Makeup basics for amateurs

Makeup Basics

In today’s post, I will share with you makeup basics for someone who has no experience in makeup products, where to buy them, what to buy and their right application.

Before I talk about makeup essentials, let me make myself clear. Makeup is to enhance your skin and features and not to make you look two shades lighter. So, love your complexion and stay beautiful.

I have created a list of seven products that are a must in every girl’s vanity kit. Just remember to moisturize your face before applying makeup.  Starting in order of application

1.       Foundation: creating a perfect base is an important step. I prefer to use a foundation that’s a perfect match to my complexion, but you can go one shade lighter than your actual skin tone.  For a beginner, I recommend using your fingers to blend the foundation, as its easy and the chances of a cakey look are less. You can also use makeup sponge, beauty blenders, foundation brush, the choices are unlimited. Liquid foundations suit all skin types and are easy to apply.

Application- take a pea size of product on the back of your hand, apply small dots of foundation on your face including your neck. Blend the foundation in clock and anti-clock motion for 2-3 mins. Remember to blend blend blend, for an even look.

Best brands easily available in India are Lakme, Maybelline, Loreal, Revlon and Chambor.

2.        Concealer: concealers are used to cover any blemishes, dark spots, under eye circles, mild pigmentation. Use a concealer that’s a shade lighter than your foundation. Dab the concealer on the concerned area and gently press with your index finger. The sales representative at any beauty counter will help you in finding a right shade. Use a concealer only if it’s necessary, otherwise you can skip this step.

Suggested brands Maybelline, Lakme and Chambor.

3.       Compact: compact is probably the most used makeup product in India. Compacts are used to set your foundation and concealer. They are also used to set your makeup and to give you a matte look. a compact can be used used over a moisturizer for an everyday no-makeup look.

Again, brands like Lakme, loreal, Chambor, Maybelline, Revlon, Colorbar have some amazing compacts.

4.       Kajal: ever Indian girl’s best friend. Define your eyes using kajal, make sure to apply your kajal close to the lashes. Apply kajal on the lower water line of your eye or go in for a wing look , the choice is yours. The kajals available today are super easy to apply and come in different shades.

The best ones are Lakme eyeconic, Maybelline colossal, loreal kajal magique, but the choice is unlimited with brands like colorbar, plum, faces, nykaa, revlon offering some great kajals.

5.       Mascara: open up your eyes with mascara, probably the most neglected makeup product. Personally, my makeup is incomplete without mascara. Applying mascara may be a little tricky for an amateur, but a little help from YouTube and some practice you will master the art.

 My favourite include loreal million lashes, Lakme eyeconic, Maybelline colossal volume express.

6.       Blush: apply your blush just below your cheekbones, in an upward direction. Use a blush brush to apply blush. Make sure you don’t apply too much product. For someone who’s just starting with makeup here’s something to keep in mind, for people with fair to medium complexion you can go for pinks, peaches, light browns and for beauties with a deeper complexion opt for peaches, browns, terracotta. I recommend using a matte blush, but you can also use shimmery ones.

The same brands mentioned in point 4 have some amazing blushers.

7.       Lip Stick:  The conventional retractable lipstick which we all used from our mother’s vanity kit has gone through a major revolution in recent times. Mattes, powder mattes, 16/18 hour stay lipstick, liquid lipstick (the best formula ever, a separate post on liquid lipsticks is what you’ll read soon)are the trending formulas. Anyway getting back to lipsticks the choice is limitless. Go to any beauty counter and your hand will be full of swatches. The basic must-have shades include pinks, browns,plums and reds. 

Now coming to shopping makeup products, always remember to try the foundation your planning to buy. Let the foundation set for at least 30 minutes, you should also check the shade in natural light. The sales representative at the beauty counter will help you in finding the right shade, but remember the choice is yours if you don’t like a shade you can always ask for another shade.

Do not rush into buying makeup products.

I hope this helps you in putting together your basic vanity kit. If you have any makeup queries, leave a comment or mail me.

Happy makeup shopping.