A 5-Step Simplified Makeup Routine

Whether you’re dabbling in makeup for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, having a simple-but-effective look in your arsenal is key. Here is an everyday makeup routine that will leave you feeling radiant and ready to take on the day.

Step 1: Base 

A beginners best bet is to stick with a tinted moisturizer instead of a full coverage foundation because they are skin care and makeup in one. Opting for an oil-free one can also give better, longer lasting coverage than one with an oil base, which can slip around. Also, using this as a concealer under the eyes will mean quicker application and one less product to purchase.

The Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer is a great base product as it has a demi-matte finish and is available in 20 shades.

Bahar’s Tip:  A damp makeup sponge or brush are great tools to use but if you want to keep it simple, start out using your fingers.

Step 2: Brows  

Next up brows! I love pencils because you add colour/product in small increments! Start by applying at the arch or center of your brows. Then find any spare areas and add some strokes to even out the look. Lastly, see if you need any colour at the front of your brow – if you add too much colour there to start, things will begin to look heavy.

We recommend the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Brow Pencil to get those brows on fleek.

Bahar’s Tip: Using two shades for your brows can add dimension and richness to the look

Step 3: Mascara  

Keep it simple here: mascara shouldn’t break the bank and should make your eyes pop. Curling your lashes before applying will give your eyes a wider look. Applying a touch extra to your outer corners can give the illusion of length to the eyes. If you have very fair hair or skin tone, black-brown colours are a super natural look.

To achieve sky-high lashes try out the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara.

Bahar’s Tip: Wipe off the excess product on a paper towel before applying directly to your lashes: you’ll end up with less mess!

Step 4: Cheeks 

Keep it simple, choose either a pop of colour for the cheeks here OR opt for brining and highlighting. Either is a good way to add dimension to your face. I love stick formulas since they a great swipe and go option.

A great blush option is the Quo Beauty Cheek & Lip Multistick for highlighter, the Quo Beauty Strobe Stick. .These hydrating sticks are also cruelty-free and vegan.

Bahar’s Tip:  Apply product to the back of your hand and use your ring finger to apply small amounts of the product for a more subtle finish.

Step 5: Lips 

I wanted to ensure we add to the arsenal of your makeup working for you without bogging anyone down in palettes, brushes and techniques. Matte formulas are also great because they’ll stay in place longer! It’s a touch easier and more fun to sometime add that pop of colour with a lip product!

The NYX Shape Loud Matte Lip Duo is perfect as it’s dual-ended with two shades that have a creamy matte finish. You can wear each alone, combine them or, if you’re feeling adventurous, go for the ombré look, gradient look, etc.

Bahar’s Tip: Have fun with your lip colour and textures; top off a matte finish with a clear gloss to change things up quickly.

This article was co-authored by Melissa Jannes . Melissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. Melissa is also a National Educator for Universal Companies. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in both New York and Pennsylvania. Melissa won the "Best of Beauty" award from Allure magazine in 2012 for the quality of her bikini waxing. This article has been viewed 6,821,626 times.

Article Summary

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To apply makeup, first prepare your skin by applying a light moisturizer or sunblock followed by a makeup primer. This will protect your skin and help your makeup last longer. Next, use a sponge, makeup brush, or lightly dampened beauty blender to apply a light layer of foundation. Then, use concealer to cover any blemishes. A green concealer helps reduce the appearance of redness, and a light concealer helps brighten under the eyes and dark spots. To emphasize your cheekbones, nose, and jawline, consider contouring. Simply dust bronzer along your temples, the hollow of your cheeks, and the sides of your nose. Then, dab highlighter on your cheekbones, the tip of your nose, and the tip of your chin. To add some more color, you can also apply blush to the apples of your cheeks in an upward sweeping motion. For your eyebrows, start by gently brushing them in short, outward strokes. Line the outer edges of your brows with a colored brow gel, powder, or pencil to accentuate the natural shape of each brow. Finish with a clear brow gel to hold them in place. For your eyes, start by applying a light dab of concealer or eyeshadow primer to your eyelids. Then, using a brush or your finger, dust eyeshadow in a light circular motion. Start from the center of your lid and work your way outward toward each corner of your eye. Then, with a steady hand, use a liquid or pencil eyeliner along your upper lash line. For a more dramatic look, consider winging the tips of your liner up and out. For an edgier look, you can smudge pencil eyeliner around the outer corner of your top and bottom lash lines using a q-tip or your finger. For a daytime look, consider using white eyeliner along the waterline of your eyes to make eyes look bigger. Finish your eyes with one to two coats of mascara. Finally, apply your favorite lipstick or lip gloss, and you’re ready to go! To learn more makeup tips, read on!

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