Ultimate Makeup Tutorial 2021: Step-by-Step Guide

Hey guys! Ready to slay your makeup game in 2021? Whether you're a total newbie or just looking to up your skills, this ultimate makeup tutorial is your one-stop guide. We're breaking down every step, from prepping your skin to that final touch of lip gloss, so you can achieve a flawless look every time. Let's dive in!

1. Skin Prep: The Foundation for Flawless Makeup

Before you even think about reaching for that foundation, skin prep is key. Think of it like priming a canvas before you paint – it's essential for a smooth, long-lasting, and radiant finish. Seriously, don't skip this step, it's a game-changer!

First up, cleanse. You wanna start with a fresh face, so use a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or leftover makeup. If you're wearing makeup, consider double cleansing – using an oil-based cleanser first to break down makeup, followed by a water-based cleanser to wash everything away. Trust me, your skin will thank you.

Next, exfoliate. Exfoliating 1-2 times a week helps to remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin brighter and smoother. You can use a physical exfoliant (like a scrub) or a chemical exfoliant (like an AHA or BHA). Just be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can irritate your skin.

After cleansing and exfoliating, it's time to tone. Toner helps to balance your skin's pH levels and prep it for the rest of your skincare routine. Look for a toner that's alcohol-free and contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

Now, for the star of the show: moisturizer. Hydrated skin is happy skin, and happy skin is the perfect base for makeup. Choose a moisturizer that's suited to your skin type – lightweight for oily skin, richer for dry skin. And don't forget your eye cream! The skin around your eyes is delicate, so it needs extra hydration.

Finally, sunscreen. Yes, even if it's cloudy! Sunscreen is the most important step in your skincare routine, as it protects your skin from sun damage and premature aging. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Once your skincare is complete, let it sink in for a few minutes before applying makeup. This will allow your products to absorb properly and prevent your makeup from sliding around.

2. Base Makeup: Foundation, Concealer, and Powder

Okay, now for the fun part: base makeup! This is where you create a flawless canvas for the rest of your makeup. We're talking foundation, concealer, and powder – the trifecta of a perfect complexion.

First, let's talk foundation. Finding the right foundation is like finding the perfect pair of jeans – it can take some trial and error, but once you find it, it's magic. Consider your skin type and desired coverage when choosing a foundation. If you have oily skin, look for a matte or oil-free formula. If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating or dewy formula. And if you want light coverage, a tinted moisturizer or BB cream might be all you need.

When applying foundation, start with a small amount and build up coverage as needed. You can use a brush, sponge, or your fingers to apply foundation. A brush will give you more coverage, while a sponge will give you a more natural finish. And using your fingers can warm up the product and help it blend seamlessly into your skin.

Next up, concealer. Concealer is your secret weapon for hiding blemishes, dark circles, and any other imperfections. Choose a concealer that's one or two shades lighter than your foundation to brighten the under-eye area.

Apply concealer in a triangle shape under your eyes, and blend it out using a sponge or your finger. You can also use concealer to spot-conceal any blemishes or redness. Just dab a small amount of concealer onto the blemish and blend it out.

Finally, powder. Powder helps to set your foundation and concealer, preventing them from creasing or fading throughout the day. It also helps to control shine and create a matte finish.

Use a large, fluffy brush to apply powder to your face, focusing on the areas that tend to get oily, like your forehead, nose, and chin. You can use a loose powder or a pressed powder, depending on your preference.

3. Eyes: Eyeshadow, Eyeliner, and Mascara

Time to make those eyes pop! Eye makeup can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. We're breaking down the basics of eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara, so you can create a stunning eye look with ease.

Let's start with eyeshadow. Eyeshadow can add depth, dimension, and color to your eyes. When choosing eyeshadow colors, consider your eye color and skin tone. If you have blue eyes, warm shades like bronze, copper, and gold will make them stand out. If you have brown eyes, you can wear almost any color. And if you have green eyes, purple, plum, and emerald green will enhance them.

When applying eyeshadow, start with a light shade all over your lid. Then, use a medium shade in the crease to add depth. And finally, use a dark shade on the outer corner of your eye to create dimension. Blend, blend, blend! Blending is key to a seamless eyeshadow look.

Next up, eyeliner. Eyeliner can define your eyes and make your lashes look thicker. You can use a pencil eyeliner, gel eyeliner, or liquid eyeliner, depending on your preference. Pencil eyeliner is the easiest to use, while liquid eyeliner gives you the most precise line.

When applying eyeliner, start at the inner corner of your eye and draw a line along your lash line. You can create a thin line for a natural look, or a thicker line for a more dramatic look. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even create a winged eyeliner look.

Finally, mascara. Mascara is the finishing touch to any eye look. It lengthens, volumizes, and defines your lashes. When choosing a mascara, consider your lash type. If you have short lashes, look for a lengthening mascara. If you have thin lashes, look for a volumizing mascara.

Apply mascara to your upper and lower lashes, wiggling the wand at the base of your lashes to coat them evenly. You can apply one coat for a natural look, or two coats for a more dramatic look.

4. Cheeks: Bronzer, Blush, and Highlighter

Let's add some color and dimension to those cheeks! Cheek makeup is all about bronzer, blush, and highlighter – the perfect trio for a sculpted, radiant complexion.

First, let's talk bronzer. Bronzer adds warmth and definition to your face. Choose a bronzer that's one or two shades darker than your skin tone, and with a matte finish.

Apply bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, along your temples, and along your jawline. This will help to sculpt your face and create a more defined look. Be sure to blend well, so you don't end up with harsh lines.

Next up, blush. Blush adds a pop of color to your cheeks and makes you look more awake. Choose a blush color that complements your skin tone. If you have fair skin, try a light pink or peach blush. If you have medium skin, try a rose or berry blush. And if you have dark skin, try a coral or deep red blush.

Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it upwards towards your temples. Smile to find the apples of your cheeks.

Finally, highlighter. Highlighter adds a luminous glow to your skin. Choose a highlighter that's one or two shades lighter than your skin tone, and with a shimmery finish.

Apply highlighter to the high points of your face, like your cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose. This will catch the light and make your skin look radiant.

5. Lips: Liner, Lipstick, and Gloss

Complete your look with the perfect pout! Lip makeup is all about liner, lipstick, and gloss – the essentials for a kissable smile.

First, let's talk lip liner. Lip liner defines your lips and prevents your lipstick from bleeding. Choose a lip liner that matches your lipstick color.

Line your lips, following your natural lip line. You can slightly overline your lips to make them look fuller, but be careful not to overdo it.

Next up, lipstick. Lipstick adds color and personality to your look. Choose a lipstick color that complements your skin tone and outfit.

Apply lipstick directly from the tube, or use a lip brush for more precision. Blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess lipstick.

Finally, lip gloss. Lip gloss adds shine and makes your lips look fuller. You can wear lip gloss on its own, or over lipstick.

Apply lip gloss to the center of your lips, and smack your lips together to distribute it evenly.

6. Setting Spray: Lock in Your Look

Last but not least, setting spray! This is the final step in your makeup routine, and it's essential for locking in your look and making it last all day. Setting spray helps to prevent your makeup from creasing, fading, or melting away.

Hold the setting spray about 8-10 inches away from your face, and spray it in a T and X motion. Avoid spraying too much setting spray, as this can make your makeup look wet or cakey.

And that's it! You've officially completed your makeup tutorial. Now go out there and rock that flawless face!

So, there you have it – the ultimate makeup tutorial for 2021! Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. And most importantly, have fun! Makeup is all about expressing yourself and feeling confident in your own skin. You got this!