Makeup for Teenagers: How to Look Good for School, Selfies, and More

Makeup can feel exciting but also kind of intimidating if you’re a teenager. The insecurities start by watching endless TikToks where everyone seems like pros and heightened when you tried copying a YouTube tutorial but ending up with a cakey foundation or smudgy eyeliner. Don’t stress just yet! Everyone struggles at first, but lucky for you, we wrote this makeup for teenagers guide. Here, we’ll share newbie-friendly steps on how to accentuate your features so you’ll feel more confident in your own skin. 

New to makeup? Take a peek at our How to Apply Makeup for Beginners guide.

Makeup for Teenagers in 5 Easy Steps

It’s not easy to look fresh after a gruelling late-night study session. Even on less-stressful days, looking presentable might take some effort. In times like these, makeup can provide a little confidence boost . Here are five steps to enhance your already-stunning look:

Your First Makeup Kit Contents:

  • Gentle face wash and moisturizer
  • Sunscreen
  • Tinted moisturizer or BB cream
  • Concealer 
  • Mascara
  • Blush
  • Lip balm or gloss

Step 1: Prep the Skin

Skin prep simply means getting your face ready so makeup will look smoother and last longer. First, soap gently with a mild face wash without scrubbing harshly. Next, use moisturizer to keep the skin from looking tight or dry. If you plan on staying outside for hours, don’t forget the sunscreen. 

Step 2: Apply a Light Foundation

Squeeze a pea-sized amount of tinted moisturizer or BB cream onto your fingertips. Place small dots on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Blend the product using your fingers, a damp sponge, or a brush until it melts into the skin.  If you have a pimple or redness, dab a tiny bit of concealer on the area and tap gently.

Step 3: Brighten the Eyes

Use an eyelash curler to lift the fringes and make the eyes look more awake. Hold the tool at the base for a few seconds, then release. Next, swipe on a single coat of mascara and start at the base of your lashes then wiggle the brush upward. Avoid pumping the wand in and out of the tube to avoid drying the mascara. 

Step 4: Add Color to Your Cheeks

Dip a fluffy brush into your blush, but tap off any excess powder before using. Smile lightly and dust the color onto the roundest part of your cheeks, then blend it up toward the sides of the forehead. Use small and circular motions for a soft finish. 

Step 5: Keep Lips Soft and Fresh

Apply a layer of lip balm to keep the mouth from looking dry or chapped. If you’d like a touch of color, go for a tinted balm or a shiny gloss. You can swipe directly from the tube or tap it on the lips using your fingertip for a softer effect. And just like that, you’re done! 

Tip: Hold off on matte lipsticks for now since they tend to feel drying and can look a bit too heavy for an everyday school look.

Makeup for Teenagers: Recommended Products

Makeup is getting pricier nowadays, but there are plenty of amazing allowance-friendly products that work just as well as the expensive stuff. Here are the top teen-approved beauty staples:

  • e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer –  A silky lotion that smooths the skin so makeup glides on easier and lasts longer.
  • Maybelline Fit Me Tinted Moisturizer –  A skin-friendly pick that feels lightweight to wear and evens out the skin tone, which makes it perfect for school or daily wear.
  • CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara – A drugstore product that gives your lashes natural volume and makes your eyes instantly look more awake.
  • Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso – A peachy-pink blush that features a super flattering shade that complements almost all skin tones.
  • Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm – A 2-in-one product that hydrates like a balm and adds a hint of sheer color to the lips.

You can find these beauty products at Target, Ulta, or any nearby drugstores. Soon as you develop confidence in your makeup skills, you can start using extras like cute eyeshadow palettes or fun highlighters.

Makeup for Teenagers: From Fresh Face to Face Card

If you came here looking for an easy way to refresh your look, you now have a clear five-step routine that delivers exactly that. Remember, you’re already beautiful as you are. Makeup just gives you the option to highlight your features and play with different looks or vibes.

Are you excited to try this routine?

FAQs

1. Do I need to wear makeup every day?
Not at all. Makeup is optional. Some days you might skip it, and other days you might enjoy adding a little extra. It’s completely up to you.

2. What if I don’t have all the products listed?
That’s okay. Start with what you have. Even moisturizer and lip balm can make a difference. Over time, you can add more products if you want.

3. What’s the best way to start with makeup for teenagers?
Begin with basics like tinted moisturizer, mascara, and lip balm. This gives you a fresh, natural look without needing a long routine. As you grow more comfortable, you can experiment with eyeshadow or blush.

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