Makeup Tutorial 2021: Your Ultimate Guide

Hey guys! Ready to dive into the amazing world of makeup? Whether you're a total newbie or just looking to refresh your skills, this makeup tutorial 2021 guide is your ultimate resource. We're going to cover everything from prepping your skin to mastering those killer eye looks. So grab your brushes, and let's get started!

Skincare Prep: The Foundation of Flawless Makeup

Before we even think about foundation, let's talk skincare. Proper skincare is crucial for a flawless makeup application. Think of your skin as a canvas – the smoother and healthier it is, the better your makeup will look. So, what does a good skincare routine entail?

First up, cleansing. You need to start with a clean slate, guys. Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. If you have oily skin, a gel cleanser might be your best bet. For dry skin, try a creamy cleanser. And if you're somewhere in between, a gentle foaming cleanser could be perfect. Make sure you're washing away all the dirt, oil, and makeup residue from the day. Nobody wants to trap that stuff under their makeup!

Next, exfoliation. Exfoliating a couple of times a week helps to remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking brighter and smoother. You can use a physical exfoliant like a scrub, or a chemical exfoliant like an AHA or BHA. If you have sensitive skin, be gentle with the exfoliation – you don't want to irritate your skin. Exfoliating also helps your skincare products penetrate better, so it's a win-win!

After cleansing and exfoliating, it's time for toner. Toners help to balance your skin's pH levels and can also add an extra layer of hydration. Look for toners with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or rosewater for added benefits. Just swipe it over your face with a cotton pad after cleansing.

Now, let's talk serums. Serums are packed with concentrated ingredients that target specific skin concerns like wrinkles, dark spots, or dehydration. If you're dealing with fine lines, try a serum with retinol. For brightening, look for a vitamin C serum. And if your skin is feeling dry, a hyaluronic acid serum will be your best friend. Just pat a few drops onto your skin before moisturizing.

Finally, the all-important moisturizer. Moisturizing is essential for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. Choose a moisturizer that's appropriate for your skin type. If you have oily skin, a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer will work well. For dry skin, opt for a richer, creamier moisturizer. And don't forget your sunscreen! Sun protection is crucial for preventing premature aging and protecting your skin from damage. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every single day, even when it's cloudy.

Foundation and Concealer: Creating a Perfect Base

Okay, now that our skin is prepped and ready, let's move on to foundation and concealer. This is where we create a flawless base for the rest of our makeup. The key here is to choose the right products for your skin type and to apply them correctly.

First up, foundation. There are so many different types of foundation out there – liquid, powder, cream, stick – it can be overwhelming! Liquid foundations are generally the most popular because they offer a natural-looking finish and can be customized for different coverage levels. Powder foundations are great for oily skin because they help to absorb excess oil and provide a matte finish. Cream foundations are good for dry skin because they're hydrating and offer buildable coverage. And stick foundations are perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.

When choosing a foundation, it's important to match your skin tone as closely as possible. Test the foundation on your jawline in natural light to see if it blends seamlessly. You also want to consider your skin type. If you have oily skin, look for a foundation that's oil-free and non-comedogenic. For dry skin, choose a hydrating foundation with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

To apply foundation, you can use a brush, sponge, or your fingers. A brush will give you the most coverage, while a sponge will give you a more natural-looking finish. If you're using your fingers, make sure they're clean! Start by applying a small amount of foundation to the center of your face and blend it outwards. Build up the coverage as needed.

Now, let's talk concealer. Concealer is used to cover up blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections. Choose a concealer that's one or two shades lighter than your foundation. For blemishes, use a concealer that matches your skin tone. For dark circles, opt for a concealer with a peach or orange undertone to neutralize the blue tones under your eyes.

To apply concealer, use a small brush or your finger to dab it onto the areas you want to cover. Blend it well into your foundation. You can also use concealer to highlight certain areas of your face, like the bridge of your nose, the center of your forehead, and the Cupid's bow.

Once you've applied your foundation and concealer, it's time to set it all with powder. Powder helps to keep your makeup in place and prevents it from creasing or smudging. Use a large, fluffy brush to apply a light layer of powder all over your face. If you have oily skin, you may want to use a setting powder in your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).

Eye Makeup: Creating Stunning Eye Looks

Alright, guys, now for the fun part – eye makeup! This is where you can really get creative and experiment with different colors and techniques. Whether you're going for a natural, everyday look or a dramatic, smoky eye, we've got you covered.

Let's start with the basics. First, you'll need an eyeshadow primer. This will help your eyeshadow stay in place and prevent it from creasing. Apply a thin layer of primer all over your eyelids and let it dry for a few seconds.

Next, choose your eyeshadow colors. For a natural look, stick to neutral shades like browns, beiges, and taupes. For a more dramatic look, you can experiment with bolder colors like blues, greens, and purples. You'll also need a few different brushes – a blending brush, a shader brush, and a detail brush.

To create a basic eyeshadow look, start by applying a medium shade to your crease. Use a blending brush to blend it well. Then, apply a lighter shade to your eyelid. Use a shader brush to pack on the color. Finally, apply a dark shade to your outer corner. Use a detail brush to blend it into the crease.

If you want to create a smoky eye, start by applying a dark shade to your eyelid. Use a shader brush to pack on the color. Then, use a blending brush to blend it into the crease. Apply a lighter shade to your brow bone to highlight. Finally, apply eyeliner to your upper and lower lash lines. Smudge it out with a brush.

No eye makeup look is complete without eyeliner and mascara. Eyeliner can be used to define your eyes and make your lashes look thicker. There are many different types of eyeliner – pencil, gel, liquid – choose one that you're comfortable with. Mascara helps to lengthen and volumize your lashes. Apply a few coats to your upper and lower lashes.

Brows and Lashes: Framing Your Face

Don't forget about your brows and lashes! They're essential for framing your face and completing your makeup look. Start by filling in your brows with a brow pencil or powder. Use light, feathery strokes to mimic the look of natural hairs. Then, use a brow gel to set your brows in place. For your lashes, apply a few coats of mascara to your upper and lower lashes. If you want to add extra volume, you can use false lashes.

Blush, Bronzer, and Highlighter: Adding Dimension

To add dimension to your face, use blush, bronzer, and highlighter. Blush adds a flush of color to your cheeks, making you look more awake and youthful. Bronzer adds warmth and definition to your face, making you look more sculpted. And highlighter adds a subtle glow to your face, making you look radiant.

Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks. Smile to find the apples of your cheeks, and then apply the blush in a circular motion. Apply bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, your temples, and your jawline. Use a contour brush to apply the bronzer in a sweeping motion. Apply highlighter to the high points of your face – your cheekbones, your brow bone, your nose, and your Cupid's bow. Use a fan brush to apply the highlighter in a light dusting.

Lips: The Finishing Touch

Finally, let's talk lips. Whether you're going for a natural, nude lip or a bold, red lip, the key is to choose a color that complements your skin tone and your overall makeup look. Start by lining your lips with a lip liner. This will help to prevent your lipstick from bleeding and will also make your lips look fuller. Then, apply your lipstick with a brush or directly from the tube. If you want to add extra shine, you can apply a lip gloss on top.

So there you have it – your ultimate makeup tutorial 2021! With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to create any makeup look you desire. Remember to practice and experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for you. And most importantly, have fun! Makeup is all about expressing yourself and feeling confident in your own skin.