1. Have a Lesson

Photo Credit: Lectia de Stil

When I say have a lesson, I am not referring to a makeover at a cosmetic counter. Instead, invest in a lesson with a professional makeup artist. This won’t come cheap, but you will learn techniques and tips that will save you a fortune in wasted purchases.

2. Buy a Kit

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Buy a kit like this one from e.l.f, which costs a mere $45, and you will have a huge amount of colours with which to experiment. In the privacy of your own home, you can try out different looks, see which shades suit you and which to avoid, and practice your application.

3. Video Tutorial

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Once again, the Internet comes to the rescue! There are a vast number of makeup tutorials on Youtube. So if you want to emulate the look of a specific star, or simply learn some techniques, you are sure to find what you want. Many cosmetic companies also have tutorials on their websites.

4. Brush Strokes

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A good set of brushes is essential for correct application of makeup. I’ve tried cheap brushes and expensive brushes, and I can really tell the difference. The cheap brushes shed hairs easily – how can you apply your makeup well with those? Trust me, you don’t want hairs getting stuck to your lips!

5. Books

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If you want something that you can follow at your leisure, and videos go too fast for you, get yourself a book. Make sure that it will stay open, so that you don’t need to hold the book and your hands are free. A spiral-bound book would be ideal.

6. Friends

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Get together a few friends, and try practising on each other. Obviously this is not quite the same as making yourself up, but if your friends are more confident with makeup than you are, you can pick up some tips from them. You may also find it easier to try out techniques on someone else than on yourself.

7. Websites

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In my younger days, we were totally unaware of the invention that lay ahead … the Internet! You can find out how to do just about anything on the Web, and as well as video tutorials there is a wealth of other information on how to apply makeup. Look for sites by makeup artists, cosmetics brands, blogs on applying makeup … there is so much out there!

So, if you would love to have fun with makeup but have little idea about what to do, I hope that these tips will prove useful. Even if your makeup skills are good, there may be one thing that you’ve never quite mastered, or a new product that you’d like to learn how to use. It’s all out there, so have a go and above all – have fun!

Top Photo Credit: Checkered and aMUSEd