How to Apply Makeup for Beginners Step 1

Put on Primer

Once your face is cleansed and moisturized, the first step is to apply primer. Be sure to use a formula that works for your skin type — for example, try the NYX Professional Makeup Face Freezie Cooling Primer + Moisturizer if you have dry skin, or the Maybelline New York Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Mattifying Face Primer if you have oily or combination skin. (The former is a moisturizer-primer hybrid with a cooling feel we love during the warmer months.) Applying primer will help prep your face for the following steps while helping your makeup last throughout the day.

Apply Foundation

Using a makeup sponge, dab foundation all over the skin and blend it outwards. Be sure to extend it down onto your neck, too. For a full-coverage pick that feels lightweight, we love the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation. Choose between 50 warm, cool and neutral shades to find the one that best matches your skin tone. If you prefer a buildable medium-coverage option, we recommend the Valentino Beauty Very Valentino 24 Hour Wear Liquid Foundation or the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation.