Best Makeup Guide for Face, Eyes and Lips

You don’t need to be a professional makeup artist to master the basics (or even the advanced stuff, if you keep at it). All you need is time, practice and the right beauty products. Whether you’re all about the natural makeup look or want to explore bolder, more out-there territory, these tips and tricks will help demystify how to apply makeup.

Face Makeup

Skin prep makes all the difference between a flawless finish or fake look. Take time to let your morning moisturiser, serum or eye cream really absorb. Massage the products gently into skin with circular motions to boost circulation and brightness. Then let it all settle in for up to 20 minutes (if you can spare the time) before applying foundation. If your skin is dehydrated when you put on primer, foundation or concealer, it will just pull the moisture out of your makeup products, leaving them looking cakey instead of smooth. When your skin is ready for foundation, remember less is more and it’s not a full-face mask—only apply where it’s needed. Start from the center of your face and apply outward. Blending with sponge or brush can give you a more seamless look than fingertips alone.

Eye Makeup

Eyeshadow is versatile and transformative. Choosing the right colour combos for you depends on your eye shape. If you have downturned eyes, try pairing bold, complementary colours to create a two-toned cat eye without eyeliner. Brush a solid colour across the entire eyelid, then flick it out at the corners. Use the complementary shade to blend above, into the crease and along the bottom lashline. Monolid eye shapes already have a natural cat eye shape. Play it up by layering a trio of monochromatic shades. Almond eyes work with pretty much any eyeshadow look, but a bronzed smokey eye is exceptionally stunning. Layer a shimmery shade with a deeper bronze, then finish with a rim of eyeliner around the entire eye—make sure to blend, a lot! With round eyes, you can’t go wrong with a classic wash of sheer colour around the entire eye.

Lip Makeup

Just like the rest of your skin, prepping your lips before applying colour will keep them looking better, longer. If you want a big, bold matte red lip for a night out, try exfoliating with a gentle sugar scrub first, followed by a moisturising balm treatment. Let the nourishing, condition and hydrating benefits sink in before getting to work on your colour. When swiping on the lipstick of your choice, whether a nude shade or bright pop of colour, try using a lip brush for smoother, more precise application.

Now that you know how to do it, you need the right cosmetics to do it with. Sephora has all the must-have makeup products and brands to get you on your way to pro-artistry status. Shop for your makeup online and start practicing!