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This guide will tell you how to maximize your appearance with makeup without it being obvious + products to use (I’ll include links for specific products I like, with a variety of budgets). This is about as comprehensive as I can get while still making it easy to read and understand.
Also, this guide will be in order of how you should apply these products!
⤷ General rules for keeping makeup natural and not noticeable:
Skincare is extremely personal, so I won't recommend any specific products. However, it is best to keep skincare simple and hydrating underneath makeup to prevent separation and pilling. I usually only use a toner and moisturizer.
PRIMER ๋࣭⭑
Primer is the first layer of makeup you will apply. Unlike most other steps, primers serve completely different purposes depending on the type you buy. There are niche primers for just about every skin concern/need. 2 types of primer you absolutely need to know about are blurring/pore filling and gripping.
⤷ Blurring primers are made of a silky-feeling silicone that fills your pores and creates a very smooth base.
Products:
https://www.nyxcosmetics.com/angel-...9IOaUBn2pmgMhZLCVqXepbnkdiuY5ICVDVzquJECQTJYi
https://www.sephora.com/product/one-size-by-patrick-starrr-secure-blur-makeup-magnet-primer-P468394?skuId=2427128&icid2=products grid
468394
roduct
https://www.sephora.com/product/benefit-cosmetics-the-porefessional-matte-primer-P512866?skuId=2792976&icid2=products grid
512866
roduct
⤷ Gripping primers are sticky, often water-based primers that literally “grip” onto makeup for longer wear.
Products:
https://www.elfcosmetics.com/power-grip-primer/82846.html
https://www.sephora.com/product/hydro-grip-primer-mini-P441814?skuId=2191252&icid2=products grid
441814
roduct
https://www.sephora.com/product/glow-sculpt-face-primer-P500449?skuId=2600617&icid2=products grid
500449
roduct
COLOR CORRECTION ๋࣭⭑
Color correction is an often overlooked step. The basis of color correction is using complementary colors to cancel out undesired tones in your skin.
Here are the most common colors and their uses:
Green - neutralize redness
Yellow and Orange - hide purple and blue (eyebags, bruising) for medium to dark skintones
Peach - hide purple and blue (eyebags, bruising) for fair and light skintones
Lavender - neutralize yellow undertones
Products:
https://www.nyxcosmetics.com/face/color-correction-makeup/color-correcting-palette/NYX_171.html
https://www.sephora.com/product/correct-perfect-all-in-one-color-correcting-palette-P406281?skuId=1776848&icid2=products grid
406281
roduct
FOUNDATION ๋࣭⭑
Foundation, skin tint, and other similar products are used to even skin tone and cover imperfections. There are three kings of coverage (or opacity) that you can find foundation in: light, medium (buildable), and full. Foundation comes in a HUGE variety of formats, but liquid is the most common and universal by far. You can also find powder (I think this is only suitable for very oily skin, and even then liquid is better), stick (for on-the-go application), and cream/mousse formula (marketed for mature skin, thicker).
⤷ Light Coverage - very see through, good for skin that is already clear and just needs tone to be slightly more even
Products:
https://www.sephora.com/product/glossier-perfecting-skin-tint-for-dewy-sheer-coverage-P504782?skuId=2649085&icid2=products grid
504782
roduct
https://www.elfcosmetics.com/halo-glow-skin-tint-spf-50/300252.html
⤷ Medium Coverage - the most versatile, can be built up to cover skin almost fully, or less to provide slightly more coverage than a “light” foundation
Products:
https://www.elfcosmetics.com/soft-glam-satin-foundation/300303.html
https://www.sephora.com/product/surrealskin-natural-finish-foundation-P516977?skuId=2835361&icid2=products grid
516977
roduct
⤷ Full Coverage - will completely hide most things underneath, only truly necessary for severe acne and hyperpigmentation. Often the most long-lasting.
Products:
https://www.sephora.com/product/natural-matte-longwear-foundation-P520608?skuId=2942621&icid2=products grid
520608
roduct
https://www.milanicosmetics.com/pro...wcFvwxSX_fSxG0HE0qGHjuWUlHkyxcVAaAvA0EALw_wcB
It can be really tricky to find an exact match for most people. The only way to know for sure is to tester the product in store. HOWEVER, if you do not wish to do that:
⤷ TIPS
CONCEALER ๋࣭⭑
Concealer does exactly what it says. It conceals imperfections. Almost all concealers will be liquid or cream format.
⤷ Eyes:
⤷ FINDING MY SHADE
For covering (ie. acne): match with your foundation
For brightening (ie. undereyes): go 1-2 shades lighter, make sure undertone is the same
Products:
https://www.elfcosmetics.com/hydrat...FxIUOoIL_YbLrNXik4UeehsAennu5INYaAoM4EALw_wcB
https://www.sephora.com/product/radiant-creamy-concealer-P377873
POWDER ๋࣭⭑
Powder is what locks concealer in place and prevents it from creasing. There are 2 main categories: pressed and loose. Pressed powder is best for touch ups (will not cover in this guide, I think it almost always looks cakey ), loose powder is best for initial setting.
⤷ How to set:
Products:
https://www.maybelline.com/face-makeup/powder/fit-me-loose-finishing-powder?variant=Fair
https://www.sephora.com/product/translucent-loose-setting-powder-P109908?skuId=870618&icid2=products grid
109908
roduct
CONTOUR AND BRONZER ๋࣭⭑
Contour is used to add shadow and definition, bronzer is used to give a “sun-kissed’ look.
Contour is placed in hollows, whereas bronzer is placed where the sun hits
Contour uses cooler, shadow tones and bronzer is more golden or orange
You can find powder, cream, stick, and liquid contour and bronzer. For contour I prefer stick format for precision and blendability, but all formats work. For bronzer, I use both a stick and powder.
⤷ This image guides placement of both products. For male-specific contour placement, this the image below can be helpful (lines are exaggerated to help you see placement).
⤷ Nose contouring is a whole different beast that could take up its own guide. To keep it very simple, contour down the sides of the bridge and highlight the bridge and tip.
Contour Products:
https://www.sephora.com/product/milk-makeup-sculpt-cream-contour-stick-P503903?skuId=2872406&icid2=products grid
503903
roduct
https://www.elfcosmetics.com/halo-g...tXTCOX6v2HvmcqP74fmGZx4M3K8hqdnTL3IV539Z0HOT3
Bronzer Products:
https://www.sephora.com/product/hoola-matte-bronzer-P290636?skuId=2867901&icid2=products grid
290636
roduct
https://www.sephora.com/product/matte-bronzer-P404797?skuId=2639722&icid2=products grid
404797
roduct
https://www.ulta.com/p/butter-bronz..._dXGEqQABaa5eBIgO5-Gr2tGucnPFlJ4aAjraEALw_wcB
HIGHLIGHTER ๋࣭⭑
Highlighting brings points in your face further out. Most highlighters are shimmery or glittery and look very obviously like makeup. For the most natural look, choose one with no glitter or shimmer. You can find powder, cream, stick, and liquid highlights.
https://www.sephora.com/product/superdew-shimmer-free-highlight-balm-P448855?skuId=2284867&icid2=products grid
448855
roduct
https://www.sephora.com/product/artist-longwear-skin-fusing-powder-highlighter-h100-P520850?skuId=2690048&icid2=products grid
520850
roduct
https://www.elfcosmetics.com/halo-g...YKfN5w62tLXj-BUm32niXOt58abJYMpDmqVqb1ugX85iW
BLUSH ๋࣭⭑
If you use a fuller coverage foundation, blush can be used to bring life back to your skin. You can find powder, cream, stick, and liquid blush. I tend to gravitate towards cream and liquid blushes.
⤷ COLOR GUIDE
Cool toned skin: true pink, berry, mauve
Warm toned skin: peach, coral, terracotta, red
Neutral skin: mauve, rose, pinks
Olive skin: mauve, berry, rose, sometimes even lilac/purple
Match the intensity of your skin tone (if you are very pale, don’t opt for deep red, and vice versa)
Products:
https://www.sephora.com/product/too-faced-cloud-crush-blurring-powder-blush-P504072?skuId=2642502&icid2=products grid
504072
roduct
https://www.nyxcosmetics.com/promo-...jg2QzXwmIWcdWssQhjpNg2kg0c4m85GM0LnFmutqiCnGA
https://www.sephora.com/product/beachplease-tinted-balm-blush-P449342?skuId=2284891&icid2=products grid
449342
roduct
EYES AND EYEBROWS ๋࣭⭑
You can add shape, darkness, and volume to your eyebrows with brow pencils and gel. To use a brow pencil, use short, light-handed strokes to imitate hairs in sparse areas. Gel can be used to hold a brow shape in place.
⤷ No product recs for brow pencils because I feel like they are all the same.
gels:
https://www.nyxcosmetics.com/eye/ey...YeBTzg01vj3Pprw_FUYsNIWlAaze9dFfs1-wAkUj0yX6N
https://www.sephora.com/product/anastasia-beverly-hills-brow-freeze-styling-wax-P468341
⤷ You can add volume and length to lashes with an eyelash curler and mascara. Mascara comes in many colors and functions. Black is the most universal color, but brown is a good natural color for those with lighter hair. Some mascara functions are: lengthening, volume, waterproof, curl-defining. There are so so so many options for mascara, research what will suit your needs.
⤷ Eyeliner can also be used to make eyes appear bigger (white) or smaller (black) when applied to the waterline.
⤷ False lashes are also an option, but I will not cover them in this guide. They are somewhat complex, so I might make a guide on false lashes soon.
LIPS ๋࣭⭑
Lips come off quickly, so they are one of the very last steps. Common products are lip liner, gloss, and lipstick.
For men, all I recommend is a good lightly tinted lip balm. If your lips are very thin, use a plumper.
Products:
https://www.revlon.com/products/photoready-instant-plump-serum?variant=44899043377347
https://www.target.com/p/vaseline-r...01333&afid=mikmak-attach&ref=tgt_adv_xasd0002
SETTING ๋࣭⭑
Setting spray is the final step of a face of makeup. It used to hold makeup in place and can come in many finishes (matte, shimmer, dewey). All you have to do is spray it over your face. I usually do 4 sprays. 2 in an “X” shape and 2 in a “T” shape.
My favorite neutral finish setting spray is all nighter by urban decay, I have never strayed from it.
https://www.sephora.com/product/all-nighter-setting-spray-P518812?skuId=2891414&icid2=products grid
518812
roduct
Thank you for reading my guide! Let me know if you want any more information on any section! Thank you @unknown mtn for inspiring this guide!
XOXO,
thinasadime
Also, this guide will be in order of how you should apply these products!
⤷ General rules for keeping makeup natural and not noticeable:
- Do not attempt to drastically change the shape of any feature (ie. Try to make a crooked nose look straight)
- Conceal only necessary areas (ie. acne)
- Do not attempt to drastically change your skintone
- Use less product around your hairline if possible, blend all the way up to it
- If foundation isn't a good match, blend to ears and neck to prevent a harsh line
- As a general rule, liquids should usually come before powders
Skincare is extremely personal, so I won't recommend any specific products. However, it is best to keep skincare simple and hydrating underneath makeup to prevent separation and pilling. I usually only use a toner and moisturizer.
PRIMER ๋࣭⭑
Primer is the first layer of makeup you will apply. Unlike most other steps, primers serve completely different purposes depending on the type you buy. There are niche primers for just about every skin concern/need. 2 types of primer you absolutely need to know about are blurring/pore filling and gripping.
⤷ Blurring primers are made of a silky-feeling silicone that fills your pores and creates a very smooth base.
- Squeeze out a pea-sized amount
- Warm it up between your fingers
- TAP it into your skin until it is evenly distributed, focusing on T-zone (nose, forehead, chin) or anywhere you have enlarged pores
- Let sit for 30-60 seconds before applying other products
Products:
https://www.nyxcosmetics.com/angel-...9IOaUBn2pmgMhZLCVqXepbnkdiuY5ICVDVzquJECQTJYi
https://www.sephora.com/product/one-size-by-patrick-starrr-secure-blur-makeup-magnet-primer-P468394?skuId=2427128&icid2=products grid
https://www.sephora.com/product/benefit-cosmetics-the-porefessional-matte-primer-P512866?skuId=2792976&icid2=products grid
⤷ Gripping primers are sticky, often water-based primers that literally “grip” onto makeup for longer wear.
- Squeeze out a pea-sized amount
- Tap into entire face evenly
- Let sit for 30-60 seconds before applying other products
Products:
https://www.elfcosmetics.com/power-grip-primer/82846.html
https://www.sephora.com/product/hydro-grip-primer-mini-P441814?skuId=2191252&icid2=products grid
https://www.sephora.com/product/glow-sculpt-face-primer-P500449?skuId=2600617&icid2=products grid
COLOR CORRECTION ๋࣭⭑
Color correction is an often overlooked step. The basis of color correction is using complementary colors to cancel out undesired tones in your skin.
Here are the most common colors and their uses:
Green - neutralize redness
Yellow and Orange - hide purple and blue (eyebags, bruising) for medium to dark skintones
Peach - hide purple and blue (eyebags, bruising) for fair and light skintones
Lavender - neutralize yellow undertones
- Apply to desired area
- Blend like concealer (covered below)
Products:
https://www.nyxcosmetics.com/face/color-correction-makeup/color-correcting-palette/NYX_171.html
https://www.sephora.com/product/correct-perfect-all-in-one-color-correcting-palette-P406281?skuId=1776848&icid2=products grid
FOUNDATION ๋࣭⭑
Foundation, skin tint, and other similar products are used to even skin tone and cover imperfections. There are three kings of coverage (or opacity) that you can find foundation in: light, medium (buildable), and full. Foundation comes in a HUGE variety of formats, but liquid is the most common and universal by far. You can also find powder (I think this is only suitable for very oily skin, and even then liquid is better), stick (for on-the-go application), and cream/mousse formula (marketed for mature skin, thicker).
⤷ Light Coverage - very see through, good for skin that is already clear and just needs tone to be slightly more even
Products:
https://www.sephora.com/product/glossier-perfecting-skin-tint-for-dewy-sheer-coverage-P504782?skuId=2649085&icid2=products grid
https://www.elfcosmetics.com/halo-glow-skin-tint-spf-50/300252.html
⤷ Medium Coverage - the most versatile, can be built up to cover skin almost fully, or less to provide slightly more coverage than a “light” foundation
Products:
https://www.elfcosmetics.com/soft-glam-satin-foundation/300303.html
https://www.sephora.com/product/surrealskin-natural-finish-foundation-P516977?skuId=2835361&icid2=products grid
⤷ Full Coverage - will completely hide most things underneath, only truly necessary for severe acne and hyperpigmentation. Often the most long-lasting.
Products:
https://www.sephora.com/product/natural-matte-longwear-foundation-P520608?skuId=2942621&icid2=products grid
https://www.milanicosmetics.com/pro...wcFvwxSX_fSxG0HE0qGHjuWUlHkyxcVAaAvA0EALw_wcB
- Pump onto back of hand
- Use a dense brush or makeup sponge to apply, starting in center of face and moving outwards
It can be really tricky to find an exact match for most people. The only way to know for sure is to tester the product in store. HOWEVER, if you do not wish to do that:
- Find your undertone
- Cool (sometimes called: rosy)
- Warm (sometimes called: golden)
- Neutral
- Olive
- Fair
- Light
- Medium
- Medium-deep
- Deep
- Find the shades that match your undertone and depth, then look pictures carefully and find the shade that most resembles your own skin tone (most brands will have multiple options that are technically the right tone and depth for you, but have noticeable variation)
⤷ TIPS
- Foundation looks too orange/red - it is too warm toned for your skin
- Foundation looks too grey/ashy - it is too cool toned for your skin
- Foundation almost always looks too orange/pink/peachy - you likely have olive toned skin
- Lighter coverage foundations will be more forgiving with a shade mismatch
- If you have fair-medium skin, It is generally safer to choose the shade that is LIGHT rather than too dark, most foundations will oxidize and darken slightly with wear
- If you have medium-deep skin, choose the shade that is DARK, to prevent looking grey or sickly
CONCEALER ๋࣭⭑
Concealer does exactly what it says. It conceals imperfections. Almost all concealers will be liquid or cream format.
⤷ Eyes:
- Apply to undereye area (there are tons of shapes you can do this in, find one that works well for you)
- Avoid the lower lash line, can cause creasing and will cover you lashes making them skin-toned
- Tap into skin until blended
- Set (covered below)
- Apply directly onto blemish
- Let it sit for 60 seconds
- Blend edges into surrounding skin, keep maxim coverage on blemish itself
- Set
⤷ FINDING MY SHADE
For covering (ie. acne): match with your foundation
For brightening (ie. undereyes): go 1-2 shades lighter, make sure undertone is the same
Products:
https://www.elfcosmetics.com/hydrat...FxIUOoIL_YbLrNXik4UeehsAennu5INYaAoM4EALw_wcB
https://www.sephora.com/product/radiant-creamy-concealer-P377873
POWDER ๋࣭⭑
Powder is what locks concealer in place and prevents it from creasing. There are 2 main categories: pressed and loose. Pressed powder is best for touch ups (will not cover in this guide, I think it almost always looks cakey ), loose powder is best for initial setting.
⤷ How to set:
- Dip a powder puff or fluffy brush in loose powder
- Gently press over area you wish to set (typically undereyes and T-zone)
- Dust off excess
Products:
https://www.maybelline.com/face-makeup/powder/fit-me-loose-finishing-powder?variant=Fair
https://www.sephora.com/product/translucent-loose-setting-powder-P109908?skuId=870618&icid2=products grid
CONTOUR AND BRONZER ๋࣭⭑
Contour is used to add shadow and definition, bronzer is used to give a “sun-kissed’ look.
Contour is placed in hollows, whereas bronzer is placed where the sun hits
Contour uses cooler, shadow tones and bronzer is more golden or orange
You can find powder, cream, stick, and liquid contour and bronzer. For contour I prefer stick format for precision and blendability, but all formats work. For bronzer, I use both a stick and powder.
⤷ This image guides placement of both products. For male-specific contour placement, this the image below can be helpful (lines are exaggerated to help you see placement).
⤷ Nose contouring is a whole different beast that could take up its own guide. To keep it very simple, contour down the sides of the bridge and highlight the bridge and tip.
Contour Products:
https://www.sephora.com/product/milk-makeup-sculpt-cream-contour-stick-P503903?skuId=2872406&icid2=products grid
https://www.elfcosmetics.com/halo-g...tXTCOX6v2HvmcqP74fmGZx4M3K8hqdnTL3IV539Z0HOT3
Bronzer Products:
https://www.sephora.com/product/hoola-matte-bronzer-P290636?skuId=2867901&icid2=products grid
https://www.sephora.com/product/matte-bronzer-P404797?skuId=2639722&icid2=products grid
https://www.ulta.com/p/butter-bronz..._dXGEqQABaa5eBIgO5-Gr2tGucnPFlJ4aAjraEALw_wcB
HIGHLIGHTER ๋࣭⭑
Highlighting brings points in your face further out. Most highlighters are shimmery or glittery and look very obviously like makeup. For the most natural look, choose one with no glitter or shimmer. You can find powder, cream, stick, and liquid highlights.
- Dip brush into highlight
- Brush sparingly over high points (cheekbones, tip of nose)
https://www.sephora.com/product/superdew-shimmer-free-highlight-balm-P448855?skuId=2284867&icid2=products grid
https://www.sephora.com/product/artist-longwear-skin-fusing-powder-highlighter-h100-P520850?skuId=2690048&icid2=products grid
https://www.elfcosmetics.com/halo-g...YKfN5w62tLXj-BUm32niXOt58abJYMpDmqVqb1ugX85iW
BLUSH ๋࣭⭑
If you use a fuller coverage foundation, blush can be used to bring life back to your skin. You can find powder, cream, stick, and liquid blush. I tend to gravitate towards cream and liquid blushes.
⤷ COLOR GUIDE
Cool toned skin: true pink, berry, mauve
Warm toned skin: peach, coral, terracotta, red
Neutral skin: mauve, rose, pinks
Olive skin: mauve, berry, rose, sometimes even lilac/purple
Match the intensity of your skin tone (if you are very pale, don’t opt for deep red, and vice versa)
Products:
https://www.sephora.com/product/too-faced-cloud-crush-blurring-powder-blush-P504072?skuId=2642502&icid2=products grid
https://www.nyxcosmetics.com/promo-...jg2QzXwmIWcdWssQhjpNg2kg0c4m85GM0LnFmutqiCnGA
https://www.sephora.com/product/beachplease-tinted-balm-blush-P449342?skuId=2284891&icid2=products grid
EYES AND EYEBROWS ๋࣭⭑
You can add shape, darkness, and volume to your eyebrows with brow pencils and gel. To use a brow pencil, use short, light-handed strokes to imitate hairs in sparse areas. Gel can be used to hold a brow shape in place.
⤷ No product recs for brow pencils because I feel like they are all the same.
gels:
https://www.nyxcosmetics.com/eye/ey...YeBTzg01vj3Pprw_FUYsNIWlAaze9dFfs1-wAkUj0yX6N
https://www.sephora.com/product/anastasia-beverly-hills-brow-freeze-styling-wax-P468341
⤷ You can add volume and length to lashes with an eyelash curler and mascara. Mascara comes in many colors and functions. Black is the most universal color, but brown is a good natural color for those with lighter hair. Some mascara functions are: lengthening, volume, waterproof, curl-defining. There are so so so many options for mascara, research what will suit your needs.
⤷ Eyeliner can also be used to make eyes appear bigger (white) or smaller (black) when applied to the waterline.
⤷ False lashes are also an option, but I will not cover them in this guide. They are somewhat complex, so I might make a guide on false lashes soon.
LIPS ๋࣭⭑
Lips come off quickly, so they are one of the very last steps. Common products are lip liner, gloss, and lipstick.
For men, all I recommend is a good lightly tinted lip balm. If your lips are very thin, use a plumper.
Products:
https://www.revlon.com/products/photoready-instant-plump-serum?variant=44899043377347
https://www.target.com/p/vaseline-r...01333&afid=mikmak-attach&ref=tgt_adv_xasd0002
SETTING ๋࣭⭑
Setting spray is the final step of a face of makeup. It used to hold makeup in place and can come in many finishes (matte, shimmer, dewey). All you have to do is spray it over your face. I usually do 4 sprays. 2 in an “X” shape and 2 in a “T” shape.
My favorite neutral finish setting spray is all nighter by urban decay, I have never strayed from it.
https://www.sephora.com/product/all-nighter-setting-spray-P518812?skuId=2891414&icid2=products grid
Thank you for reading my guide! Let me know if you want any more information on any section! Thank you @unknown mtn for inspiring this guide!
XOXO,
thinasadime
Last edited:
