Makeup Tutorial 2021: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Hey guys! Ready to level up your makeup game in 2021? Whether you're a total newbie or just looking to refresh your skills, this makeup tutorial is your ultimate guide. We'll break down everything from prepping your skin to rocking the perfect final look. Let's dive in!
1. Skin Prep is Key
Before you even think about touching that foundation, skin preparation is crucial. Think of your skin as a canvas – you need to prep it properly for the best results.
Start with a Clean Slate: Begin by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type. This removes any dirt, oil, and makeup residue that can interfere with your makeup application. A clean base ensures your products apply smoothly and last longer. Consider double cleansing in the evening to thoroughly remove all traces of makeup and environmental pollutants.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Next up, hydration is your best friend. Apply a hydrating serum or moisturizer to plump up your skin and create a smooth surface. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which help to lock in moisture and keep your skin looking dewy. Allow the moisturizer to fully absorb into your skin before moving on to the next step. For oily skin, opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to avoid clogging pores.
Prime Time: Primer is the unsung hero of a flawless makeup look. It creates a barrier between your skin and your makeup, helping to smooth out texture, minimize pores, and control oil production. Choose a primer that addresses your specific skin concerns, whether it's dryness, oiliness, or redness. Apply a thin layer of primer all over your face, focusing on areas where you tend to get oily or where you have visible pores. Let the primer set for a minute or two before applying foundation.
Eye Cream: Don't forget about your delicate under-eye area! Apply a hydrating eye cream to reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. Gently pat the eye cream around your orbital bone using your ring finger. This will create a smooth canvas for concealer and prevent it from creasing or settling into fine lines.
Lip Balm: To complete your skin prep routine, apply a hydrating lip balm to keep your lips moisturized and smooth. This will prevent your lipstick from clinging to dry patches and ensure a flawless finish. Look for lip balms that contain nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and vitamin E.
2. Foundation: Finding Your Perfect Match
Finding the right foundation is like finding the perfect pair of jeans – it needs to fit just right! Foundation evens out your skin tone, creating a flawless base for the rest of your makeup. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one?
Know Your Skin Type: First, consider your skin type. If you have oily skin, opt for a matte or oil-free foundation. If you have dry skin, choose a hydrating or dewy foundation. For combination skin, you may want to use a combination of foundations or a foundation that is suitable for all skin types. Understanding your skin type will help you narrow down your options and find a foundation that works best for you.
Find Your Shade: The most crucial step is finding the right shade. The best way to do this is to test the foundation on your jawline in natural light. The shade should disappear into your skin without leaving a visible line. If you're unsure, it's always better to go a shade lighter than darker. Keep in mind that your skin tone may change depending on the season, so you may need to adjust your foundation shade accordingly.
Choose Your Coverage: Foundations come in various coverage levels, from sheer to full. If you prefer a natural look, opt for a sheer or light coverage foundation. If you want to cover blemishes or imperfections, choose a medium or full coverage foundation. You can also build up the coverage by applying multiple layers of foundation.
Application Techniques: There are several ways to apply foundation, including using a brush, sponge, or your fingers. A brush provides the most coverage, while a sponge provides a more natural finish. Your fingers can also be used to apply foundation, but make sure your hands are clean before doing so. Start by applying a small amount of foundation to the center of your face and blend it outwards towards your hairline and jawline. Make sure to blend the foundation seamlessly into your skin for a natural-looking finish.
3. Concealer: Banish Those Blemishes
Concealer is your secret weapon for hiding blemishes, dark circles, and any other imperfections you want to cover up. It's like the eraser for your face!
Color Correcting: Before applying concealer, you may want to use a color corrector to neutralize any discoloration. Green color corrector is used to counteract redness, peach color corrector is used to brighten dark circles, and yellow color corrector is used to even out skin tone. Apply the color corrector to the areas that need correction and blend it in before applying concealer.
Choose the Right Shade: When choosing a concealer shade, opt for one that is one or two shades lighter than your foundation. This will help to brighten your under-eye area and create a more awake look. If you're using concealer to cover blemishes, choose a shade that matches your foundation exactly.
Application Techniques: There are several ways to apply concealer, including using a brush, sponge, or your fingers. A brush provides the most coverage, while a sponge provides a more natural finish. Your fingers can also be used to apply concealer, but make sure your hands are clean before doing so. Apply concealer to the areas that need coverage and blend it in using a patting motion. Avoid rubbing the concealer, as this can irritate the skin and cause it to crease.
Setting: To prevent your concealer from creasing or fading throughout the day, set it with a powder. Use a small brush or sponge to apply a light layer of powder to the areas where you applied concealer. This will help to lock the concealer in place and keep it looking flawless all day long.
4. Eyeshadow: Creating Dimension and Drama
Time to play with color! Eyeshadow can completely transform your look, adding depth, dimension, and drama to your eyes.
Choosing Your Colors: The possibilities are endless when it comes to eyeshadow colors. Consider your eye color, skin tone, and the overall look you're trying to achieve when choosing your eyeshadow shades. Neutral shades like browns, taupes, and creams are perfect for everyday wear, while bolder shades like blues, greens, and purples can add a pop of color to your look. Experiment with different colors to find what works best for you.
Basic Eyeshadow Application: Start by applying a neutral shade all over your lid as a base. Then, apply a medium shade to your crease to add depth and dimension. Use a darker shade to define your outer corner and create a smoky effect. Blend the eyeshadows together seamlessly to create a smooth transition between colors.
Advanced Techniques: Once you've mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with more advanced techniques like cut creases, halo eyes, and smoky eyes. These techniques require a bit more practice, but they can create stunning and dramatic looks.
Tools and Brushes: Investing in quality eyeshadow brushes is essential for achieving a flawless application. You'll need a variety of brushes, including a blending brush, a crease brush, a shader brush, and a liner brush. Clean your brushes regularly to prevent bacteria buildup and ensure optimal performance.
5. Eyeliner: Define and Enhance
Eyeliner is like the frame for your eyes, adding definition and enhancing their shape. Whether you prefer a subtle line or a bold wing, eyeliner can take your look to the next level.
Types of Eyeliner: There are several types of eyeliner to choose from, including pencil, gel, liquid, and felt-tip. Pencil eyeliner is the easiest to use and is perfect for creating a soft, smudged look. Gel eyeliner provides a more precise line and is long-lasting. Liquid eyeliner is the most dramatic option and is perfect for creating a bold wing. Felt-tip eyeliner is a great option for beginners, as it provides a smooth and controlled application.
Application Techniques: Start by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line, as close to your lashes as possible. You can create a wing by extending the line outwards and upwards towards the end of your eyebrow. If you're using pencil eyeliner, you can smudge it out for a softer look. If you're using liquid eyeliner, use a steady hand and take your time to create a precise line.
Tips and Tricks: To make your eyeliner last longer, set it with an eyeshadow in a similar shade. You can also use a cotton swab to clean up any mistakes. If you're struggling to create a perfect wing, use a piece of tape as a guide.
6. Mascara: Lashes for Days
Mascara is the finishing touch that makes your lashes look longer, thicker, and more voluminous. It's the ultimate eye-opener!
Choosing the Right Mascara: There are several types of mascara to choose from, including lengthening, volumizing, curling, and waterproof. Lengthening mascara is perfect for adding length to your lashes. Volumizing mascara is perfect for adding thickness to your lashes. Curling mascara is perfect for curling your lashes. Waterproof mascara is perfect for preventing smudging and smearing.
Application Techniques: Start by curling your lashes with an eyelash curler. Then, apply mascara to your upper and lower lashes, wiggling the wand at the base of your lashes to coat them evenly. Apply multiple coats of mascara for a more dramatic effect. Be careful not to clump your lashes together.
Tips and Tricks: To prevent clumping, wipe off any excess mascara from the wand before applying it to your lashes. You can also use a lash comb to separate your lashes after applying mascara. If you accidentally smudge your mascara, wait for it to dry before cleaning it up with a cotton swab.
7. Brows: Frame Your Face
Don't underestimate the power of well-groomed brows! They frame your face and enhance your features.
Filling in Your Brows: Start by brushing your brows upwards with a spoolie brush. Then, use a brow pencil, powder, or gel to fill in any sparse areas. Follow the natural shape of your brows and avoid making them too thick or dark.
Setting Your Brows: To keep your brows in place all day, set them with a brow gel. This will help to tame unruly hairs and keep your brows looking polished.
Tips and Tricks: If you're unsure of how to shape your brows, visit a professional brow artist for guidance. You can also use stencils to help you create the perfect brow shape.
8. Blush: Add a Pop of Color
Blush adds a healthy flush of color to your cheeks, making you look more awake and radiant.
Choosing the Right Shade: Choose a blush shade that complements your skin tone. Fair skin tones look great in light pinks and peaches, while medium skin tones look great in rosy pinks and corals. Dark skin tones look great in berry shades and oranges.
Application Techniques: Smile and apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it upwards towards your temples. Avoid applying blush too close to your nose, as this can make you look flushed.
Tips and Tricks: To make your blush last longer, layer a powder blush over a cream blush. You can also use a setting spray to lock your blush in place.
9. Highlight: Glow, Baby, Glow!
Highlighter adds a subtle glow to your skin, emphasizing your best features.
Choosing the Right Shade: Choose a highlighter shade that complements your skin tone. Fair skin tones look great in champagne and pearl shades, while medium skin tones look great in gold and rose gold shades. Dark skin tones look great in bronze and copper shades.
Application Techniques: Apply highlighter to the high points of your face, including your cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose. Use a light hand and blend the highlighter well to avoid looking too shiny.
Tips and Tricks: To make your highlighter pop, apply it over a cream highlighter. You can also use a wet brush to intensify the highlight.
10. Lips: The Perfect Pout
Lipstick is the finishing touch that completes your look. Whether you prefer a bold red lip or a subtle nude lip, lipstick can enhance your features and make you feel confident.
Choosing the Right Shade: Choose a lipstick shade that complements your skin tone and the overall look you're trying to achieve. Fair skin tones look great in pinks, nudes, and corals, while medium skin tones look great in berries, reds, and mauves. Dark skin tones look great in deep reds, purples, and browns.
Application Techniques: Start by lining your lips with a lip liner in a similar shade to your lipstick. Then, apply lipstick to your lips using a brush or directly from the tube. Blot your lips with a tissue and apply another coat of lipstick for long-lasting color.
Tips and Tricks: To make your lipstick last longer, exfoliate your lips before applying lipstick. You can also use a lip primer to create a smooth base for your lipstick.
So there you have it – your ultimate makeup tutorial for 2021! Remember, makeup is all about having fun and expressing yourself, so don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. With a little practice, you'll be rocking flawless looks in no time. Go get 'em, guys!