When you hit your 60s, you’ll want makeup that celebrates the golden years written on your face. Fine lines, softer skin, or thinning brows may affect your beauty products’ performance, but that doesn’t mean regular routines have to fade away.

The right approach, combined with the right makeup for 60s, can enhance natural radiance and restore your confidence without feeling heavy. How do you balance glow with grace? Let’s break it down step by step.

Snap Guide

• Hydrated skin makes every product look smoother.
• Creamy, light-reflecting formulas beat flat mattes.
• Soft definition around eyes and brows keeps features lifted.
• Lip liner is your best friend for feather-proof color.

Prepare Your Skin

Even the best foundation can look patchy when skin is dry or uneven. To resolve dryness issues, use a hydrating serum and follow with a lightweight moisturizer. You can also add a gripping primer to your arsenal so that your makeup can last all day without slipping into the lines and cracks.

Don’t pile on layers of foundation, either. Instead, look for light-to-medium coverage foundations that let your natural skin peek through. Swap out heavy powders with creamy, luminous products to avoid foundation settling in your skin creases. Finally, add a touch of radiant concealer under the eyes to brighten them without emphasizing texture.

Apply Eye Makeup for Lifting and Brightening

Our eyes naturally change shape as we age; lids may droop or become hooded. Want to lift them right away? Shift your eyeshadow a little higher than usual. By blending shadow upward, you create the illusion of a lifted eye.

When it comes to liner, skip the harsh lines. Do tightlining instead: apply liner between lashes to add definition without weighing the eye down. Pair it with curled lashes and a lengthening mascara to open things up. 

Since eye color also shifts slightly with age, certain shades pop more than others. Warm browns, taupes, and soft plums tend to flatter most mature eyes.

Want to learn more? See our eye makeup tutorial for more information.

Frame Your Face With Your Brows and Lips

Sparse brows are common after 60, so you shouldn’t draw on thick, blocky arches. A brow pencil with a fine tip can mimic hair strokes, while tinted gels add natural volume. Your goal is to lift your brows, not fill them.

Lips deserve extra attention, too. As collagen fades, lip lines invite feathering. That’s where a good liner comes in. Use it to outline softly in your natural lip shade, then fill in with a moisturizing lipstick or tinted balm. Go for creamy or satin finishes to bring back softness.

Pro tip: Dab a touch of gloss at the center of the lips. It reflects light and creates the illusion of fullness.

A Simple Step-by-Step Everyday Routine

Not sure where to start? Here’s a reliable 7-step plan that works for everyday wear:

1. Preparation: Hydrating serum and lightweight moisturizer.
2. Prime: A gripping primer that smooths texture.
3. Base: Light coverage foundation or tinted moisturizer.
4. Conceal: Touch up under eyes and around nose.
5. Brows: Feather in sparse areas with pencil, set with gel.
6. Eyes: Neutral shadow swept upwards and mascara.
7. Lips: Line softly and finish with hydrating lipstick.

Optional: A cream blush tapped onto the apples of your cheeks adds instant warmth. It complements the rest of your makeup and completes that subtle radiance.

Mistakes to Avoid in Your 60s

No matter the age, the following mistakes happen most of the time.

• Over-powdering, as it accentuates skin texture.
• Using outdated shades that clash with undertones.
• Ignoring brows. Tweaking them even slightly makes a huge difference.
• Skipping skin prep before foundation.

Take note of these preventable mistakes and avoid them altogether, especially during your golden years. Your skin will thank you later.

Achieve Ageless Beauty with a Proper Makeup for 60s

Makeup for the 60s is more about refining what’s there instead of rewriting from scratch. The right preparation and lighter textures can highlight your features in an effortless and timeless way. Just know that beauty at any age comes from confidence as much as your makeup.

Tell us what you think. What’s the one product staple you can’t live without at 60? Share it with us in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best foundation for 60-year-old skin?

Look for lightweight, hydrating formulas. Heavy matte foundations often emphasize lines.

Do older women still need primer?

Yes, especially gripping or blurring primers that smooth out texture and help makeup last.

How do I stop lipstick feathering?

Use a matching lip liner, apply balm first, and avoid overly slippery glosses.

At some point, you may have googled ‘makeup for 40s women’ after noticing the techniques you used to rely on don’t work the same way anymore. Decades ago, you may have loved experimenting with 10-step regimens or trending techniques. But today, the goal is choosing hydrating products and gentle formulas that enhance your glow and let your skin breathe. Inside, you’ll discover a quick routine tailored for mature skin along with clear explanations and pro insights.

Makeup for 40s Women: A Step-by-Step Routine

As you reach the vibrant age of 40, wrinkles might settle down and fine lines may appear more visible. None of these signs are bad as they’re simply part of the reality called aging. On days when you want to feel and look good, the right makeup routine can make you look more radiant and lift your confidence. Here are five easy steps:

Step 1: Hydrate and Prime

Apply moisturizer all over your face and dab a lightweight eye cream under the eyes. Then, follow with a hydrating primer to smooth the texture and help the makeup last longer. Choose a formula with a satin finish to make the skin look fresher.

Glow Logic

Hydrated skin looks plumper and holds makeup longer. Meanwhile, dehydrated skin makes fine lines more pronounced and causes makeup to separate.

Step 2: Foundation and Concealer

Skip heavy matte bases. Instead, choose a luminous foundation or tinted moisturizer and apply it using a damp sponge. Press the product gently to help it quickly melt into the skin and avoid streaks. When concealing, focus exclusively on areas that need coverage such as the inner corners of the eyes or redness around the nose. Avoid overconcealing to prevent makeup from creasing.

Glow Logic

Matte formulas emphasize dryness or wrinkles while luminous versions make the skin appear rejuvenated.

Step 3: Blush and Bronzer

Powders can look flat on mature skin, so opt for cream formulas. Smile softly, then tap cream blush on the apples of your cheeks and sweep slightly upward. For bronzer, choose a cream stick or pot then blend it lightly into your temples and along the jawline to sculpt the features.

Glow Logic

Powders settle into fine lines and can make skin look dull. On the other hand, creams help moisturize the skin and blend more seamlessly with other products.

Step 4: Eyes with Subtle Definition

Forget harsh-looking black liners and go for brown shades instead. Press the pencil into your upper waterline or the strip just beneath your lashes. Then, choose neutral satin-finish shadows such as soft browns or taupes to brighten the eyes. Finish with a lash curler and lengthening mascara for more definition.

Glow Logic

Black liner can look overpowering on the lids and may even make the eyes appear smaller. Conversely, soft browns help lift the gaze and keep the look modern.

Step 5: Brows and Lips

Brows naturally thin as we age. To add extra volume, use a pencil or tinted gel to fill them in via short, hair-like strokes. For the lips, choose sticks with satin finishes or tinted balms and consider soft colors such as rosy or nude shades. 

Glow Logic

Hair growth slows as estrogen levels decrease in your 40s and beyond, so thinning brows are completely normal. As instructed above, you can fill them in using gels or pencils to frame the eyes and restore facial harmony.

Makeup for 40s Women: The Final Swipe

Makeup in your 40s is more about self-care and less about chasing youth. Instead, it’s more about enhancing your favorite features and using beneficial products for your complexion. After all, beauty doesn’t fade with age but evolves. So should your makeup routine.

What do you consider the biggest makeup challenge in your 40s? Tell us what’s on your mind!

FAQs

Q: Do I need to switch all my makeup products once I hit 40?
Not at all. When it comes to makeup for 40s women, the focus is on refining a few essentials rather than replacing everything. Swap foundation, blush, and lipstick for hydrating, glow-friendly versions, and keep what still works for you.

Q: Should I avoid shimmer altogether in my 40s?
No, just use it strategically. Opt for subtle satin or cream formulas instead of chunky glitter, which can accentuate texture.

Q: What’s the fastest routine if I only have 5 minutes?
Hydrate your skin, add cream blush, fill in brows, and swipe on tinted lip balm. It’s quick, easy, and instantly refreshing.

Choosing the right shade of foundation for your face can be hard, especially when you’re new to makeup products. Pick the wrong match and your skin can look too orange, too pale, or too patchy after makeup. 

The good news is you’re not alone; many people also struggle with picking the right product. This foundation for beginners guide breaks down how to pick a shade and which formula works best. By teaching you proper application, you’ll get to experience a more confident you.

Snap Guide

• What it does: Creates a smooth, even base so the rest of your makeup looks polished.
• Shade matching tip: Test on your jawline in natural light, not your wrist.
• Formula choice: Liquid is the most forgiving for beginners; powders can emphasize dryness.
• Tools to use: A damp sponge for seamless blending, or clean fingers for cream formulas.

What Foundation Actually Does

A foundation is like the first coat of paint on a bare wall: it prepares the surface for more layers through smoothing and evening it out. The same principle applies to your skin, as it serves as the base for your makeup ensemble. It’s not meant to mask your face but instead create a balanced base to highlight your natural features

The catch with foundations is that wrong choices or application result in runny, heavy, or settling into fine lines. That’s why beginners need a clear and easy guide for these products.

How to Choose the Right Foundation Shade

Foundation bottles can look perfect under store lights, but some turn orange after spending some time on the skin. This is oxidation in action, and it’s one of the biggest frustrations for beginners.

Here’s the smarter way to find your foundation color match while accounting for oxidation:

• Know your undertone. Warm undertones sit between yellow and golden, cool undertones look pink or blue, and neutral falls somewhere in between. To know your undertone, you can check your veins: green suggests warm, blue suggests cool, and a mix usually means neutral.
• Swatch at the jawline. Not your hand. The jaw gives the truest read between your face and neck.
• Step outside. Natural daylight is the ultimate truth teller. If the shade disappears into your skin outdoors, you’ve found your match.

For starters, try brands like Fenty Beauty and Maybelline, which offer wide shade ranges for the perfect fit.

Foundation Types Explained

Which formula should you start with? It will depend on the level of comfort you need, style, and where you’re going.

• Liquid foundation: Blendable, buildable, and versatile. Works for most skin types.
• Powder foundation: Great for oily skin or touch-ups, but can look dry on textured skin.
• Stick foundation: Easy for on-the-go, but can feel heavy if overapplied.
• Tinted moisturizer/BB cream: Light coverage, perfect for “no-makeup makeup” days.

Pro tip: Beginners often get the best results with liquid foundations with light-to-medium coverage. They’re forgiving and let you experiment without looking overdone.

Tools To Make Application Easier

Brushes, sponges, and fingers are the most common tools for applying foundation. However, it’s worth noting that all three have specific uses.

• Brushes: Delivers a polished finish and is great for buffing liquid formulas.
• Sponges: Dampen first for a seamless, skin-like effect. Ideal for blending.
• Fingers: The OG tool. Body heat helps melt the foundation into the skin, especially creams.

If you’re just starting out, a good-quality sponge and a basic foundation brush will cover most of your needs.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Foundation for Beginners

Ready to put it all together? Follow this routine and you’ll never wonder what to do again.

1. Prepare your skin. Cleanse, moisturize, and, if possible, use some primer. Doing so will smooth out the skin for better foundation application.

2. Dot foundation lightly. Start in the center of the face (cheeks, forehead, chin) and blend outward. This avoids heavy buildup at the edges.

3. Build slowly. Want more coverage? Add another thin layer instead of piling on.

4. Blend down the neck. Many people mess their foundation up by stopping at the jawline. You have to blend it to prevent the dreaded “mask” effect.

5. Set if needed. Oily skin? Lightly dust with translucent powder. Dry skin? Skip or just set the T-zone.

Practice these steps whenever you can and you’ll slay with your foundation in no time!

Common Foundation Mistakes and Quick Fixes

Even pros slip up with makeup, especially when using foundation. Don’t panic if you run into common mistakes listed below. Instead, just follow these fixes:

• Cakey finish: Too much product. Fix by misting a setting spray and pressing with a sponge.
• Wrong shade: Mix with a lighter or darker foundation or sheer it out with moisturizer until you replace it.
• Patchiness: Usually from dry skin. Exfoliate gently and moisturize before reapplying.

These few tweaks can correct these common mistakes and give you the fresh and natural look you’ve wanted all along.

Your Foundation Journey Starts Here

Applying foundation doesn’t have to be intimidating. The right shade, formula, process will give you a base that lasts all day without stress.

Are you ready to build out your full starter kit? Explore the rest of our makeup guides and tell us what you think!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need primer before foundation?
Not always. If you have oily skin or need an all-day makeup, a primer can help create a smooth base. For normal or dry skin, a good moisturizer is often enough.

Should foundation go on before or after concealer?
Most beginners find it easier to apply foundation first, then use concealer only where extra coverage is needed. That way, you avoid layering too much product.

Can I apply foundation with my fingers?
Yes! Clean fingers warm up the product and help it blend seamlessly. A damp sponge or brush gives a more polished look, but your hands are still a beginner-friendly tool.

How much foundation should I use?
A few dots across the cheeks, forehead, and chin are plenty. Starting light prevents a cakey finish.

Heading into a meeting, does your beauty routine end up more Sunday snooze than polished boss? If yes, then it’s time for an office makeup tutorial to teach you some quick fixes. As a bonus, we’ll share with you the right routines that won’t need 15 products or require a ring light in your bathroom. 

To look awake and ready for the office, you’ll only need to learn a few pro tricks using this guide. The steps are designed to keep you fresh no matter if you’re early commuting, slaving under office lighting, and attending morning briefings.

Quick Beat Summary

• Time required: 5 or 10 minutes
• Skill level: Beginner-friendly
• Products needed: Primer, light base, neutral eyes, brow pencil, lip color, setting spray
• Finish: Natural, long-wearing, office-ready
• Best for: Busy professionals who want minimal fuss and maximum polish

Why Office Makeup Is Different

Makeup for work strives for balance and doesn’t require extra product antics. It’s professional-looking but not flat and polished without looking overdone. Think of office makeup as part of your work uniform that you wear on your face.

• Lighting matters. Office fluorescents and Zoom cameras can wash out your efforts. Warmer tones and light-reflecting formulas keep skin from looking dull.
• Longevity counts. You probably won’t have time for a full touch-up between emails and deadlines. Choosing transfer-proof and crease-resistant products is essential.
• Professional polish. Neutral shades send the right message: you’re focused, approachable, and ready for business.

Step-by-Step Office Makeup Tutorial

When you’re on the go and need a reliable makeup routine for the office, this is your go-to guide. Follow these steps and you’ll be office-ready in a few minutes.

Step 1: Skin Prep for Staying Power

Start with clean, moisturized skin. A lightweight primer with SPF can help your makeup last longer and protect it during long, afternoon walks. If you’re short on time, grab a moisturizer-primer hybrid.

Tip: If your skin tends to get oily by 3 p.m., choose a gripping primer that keeps shine in check.

Step 2: Light But Effective Base

Skip heavy foundation this time. Instead, use a tinted moisturizer, BB cream, or light-to-medium coverage foundation. Blend with a damp sponge for a skin-like finish.

• For redness, dab a bit of concealer around the nose.
• To brighten dark circles around the eyes, apply a peach-toned corrector followed by concealer.

Step 3: Eyes That Look Awake

Neutral shadows are your best bet for office eye makeup. Sweep matte taupe or soft brown across your eyelid for a more polished look. Add a slightly deeper shade in the crease for subtle dimension.

• Eyeliner: Choose a brown or black smudge-proof pencil or gel. A thin line close to the lashes opens the eyes without screaming “night out.”
• Mascara: One or two coats of lengthening mascara can make you look more awake than a double espresso.

If mornings leave you bleary-eyed, use a white or nude eyeliner on the lower waterline for a refreshed look.

Step 4: Brows for Soft Definition

Brows set your face, and skipping them is like hanging a picture without a frame. A fine-tip brow pencil or tinted gel works wonders for adding shape without harsh lines.

Keep the strokes light and feathery. When finished, your brows should be well-groomed and not overdrawn.

Step 5: Use Comfortable, Long-lasting Lip Products

Workdays are long, so opt for something you won’t need to babysit. Nude lipsticks, tinted balms, or transfer-proof liquid formulas are all great picks. Save bold reds for client dinners or Friday nights.

Tip: Use the same lipstick as blush by dabbing it on cheeks for a pulled-together look in seconds.

Step 6: Lock It In

Finish your routine with a light dusting of translucent powder across the T-zone, then spritz a setting spray to keep everything in place. Slip a mini mist into your desk drawer in case you need an afternoon refresh.

Office Makeup Tips for All-Day Wear

Even the best morning routine needs backup. Here’s how to keep your look intact:

• Desk essentials: blotting papers, mini powder, neutral lipstick, and a travel-size setting spray.
• Touch-up routine: blot, mist, then press with a sponge. This refreshes without caking on more product.
• Lunch-proof lips: stick to satin or matte finishes, like the Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Liquid Lipstick that won’t smear into your salad fork.
• Commute smarts: if you walk or cycle to work, keep your base light and do finishing touches at your desk.

Ever notice how some colleagues look polished all day? They’re probably using these tricks too!

Your Workday Look, Simplified

Office makeup should be the easiest and not the most stressful part of your morning. Thanks to these quick tips for all-day wear, you’ll feel confident from your first coffee to your last meeting.

Tell us what you think: Do you prefer a quick desk routine, or do you enjoy a full 10-minute ritual before heading out?

So you’ve clicked Google search and searched for “How to Apply Makeup for Beginners.” After trying a few sites, you still haven’t found the right guide that really explains the basics. Luckily, here you are. We’re more than happy to give you the tutorial you need.

Starting makeup for the first time can feel overwhelming, especially with so many products, brushes, and techniques to choose from. But before you get all wrapped up with what to buy or what trend to follow, here’s the naked truth: makeup is simply about enhancing your natural features and helping you feel more confident. You don’t need an expensive kit or professional skills to begin. What you do need is a simple roadmap that explains what each product is, why it matters, and how to use it. Don’t worry: this How To Apply Makeup for Beginners is just the thing you need. So pick up that brush and let’s get started!

For more learning, check out our beauty basics, our guide to best makeup products, or start exploring eye makeup tutorials. Helpful resources like Revlon, IPSY, and this video tutorial also emphasize keeping things simple and practical.

Quick Beat:

• Wash and moisturize your face so makeup goes on smoothly.
• Use foundation and concealer to even your skin and hide dark circles or spots.
• Shape brows and add simple eye makeup so your eyes look more awake.
• Add blush and lip color to bring back natural warmth.
• Finish with powder or spray to keep everything in place.

Step 1: Prepping Your Skin for Makeup

Prepping your skin means cleansing, moisturizing, and sometimes priming before you apply makeup. This step makes everything you put on afterward sit more evenly and last longer. If you skip it, makeup can look patchy or wear off too quickly.

Your Turn: Step by Step

• Wash with a gentle cleanser. Pat dry with a towel.
• Apply moisturizer suited to your skin type—a light gel if you’re oily, a richer cream if you’re dry.
• If you have a primer, smooth on a pea-sized amount to help blur pores and give foundation something to grip. Moisturizer alone works just fine if you don’t.

Watch out for: Applying too much moisturizer right before makeup. Give it a minute or two to sink in first.

Step 2: Applying Foundation & Concealer for a Natural Look

Foundation is the product that evens out your skin tone, while concealer is thicker and used on smaller areas like dark circles or blemishes. Together they smooth things out without hiding your natural skin.

Your Turn: Step by Step

• Dot a small amount of foundation on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Blend outward with a damp sponge (bounce gently) or a brush (small circles). Start with less—you can always add more.
• Apply three tiny dots of concealer under each eye or dab directly on blemishes. Blend by patting gently with your ring finger or sponge. Pick a shade that’s close to your skin tone for blemishes and a little lighter for under the eyes.

Watch out for: Using too much. Makeup should melt into skin, not sit heavily on top.

Step 3: Easy Steps for Defined Eyes

Eye makeup covers your brows, shadow, eyeliner, and mascara. Even just a touch of each can brighten your whole face and make you look more awake.

Your Turn: Step by Step

• Lightly fill in sparse brow areas with short strokes of a pencil or powder. Comb through with a spoolie to soften.
• Sweep a single neutral shade of eyeshadow across your lids with a fluffy brush.
• Draw a thin line of eyeliner close to your upper lashes, resting your elbow on a table to steady your hand. Smudge gently if the line feels too harsh.
• Apply mascara by wiggling the wand at the base of your lashes, then sweeping upward. One or two coats are enough.

Watch out for: Heavy eyeliner or overly dark brows can look harsh. Keep it light until you’re comfortable.

Step 4: Adding Natural Color with Lips & Cheeks

Foundation evens your skin but can sometimes leave you looking a little flat. That’s where blush and lip color come in, as they bring warmth and life back to your face.

Your Turn: Step by Step

• Smile to find the apples of your cheeks, then apply blush there and blend slightly upward toward your temples. Cream blushes are especially beginner-friendly since you can blend them easily with your fingers.
• For lips, start with a tinted balm or a sheer lipstick in a shade close to your natural lip color. Apply it like you would chapstick for a soft, polished finish.

Beginner tip: No blush handy? Dab a little lipstick on your cheeks and blend—it works in a pinch.

Step 5: Locking in Your Look with Finishing Touches

The last step is all about helping your makeup last through the day. Without it, products may fade or rub off more quickly.

Your Turn: Step by Step

• If you tend to get shiny, dust a little translucent powder on your forehead, nose, and chin with a fluffy brush.
• To set everything in place, hold a setting spray about a foot from your face and mist two or three times. Let it air dry naturally.

Watch out for: Over-powdering, which can make skin look dry or cakey.

How to Apply Makeup For Beginners? You Just Did!

Learning how to apply makeup is more about progress and not perfection. Every step you practice builds your confidence, whether it’s blending foundation or mastering mascara. Remember: makeup is there to support you, not to change you. Take your time, experiment, and have fun learning!

Try the tutorial and tell us what you think. Did it help you feel more confident? Share your thoughts below!

Beginner Makeup FAQ

Q: Do I need expensive products?
Not at all. Affordable brands like e.l.f. and NYX are beginner favorites because they’re easy to use and budget-friendly.

Q: What’s the one product every beginner should have?
A tinted moisturizer or BB cream—it’s forgiving, quick, and doubles as skincare and makeup.

Q: How do I avoid having makeup that looks cakey?
Use thin layers, blend carefully, and build slowly instead of piling on product.

Conversely, once you know the correct glam sequence, everything will just instantly click. Your base will look smoother and the whole look will stay on much longer. That’s what this guide is here to show you. Instead of constantly guessing, you’ll see exactly how each step builds on the last. By the time you’re finished, you’ll have created a flawless look regardless of what you’re going for.

The Proper Makeup Routine for the Face

A smooth base ensures an even and seamless layering. Once you follow the correct
primer to contour sequence, the rest of the routine will fall into place.

Step 1: Primer

Applying primer smooths the texture and helps makeup grip better. Spread a thin layer and
give it a minute to set. A tinted moisturizer instead of the usual foundation can work as well.

Step 2: Foundation

Once the primer sets, move on to the foundation. You can use a sponge, brush, or your
fingers to blend the product. If you prefer lighter coverage, opt for BB or CC cream.

Step 3: Concealer

Foundation hides most imperfections but a concealer offers more coverage. Apply it
under the eyes to brighten dark circles, then blend smoothly. Use it on blemishes or redness that
peeks through the foundation.  

Step 4: Setting Powder

Powder is essential for locking in your makeup base. Without it, heat and humidity can
melt away your foundation. Using a fluffy brush, press powder lightly across the face and
focus on the T-zone areas.

Step 5: Blush or Bronzer

Add warmth and color to bring life back into your skin. Apply blush to the apples of your
cheeks and blend outward. If you like a sun-kissed effect, sweep the bronzer along your
cheeks, temples, and jawline for a more natural glow.

Step 6: Contour and Highlight

Contouring adds a shadowy effect that makes the cheekbones and jawline appear
more sculpted. Additionally, highlighting brightens areas that catch light such as
the tops of cheeks and the bridge of the nose. Together, both steps give your face
more definition.

Proper Makeup Routine for the Eyes

With your base complete, it’s time to focus on the eyes. Palettes, liner, and brow products
can feel overwhelming, but when applied in order they define your look without clashing.
This step adds the detail and depth that balances the face.

Step 7: Eyebrows

Well-shaped brows frame your face and help balance your features. Fill in sparse areas
using a brow pencil, powder, or pomade. After filling, brush through to blend, then finish
with brow gel or mascara to hold the hairs in place.

Step 8: Eyeshadow Primer

Eyelids naturally produce oil, which can cause eyeshadow to crease. An eyeshadow primer
keeps pigment vibrant and intact for hours. If you don’t own one, a concealer is a great backup.

Step 9: Eyeshadow

Start with a neutral base on your lids, blend a darker shade into the crease, and highlight
the brow bone or the eyes’ inner corners. Matte, shimmer, or metallic finishes all look great
as long as you blend the colors properly.

Step 10: Eyeliner

An eyeliner defines the “windows to your soul” and makes lashes look fuller. Apply it along
the lash line or practice a cat eye style on your lid for a sharper look. Perfecting eyeliner
takes practice, so don’t stress if it doesn’t turn out flawless right away!

Step 11: Mascara

Curl your lashes first then apply two to three coats of mascara for extra length and volume.
You can also add a light coat to the lower lashes. 

Step 12: False Lashes (Optional)

False lashes are best reserved for special occasions. Apply them after finishing your
mascara to help blend your natural lashes seamlessly with the falsies. 

Proper Makeup Routine for the Lips

After the eyes are done, the lips complete the picture. Your lipstick might crack or feather
if you skip the prep part. Follow this routine below for a smoother texture and better grip.

Step 13: Lip Liner

A lip liner helps prevent your chosen color from feathering and gives your lips more shape
and fullness. Outline just outside your natural lip line for extra volume or stick to your natural line
for a neat finish.

Step 14: Lip Color

Apply your favorite lipstick or gloss to complete the look. Whether you prefer bold red
or a soft nude, this is the final step to achieve plumper lips.

Proper Makeup Routine for a Flawless Finish

Nothing’s worse than watching your hard work on your face, eyes, and lips fade by lunchtime.
A dust of powder or a spritz of spray keeps the layers all set and locked in longer.

Step 15: Finishing Powder

While setting powder holds your foundation in place, finishing powder blurs out the
pores and fine lines for a photo-ready finish. Choose a translucent formula and apply
lightly to avoid a white cast in flash photos.

Step 16: Setting Spray

Finish with a mist of setting spray to lock in the makeup. Depending on the formula,
this can also create a dewy or matte finish. 

These sixteen steps for a proper makeup routine may sound overwhelming, but then again, you don’t need to apply all of them all every day. Tailor the routine to your schedule and your skin. What matters most is following the correct glam order to make every product layer seamlessly on top of each other.

FAQs

1. Do I really need every step in the proper makeup routine?
No, think of it as a toolkit. You can scale down for everyday wear or add more steps when you want a polished, complete look.

2. Can I swap concealer and foundation in the order?
Some artists do concealer first, but most recommend foundation first. This saves product and avoids wiping away your concealer.

3. What if I don’t own primer or finishing powder?
That’s fine. You can still create a smooth base by hydrating well and setting your look with a light dusting of powder you already own.

Every flawless look starts with a sequence. Which step feels non-negotiable in your routine?

Makeup doesn’t age you overnight. However, the wrong habits can slowly shift your features. Some of the most common makeup practices can deepen shadows or highlight fine lines in ways you didn’t want. The surprising part is, it’s usually the everyday routines that sneak up and age the face over time. But no worries because most of these issues are easy to fix. Here’s a breakdown of five aging makeup mistakes and how to correct them.

These Makeup Mistakes Are Aging You: Let’s Change That

Some habits age the face more than time does. These makeup mistakes are easy to spot and solve once you know what to look for.

Aging Makeup Mistake #1: Thick, Heavy Foundation That Masks the Skin

Full-coverage foundation sounds like a shortcut to your flawless era, but it often does the opposite. Thick layers tend to sit on top of the skin instead of blending in. That makes dry spots stand out especially around the mouth and between the brows. Heavy foundation also settles into fine lines and creases by mid-day, which makes texture more obvious. Most heavy formulas also leave the skin looking flat or dull.

Solution: Start with a moisturizing base, then use a light or serum-style foundation with a skin-like finish. Blend a small amount into the skin to even things out without covering everything. Use concealer only where you need more coverage and let your real skin show through. Sometimes, it looks fresher that way.

Aging Makeup Mistake #2: Too Much Concealer (Especially Under the Eyes)

Concealer is tricky to use. A little can brighten your face instantly, but too much creates the opposite effect. The under-eye area has thinner skin and moves more when you smile or blink. When you layer on thick or light-colored concealer, it creases fast and makes puffiness more noticeable. Some formulas also change color as they sit and turn circles gray by lunch.

Solution: Stick to a shade that’s close to your actual skin tone. Apply a small amount only to the darkest part under the eye. Tap it in gently with a damp sponge or brush. Skip setting powder unless absolutely needed, and even then, use just a tiny amount.

Aging Makeup Mistake #3: Over-Powdering the Face

Powder is supposed to set makeup, not smother it. When you overpowder near the eyes and mouth, the product sticks to dry areas and settles into lines. Thick powder also makes the skin look flat by taking away natural shine. Under bright light, that can make your face look stiff or older.

Solution: Use a small fluffy brush and apply powder only where skin gets oily such as the forehead, nose, or chin. Skip it around the eyes and mouth. If you’re using a loose powder, pick one that feels silky. Powders with a bit of light reflection also help keep skin looking soft and smooth.

Aging Makeup Mistake #4: Harsh Brow Shaping

Eyebrows help lift the face. However, if they’re too thin, too dark, or too sharply drawn, they can drag the whole look down. Strong lines or over-filling can make the face look off-balance and draw attention to features you’re not trying to highlight. Thin brow tails or dramatic arches can also clash with softer features and make the face look worse.

Solution: Go lighter with your pressure and take your time. Choose a brow pencil or powder that’s a shade softer than your natural brow hair. Use small strokes that look like real hairs, not one big outline. Brush through with a spoolie to blend it all together. The goal is full but soft brows that frame the face without stealing the spotlight from your other features.

Aging Makeup Mistake #5: Skipping Prep Products Like Primer or Serum

If your base makeup isn’t going on smoothly or wears off patchy by midday, it might not be the makeup’s fault. Skipping skin prep is one of the biggest reasons foundation and concealer go cakey. When skin is dry or uneven, makeup grabs in weird spots and shows every bump or fine line.

Solution: Use a light serum or primer before foundation. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide to hydrate and smooth the skin surface. That way, the makeup sits better and lasts longer. Doing skin prep also adds a little glow under your makeup, which looks way more natural than trying to fake it with shimmer.

No More Redo Days

Makeup mistakes can throw the whole look off. Catching them early means less second-guessing and fewer do-overs later.

What’s the one fix that could make your routine work better tomorrow?

FAQs: Makeup Mistakes

1. What’s the most common makeup mistake that ages the face?
   Applying too much concealer or foundation is a top culprit.
2. Does powder really make you look older?
   Too much powder can settle into lines and highlight texture.
3. Can the wrong foundation shade age you?
   Yes, especially if it’s too dark or has the wrong undertone.
4. Why does concealer make my under-eyes look worse?
   It’s often too thick, too light, or applied too far out.
5. Are matte products bad for mature skin?
   Not always, but overly matte finishes can flatten the face.
6. What kind of brows look more youthful?
   Soft, full, and natural shapes lift the face better than thin or harsh ones.
7. Should I skip primer if I have dry skin?
   No—hydrating primers help makeup go on smoother and stay put.
8. Is shimmer bad for aging skin?
   Heavy shimmer can draw attention to lines, but soft glow works well.
9. How do I know if my makeup is aging me?
   If texture shows more after applying makeup, something needs adjusting.
10. What’s one easy fix to start with?
    Use less product and focus on better blending.

What You Need To Know Behind Every Airbrush Makeup Kit

If you haven’t got an airbrush makeup kit yet and is planning to get one, it’s important to know what it is and how it works. While I won’t be going in-depth on airbrush makeup artistry, I will be discussing some of the important things you have to know about airbrush makeup and maybe help you decide which one is the best airbrush makeup out there.

An airbrush makeup kit is comprised of a Gun, a compressor, and the airbrush makeup product.  Unlike traditional makeup, it doesn’t need a lot of extra steps for the makeup to look flawless and natural because it uses compressed air, usually around 5 to 15 PSI, to push the product onto the skin. If used correctly it creates a beautiful satiny looking skin and it lasts longer than traditional makeup. Well, that is depending on the formula you’re using.

Silicone Based Airbrush Makeup

The more common formula in an airbrush makeup kit everywhere is the Silicone-Based formula, mainly because most makeup has silicone as the main ingredient and also because it is highly water resistant, flexible, and long-wearing for up to 12 hours. This type of airbrush makeup formula is used mostly for beauty makeup work, it registers really well on film and on  HD photography. Silicone-based airbrush makeup is not only for Foundation it’s also used for blushers, contour colors, and illuminators.

Waterbased Airbrush Makeup

Water-based formula is more commonly used for body application because it’s easier to clean up, however that can also mean that it’s more easily disrupted. Since it’s water-based, any contact with water will wash off the product. It’s also not as flexible as silicone based formula as it dries almost immediately on contact with the skin.

Alcohol-Based Makeup

I personally use this for tattoo cover up because this formula is quite drying to the skin. So it’s better to apply only in areas that need cover up. This formula is used a lot in Special Effects makeup and prosthetic work. It is waterproof and delivers high pigmentation that wears for a long time.

Watch how Alexandrea Garza applies airbrush makeup on herself:

Now that you are more aware of the different types of formula in an airbrush makeup kit, consider which you think will suit your need best. Personally, I find Silicone Based airbrush makeup my go-to when using it on myself and on my client, however other clients can come in presenting different situations, so sometimes I have to use whichever is best for a given situation.

I want to know about your first experience in using airbrush makeup, let us know in the comments below; and if you think this article is helpful, we have an in-depth write up about everything on Foundation!

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*Editor’s Note – This post was originally published in Aug 2014 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

Lipstick Shades For Every Skin Tone

What You Can Learn From This Guide

Well, if you’re a total newbie when it comes to lipstick application and shades, you’ve come to the right place. I will give you a rundown on everything you need to know about lipstick shades. This beginner’s guide will surely make you an expert in no time.

Lipstick Shades

As far as makeup products go, I personally think lipstick is probably the most intimidating out there. When I was starting, I was nervous too. I tried a lot of bad shades before I figured out which lipstick shades are perfect for my skin tone. I’ll tell you a secret: any woman can wear lipstick. It’s just a matter of finding the right and the perfect shade for you. I actually find choosing the right blush shade easier than choosing the perfect lipstick shade.

So, if you’re a lipstick novice, do not fret. I am here to help you and I know you are excited to know how to find the perfect shade of lipstick. After this, you won’t ever waste your money on lippies that simply won’t work for your skin tone. There are thousands of lipstick shades and this beginner’s guide will be your ultimate favorite.

Lipstick Shades for Your Skin Tone

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First off, you should know your skin tone and which shades are recommended for you. Generally, a skin tone that is fairer will complement well with pinks, peaches, and reds, while darker skin tones complement well with darker hues like mauve to purples and medium skin tone kind of sit in between like corals and orange. Choosing a shade will depend on how light or how deep your skin tone is.

Choose the Best Lipstick Shades for Your Undertone

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Just like your lipstick shades, complexions may also vary because of the underlying tone. Think of your undertone as kind of like your background color. You may be dark or fair but your skin will always have that underlying color tone to it that makes your skin either warm or cool.

Warm undertones have a yellow, sometimes a bit of green tinge to their skin and cool undertones have pinks and reds underlying their flesh. Lipstick colors that have more yellow or orange to them compliment warm tones and those that have more blue complement cool tones. See the picture presented above, it is a warm deep mauve color and it compliments all these skin colors because they all have one undertone and that is yellow – and a bit of olive.

Warm vs. Cool Undertone Lipstick Guide

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Here you go! This is a guide for undertones and which lipstick shades will work best for you. Notice that the colors under the warm shade lean towards a more orange-y peachy color and the colors under the cool shade lean towards hues that lack the warmth of a yellow or an orange tone.

Gloss, Matte, Satin: How to Choose?

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There are many lipstick textures and finishes on the market ranging from satin, matte, to gloss. For newbies, my advice is to test which works perfectly for you. I can recommend wearing neutral and mild gloss for daytime events and use the darker stains or mattes for going out at night or special events. Check out this very useful Mac dupe list I made.

Complement Your Lipstick Shade With the Rest of Your Makeup

Everything should be either complementing or matching each other. So when you are wearing one of your warm lipstick shades, wear warm tones on your eyes as well. You don’t want to overdo your makeup by putting colors that clash, so if you’re wearing dark eye colors, it would be best to wear a more nude or subdued lipstick shade to pair it with. What I recommend is, always experiment on what looks better on you. (This makeup tool gets you “perfect lashes” to add to any look, grab it for free here.)

Be sure to get my favorite brush, the Mieoko for FREE here.

Here’s a video by Beautifulyou92 on finding the perfect lipstick shade for you:

Choose which facial feature you want to highlight and use bolder or more vibrant colors on it and tone down on the other features. If you want your lips to pop, then choose brighter/bolder lipstick colors like deep red, purple, or burgundy while making sure that your eye and cheek color remain on the neutral/natural side.

Which lipstick shades are you planning to try out? Let us know in the comments section below.

Up Next: 19 Best Mac Lipsticks Of All Time | 2018 Updated Review

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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on January 12, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

FoolProof Ways to Make Foundation for Oily Skin Work

In this article:

• Skin Care
• Skin Preparation
• Foundation for Oily Skin
• Set the Foundation
• Mattifying Setting Spray

Skin Care

I will start this post with a bit of a skincare feature. Oily skin, aside from hormones, is a defense mechanism for when your skin feels like it needs to be hydrated. It compensates by creating more moisture, thereby becoming oily. This is why it’s important to keep your skin balanced and hydrated. You can start by using a clay mask the night before applying makeup. This helps in tightening pores and it also naturally brings out dirt and oil build-up on the skin.

After cleaning out the clay mask, use a Glycolic acid-based face toner to further help in tightening pores and to make your skin hydrated as Glycerin is a humectant and it helps in drawing in moisture from the air.

After this step, make sure that an oil-free or water-based moisturizer before you sleep to make sure that your skin does not overcompensate by producing more oil.

Skin Preparation

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Now that your skin is in good condition, don’t be disappointed if you still see oil on your face after waking up, just cleanse and wash with an oil-free cleanser to take out excess oil and start with putting on a mattifying primer. What the mattifying primer does is it creates a barrier between your skin and the makeup so there is an extra layer of coverage and absorbency when your skin becomes oily before it hits the makeup.

Foundation for Oily Skin

The first thing you should do is familiarize yourself with the best type of foundation for oily skin. The best selling foundation doesn’t necessarily mean it’s also the best to use for your oily skin. We recommend to use mattifying foundations like the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation or the L’oreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation and apply as usual. But take note, especially for a foundation for oily skin, it’s better to apply in layers. Oil and sebum can really affect how your foundation sits on your skin and when applied in thick layers, it can become cakey. It’s best to work lightly and in layers covering only what is necessary instead of applying thick layers all over the face.

Set the Foundation

Using a translucent powder like the Makeup Forever HD Finishing Powder or the Laura Mercier Translucent Powder, or any pressed or loose powder, sets your foundation and keeps it from moving and transferring. You can make this happen by patting just a thin amount on the face. Concentrate on the areas where you get oily like the nose and around it and/or the forehead.

Mattifying Setting Spray

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Using a setting spray is not necessary, but for added security, use a mattifying setting spray like the Ben Nye Final Seal, which is a product I swear by and is in my kit all the time. This holds the makeup really well it keeps it from transferring to your classy clothes while helping to create a matte finish for a foundation for oily skin.

This process should help with your makeup wear. Foundation for oily skin is just foundation really, so you will see it start to rub off or become oily especially after a long time and in humid conditions. So, make sure to bring blotting sheets and face powder you used to retouch your makeup.

Check out how Nikkia Joy keeps her foundation for oily skin on through the video below:

Now you know the proper way of applying foundation to your oily skin. You will no longer worry about the weather being sultry. You can now rock your favorite foundation without worrying about your face being cakey and oily. Add these tips to your everyday makeup routine and ditch the oily skin you had before! We hope this post has helped you learn about how to you can go grease-free this season and what the best products for oily skin are.

Did you find this post helpful in your everyday makeup routine? Sound off in the comments section below!

Up Next: How to Get Flawless-Looking Foundation for Dry Skin

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on February 21, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.