How to Apply Simple Makeup

Co-authored by Kelly Chu

Last Updated: June 24, 2024 References

Instead of masking your beautiful face, enhance your natural features with a simple application of makeup. When simplifying your makeup application, adhere to the adage "less is more." Use a minimal amount of foundational makeup to even your tone and cover your problem areas; lightly apply eye, lip, and cheek makeup to highlight and intensify your gorgeous assets.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Prepping Your Face For Makeup

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1
Wash your face. Prior to applying makeup, you must properly prepare your skin for the application. ^{[1]
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Expert Source

Kelly Chu
Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 9 May 2019.} To remove dirt and oils, thoroughly cleanse your skin with a gentle facial wash product. Dab your face dry with a clean towel.
- If there are any traces of makeup remaining, scrub your face in small circles with a cotton ball or swab dipped in makeup remover.
- Avoid face washes that contain exfoliants. Exfoliants cause your skin to redden.
2
Moisturize your face. Moisturizers soften and hydrate your skin. Evenly spread a pea-sized amount of moisturizer over the contours of your face. ^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Kelly Chu
Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 9 May 2019.} Allow the moisturizer to dry for approximately five minutes. ^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Nini Efia Yang
Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 27 August 2019.}
- If you are prone to skin irritation, avoid scented moisturizers.
- If your skin is naturally oily, avoid moisturizers that contain additional oils. Moisturizers with oils can cause acne.
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3
Prime your face. Primer is formulated to provide a smooth base for foundation, combat shine, and keep your makeup in place throughout the day. ^{[4]
X
Research source} Dab a pea-sized amount of primer onto your fingertip. Dab the primer along your cheekbones, above your brows, and along the bridge of your nose. Use your fingers to evenly spread the primer out to the edges. ^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Kelly Chu
Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 9 May 2019.} Allow the primer to set on your face for a few minutes. This application method produces a light, even layer of primer that will help your foundation appear to rest naturally on your face. ^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Primer, like all of the products listed, is optional.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Creating an Even and Natural Complexion with Subtle Highlights

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Uneven skin tone is caused by hyper pigmentation. Uneven skin tone is characterized by isolated dark spots, blotches, and freckles. The presence of scars, especially acne scars, and sun spots are also markers of uneven skin tone. Note the areas of your complexion that are uneven. When applying foundation and concealer, take extra measures to cover these problem areas.
2
Apply foundation. Foundation is designed to even out the areas of your complexion that are overly pigmented, red, or contain imperfections. To achieve a natural, light look, apply foundation only to the areas of your face that need the coverage. Use a foundation brush, makeup sponge, or your fingers to blend the foundation seamlessly with your natural complexion. ^{[7]
X
Expert Source

Kelly Chu
Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 9 May 2019.} ^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Nini Efia Yang
Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 27 August 2019.}
- For enhanced protection to keep your facial skin healthy, look for a foundation or BB cream with an SPF of 30. ^{[9]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Nini Efia Yang
  Makeup Artist
  
  Expert Interview. 27 August 2019.}
3
Apply concealer. Concealer is meant to cover the problem areas that your foundation could not even out. Use a brush to apply a sparse amount of concealer to blemishes and around the edges of your nose. Apply a generous amount of concealer under your eyes to mask dark circles. ^{[10]
X
Expert Source

Kelly Chu
Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 9 May 2019.} Pat the application areas with your fingers to blend the concealer.
- For a natural look, use a concealer that is one shade lighter than your skin tone.
4
Apply powder. ^{[11]
X
Expert Source

Kelly Chu
Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 9 May 2019.} Powders help to combat oil and set your foundation. You may use a translucent powder or a tinted powder that perfectly matches your skin tone. Apply the powder to your face with a large brush. With the brush, create a “W” pattern on your face. Begin at the top left corner of your hairline, bring the brush down to your cheekbone, to the bridge of your nose, down to the opposite cheekbone, and up to the top right corner of your hairline.
- Translucent powders are universal and may be used on any skin tone. ^{[12]
  X
  Research source} They reflect light, which enhances your skin’s a natural glow.
Rihanna, Founder, Fenty Beauty

Using makeup is empowering. "Makeup is like a secret weapon. Depending on my mood, my look, or the occasion, makeup can go from very subtle to a complete transformation, and that’s the fun in makeup: being able to play and create in endless ways."

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Enhancing Your Lips, Cheeks, and Eyes

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When striving for a natural look, opt for blush over bronzer. Choose a blush that is subtle, soft, and as close to your natural flush as possible. Apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks. Blend the product until it subtly falls where your natural flush occurs.
2
Curl your lashes and apply a thin coat of mascara. Keep your eye makeup simple and clean. Prior to applying mascara, curl your lashes. ^{[13]
X
Expert Source

Kelly Chu
Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 9 May 2019.} Apply up to two coats of mascara to each set of eyelashes with a thin-wand mascara comb.
- If you have naturally dark lashes, skip this step or simply curl your lashes. ^{[14]
  X
  Research source}
- If you mess up putting on mascara or eyeshadow, you can use a makeup remover wipe to erase any small mistakes easily. ^{[15]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Nini Efia Yang
  Makeup Artist
  
  Expert Interview. 27 August 2019.}
3
Enhance your lips’ natural pigment. Complete your simple look with a lipstick and or gloss that intensifies the natural pigment of your lips. Select a light pink, peach, or sand colored lipstick. ^{[16]
X
Research source} Lightly dab the lipstick on your bottom lip and rub your lips together. ^{[17]
X
Expert Source

Kelly Chu
Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 9 May 2019.} Apply a dash of clear lip gloss. ^{[18]
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Research source}
- For an even simpler look, skip the lipstick and just apply a gloss. ^{[19]
  X
  Research source}

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Question

How can I use a fan brush?

Kelly Chu
Professional Makeup Artist
Kelly is the lead makeup artist and educator of the Soyi Makeup and Hair team that is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Soyi Makeup and Hair specializes in wedding and event makeup and hair. Over the past 5 years, the team has created bridal looks for over 800 brides in America, Asia, and Europe.

Kelly Chu

Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

You can use a fan brush to wipe away the excess makeup powder on your face or remove eyeshadow fallout. You can use it to apply a highlighter and bronzer.

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What are the things I should do or avoid while using makeup?

Kelly Chu
Professional Makeup Artist
Kelly is the lead makeup artist and educator of the Soyi Makeup and Hair team that is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Soyi Makeup and Hair specializes in wedding and event makeup and hair. Over the past 5 years, the team has created bridal looks for over 800 brides in America, Asia, and Europe.

Kelly Chu

Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Remember to clean and moisturize the skin before applying makeup. Pick the correct shade of foundation and blend it well. Do not fill the brows too dark, apply blush too low, overuse mascara on the lower lashes, or put on too much makeup product.

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Question

How can I learn to apply makeup?

Kelly Chu
Professional Makeup Artist
Kelly is the lead makeup artist and educator of the Soyi Makeup and Hair team that is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Soyi Makeup and Hair specializes in wedding and event makeup and hair. Over the past 5 years, the team has created bridal looks for over 800 brides in America, Asia, and Europe.

Kelly Chu

Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Invest in a personal makeup class with a professional makeup artist. It will help you understand your face shape and what color and makeup style are suitable for you. The makeup artist can also recommend products that are suitable for you. Besides this, watch youtube videos and practice applying makeup.

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High-end designer makeup is not always superior to drugstore makeup. While designer makeup does tend to have a higher amount of pigmentation, the ingredients are comparable to drugstore makeup. ^{[20]
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Use a SPF moisturizer.

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Make sure your foundation matches your skin tone.

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Warnings

Makeup can sometimes cause blemishes and breakouts.

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Things You'll Need

Facial cleanser
Moisturizer
Primer
Foundation
Concealer
Translucent or Tinted Powder
Blush
Lipstick or Lipgloss
Eyelash Curler
Mascara
A variety of brushes and sponges

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How to Apply Simple Makeup

Steps

Prepping Your Face For Makeup

Creating an Even and Natural Complexion with Subtle Highlights

Enhancing Your Lips, Cheeks, and Eyes

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