We can’t all be makeup artists (though that does sound fun). But if you’ve ever watched a makeup tutorial that seems to incorporate 17 brushes, three different concealers, and an insistence on completely shape-shifting your eyebrows and lips, you might wonder if you require an advanced degree in makeup application just to get started. Fortunately, actual makeup artists say that anyone—even complete beginners—can get comfortable with and good at doing their own makeup. And it doesn’t take an army of complex products.
“Makeup doesn’t have to be complicated to be impactful,” says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Mezhgan Hussainy, who reminds us that even professional artists are constantly learning new techniques. “Sometimes the simplest products create the biggest difference, enhancing what’s already there and helping you feel like your best self.” Rather than overstuffing your makeup bag, she encourages beginners to start with a handful of versatile, easy-to-use products.
That’s welcome news considering how many makeup formulas are now designed to help you succeed rather than baffle anyone who’s never worked a makeup counter. Skin tints can stand in for heavy foundations, cream blushes melt into skin with your fingertips, and soft eye pencils can be smudged long before you have to commit to a less-than-perfect line.
Makeup artist Jenny Patinkin points out that products like these can make the transition to wearing makeup look and feel much more natural. Jumping straight into full-coverage foundation, shadowy contour, or dramatically winged liquid liner can feel jarring, not to mention discouraging if you’re not yet confident with bolder products and dexterity-demanding techniques. “If you’re accustomed to only seeing your bare face in the mirror and photos, it’ll be a subtle difference versus a shocking, dramatic change in your appearance,” she says.
MarQuis Ward, an Atlanta-based makeup artist, agrees. “My biggest piece of advice is to focus on enhancing your natural features rather than trying to completely transform them,” he says, recommending that beginners start with products that are buildable, blend easily, and give you room to experiment without punishing every little mistake. (There will be mistakes, and that’s okay.) “Makeup should feel approachable, fun, and confidence-building.”
The products below are formulated to be more forgiving. Think of them as training wheels that work with you as you master makeup (and stay in your bag well beyond your beginner status). They’re easy to blend, difficult to overdo, and self-assuring from the very first application.
Meet the experts:
Foundation: Skin tint
Commerce editor Sarah Han before applying skin tint.Photo: Courtesy of subject
Han after applying Iconic Super Smoother Blurring Skin TintPhoto: Courtesy of subject
