Your alarm goes off at 7 AM and classes start at 8 AM; you find yourself standing in front of the mirror wondering what kind of makeup to wear , something not so loud that it draws all the attention, yet not so subtle that it looks like you aren’t wearing any at all.
If you face this dilemma every day, here is a makeup look that is perfect for college. It looks natural, feels comfortable, and stays put all day long.
Skincare Base
Skincare is essential before applying makeup. If the skin isn’t prepped properly, foundation can look cakey, dry patches may become more visible, and the makeup won’t last as long.
First, wash your face thoroughly to remove dirt or excess oil, then use a toner suited to your skin type. If you have dry skin, you can use a hydrating toner, whereas a water-based toner is best for oily skin.
Next, apply moisturizer. You can use a gel-based moisturizer if you have oily skin, or a rich, cream-based moisturizer if your skin is dry.
Now it is time to apply sunscreen. Sunscreen not only protects the skin from UV rays but also creates a good base for makeup.
Another step people often skip is applying lip balm. If your lips are dry, applying lipstick later can make them even drier. Therefore, you should apply lip balm now so that your lips become moisturized and soft by the time you are ready to apply lipstick.
Base Makeup
Now, let’s start with the base makeup. If you prefer a fresh, glowing look, begin by applying a ‘dewy illuminator.’ Apply it to the high points of your face such as the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, forehead, and chin and blend thoroughly with a beauty blender or brush to ensure there are no harsh lines.
If you have issues like dark circles, acne marks, or pigmentation, use a color corrector before applying concealer; concealer alone often doesn’t fully hide these imperfections. A peach corrector works well for fair to medium skin tones, while an orange corrector is best for medium to dark skin tones.
Apply concealer over the areas where you used the color corrector. Do not blend the concealer immediately after application; let it sit for about 30 seconds to set, then blend it by gently dabbing with a beauty blender or brush. This technique provides excellent coverage.
Now, let’s work on the eyebrows. For a natural look, you can use an eyebrow pencil or dark brown eyeshadow. Just ensure the shade you choose matches your hair color so the eyebrows look natural.
Next, use a spoolie to brush your eyebrow hairs slightly upwards. This reveals the natural shape of your eyebrows and makes them easier to fill in.
Now, use an angled brush and dark chocolate brown eyeshadow to fill in the eyebrows. Always start from the inner corner and gradually move towards the outer edge. Also, avoid applying too much product at once, as this can make the eyebrows look overly dark and artificial.
After filling in your eyebrows, run a spoolie brush through them again. This distributes the product evenly and gives your brows a natural, well-groomed look.
Next, apply liquid blush. Start by dispensing a small amount of product onto a makeup mixing palette or the back of your hand and warming it up slightly with a brush; this helps prevent applying too much at once. To apply, smile gently and place the blush on your cheekbones, then blend it using a light tapping motion. If there is any leftover product on the brush or blender, you can lightly dab it onto your nose and cheeks as well. This creates a natural, ‘sun-kissed’ look, making your skin appear fresh and healthy.
If you want a bit more glow, you can also use a cream highlighter. Apply it to the bridge of your nose, cheekbones, and forehead, and blend well. However, if you have oily skin, you can skip this step and move straight to setting your makeup.
Now, let’s set the makeup. Using a triangular puff, pick up a small amount of loose powder and tap off the excess onto the back of your hand. Then, set the under-eye area, forehead, and the area around the mouth. While setting these areas, apply powder blush over the spots where you previously applied liquid blush; this helps the color last longer. Finally, set your entire face using a compact powder.
Now, for that finishing glow, use a brush to apply powder highlighter to the high points of your face. Follow this with a setting spray to lock everything in place. If you desire a bit more glow, you can apply another very light layer of powder highlighter while the setting spray is still slightly damp on your skin. This gives the skin a naturally radiant and fresh look without feeling heavy.
Eyes Lashes
Now, let’s talk about eyelashes. Here’s a simple trick to remember before applying mascara: whenever you pull the wand out of the tube, gently wipe off any excess product onto a tissue. This prevents the mascara from clumping or sticking to your lashes, ensuring a cleaner and better application.
When applying mascara, start at the roots of your lashes and move the wand towards the tips using a gentle zig-zag motion. This ensures the product is distributed evenly, making your lashes look well-defined, separated, and naturally fuller. It may seem like a small detail, but it makes your entire makeup look significantly more polished and fresh.
Lips
Now, let’s talk about lips, as makeup feels incomplete without lip color. First, outline your lips using a lip liner. If you are unsure which shade to pick, a brown lip liner is a great option; it complements almost every lip shade and gives your lips an attractive, well-defined look.
After outlining, fill in your lips with your chosen lip color. If you prefer a glossy, fresh look, you can apply a little lip gloss over the color; if you prefer a matte finish, you can simply stop after applying the lip color. Both options are great for college. Just choose the one that makes you feel comfortable.
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