circular motions create a sweeter look.
Step 7: Outline the brow shape following the natural arch, then fill in the brows.
Step 8: Gently curl lashes with an eyelash curler, then apply mascara to set the curl.
Step 9: Finish with lipstick, then apply lip gloss for a luminous finish.
Makeup Don'ts
1. Avoid overly white foundation
While fair skin may conceal imperfections, a stark color contrast between your face and neck often gives it away!This is a major no-no for makeup artists. Also, ensure foundation blends seamlessly at the hairline and corners of the mouth to avoid a cakey appearance!
2. Thoroughly remove mascara
Many women struggle with incomplete mascara removal. Over time, this leads to brittle, unhealthy lashes—extra caution is essential.Using cleansing oil alone is acceptable, but for best results, apply the oil or mascara remover to a cotton pad first. Then, sandwich your lashes between the pad like a sandwich. Once the cleansing oil dissolves the mascara, it will wipe away smoothly.
3. Don't just draw a single line for your brows
If your brows are truly sparse, you should draw each hair individually. Hold the brow pencil at a 45-degree angle and blend as you go. A compromise is to use a brow pencil to outline the shape, then lightly blend with the currently popular brow powder to create a natural, hair-like effect.
4. Blot oil before touch-ups
In hot, humid weather, many instinctively reach for powder to combat shine, overlooking how excess oil causes makeup to cake. Always blot with oil-absorbing sheets to remove surface oil before reapplying makeup for a smoother finish.
5. Start touch-ups on the T-zone
Compared to the overall thickness of skin and oil production across your face, your cheeks shouldn't be the first priority. Yet, whether touching up makeup or exfoliating, many women instinctively start with their cheeks. Break this habit today! Always begin touch-ups on the T-zone and forehead first.
6. Never skip brush cleaning
Proper brush maintenance is crucial. Brushes trap dirt and absorb facial oils during use, gradually diminishing their ability to pick up powder. Regularly cleaning your brushes benefits both your skin and makeup products!
7. Use concealer wisely
For minor imperfections, choose a concealer shade that’s not too dark—natural is best. Don’t apply it solely on the blemish; blend it into the surrounding skin for a seamless finish.For dark circles, choose a concealer slightly darker than your skin tone for effective coverage. For large, flat discolorations like cheekbone spots, blend foundation with concealer for a natural finish without color mismatch.
8. Foundation + Powder = Heavy Makeup
Foundation and powder are separate base products. If you apply foundation, just set it with loose powder! Keep pressed powder in your bag for touch-ups when your makeup wears off.
9. Focus on one color highlight per face
Just like dressing, choose one focal point among eyes, cheeks, and lips. Never be greedy and overload your face. When eye makeup is bold, remember to keep blush and lip color subtle.
10. Keep lip and eyeliner natural
The latest eyeliner trend isn't along the lash line—it's applied further in, at the junction between lashes. The closer to the eye, the more natural it looks.Also, avoid defining your lips smaller than their natural shape—this can make you look older. Instead, use a lip liner to outline your lips before applying lip gloss. This ensures vibrant color without that greasy, lard-coated look.
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