Makeup for dummies | Advice from Scar

Hey babes!

Welcome back to the blog—I hope you’re doing amazing. Be honest, do you love makeup? Because I do! There’s something magical about nailing the perfect wing or watching your lip gloss glide on just right. Honestly, how my base turns out in the morning kind of sets the tone for my whole day.

But lately, I’ve realized not everyone knows where to start when it comes to makeup—and that’s totally okay! That’s exactly why I’m here. I’m breaking down the absolute basics of makeup and sharing a few of my personal holy grails. Let’s get into it!

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Part 1: The Face

Depending on your vibe, your face makeup can be as minimal or full-glam as you want. These steps aren't in a strict order—play around and find what works for you!

1. Primer

Primer goes on first (after cleansing and moisturizing). It helps smooth your skin, reduce the look of pores or texture, and makes your makeup last longer.

• Silicone-based primers give a blurred, matte finish and are great for long wear.

• Water-based primers are more breathable and hydrating, perfect for dry or sensitive skin.

2. Foundation

Foundation evens out your complexion and sets the tone for your look.
There’s something for everyone:

• Liquid and cream foundations offer more coverage and blend well.

• Powder foundations feel lighter and are great for oily skin.
  If foundation feels too heavy, try a tinted moisturizer—it hydrates while giving light coverage and feels super natural. I use cream foundation personally because it feels gentler on my dry skin.

3. Concealer

Concealer can be used on its own or with foundation. It hides dark spots, blemishes, and discoloration.
You can also contour with concealer—just use a slightly darker shade and apply it where your face naturally shadows (like under your cheekbones or jawline). For brightening, use a shade slightly lighter under the eyes or the center of the forehead. 

4. Setting Spray/Powder

Set your look so it lasts all day!

• Setting spray locks in your makeup—some sprays give a dewy glow, while others keep things matte.

• Setting powder helps reduce shine and can be used to “bake” areas like the under eyes or T-zone for extra staying power.
  Pro tip: Try spritzing your setting spray between layers (like after foundation and again after blush) for better longevity.

5. Blush

Not required, but it brings such a pretty flush to the skin.

• Cream or liquid blushes blend beautifully and melt into the skin, which I love for my dry skin.

• Powder blushes are great if you want a softer or more matte finish.

6. Highlighter/Bronzer

• Highlighter adds glow—use it on your cheekbones, nose bridge, brow bone, or even your collarbones.

• Bronzer warms up your complexion and adds depth. You can apply it where you’d naturally get sun-kissed or near your contour lines.

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Part 2: The Eyes

You don’t need to use everything here—just choose what complements your look!

1. Eyeshadow

Apply it to your lids to add depth or color. Play with palettes, mix textures, and don’t be afraid to experiment!

2. Eyeliner

Define your eyes with liner—go for:

• Liquid or crayon for bold, sharp wings.

• Pencil or dark eyeshadow for a softer, blended look.
  Smudge it out for drama or keep it clean and classic.

3. Lashes

Whether you love falsies or just a good mascara, lashes can change everything.

• Want a cat-eye/siren effect? Focus length on the outer corners.

• Going for doe-eyed innocence? Add volume or length to the center lashes.
  And don’t skip those bottom lashes—they add definition too!

4. Eyebrows

Tidy up or fill in with a pencil or brow gel.

• Pencils help define or reshape sparse areas.

• Gels hold the hairs in place or add tint for a fuller look.

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Part 3: The Lips

Your lips can be the star of the show or a soft finishing touch—it’s all up to you.

1. Lip Balm

An essential! Hydrated lips are a must whether you’re going matte or glossy.

2. Lipstick

The classic.

• Matte gives bold, long-lasting color.

• Creamy or satin lipsticks feel more moisturizing and natural.
  

3. Lip Liner

Liner helps shape your lips and keep color from feathering.
You can blend it into lipstick or even use it alone for a blurred, pouty look. Just don’t overdo it with over-lining—less is more!

4. Lip Gloss / Tint / Stain

Perfect for shine and a soft flush of color.

• Tints and stains give color that lasts all day.

• Jelly glosses add a juicy, high-shine finish and feel super hydrating.

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My Recs: Products I Love

Here are some of my absolute favorites—you’ll always find these in my makeup bag:

• e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
  Affordable and actually works! This primer grips onto makeup like glue but still feels lightweight and hydrating. A great dupe for the Milk Hydro Grip.

• Flortte Glue-less Lashes (Adorable Cheeks & Class Clown)
  These are beginner-friendly and super cute. No messy glue, and the styles are perfect for everyday or a soft glam look.

• CLIO Ingeolmi At Home Palette
  The shades in this palette are buttery, blendable, and perfect for soft, romantic looks. Think muted mauves, shimmers, and cozy neutrals.

• Kylie Lip Butter in Vanilla Caramel
  So hydrating and smells delicious! It’s like a gloss and balm in one—perfect for daily wear.

• Too Faced Born This Way Concealer (Chai)
  Full coverage but never cakey. It blends like a dream and works great for both spot-concealing and contouring.

• Glam Goth Beauty Eyelashes
  These are dramatic and ethereal. If you want a statement lash, these are the ones.

• ONE/SIZE On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Setting Spray
  This stuff does not budge. Your makeup stays flawless through humidity, sweat, and long nights out.

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And that’s everything for today, my loves! 💕

Remember, you don’t need all of these products to create a stunning look. This guide is just here to help you explore and find what feels good to you. Makeup is supposed to be fun and expressive—so experiment, play, and feel beautiful while doing it!

xoxo,

Scarlette