Makeup for Dummies

BY KÉRA MATTHEWS '24

Makeup is an art form…that not that many people are skilled at. But that’s okay! Having owned makeup for three whole years, I have good experience in this area, and I’ll provide you with a cohesive guide on where to start.

​Naturally, getting the tools for success is the first requirement. When it comes to makeup, I believe in minimalism, so here are a couple of basic everyday items that you can get by with:

• Lip gloss: this is the best makeup item of all time. You could look like the Beast, and with one swipe, lip gloss will turn you into Princess Belle, highlighting your shine! Clear lip gloss is especially perfect because it can be worn for casual and formal occasions.
  • Brands I recommend: Elf, Broadway Vita Clear Lip Gloss, Sephora Brand, and Glossier.
• Vaseline/Lip Balm: At the end of the day, shiny lips can completely transform your face, and you can also get healing in the process! I’m biased toward Vaseline, which has many qualities→ if you aren’t using it for shine, you can use it as lip or even skin care. Warning: stay AWAY from Aquafor, an alternative to Vaseline, if you want to save money!
• Makeup cloth/wipe: Do me a favor and save the environment by limiting the number of makeup wipes you buy. There are reusable clothes that wipe your makeup right off with just a little bit of water. In my experience, this towel provides a quick and easy cleanse just as good as the more wasteful options. 
  • Brand: Orighty Makeup Remover on Amazon
• Concealer: For nocturnal high schoolers, this helps cover up those morning bags. Concealer is important to buy in person to get the right shade—trust me, too light is not alright—and CVS is probably the most affordable store, although Sephora has a greater variety of brands. Plus, Sephora is a better place to test your skin tone and find the perfect shade. And while you’re at it, grab some foundation! For more formal occasions, foundation is the main base when it comes to makeup. 
• Mascara: It’s not as important, but if you’re like me and your eyelashes are nonexistent, playing around with mascara is fun. I even put aside my fear of spiders to make my eyelashes look good because mascara has its perks. If you want your eyelashes to be as long as possible, I suggest an eyelash curler as well—just don’t poke your eyes out. I do not want to be responsible for any hospital fees.
  • Mascara Brand: Lash Princess
• A mask: Sometimes makeup is too much work, and I’ve heard firsthand that masks are great for those days when you have to rush out of the house and end up running out of time to do anything. 

My Advice:

• If your eyeliner looks more like a lightning bolt than a wing, keep practicing and don’t worry. If you have highlighter in all the right creases, and if you are getting compliments, you must be doing something right. 
• But in all seriousness, do what feels best and follow influencers that cater to you! After watching many tutorials and stressing, I realized my favorite creator is the one who shared my skin tone and facial features. As a result, I don’t have any specific recommendations for creators; Seek out whoever you think you relate to.
• Ten minutes tops. If it’s not a wedding or a ball, don’t do it all. Especially when starting out, you may not want to dedicate so much time to a routine that you might not commit to. 
• Just get started. I was intimidated by social media and unrealistic expectations for the idea of “glow-ups,” but videos exaggerate the average person’s makeup results. As I said before, do what’s best for you, and you will eventually get where you want to be.
  • When starting, have no more than two types of makeup routines (formal and informal). As a beginner, the only potential difference in the formal look is foundation, which is the base. Foundation is cakier, meaning thicker, and covers the face like a canvas, so it can be saved until a special occasion. After foundation and concealer, you can use any other products in your arsenal.
• Look good to feel good, not for other people. For me, makeup, is a form of escapism in the best way possible. I know my Leos that love to cry and then smile in front of the mirror will relate to this!​

Heck, use eyeshadow as a blush if you want to. Makeup doesn’t have to be serious! Wear what you want when you want, and always remember that you are always the best-looking in the crowd—you just have to believe it.