Going through endless makeup tutorials on YouTube and Instagram can get a little overwhelming and intimidating for most of us. And if you are a beginner, we can understand the struggle of actually finding the right set of products and the right order of application. So, close all those tabs because this is the perfect guide to makeup for beginners to ace that base.

Setting your base may sound like a task, and the application of each product can be a little confusing. But don’t worry, because we have made a step-by-step guide of what and how to do if you are a beginner. Along with that, we have mentioned some budget-friendly products because you really don’t want to go broke while buying makeup.

Follow these steps for a flawless base every single time!

Related: Summer Makeup Products Under ₹1,000: Glow Up On A Budget

1. Start by moisturising

The first and foremost step to makeup is moisturising and hydrating your skin, no matter what your skin type is. You really don’t want to skip the moisturising and begin directly with the foundation. The more hydrated your skin is, the easier it is for your makeup to blend and absorb. Not moisturising your skin will also result in your makeup cracking. You can choose whichever moisturiser suits your skin, it doesn’t have to be very expensive.

Best budget-friendly moisturisers: Garnier Wrinkle Lift Anti-Ageing Cream, Ponds Super Light Gel Oil-Free Moisturiser

2. Add a little more hydration with serums

If you have super dry skin, you should definitely not skip this step. Adding an extra layer of moisture to your skin in the form of oils and serums gives you a gorgeous glow. They make your skin look supple, hydrated, and dewy! And while most people believe that oils can be really heavy on the skin, you can always opt for lighter, cold-pressed oils that give you a great finish.

Best budget-friendly serums and oils: Beautiful Skin Oil by Blossom Kochhar, Plum Grape Seed & Sea Buckthorn Glow-Restore Face Oils Blend

Image Source

Related: What Are Serums And What Do They Do? We Asked Skin Experts To Explain Why We Need Serums

3. Use a primer for even skin texture

The next step in this makeup guide is applying primer to seal your base. The primer makes your makeup last longer and minimises any pores. It gives your skin a smooth and even base, reducing the appearance of an uneven texture and pores. A primer sets the right base for smooth application of your concealer and foundation, so don’t skip it.

Best budget-friendly primers: PAC Pore Primer, Lakme Absolute Blur Perfect Makeup Primer

4. Dab on some foundation

Does your foundation make your skin look chalky and caked? Don’t worry, because you are not alone. Applying layers of foundation can make it look that way, but when applied in moderation and the right way, foundation provides flawless coverage on your face. As a beginner, you can look for medium to sheer coverage. The best way to choose your foundation is by actually trying it in person. And the best way to apply your foundation is by taking a little at a time. Remember, less is more. One pump is enough when you are using a full coverage foundation. Dab it lightly with a beauty blender on your skin.

Also, skip the under eyes because when you apply foundation and then concealer, it gets a little too much. Never apply your foundation in downward strokes because it doesn’t blend well and highlights your peach fuzz.

Best budget-friendly foundations: Nykaa SkinShield Anti-Pollution Matte Foundation, Maybelline New York Fit Me Liquid foundation

5. Conceal those spots

For all those dark circles, acne scars, and pigmentation spots, concealer is your best friend. And just like a foundation, you should use it in small quantities and don’t smear it all over your skin. The job of a concealer is to blend out any spots you want to conceal on your skin. So, apply it only where you think you need it, because you already have a full face of foundation. Always choose a concealer that matches your skin tone and don’t go for the lightest shade you can find.

Best budget-friendly concealers: L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD, Maybelline New York Fit Me Concealer

Image Source

6. Brighten up your face

Once you have applied your concealer, the next step is adding more concealer. No, we are not asking you to add more layers of the same concealer. Use a concealer a few shades lighter than your regular concealer and apply it to the points you want to highlight and brighten. Try it on your nose, under eyes, chin, or any other spot that you feel needs a little brightening up. Again, remember that less is more.

7. Set your base

While most people continue with their makeup after foundation, it is important to set it first. Once you have used all the creamy and liquid products, you need to set your face with a loose powder or compact powder. Any other product you apply now should not be creamy because you have already used powder to set your base. You want to use very little powder and move it in circular motions with a puffed brush. This will help your makeup last longer.

Best budget-friendly setting powder: Kay Beauty HD Setting Loose Powder, Maybelline New York Fit me Loose Finishing Powder

Related: Makeup Brushes You Need And How To Use Them