How to Do a Simple Makeup Look for School

Co-authored by Ivy Boyd

Last Updated: August 23, 2024 References

Trying out makeup looks for school? Want something cute and simple? You have come to the right place! This article will show you how to do your makeup to look awake and approachable.

1

Wash and moisturize your face.

Download Article

You want a clean surface to work on. First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Then apply a moisturizer. Go for one with SPF to protect your skin throughout the day and make sure it's at least SPF 30.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source

American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source}
- Consider using a tinted BB or CC cream for moisturizing. You can easily apply this product with your fingers.

2

Consider foundation or a tinted moisturizer.

Download Article

Pick one that matches your skin tone and apply it with a foundation brush.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Ivy Boyd
Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 10 August 2021.} If you don't have one, wash your hands and apply a dab of foundation with your fingers. For more lightweight coverage, try a tinted moisturizer instead.

3

Put on concealer.

Download Article

Do this step if you have dark, noticeable circles under your eyes. Warm the concealing cream up with your fingers, then pat it on. If you have any other blemishes, then apply it there, too. Please, blend well. If you go to school with dots under your eyes and around your nose, you may as well look more ridiculous than beautiful.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Less is more when it comes to concealer. Only apply it where you need it to help brighten up your skin.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Ivy Boyd
  Makeup Artist
  
  Expert Interview. 10 August 2021.}

4

Apply blush and bronzer.

Download Article

Blush and bronzer can add color and depth to your bone structure. If you have a long face, only apply to the apples of your cheeks, if you have a short or rounded face, make long upward streaks, blend well. Cream blushes look very natural, but a powder blush will work, too - whatever floats your boat! If you think your face is a little too round, define your cheekbones by applying bronzer. You can find tips on the Internet about how to do this.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Contouring with bronzer can really help your cheekbones stand out.

Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: What Makeup Should I Wear?

Makeup can help you get creative, feel confident, and spice up your style. As long as you feel amazing, your makeup is doing its job. But still, everyone has a makeup look that’s just made for them. So how can you find a makeup look that matches your style and essence? We’ve created a quiz that can help you do just that. Plus, we’ve even included advice on how to find the best products for your signature style.

1 of 12

How long does your morning makeup ritual take?

10 minutes.

20 minutes.

30 minutes.

It depends! If I am doing a day-to-day look, 30 minutes max. If it’s a show look, an hour.

5

Use eyeshadow.

Download Article

Eyeshadow can accentuate your eyes and show off your personal style. Try to use gold, beige, bronze, and cream. Only apply a colour if it looks natural and pretty on you. It doesn't matter what other people wear, or whether or not they do apply makeup. Cosmetics are a personal thing, so go with what suits you.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Want to copy the most popular girl in your school? Forget it. You will only look attractive if you apply the makeup that looks good on you, and you alone. Don't be afraid to ask advice from those who seem to know what they are doing with their cosmetics. You may gain some valuable knowledge.
Selena Gomez, Founder, Rare Beauty

Express yourself with makeup. "Makeup should be an accessory to reflect what you feel inside. This is something you can enjoy and have fun with and do whatever you want with. It’s not threatening, it’s not complicated."

6

Put on eyeliner.

Download Article

Use black or brown! If you want, a very dark blue or green will do as well.^{[7]
X
Expert Source

Wyvetta Bowles
Beauty & Hair Care Advisor

Expert Interview. 19 October 2021.} As said before, whatever floats your boat! Try out different styles, but remember to make it subtle and elegant.^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Ivy Boyd
Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 10 August 2021.} Don't do styles that are meant for parties and other celebrations, as this can be seen as unsophisticated. If you are dramatic with your makeup, you may be considered disrespectful of authority, too.^{[9]
X
Research source}

7

Curl your eyelashes.

Download Article

This will open up your eyes, making them look bigger and showing off your beautiful eyes! However, if your eyelashes are already or naturally curled, you may not wish to do this. If you are not gentle, you may hurt yourself, so use caution, even if you are in a hurry.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- For most occasions, don't curl your lashes unless you think that you require it in order to look pretty. Everyone is pretty in some way. You may have heard positive people say it a thousand times, but yes, everyone is pretty, and no one can deny that!

8

Get the mascara.

Download Article

Mascara will make your lashes look longer and fuller. For a bolder look, use two coats (re-dip your wand after applying one layer and apply another one).^{[11]
X
Expert Source

Wyvetta Bowles
Beauty & Hair Care Advisor

Expert Interview. 19 October 2021.} Bold is different from dramatic, but please try to let it remain subtle as well. Use black, dark brown or clear mascara, or whatever color complements your skin tone.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- If you aren't sure, you may want to talk to a female family member or friend, just for a quick consultation.

9

Finish with lipstick.

Download Article

Lipstick is a simple way to add to a makeup look. Use a light, neutral lipstick and finish off with a clear or lightly colored lip gloss.^{[13]
X
Expert Source

Wyvetta Bowles
Beauty & Hair Care Advisor

Expert Interview. 19 October 2021.} If you don't like lipstick, a well-applied gloss can look even better!^{[14]
X
Research source}
- For special occasions you may want to apply a deeper color, like dark red or plum.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Is there any way to curl my eyelashes if I don't have a curler?

Community Answer

Mascara wands usually do the job, as the mascara is slightly wet, and then dries in place.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 36 Helpful 125
Question

Do you have to use eyeliner?

Community Answer

No. Eyeliner just adds extra definition. It is not necessary.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 34 Helpful 115
Question

How to do a fresh-faced makeup look for school?

Claire Landon

Community Answer

I simply use foundation around my eyes (helps with dark circles or discoloration) and use a bit of lavender, light pink or beige eyeshadow. I finish with a red-tinted chapstick. It makes my face look natural and fresh.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 28 Helpful 135

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Reader Videos

Tips

Remove the cosmetics. Before going to bed, always take off the makeup you have on and wash your face gently and carefully. Not doing so can cause a clogging in the pores and may cause your skin to break out. Again, please be gentle and cautious!

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Have confidence. It may sound weird or even absurd, but applying makeup is a deed that requires quite a lot of esteem. You have to be assured that, as long as you do it with care and caution and mainly know what you are doing, you will look good. People may not accept you for who you are at first, but soon they will realize your inner--and outer--beauty.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Consult others. If you do not know what you are doing, ask someone for help. First, be sure that this person is one who you can trust. This means she--and yes, it should be a girl or a lady--will not tell you things she knows are wrong or will lead to bad results. You may wish to ask around a couple of times before taking action on one of the advised methods.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If you aren't sure how to apply makeup, ask someone you trust for tips — like a friend who always looks put together or a family member who knows about cosmetics. Getting advice from people who know what they're doing can really help you figure out what works best for your face.
Don't try to pile on makeup to hide imperfections or flaws. It usually just looks overdone. Instead, focus on feeling good and what makes you unique! Light makeup coverage can give you a confidence boost without covering up the real you.
To get a natural daytime look, use lip balms and face products that are similar to your skin tone rather than bold colors. The goal is to enhance your features in a subtle way, not totally transform your face. Keep it simple and low-key.
Go for blushes with a pinkish tone to look awake and refreshed. The rosy color imitates the natural glow your skin gets when blood flows to your cheeks. But be careful not to overdo it on the blush, or you'll just look sunburned.
Good skincare should be your priority, not just cosmetics. Well-moisturized, glowing skin doesn't need as much makeup to look awesome. Invest in quality skincare products tailored to your skin type. Your skin will thank you!
Never skip taking off all your makeup thoroughly before going to sleep. Cleansing is super important for healthy skin. Leaving makeup on can clog pores and cause blemishes overnight.

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Respect authority. Ask permission from your parents courteously and confidently before you start. Although this is said much too often, we simply must say it again: Parents are wise, and they will eventually find out. Whether or not you recognize their authority, they ultimately, and legally, have some authority over you. Politely ask, and compose a long letter in persuasion if they say no. Only go to disobedience as a very last resort.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
Use caution. If you poke yourself with a makeup wand or worse, you may have to be hospitalized. Everything has its risks, so please try makeup if it's appropriate for your age and if your parental authority have consented. But be very careful, even if you are sure you know what you're doing. You probably do, but caution is vital and very, very, very important.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Know the limits. Consult school authority and see if your school allows makeup. If so, and if your parents have also agreed or if you have persuaded them, ask them what types of makeup you should wear. You may wish to start off with concealer, eyeliner and lip gloss and gradually move forward. On the other hand, you may wish to commence with every single thing your parents say yes to. As long as your authority figures have said yes to the basics, it's up to you. Don't go overboard, use caution, and make wise choices!

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0