"Where Do I Even Start?" 3 Easy Ways to Get Started With Makeup
You know that feeling when you open your makeup bag, stare at everything inside, and immediately want to zip it shut again?
Yep. Been there (A long time ago, but still…)
Maybe you've picked up a few things over the years—some on a whim, some because a friend swore it was amazing, and a few because the woman at the counter told you it was exactly what you needed (even if it’s been gathering dust ever since).
And now? It’s all just...a bit much.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not the only one. I work with women here in Wanaka all the time who say the same thing:
“I never really learned how to my makeup properly.”
And there is zero shame in that.
Most of us weren’t taught how to apply makeup in a way that feels natural, flattering, or even doable in real life. We’ve either copied what we saw in magazines, watched tutorials that didn’t translate to our own faces, or just… guessed.
But the good news? It doesn’t have to stay that way.
Makeup can be simple as you want it to be. It can be something that makes you feel a little more pulled together, a little more glowy, or full on glam. Regardless of your style, makeup shouldn’t be about being perfect—it’s about how it makes you feel.
Here’s how to dip your toes in without getting overwhelmed:
Step One: Start with what you actually use.
Before buying anything new, take a look at what you already have. Lay it all out on the table—yep, all of it. Now ask yourself: what do I actually reach for? What do I like using?
Keep those. The rest? Give yourself permission to let it go, or at least set it aside for now. Simplify.
You don’t have to use something just because you spent money on it or because someone else told you it was great. Focus on learning to use what you have really well, then expand if you want to.
Step Two: Pick one feature to enhance.
The idea that you need to do a full face of makeup every day? Toss that thought out the window.
Instead, think about what you like about your face. Love your eyes? Focus on those—maybe learn one easy eyeshadow trick or a mascara that doesn’t smudge. Want to look a bit more fresh and awake? A tinted moisturizer and a swipe of cream blush can be magic.
The trick is to keep it simple and start small. Once your confident, you can build from there.
Step Three: Get help that’s actually helpful.
Let’s be honest: makeup counters can feel intimidating. YouTube tutorials can be confusing. And asking a teenage daughter or niece might leave you more overwhelmed than when you started.
That’s where I come in.
My lessons are built for real life. We sit down together (with coffee or tea, obviously), go through your makeup bag, and figure out what works for you. I’ll show you techniques in plain English, and you’ll try everything yourself. I guide you as we go so you know exactly how to recreate it at home.
It’s like having a friend who just happens to know what all those brushes do.
You don’t need a massive makeup collection or tons of time.
You just need a few solid basics, a bit of practice, and a safe, supportive space to learn.
And I promise, once you find your rhythm, that overwhelmed feeling starts to melt away. You’ll go from “Where do I even start?” to “Oh, I’ve got this.”
Want to book a beginner-friendly lesson with me?
Come as you are (even if you haven’t worn makeup in years). Let’s make makeup feel easy and fun again.