Louise McSharry: My beginner’s guide to doing your own makeup

If you’ve spent your life thinking, “Oh I could never do that”, it’s hard to give yourself permission to give it a go. You feel a bit silly, or like your efforts will be laughed at. I know, because it’s how I used to feel about exercise. What I’ve learned, however, is that that feeling is all in your own head, and once you manage to cross the initial threshold of discomfort and fear, you find the doing is actually grand.

What do you need if you decide to cross that threshold when it comes to makeup? Not much. Yes, I have thousands of products and write about different ones every week, but really, you could start with a lipstick. A lipstick can be worn on the lips, as well as tapped onto the cheeks and the eyelids. That can be enough. However, if you want to get the bones of a full look, then I recommend adding the following.

First, a sheer base. If you’re not used to wearing makeup, you don’t want anything too heavy, so something with a little coverage, but that still leaves your skin looking like skin, is ideal. Sculpted by Aimee Skin Tint (€25 at sculptedbyaimee.com) is a great option, as is IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream (€39.50 at arnotts.ie) which also has skincare ingredients and SPF 50. You can use your fingers to apply these products. Start with a little and build up to a level of coverage you’re happy with.

Next, to eyebrows. If you have naturally dark and pronounced eyebrows, then you can absolutely skip this, but if you have fair eyebrows, you may find that this is a real game-changer. I spent the first 30 years of my life with translucent eyebrows and let me tell you, I’ll never go back. There are lots of products on the market, but to keep it simple initially, I recommend a brow mascara like Glossier Boy Brow (€15 at glossier.com), Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel (€22 at cloud10beauty.com) or NYX Tinted Brow Mascara (€8 at boots.ie). All of these products have a tiny brush which makes it easier to keep the tint where you want it: on your brow hairs.

A cream blush is next, although as I said, your lipstick can double up in this department. Just tap the colour onto the cheeks with your fingertips. It doesn’t have to be exact, as the tapping motion will create blurred application. Florence By Mills Cheek Me Later Cream Blush in Shy Shi (€9 at boots.ie) will suit most complexions and can be built up nicely.

Staying with creams, I think a cream eyeshadow, be it in a pot or in pencil form, is a quick and easy way to get an eye look going. MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pots (€22 at brownthomas.com) last brilliantly and come in a fantastic range of shades (my favourite is Groundwork; it’s amazing on green or blue eyes). The Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24hr Cream Eyeshadow (€7.49 at Boots.ie) is also solid.

Pick a colour you like and use an eyeshadow brush to apply across your lid. Wipe the brush on a towel, then blend out the edges so there isn’t a harsh line of product. I like something kind of round and dense like the Dual Action Eye Brush from M&S (€8.25). If you’re feeling fancy, you can use the small side to bring some of the colour under your bottom lashes.

Lots of people used to avoid cream shadows because they were known for creasing, but these days the formulas set quickly, meaning they won’t crease. This does mean that you need to be quick with your blending, so do one eye at a time.

Something old…

Benefit Hoola (€28 at mccauley.ie) has endured the test of time, having made its debut 20 years ago. The powder bronzer is loved for being totally matte, meaning it leaves a natural finish, and it’s also loved for its shade. It’s not orange! Both of these things seemed revolutionary in 2001. The formula is light and blends beautifully, and I still find myself returning to it. These days, it comes in more than one shade, which is a welcome change.

... Something new

Chanel’s Les Beiges Healthy Glow (€44 at arnotts.ie) is the new iteration of Soleil Tan De Chanel, a bronzing cream much loved for its easily blended and natural-looking finish. I’ve seen women of a variety of skin tones raving about this product and the flattering sunkissed glow it delivers (despite the slightly different formula in the new version), but there’s no doubt that having a bronzing product in only one shade means it won’t work for everyone. Fortunately, Chanel has introduced a second shade, Soleil Tan Deep Bronze, which is significantly darker than the original.

Buying Irish...

Cleaning makeup brushes is not the most glamorous task, but keeping your tools clean is the best way to maintain them and to ensure you’re not applying bacteria directly to your skin. A regular deep clean is essential, but Ella & Jo’s Squeaky Clean Brush Cleanser (€20 at ellaandjo.ie) is a great way to spot clean them along the way. Simply spray your brush, then wipe it clean (I like to use a towel), and it’ll be dry and ready to use in a couple of minutes.