Beauty tips: Step-by-step guide to makeup routine for natural and youthful look

Makeup tips: A natural-look makeup can bring out your best features in a soft and flattering way. Think of it as working with your features, not against them (Image: Canva)

If the thought of applying makeup stresses you out, but you see the charm of it and want some basic makeup tips, you have come to the right place. Whether you’re heading out for Dandiya night or a casual date with the girls, a light makeup routine that highlights your skin’s natural glow can instantly make you look brighter and more vibrant.

A natural-look makeup can bring out your best features in a soft and flattering way. Think of it as working with your features, not against them—lightweight foundations, a pop of blush, and a bit of highlighter can go a long way toward creating that dewy, youthful look.

If you don’t know where to start, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step routine designed to help you achieve a glowing, youthful look that feels fresh and natural.

1. Prepping the skin

Healthy, glowing skin is the foundation for a youthful look.

• Cleanse and hydrate: Start with a clean face and apply a hydrating moisturizer to plump the skin and smooth out fine lines.
• Primer: Use a light, hydrating primer to create a smooth canvas for your makeup. A primer with a slight glow or dewy finish can help enhance radiance.

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2. Lightweight, dewy foundation

Heavy makeup can age the skin, so opt for lightweight formulas that offer natural coverage.

• Use a tinted moisturiser or light foundation: A sheer foundation or BB cream will even out your skin tone without looking cakey.
• Application tip: Apply your foundation with a damp beauty sponge for a natural, seamless finish.

3. Concealer for brightening

A brightening concealer can help erase dark circles and lift the eye area.

• Apply under the eyes: Use a lightweight, hydrating concealer under the eyes to mask dark circles, making sure not to apply too much as it can settle into fine lines.
• Highlight key areas: Dab a bit of concealer on the centre of the forehead, down the nose, and the chin for a subtle highlight.

4. Blush for a fresh flush

Blush adds colour and a youthful glow to the cheeks.

• Use cream blush: Cream blush gives a dewy, natural finish that blends seamlessly into the skin. Opt for peachy or rosy tones for a fresh look.
• Application tip: Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it upward for a natural flush.

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5. Subtle contouring and highlighting

A light contour can add dimension without looking heavy.

• Cream contour: Use a soft cream contour or bronzer along your cheekbones and jawline to add depth.
• Highlight: Apply a subtle, illuminating highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and on the brow bone to catch the light.

6. Define the brows

Full, well-groomed brows help frame the face and add youthfulness.

• Use a brow pencil or gel: Fill in sparse areas of your brows using light strokes with a pencil, and brush them up with a tinted brow gel to add volume and definition.

7. Light eye makeup

Keep the eye makeup light and fresh to avoid a heavy or aging look.

• Neutral tones: Apply neutral eyeshadow shades like soft browns or taupes to create depth without looking overdone.
• Brighten the eyes: Use a nude or white eyeliner on the waterline to make your eyes appear bigger and more awake.

8. Mascara for lifted lashes

Lifted lashes give your eyes a youthful and bright appearance.

• Curl your lashes: Curling your lashes opens up your eyes and gives them a more youthful appearance.
• Lengthening mascara: Opt for a lengthening or volumizing mascara that doesn't clump, as spidery lashes can look harsh.

9. Soft, juicy lips

Soft, plump lips are key to achieving a youthful look.

• Hydrate first: Use a lip balm or lip mask to hydrate your lips before applying any colour.
• Nude or pink gloss: A nude or rosy pink gloss adds colour and volume to the lips, making them look plump and fresh. Glossy finishes generally give a more youthful appearance than matte.

10. Set with a dewy setting spray

Skip the heavy powders, as they can settle into fine lines and dull the skin's natural glow.

• Dewy setting spray: Lock your makeup in place with a setting spray that offers a dewy finish. It will give your skin a radiant glow and keep your makeup looking fresh all day.

By following these steps, you’ll create a makeup look that emphasizes radiance, natural beauty, and a youthful glow. Focus on light, hydrating products, and soft colours to achieve that fresh, youthful appearance.