Makeup Guide: Everything You Need, Step by Step

Makeup doesn't have to be complicated. Once you understand what each product does and the order it goes on, everything gets easier: you shop smarter, spend less time in front of the mirror and your look lasts longer. This makeup guide walks you through everything step by step, from prepping your skin to setting your look, with links to our tutorials so you can dig deeper into each topic. You'll find every product we mention in our makeup collection.

Before you start: know your skin and your goal

The same product can look completely different on two people. Before you buy, think about three things:

• Your skin type. Oily skin gets shiny in the T-zone and calls for matte formulas; dry skin feels tight and loves creamy, radiant finishes; combination skin is a bit of both. If your skin is oily, read makeup for oily skin. For mature skin, check out makeup for mature skin.
• Your skin tone and undertone. They affect your foundation, concealer, blush and lipstick. We have a guide to makeup for medium and deep skin tones.
• The occasion. An office look and a wedding look are two different things. You'll find ideas for every moment below.

If you've never worn makeup before, start with makeup for beginners: the basic kit.

The makeup order, in a nutshell

1. Skincare: cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen.
2. Primer.
3. Foundation.
4. Concealer.
5. Powder (only where you need it).
6. Bronzer, contour, blush and highlighter.
7. Brows.
8. Eyes: eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara and lashes.
9. Lips.
10. Setting spray.

We cover it in detail in the right order to apply makeup. Some people prefer to do their eyes first so they can clean up eyeshadow fallout without ruining their base; both approaches work.

Step 1: Prep your skin

Great makeup starts with clean, hydrated skin. Apply your moisturizer, wait a couple of minutes and finish with sunscreen in the morning. Not sure what goes first? See sunscreen, moisturizer, primer and foundation: what goes first. For a full skincare routine, check out our skincare guide.

Primer

Primer creates a smooth layer so your foundation grips better. There are mattifying, hydrating, illuminating and pore-blurring primers. Learn how to choose one in makeup primer: types and how to choose.

Step 2: Foundation and concealer

Find the right shade

Test foundation on your jawline and check it in natural light. The right shade disappears into your skin. We share the full method in how to choose your foundation and concealer shade.

Apply it without looking cakey

Start with a small amount in the center of your face and blend outward. You can use a brush, a damp sponge or your fingers. Read how to apply foundation without it looking heavy and how to use a makeup sponge.

Concealer only where you need it

Concealer goes only on dark circles, redness or individual spots. For under-eyes, follow how to use concealer for dark circles. If you have strong tones to neutralize, color correctors: how to use them will help.

Step 3: Set it so it lasts

Powder sets your foundation where you get shiny, and setting spray melts all the layers together at the end. Which one do you need? Find out in setting powder vs. setting spray. If you live in Puerto Rico or anywhere hot, they're your best friends: read makeup for heat and humidity and 8 tricks to make it last all day.

Step 4: Add dimension

Bronzer and contour

Bronzer adds warmth where the sun would naturally hit your face; contour creates shadow to sculpt. They're not the same: we explain the difference in bronzer vs. contour and in how to apply contour and highlighter.

Blush

Blush brings your face to life. Cream and liquid formulas melt into the skin; powder is easy to control and lasts on oily skin. Compare textures in cream, liquid or powder blush and find the best placement in where to apply blush for your face shape.

Highlighter

A touch on the tops of your cheekbones, your cupid's bow and inner corners is all you need. Skip it on areas with visible pores or texture.

Step 5: Brows

Brows frame your eyes. Fill in sparse spots with pencil or powder using short strokes, then set with gel. Step by step in perfect brows: pencil, gel and soap.

Step 6: Eyes

Eyeshadow

To start, three shades are enough: a light one for the lid, a medium one for the crease and a dark one for the outer corner. Learn the technique in how to apply eyeshadow step by step, pick shades in eyeshadow by eye color and figure out which palette to buy in how to choose an eyeshadow palette. Once you feel confident, try a smoky eye or glitter and pigments.

Eyeliner

Gel liner is easier to fix; liquid liner gives a sharper line. See perfect liner with gel and liquid and, if your eyes are small or hooded, eyeliner for small eyes.

Mascara and lashes

Curl your lashes, apply mascara in a zigzag from the root and wipe excess off the wand. Full guide in clump-free mascara and, for extra volume, how to apply false lashes.

Step 7: Lips

Line, fill in and, if you want shine, add gloss or lip oil to the center. Pair shades with lip liner and lipstick combos and nail a flawless matte finish with how to apply matte liquid lipstick. For a hydrating option with shine, there's our Ultra Hydrating Lip Oil.

Step 8: Set and touch up

Finish with two or three spritzes of setting spray about 8 inches from your face. Keep blotting papers, your lipstick and a mini powder in your bag for touch-ups.

Looks for every occasion

• Quick everyday: 5-minute makeup.
• Office: natural makeup for work.
• Photos and events: makeup for photos.
• Nights out and parties: evening makeup and 5 party looks.
• Special occasions: bridal makeup and quinceañera makeup.
• On trend: cloud skin.

Tools and hygiene

Good brushes and a sponge change the result. Find out which ones you need in types of makeup brushes and their uses and keep them clean with how often to clean your brushes.

Common mistakes

• Piling on foundation instead of concealing only where needed.
• Not blending the edges of contour and blush.
• Powdering your whole face when your skin is dry.
• Skipping sunscreen because your foundation has SPF.
• Sleeping in your makeup.

Find more in 15 makeup mistakes that make you look older.

Brands to start with

For great value, check out Beauty Creations (read our product guide), Kevin & Coco (with its brand guide), Moira, Amuse and Italia Deluxe.

Shop it at BeautyRosee

Foundations, concealers, palettes, blushes, lipsticks, setting sprays and tools: it's all in our makeup collection. Looking for a little gift? Browse beauty gifts under $20.

FAQ

What's the right order to apply makeup?

Skincare, primer, foundation, concealer, powder, bronzer, blush, highlighter, brows, eyes, lips and setting spray.

Which products are must-haves for beginners?

A concealer or light foundation, a blush, mascara, a brow gel and a lipstick or gloss.

How do I make my makeup last in the heat?

Prep with primer, use long-wear formulas, set your T-zone with powder and finish with setting spray.

How often should I wash my brushes?

Ideally once a week, and sponges after every use or every few uses.

Your routine, at your own pace

You don't need to master every step on day one. Pick one, practice it and add the next. When you're ready to refresh your makeup bag, explore the BeautyRosee makeup collection.