Middle School Makeup: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Navigating middle school is tough enough without adding the pressure of makeup! Maybe you’re seeing other girls experiment with it, or maybe you just want to enhance your natural features. Whatever your reason, starting with makeup can feel overwhelming. This guide will break down the basics, teaching you how to apply makeup in a way that’s age-appropriate, subtle, and focuses on skincare. Remember, the goal is to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin, and makeup can be a fun way to express yourself!
## Understanding the Basics
Before diving into application, let’s cover some essential points:
* **Skincare is Key:** Makeup looks best on healthy skin. A consistent skincare routine is crucial. This doesn’t need to be complicated! A simple routine includes:
* **Cleanser:** Use a gentle cleanser morning and night to remove dirt, oil, and makeup residue. Look for terms like “sensitive skin” or “fragrance-free.”
* **Moisturizer:** Hydration is vital! Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores) moisturizer after cleansing. Even oily skin needs moisturizer.
* **Sunscreen:** This is non-negotiable! Protect your skin from sun damage with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every single day, even on cloudy days. Look for oil-free formulas.
* **Less is More:** In middle school, a natural look is generally best. Heavy makeup can look unnatural and can actually age you. Focus on enhancing your natural features rather than completely covering them up.
* **Hygiene is Important:** Always wash your hands before applying makeup. Clean your brushes and applicators regularly (at least once a week) with a gentle cleanser or brush cleaner to prevent bacteria buildup.
* **Sharing is Caring…NOT!** Never share makeup with friends. Sharing makeup can spread bacteria and lead to infections.
* **Talk to Your Parents/Guardians:** Discuss your interest in makeup with your parents or guardians. They can offer guidance and help you choose age-appropriate products.
## Essential Makeup Products for Middle School
Keep your makeup bag simple and focused on enhancing your natural features. Here’s a starter kit:
* **Tinted Moisturizer or BB Cream:** These provide light coverage to even out skin tone without feeling heavy. Choose a shade that matches your skin as closely as possible.
* **Concealer:** For covering blemishes or dark circles. Choose a shade that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter.
* **Blush:** A cream or powder blush in a natural shade (like peach or pink) can add a healthy glow.
* **Mascara:** Clear or brown mascara can define your lashes without looking too dramatic.
* **Lip Balm or Tinted Lip Balm:** Keeps lips hydrated and adds a subtle pop of color.
* **Eyeshadow (Optional):** If you want to experiment with eyeshadow, choose neutral shades like browns, taupes, or light pinks.
**Product Recommendations (Drugstore Options):**
* **Tinted Moisturizer/BB Cream:**
* Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream
* Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
* elf Cosmetics Tinted Moisturizer
* **Concealer:**
* Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
* NYX Professional Makeup HD Photogenic Concealer Wand
* elf Cosmetics Camo Concealer (Hydrating Version)
* **Blush:**
* Milani Baked Blush
* Flower Beauty Blush Bomb Color Drops
* elf Cosmetics Putty Blush
* **Mascara:**
* Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara (Brown or Clear)
* Maybelline Great Lash Mascara (Clear)
* Covergirl Professional Remarkable Mascara (Clear)
* **Lip Balm/Tinted Lip Balm:**
* Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm
* eos Visibly Soft Lip Balm
* ChapStick Total Hydration Lip Balm
* **Eyeshadow Palette:**
* Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Palette (Neutral Shades)
* elf Cosmetics Bite-Size Eyeshadow Palette
* Makeup Revolution Re-Loaded Eyeshadow Palette (Neutral Shades)
## Step-by-Step Makeup Application Guide
Follow these steps for a simple and natural makeup look:
**Step 1: Prepare Your Skin**
* **Cleanse:** Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry with a clean towel.
* **Moisturize:** Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer and let it absorb completely.
* **Sunscreen:** Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Allow it to absorb before applying makeup.
**Step 2: Apply Tinted Moisturizer or BB Cream**
* **Application:** Squeeze a small amount of tinted moisturizer or BB cream onto your fingertips. You can also use a damp makeup sponge (like a Beautyblender) for a smoother application.
* **Blending:** Dot the product onto your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Then, blend outwards using your fingertips or a sponge. Make sure to blend well into your hairline and jawline to avoid harsh lines.
* **Coverage:** The goal is to even out your skin tone, not to completely cover it. If you need more coverage in certain areas, apply a second thin layer.
**Step 3: Conceal Blemishes (Optional)**
* **Application:** Use a concealer brush or your fingertip to dab concealer directly onto any blemishes, dark circles, or areas with redness.
* **Blending:** Gently tap the concealer to blend it into the surrounding skin. Avoid rubbing, as this can remove the product.
* **Setting (Optional):** If your concealer tends to crease, you can set it with a light dusting of translucent powder using a small brush.
**Step 4: Add a Touch of Blush**
* **Application (Powder Blush):** Smile to find the apples of your cheeks. Using a blush brush, swirl the brush into the blush and tap off any excess product. Apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards towards your temples.
* **Application (Cream Blush):** Use your fingertips or a damp sponge to dab the cream blush onto the apples of your cheeks. Blend outwards and upwards.
* **Amount:** Start with a small amount of blush and build up the color gradually. You can always add more, but it’s harder to remove excess blush.
**Step 5: Define Your Lashes with Mascara**
* **Preparation:** Curl your eyelashes with an eyelash curler (optional but recommended) for a more open-eyed look. Hold the curler at the base of your lashes for a few seconds.
* **Application:** Hold the mascara wand horizontally at the base of your upper lashes. Wiggle the wand back and forth as you move it upwards to coat each lash.
* **Lower Lashes (Optional):** If desired, apply a light coat of mascara to your lower lashes. Be careful not to apply too much, as this can look clumpy.
* **Clumps:** If you have any clumps, use a clean spoolie (eyebrow brush) to separate your lashes.
**Step 6: Hydrate Your Lips**
* **Application:** Apply a generous layer of lip balm or tinted lip balm to keep your lips hydrated and add a touch of color. Reapply throughout the day as needed.
**Step 7: Eyeshadow (Optional)**
* **Primer:** Apply a small amount of eyeshadow primer to your eyelids to help the eyeshadow last longer and prevent creasing.
* **Base Shade:** Use a fluffy brush to apply a neutral shade (like a light brown or taupe) all over your eyelid, from your lash line to your brow bone.
* **Crease Shade:** Use a smaller, tapered brush to apply a slightly darker shade (like a medium brown) to your crease. Blend well to create a seamless transition.
* **Lid Shade:** Use a flat brush to apply a shimmery or satin shade to your eyelid.
* **Blending:** Blend all the shades together to create a smooth and natural look.
## Tips for Choosing the Right Products
* **Skin Type:** Consider your skin type when choosing products. If you have oily skin, look for oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas. If you have dry skin, look for hydrating and moisturizing formulas.
* **Skin Tone:** Choose products that complement your skin tone. For example, if you have fair skin, opt for lighter shades of blush and eyeshadow. If you have deeper skin, you can wear richer, more vibrant colors.
* **Undertone:** Determine your skin’s undertone (warm, cool, or neutral). Warm undertones look best with gold and peach tones, while cool undertones look best with silver and pink tones. Neutral undertones can wear a wide range of colors.
* **Read Reviews:** Before buying any product, read online reviews to see what other people think. This can help you avoid products that are low-quality or don’t work well.
* **Sample Before You Buy:** If possible, try samples of products before you buy them. This will allow you to see how the product looks and feels on your skin before you commit to purchasing it.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help:** If you’re not sure where to start, ask a makeup artist at a department store or a beauty advisor at a drugstore for help. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your skin type, skin tone, and personal preferences.
## Common Makeup Mistakes to Avoid
* **Wearing Too Much Foundation:** Heavy foundation can look unnatural and cakey. Stick to a tinted moisturizer or BB cream for light, even coverage.
* **Using the Wrong Shade of Concealer:** Using a concealer that’s too light can highlight blemishes and make you look washed out. Choose a shade that matches your skin tone.
* **Overdoing the Blush:** Too much blush can make you look like a clown. Start with a small amount and build up the color gradually.
* **Clumpy Mascara:** Apply mascara in thin layers to avoid clumps. Use a clean spoolie to separate your lashes.
* **Forgetting to Blend:** Blending is key to creating a natural and seamless makeup look. Take the time to blend your foundation, concealer, blush, and eyeshadow thoroughly.
* **Not Cleaning Your Brushes:** Dirty makeup brushes can harbor bacteria and lead to breakouts. Clean your brushes regularly with a gentle cleanser or brush cleaner.
* **Sleeping in Your Makeup:** Sleeping in your makeup can clog your pores and cause breakouts. Always remove your makeup before going to bed.
* **Following Trends Blindly:** Just because a makeup trend is popular doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Choose makeup looks that flatter your features and make you feel confident.
## Makeup Looks to Try in Middle School
Here are a few simple and age-appropriate makeup looks to try:
* **The “No-Makeup” Makeup Look:** This look focuses on enhancing your natural features with minimal makeup. Use a tinted moisturizer, concealer, a touch of blush, mascara, and lip balm.
* **The Glowy Skin Look:** This look is all about creating a dewy and radiant complexion. Use a hydrating tinted moisturizer, cream blush, highlighter, and a luminous lip gloss.
* **The Natural Eyeshadow Look:** This look uses neutral eyeshadow shades to define your eyes without looking too dramatic. Use a light brown or taupe shade all over your eyelid, and a slightly darker shade in your crease.
* **The Tinted Lip Look:** This look uses a tinted lip balm or lip stain to add a subtle pop of color to your lips. Choose a shade that’s close to your natural lip color.
## Taking Care of Your Skin After Wearing Makeup
Removing your makeup properly is just as important as applying it. Here’s a simple nighttime skincare routine:
1. **Makeup Remover:** Use a gentle makeup remover to remove all traces of makeup. Micellar water or makeup wipes are good options.
2. **Cleanser:** Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any remaining makeup residue and impurities.
3. **Moisturizer:** Apply a hydrating moisturizer to replenish your skin’s moisture barrier.
4. **Spot Treatment (Optional):** If you have any breakouts, apply a spot treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
## Final Thoughts
Makeup should be fun and empowering! Experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for you. Remember that the most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. Don’t be afraid to embrace your natural beauty and let your personality shine through. And always prioritize skincare to keep your skin healthy and glowing!