Makeup can be a beautiful tool but, if used incorrectly, it can leave you looking like a hot mess. Often, less is more with beginners, but even the lightest of makeup looks can be difficult. No matter your age, race or gender, here are five life-saving tips for those new to makeup.

1. Know your skin type

There are three types of skin: dry, oily and combination. Knowing your skin type is extremely important. If you have oily skin, you may prefer a matte foundation set with a finishing powder to ensure your foundation stays in place all day and does not break apart on your skin. You may want to try Too Faced’s Born This Way or Rimmel’s Stay Matte foundations. If you have dry skin, you might want to consider purchasing a foundation with a dewy or luminous finish. Not only will this be hydrating for your skin, but it will not cling to any dry patches that are present. I highly suggest either Loreal’s True Match Lumi Foundation or Chanel’s Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation. If you have combination skin, find a finish and formula that works best for your skin. You could be able to wear both a matte and a luminous finish! You may want to test out Makeup Forever’s Ultra HD foundation or Loreal’s True Match. It's all trial and error when you are on the hunt for the perfect foundation.

2. Find the perfect color

The most common beauty mistake beginners are notorious of making is choosing the wrong foundation or concealer color. Skin can a have warm, cool or neutral undertone. The next time you are on the market for new makeup, stop by Sephora to have your skin tested for a color IQ. Once they calculate your skin’s tones, you will be matched to the perfect foundation!

3. Invest in the right tools

Although I am always on the hunt for drugstore dupes, there are a few products that can not be replicated. I highly suggest investing in quality tools; you may have the best foundation or eyeshadow but if you are applying it with a cheap tool. the outcome will not do it justice. The best tool I have used to apply my foundation and blend out concealer is the BeautyBlender. Mac, Morphe and IT Cosmetics offer some of the best brushes on the market.

4. You don’t need to break the bank.

Makeup trends come and go very quickly. There is no need to break the bank for a single lip color you spotted a Kardashian wearing. Here are a few makeup brands that offer impeccable quality for a fraction of the cost compared to their high end counter parts: Colourpop, NYX, Morphe, Sigma, Makeup Geek, ELF and Milani.

5. Practice makes perfect

Practice. Practice. Practice. I can not urge this enough. There are many ways to learn how to do your makeup. The most accessible way in my opinion is to watch YouTube tutorials. Some of my personal favorites include: Jaclyn Hill, MannyMUA, PatrickStarrr, NikkieTutorials, Tati and KathleenLights. If you are a more hands on type of person, I suggest booking a lesson with a local makeup artist or even asking a Sephora worker for help!

When it all comes down to it, makeup is a form of expression. You can never wear too much or too little. Do not feel constrained by societal norms — makeup has no gender or limit. You do not need to “fix” your insecurities by concealing or contouring. Embrace them! It is those features that make you beautiful!