Makeup For Absolute Beginners: Getting Started

So, you’ve decided it’s time to start painting your face “like a grown-up”. Maybe someone mistook you for a 12-year-old, or maybe you just want to give makeup a try.

Well, Every College Girl is here for you. We were once where you are now, fresh faced, dewy cheeked, and totally ignorant of the beauty world. It can be pretty terrifying to go on blogs and YouTube and see stacks of powders, creams, pencils, brushes, and little foam shapes everywhere.

Find Your Starting Point

First, take a good look at yourself in the mirror. What do you love about your face? Amazing eyes? Luscious lips? Bold brows? Lustrous locks? Check yourself out and find something you want to emphasize. It’s better to start one step at a time, mastering each feature along the way.

Makeup Categories to Explore

We’ve listed some places to start:

Eyeliner
Eyeshadow
Lipstick, lip liner
Skincare
Haircare
Hiding blemishes
Blush
Highlighter, bronzer
Mascara
Brow pencil
Nail polish
Perfume

Stay tuned for separate, in-depth guides for each category of beauty product!

Buying Your First Beauty Product

When it’s time to buy your first beauty product, you can go to the nearest drugstore or a fancier place like a department store or Sephora. There are pros and cons to each. Sephora is expensive but has a generous return policy, while drugstores have cheaper products but no refunds.

Finding the Right Color and Asking for Help

If you’re worried about finding the exact right color, Sephora or a department store is the way to go. You can test the products and see how they look on your skin. Don’t be afraid to ask the salespeople for help, as they can find your perfect shade and steer you towards the best products.

Drugstore Makeup Options

If the fancy stuff is out of your price range, don’t worry! Drugstore makeup can be just as good. Look for recommendations online for the best drugstore versions of the makeup you want to try, or check out our in-depth guides.

Sensitive Skin and Makeup Remover

If you have sensitive skin, try brands like Almay and Physician’s Formula. While you’re at the drugstore, don’t forget to pick up some makeup remover, like micellar water or coconut oil. Eye makeup often takes extra cleansing, so consider a remover specifically for eye makeup.

Learning to Use Your New Beauty Product

Now that you’ve got your new beauty product, it’s time to learn to use it! You can read our guides or check out YouTube for video tutorials. Take your time, practice, and figure out what works for you. And most importantly, have fun! Be your fab self!