If your skin is already quite clear, you may prefer to use a BB cream or tinted moisturizer, which are lighter than a foundation. If you have heavy acne, you may want to opt for a dual concealer that contains both green and skin-tone hues, as green can help neutralize the red of your pimples; in addition, you’ll definitely want to use foundation.
To find out what you look like when you’re flushed, jump up and down or run around for a few minutes until you feel a bit out of breath; your cheeks and lips should look darker than normal. This is the color you want to aim for in your blush and lipstick.
There are different types of primer, so choose one that matches your skin type – for example, for oilier skin, you’ll want to use a gel primer. You can purchase a good primer at most stores that carry makeup. Aim for a store that carries a lot of makeup; that way you can experiment with different options to see which primer works best for you.
Choose a concealer that matches your skin as closely as possible. It may take some experimentation on your own skin to find the concealer that’s right for you.
If you have young, healthy-looking skin, you can either skip the foundation all together, or try a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. Tinted moisturizers and BB creams are much lighter than foundations. These provide sheer coverage, giving you a more natural look. Look for foundation, BB creams, and/or tinted moisturizers with an SPF included.
Some makeup artists recommend avoiding highlighters with silvery or champagne tones, as these can make your skin look frosty — instead, seek golden tones. [2] X Research source If your skin is mature, avoid using powders as they will sink into and highlight any fine lines or enlarged pores. Liquid highlighters are a safer choice. [3] X Research source
To choose the right shade for you, hold the bronzer up to your face as you look in a mirror. The bronzer should only be one or two shades darker than your skin tone. [4] X Research source Sun-kissed is the look you’re going for.
Most drugstores and beauty supply shops will carry a variety of brushes and basic sets. These will vary greatly in price. A good-quality brush will have strong bristles that do not fall out. It will also have a strong ferrule, which connects the bristles to the brush handle. Key brushes for glowing skin: concealer, foundation, powder, blush, bronzer, and shadow.
Ensure that the moisturizer has had time to sink into your skin so that you’re not applying makeup over a wet base.
Be sure to allow the primer to dry for a few minutes before applying any makeup on top of it. [5] X Research source
If your skin is free of blemishes such as pimples or dark circles, you can skip this step.
Some makeup artists suggest using only four dots of foundation and then blending them outwards with your hands or a brush. In this method, you would apply 1 dot in the centre of each: your forehead, your cheeks, and your chin. [6] X Research source For a more natural look, apply foundation everywhere but your forehead and cheeks. If your skin is already quite clear, you can use a BB cream or tinted moisturizer instead of a foundation.
You can also apply a bit of highlighter to the skin just below your eyebrows, and to the center of your chin. You can apply the highlighter using a foundation brush, or by dabbing it on to your skin with your ring finger. [9] X Research source
Use a big brush to apply the powder, and go very very light on it. Apply it to your T-zone and outward. [10] X Research source Some makeup artists recommend using a pale yellow translucent powder so as to avoid looking pasty.
Two-blush method: Starting at the apples of your cheeks, pull the brush upward toward your hairline, then down slightly. Then, just on the apples of your cheeks, apply a lighter shade of the same color.
For a natural look, ensure that your eyeshadow doesn’t cake or clump in the lines of your eyes. Creamy eyeshadows may be a better choice than powdery ones. You can also dab some highlighter on your eyelids to give them an extra glow.
Natural: Apply a light, feathery line of eyeliner in a neutral shade (brown, soft black) to your lash line. You can smudge it afterward to make it look less intense. Dramatic eyes and a glowing face with neutral lips are a classic look. Draw a classic cat’s eye with black liquid liner, or do a gold smokey eye lined with a smudged black liner.
You may want to curl your eyelashes using an eyelash curler beforehand. If your eyelashes are already dark and you only want to help define them more, you can also use a clear mascara.
If you want to wear lipstick, stay within the natural shades of your skin (particularly when flushed) for a natural look. If you do decide to wear a more dramatic color (for example, reds or rich berry tones), go easy on the eye makeup, otherwise you may look overly made up.
If you don’t have acne, you can also exfoliate your face twice a week to help remove dead skin cells and brighten your skin. Avoid exfoliating your skin if you have acne, as the exfoliating beads can cause acne to spread.
Avoid toners that contain alcohol, as these can dry out and irritate your skin.
Seek a moisturizer that contains an SPF, which is important for protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
For mature skin (with fine lines and enlarged pores), add a retinoid or retinol to your skin care regimen. [14] X Research source
If you exercise or live somewhere hot (i. e. if you sweat a lot), you will need to drink more than half of your body’s weight in ounces. [16] X Research source A 150-pound woman would drink between 75 and 150 ounces of water each day, depending on her level of activity.
Adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night; teenagers need 8. 5 to 9. 5 hours of sleep per night. [19] X Research source
