The Ultimate Guide to Men’s Makeup: A Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners

Not only women have the habit of makeup, nowadays men also need to learn how to look more attractive and gain more advantages in work and life.

The following is an A-Z guide to basic makeup for beginners.

1What do men need in their makeup kit?

Unlike women who use a variety of colors, male makeup focuses on enhancing masculine features and hiding imperfections for a flawless look.

Here are the essential products for a male makeup kit:

Since men tend to have drier and rougher skin, applying a moisturizer before makeup will provide the necessary hydration and help the subsequent layers last longer.

Foundation

Our faces often have darker areas, and a foundation will help even out the skin tone and create a smooth base for the rest of the makeup. Choose a shade that closely matches your skin tone to avoid looking too pale or feminine.

Concealer

Concealers, like foundations, aim to create an even skin tone. However, concealers are particularly useful for covering small areas that foundations can’t reach, such as dark circles, acne scars, and blemishes.

Face Powder

For those with oily skin, face powder is a must-have as it controls shine and prevents the base from sliding off due to oil. It also helps to create a natural, harmonious finish.

Contour/Highlight/Bronzer

Contour, highlight, and bronzer products are used to create angles and define the facial features, improving the face structure with contouring techniques.

These products are often sold together as a compact powder to save costs, but you can also find separate cream products for more convenience.

Facial Mist

Once the makeup is done, a facial mist is essential to set and enhance the finish, making it last longer. It also hydrates the skin, making it feel more comfortable and less oily.

Eyebrow Pencil

Eyebrows are crucial for a well-defined and attractive face. An eyebrow pencil shapes and defines the brows, giving them a masculine and appealing look.

Eyeliner

Male makeup usually focuses on enhancing natural features, but on special occasions, you can add a few strokes of eyeliner to make the eyes more defined and attractive.

Lip Balm

While women use various lip colors, men only need a natural-looking, soft, and attractive lip. A lip balm will moisturize and prevent dry, chapped lips.

2Basic Makeup Steps for Men

If you’re a beginner, you might be unsure where to start and what order to follow. Here are the basic steps to help you get started:

Apply Foundation

After moisturizing, squeeze a pea-sized amount of foundation onto your palm and dot it on your forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose. Then, blend it outwards until it matches your skin tone.

Create Definition with Contour/Highlight/Bronzer

First, use a darker shade of contour powder (darker than your natural skin tone) to define the jawline, sides of the nose, and forehead for a more angular look. Be sure to use a light hand for a natural finish.

Next, use a highlighter (a shade lighter than your skin tone) to accentuate features like the nose bridge, forehead, chin, brow bone, cheeks, and eyelids. Take a small amount and blend well to avoid a cakey look.

If you want to add a sun-kissed glow to your face, apply bronzer to the cheekbones and jawline for a more masculine appearance.

Conceal Imperfections

Use a small amount of concealer on a brush to cover acne scars and blemishes. For dark circles, use a blending sponge for easier application.

Set with Face Powder

After applying foundation and contour, use face powder to create a natural, harmonious finish. Choose a shade that is slightly lighter than your natural skin tone.

Shape Your Eyebrows

First, determine the ideal eyebrow shape for your face by marking three points: the start of the brow should align with the nostril and nose bridge, the tail of the brow should align with the diagonal from the nostril to the outer corner of the eye, and the arch should be at the two-thirds point of the brow, slightly towards the end.

Then, adjust the width and height to suit your face. You can use an eyebrow pencil as a guide for accuracy.

Once you’ve found the perfect shape, use tweezers or a razor to remove any stray hairs outside the defined shape. Then, use an eyebrow pencil to fill in light strokes from the inside out, following the defined shape.

Be sure to use light pressure to avoid an unnatural look, and finish by brushing the brows with the spoolie end of the eyebrow pencil for a perfect look.

Apply Lip Balm

Finally, apply lip balm for a soft, natural look. Male makeup usually doesn’t require bright lip colors. Moisturizing the lips is enough to prevent dryness and create a soft, attractive appearance.

We hope this guide has given you a basic understanding of male makeup and how to use the right products for a flawless finish!