For some girls, makeup can be more intimidating than it need be. In a world of YouTube beauty gurus and Instagram models donning elaborate makeup looks, just the thought alone of the number of products and time spent on makeup can be daunting. However, you don’t need many products to create a simple makeup routine for yourself that’s perfect for everyday wear.
Basic Products
There are literally thousands of products available in the makeup market, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed when you walk into a cosmetics store and are bombarded by a myriad of eyeshadows, foundations, and palettes of all shapes, colors, and sizes. Here’s a rundown of some of the basic products that you can incorporate into your everyday makeup routine.
Foundation
Foundation is meant to be applied evenly to your face to create a base canvas for your makeup look. Be sure to take the time to choose the right shade so that you don’t end up with a color that is lighter or darker than your actual skin tone. Swatch foundation on your neck to find your truest color match.
Powder
If your foundation comes in powder form, you don’t need a setting powder. However, if you use cream or liquid foundation or have oily skin, it might be advisable to set your foundation with setting powder to ensure longer wear.
Bronzer
Bronzer is good for achieving a sun-kissed look, or for contouring your face. Contouring helps define face shape and jawline features.
Blush
Add some more color to your canvas with a blush. Apply it to the apples of your cheeks and slightly above your bronzer.
Mascara
Mascara is meant to enhance your natural eyelashes, lengthening, and volumizing them. Add a few swipes of mascara to your top and bottom lashes for added definition. Mascara also will help your eyes pop.
Highlighter
Have you ever noticed how light bounces off your face and creates natural highlights above your cheeks and on your nose? Highlighter products help enhance that glow, adding some shimmer and shine to give your face a fresh, dewy look.
The Tools
The good news is that you also don’t need many tools to apply your makeup. Here are a few basics that will get you started.
Blending Sponge
Using a blending sponge is one way to apply liquid foundation evenly. Simply run the sponge under water to dampen it. Then, dot a small amount of foundation on different areas of your face and use the sponge to blend it all in. Two of the most popular blending sponges on the market include the Beauty Blender and Real Techniques’ blending sponges.
Foundation Brush
Another option for applying foundation is to use a foundation brush. Generally, it is easier to build up your foundation coverage by using a brush to apply it. Move the brush in circular motions around your face to blend the product. Try this retractable kabuki brush by EcoTools, which also is perfect for travel use.
Other Brushes
There is a myriad of makeup brushes that are meant for different purposes and applying different products. Here are some other brushes that you may want to have in your arsenal, depending on which products you use:
- Blush brush
- Bronzer brush
- Fan brush (highlighter application)
- Spoolie (eyebrow grooming)
- Concealer brush
- Eyeshadow brush
- Eyeliner brush
- Eyeshadow blending brush
- Lip brush (for lipstick application)
How to Create an Easy Everyday Look
For simple, everyday makeup routines, you don’t need a lot of products — or a lot of time! You can adjust your routine, too, depending on whether you’d like more foundation coverage or less, and even depending on how much time you have. Here are some steps to achieve a simple makeup look.
Create Your Base
First, you’ll want to use either foundation or concealer to create a base layer for your face. Think of it as creating a blank canvas. Using foundation or concealer allows you to create an even skin tone across your face, and it also will make your eyeshadow — if you decide to apply any — appear more pigmented due to the primed base.
For lighter coverage, use concealer where needed. For fuller coverage, foundation is the way to go. Some foundation products are branded as medium coverage, which is lighter weight and more buildable, while others are meant for full coverage.
Define the Face
This is where bronzer, blush, and highlighter come in. For a sun-kissed glow or contoured look, begin with bronzer. You can find a complete contouring tutorial here. Next comes blush. As mentioned previously, apply some to the apples of your cheeks to add color to your face. Highlighter should be applied to the top of your cheekbones and the tip of your nose.
Bring on the Brows
How much or how little you want to dress up your eyebrows is up to you. At the very least, run a spoolie through them each morning to brush them and ensure the hairs are even. You can use a simple brow gel to add color and keep your brow hairs in place throughout the day. You can also use an eyebrow pencil or pomade for a more precise, defined look.
All About the Eyes
One eyeshadow palette will go a long way. As you did with the foundation, use a light color to create a base for your eyelids. Then, choose which colors you’d like to apply — for a simple look, stick with beiges or neutral browns. After applying your eyeshadow, swipe on some mascara to make your eyes pop.
Lip Looks
To finish off your look, simply choose your favorite lipstick or lip gloss for another pop of color. Lipstick or lip gloss is the product that will tie your look together. For the days you don’t want to wear lipstick, a simple gloss or tinted balm will both give your lips a hint of color while simultaneously keeping them hydrated.
Takeaway
In general, your makeup look is what you make it. Makeup should be fun! Tailor your look to your liking and experiment with products and tools to decide what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different eyeshadow and lipstick colors, practice contouring, and add or subtract products as you wish.