I didn’t wear makeup until my mid-twenties because I was intimidated.
Like I’d look at people wearing makeup and think there was no way I could figure that out.
It seemed complicated. Too many products. Too many skills.
Then I actually tried it and realized makeup is way simpler than it looks.
You literally need like 5 products to look put-together.
Not 20 products. Not complicated techniques.
Just 5 basics applied simply.
Once I figured out what actually matters, I got so much less anxious about the whole thing.
Beginner makeup: foundation or BB cream, concealer, mascara, blush, lipstick. That’s 5 products. You can do full face with just these. Everything else is bonus. Start simple. Add complexity if you want.
Makeup is meant to:
That’s literally it.
Makeup is not meant to transform you into someone else.
It’s meant to enhance what you already have.
This mindset makes everything easier.
Evening out skin tone. This is the base.
Foundation: fuller coverage, more noticeable.
BB cream: lighter coverage, more natural.
Start with BB cream if you’re new. Less intimidating.
Brands: Glossier Skin Tint (€32), Maybelline Dream Urban Cover (€10), Bare Minerals (€35).
Choose one. Match to your skin tone. Done.
Covering blemishes, dark circles, spots.
Slightly lighter than your skin tone.
Blend with your finger or sponge.
Brands: Glossier Stretch Concealer (€22), Maybelline Fit Me (€8), e.l.f. (€6).
Making eyelashes look fuller and darker.
Instantly makes eyes look awake.
Black mascara works for everyone.
Brands: Maybelline Lash Sensational (€9), Glossier Lash Slick (€24), e.l.f. (€6).
Choose one black mascara. That’s all you need.
Adding color to cheeks. Makes you look alive.
Pink, peach, or warm red works for most skin tones.
Apply to apples of cheeks (smile to find them).
Brands: Maybelline Fit Me Blush (€8), Glossier Cloud Paint (€22), e.l.f. (€6).
Color on lips.
Start with something close to your natural lip color.
Lipstick is more obvious. Lip stain is more subtle.
Brands: Maybelline SuperStay Matte Liquid (€8), Glossier Balm Dot Com (€22), e.l.f. (€6).
These 5 products and you have a complete makeup look.
Not YouTube complicated.
Not 10 step process.
Apply each product. Blend slightly. Done.
Takes 5-10 minutes with practice.
Eyeshadow:
Color on eyelids. Makes eyes pop.
You can skip this entirely. Or add one neutral shade.
Brands: Maybelline (€5), e.l.f. (€4), Urban Decay (€20).
Eyeliner:
Line around eyes. Optional.
Liquid is hard. Pencil is easier to start.
Brands: Maybelline Pencil (€6), e.l.f. (€3).
Bronzer:
Adds warmth and definition.
Not necessary. Blush does similar job.
Highlight:
Adds glow. Not necessary.
Setting spray:
Makes makeup last longer.
Helpful if you want longevity but not necessary.
Total: €53
You can do full makeup with this budget.
Total: €122
You like Glossier aesthetic. All coordinating. Very nice quality.
Wearing too much: Less is more. You don’t need full coverage everywhere. Just even out skin tone.
Not blending: Blend everything slightly. No harsh lines.
Wrong undertone: Match foundation to your undertone (warm, cool, neutral) not just darkness. Takes experimentation.
Skipping primer: Optional but helps makeup last. Nice to have but not necessary.
Using old products: Mascara especially has bacteria. Replace every 3 months.
Not moisturizing first: Makeup applies better over moisturized skin.
Foundation/BB cream:
Dot on face. Blend outward with sponge or fingers.
Concealer:
Tap under eyes and on spots. Blend with finger.
Blush:
Apply to apples of cheeks (smile to find). Blend upward.
Mascara:
Wiggle wand from root to tip. One to two coats.
Lipstick:
Apply straight from tube or with brush. Pat to blend.
No. BB cream or even just concealer on spots works. Foundation is optional if your skin is mostly clear.
Any color! It’s just about undertone matching. Everyone can wear makeup colors. Just find the right undertones for you.
Not always. E.l.f. and Maybelline are cheap and good. High-end is nicer but not necessary.
Match to your jawline in natural light. Test on multiple spots. Undertone (warm, cool) matters as much as darkness.
Yes but be gentle applying. Use concealer on spots. Make sure to wash makeup off at night.
Start with the 5 basics.
Foundation/BB, concealer, mascara, blush, lipstick.
Apply simply. Blend lightly.
Don’t overthink it.
Once you’re comfortable you can add eyeshadow or eyeliner or whatever.
But you don’t need to. The basics are enough.
Are you new to makeup? What products are you using? Tell me in the comments!