Makeup Tutorial 2021: Step-by-Step Guide

Hey guys! Ready to dive into the glamorous world of makeup? Whether you're a newbie just starting out or a seasoned pro looking to refresh your skills, this makeup tutorial 2021 is your ultimate guide. We'll break down the latest trends and timeless techniques, so you can achieve any look you desire. Let's get started!

Preparing Your Canvas: Skincare First!

Before you even think about reaching for that foundation, remember that great makeup starts with great skincare. Think of your skin as a canvas – a smooth, hydrated canvas will always give you the best results. Here's a quick rundown:

1. Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue. Choose a cleanser suited to your skin type – whether it's oily, dry, combination, or sensitive.
2. Exfoliate (1-2 times a week): Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin brighter and smoother. This ensures your makeup goes on evenly and doesn't cling to dry patches. Be gentle – over-exfoliating can irritate your skin.
3. Tone: Toner helps to balance your skin's pH levels and prep it for the next steps. Look for toners that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or soothing ingredients like aloe vera.
4. Serum: Serums are packed with concentrated ingredients that target specific skin concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or acne. Choose a serum that addresses your individual needs. Vitamin C serums are popular for brightening, while hyaluronic acid serums are great for hydration.
5. Moisturize: This is a crucial step, even if you have oily skin! A good moisturizer will hydrate your skin and create a smooth base for your makeup. Opt for a lightweight, oil-free formula if you're prone to breakouts.
6. Sunscreen (Daytime): Never skip sunscreen! Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. This will help prevent premature aging and skin damage.

Taking the time to properly prep your skin will make a massive difference in how your makeup looks and lasts. Plus, it's just good for your skin in general! Remember, healthy skin is beautiful skin.

Base Makeup: Foundation, Concealer, and Powder

Now for the fun part – creating your base! This is where you even out your skin tone, cover imperfections, and create a flawless canvas for the rest of your makeup.

1. Primer: Primer is your secret weapon for long-lasting makeup. It creates a smooth, even surface for your foundation and helps to control oil. Choose a primer that suits your skin type and concerns. For example, a mattifying primer is great for oily skin, while a hydrating primer is ideal for dry skin.
2. Foundation: Foundation evens out your skin tone and provides coverage. Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and undertone. Consider your desired level of coverage – sheer, medium, or full. Apply your foundation with a brush, sponge, or your fingers, blending it seamlessly into your skin. Remember, less is more! You can always build up the coverage if needed.
3. Concealer: Concealer is used to cover blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections. Choose a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your foundation. Apply it to the areas you want to conceal and blend it well. For dark circles, try a color-correcting concealer in a peach or orange tone to neutralize the blue undertones.
4. Setting Powder: Setting powder sets your foundation and concealer, preventing them from creasing and sliding. It also helps to control oil and create a matte finish. Apply setting powder with a brush or sponge, focusing on the areas that tend to get oily, such as the T-zone.

Pro Tip: For a natural look, use a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer. If you want more coverage, opt for a medium-to-full coverage foundation.

Eyeshadow: Creating Dimension and Drama

Eyeshadow is where you can really express your creativity! There are endless possibilities when it comes to colors, textures, and techniques. Here's a basic eyeshadow tutorial:

1. Eyeshadow Primer: Just like with your face, eyeshadow primer is essential for long-lasting eyeshadow. It creates a smooth base, prevents creasing, and helps the colors to pop.
2. Transition Shade: Apply a matte transition shade to your crease. This will help to blend the other eyeshadow colors seamlessly. Choose a color that is slightly darker than your skin tone.
3. Lid Shade: Apply your chosen lid shade to your eyelid. You can use a brush or your finger to apply the color. For a more intense color payoff, wet your brush before applying the eyeshadow.
4. Crease Shade: Add depth and dimension to your eyes by applying a darker shade to your crease. Use a blending brush to blend the color seamlessly into the transition shade.
5. Highlight: Highlight the inner corner of your eyes and your brow bone with a light, shimmery shade. This will brighten your eyes and make them look more awake.
6. Eyeliner: Apply eyeliner to your upper and lower lash lines. You can use a pencil, gel, or liquid eyeliner. Experiment with different styles, such as a classic wing or a smudged liner.
7. Mascara: Finish off your eye look with mascara. Apply several coats to your upper and lower lashes for added volume and length.

Trend Alert: In 2021, we're seeing a lot of bold and bright eyeshadow looks, as well as more natural, minimalist eye makeup. Experiment with different colors and techniques to find what works best for you!

Brows: Framing Your Face

Well-groomed brows can make a huge difference in your overall appearance. They frame your face and add definition to your features.

1. Brush: Start by brushing your brows upwards with a spoolie brush. This will help you to see their natural shape.
2. Fill: Fill in any sparse areas with a brow pencil, powder, or gel. Use light, feathery strokes to mimic the look of natural brow hairs. Choose a color that matches your brow hair color.
3. Shape: Define the shape of your brows with a brow pencil or powder. Follow your natural brow shape, but you can also slightly extend the tail of your brow for a more lifted look.
4. Set: Set your brows with a brow gel to keep them in place all day. You can use a clear brow gel or a tinted brow gel for added color and definition.

Pro Tip: Don't over-pluck your brows! It's better to have slightly thicker brows than overly thin brows.

Cheeks: Blush, Bronzer, and Highlight

Adding color and dimension to your cheeks can instantly brighten your complexion and sculpt your face.

1. Bronzer: Apply bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, along your hairline, and along your jawline. This will warm up your complexion and create a more defined look. Choose a bronzer that is one or two shades darker than your skin tone.
2. Blush: Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks. Smile to find the apples of your cheeks. Choose a blush color that complements your skin tone. For a natural look, choose a blush that is similar to the color you naturally flush.
3. Highlight: Apply highlighter to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose. This will add a subtle glow to your skin. Choose a highlighter that is a few shades lighter than your skin tone.

Trend Alert: In 2021, we're seeing a lot of dewy and glowy skin. Use a cream blush and a liquid highlighter for a more natural, radiant look.

Lips: Color and Hydration

Complete your makeup look with a pop of color on your lips!

1. Lip Balm: Start by applying a lip balm to hydrate your lips. This will create a smooth base for your lipstick.
2. Lip Liner: Line your lips with a lip liner that matches your lipstick color. This will help to prevent your lipstick from bleeding and create a more defined lip shape.
3. Lipstick: Apply your chosen lipstick color to your lips. You can apply it directly from the tube or with a lip brush. For a longer-lasting lipstick, blot your lips with a tissue and then apply another coat of lipstick.
4. Lip Gloss (Optional): Add a touch of lip gloss to the center of your lips for a fuller, more luscious look.

Trend Alert: In 2021, we're seeing a lot of bold and bright lip colors, as well as more natural, nude lips. Experiment with different colors and finishes to find what you love!

Setting Your Makeup: The Final Touch

To ensure your makeup lasts all day, finish with a setting spray.

1. Setting Spray: Hold the setting spray about 8-10 inches away from your face and mist evenly. This will help to set your makeup and prevent it from creasing and fading.

Pro Tip: For extra long-lasting makeup, use a setting spray between each layer of makeup.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – your ultimate makeup tutorial 2021! Remember, makeup is all about having fun and expressing your individuality. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors, techniques, and styles to find what works best for you. And most importantly, enjoy the process! Whether you're going for a natural everyday look or a glamorous evening look, I hope this tutorial has helped you to feel more confident and empowered in your makeup skills. Now go out there and slay, you gorgeous creatures!