15 undetectable back-to-school makeup steps

It can be really frustrating when you want to wear makeup but aren't allowed. Your parents might feel like you're not old enough, or they might have other reasons for saying no. It's important to always respect them, but if you're determined to go against your parents' wishes, there are ways you can wear makeup to look natural and go unnoticed. You may also need to take additional precautions, such as applying makeup after school and not leaving it where your parents will find it.

Method 1: Applying natural-looking makeup.

Step 1: Cleanse and moisturize your skin every day.

If you want your makeup to look natural, you need to start with clean, hydrated skin. Every morning and every evening, wash your face with a gentle facial cleanser. Then, apply a light moisturizer meant for your skin type, such as oily, dry, or combination skin. Regular soap can be too harsh, so it can dry out your skin. Ask your parents if you can buy a moisturizer with SPF to protect your skin from daily sun exposure.

Step 2: Start by using just 1-2 products at first.

It can take a little practice to make your makeup look natural when you're just starting, so it's best to try just one or two products at a time, especially if you're trying to wear makeup without getting caught. If there's an area of your face you feel self-conscious about, or if there's a feature you really love and want to highlight it, start with a product you can use in that area.

For example, if you think you have beautiful eyes and lips and want to draw attention to those features, you might apply a light coat of mascara and some lip gloss. If you have dark circles under your eyes, you might dab on a little concealer to feel more confident.

Step 3: Choose cosmetics that match your skin tone.

If you want your makeup to look subtle, it's important to choose shades that are as close to your natural skin tone as possible. If you can, try the product on the back of your hand before you buy it, as the skin color there is usually similar to the skin color on your face. You can also check the color along your jawline to make sure the product blends well into your skin.

Step 4: Use concealer if you want to cover up blemishes, such as acne scars or dark circles.

If you have a stick concealer, gently dab the tip of the stick onto the area you want to cover, then use your finger to lightly blend the concealer into your skin. If you have liquid concealer, put a small amount on your fingertip, then dab it gently into the spots until the skin is even.

You'll know the concealer is blended when you can no longer see any streaks. If you need more coverage, you can lightly apply another layer, but remember, you always have to keep the look subtle so your parents don't notice!

Step 5: Try a tinted moisturizer if you want to even out your facial skin tone.

If some parts of your face are redder or slightly darker than the rest of your face, a lightly tinted moisturizer can help make your skin look more even. However, this cream still looks natural, so no one can tell that you're wearing makeup! BB cream and CC cream are light foundations that have moisturizing properties to brighten and even out your skin tone.

You can even find products with SPF to protect your skin from sun damage. Tip: Minimizing the number of products you have to use? Buy liquid concealer, then mix a little facial moisturizer with the concealer to create your own tinted moisturizer!

Step 6: Apply a very light amount of powder if your skin tends to be oily.

If you notice that your face looks greasy throughout the day, you should apply some setting powder to help absorb the natural oils on your face. Use the powder puff that comes with the pressed powder to lightly dab it on your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. If you can see any visible powder left on your face, apply the powder puff over the area in a circular motion until the skin is even.

Some powders don't come with a puff, and you'll need to use a brush to apply them. If you're trying to hide your makeup, it's best to find a setting powder that comes with a puff so you don't have to buy a separate tool. Avoid products labeled as "powder foundation," as these provide thicker coverage that will be more noticeable.

Step 7: Apply blush to add color to your skin.

For the most subtle effect, look for a blush that is similar to the color of your cheeks when you blush. This will create a soft effect and highlight your natural beauty. If you're using powder blush, lightly dab the brush into the powder, then swirl the brush onto the apples of your cheeks.

Cream and gel blushes can also be very subtle. Gently use your middle or ring finger to pick up a little product, then lightly dab your fingertip onto the apples of your cheeks until the skin is even.

Step 8: Apply neutral-colored eyeshadow if you want to even out the color on your eyelids.

If your eyelids are a little blue or purple or if they're unevenly colored, try applying a thin layer of neutral-colored eyeshadow. A product that's close to your skin tone will give you the most natural look, but you can also apply a little powder eyeshadow with a similar tone.

If you want to add dimension to your eyes, you can use a slightly lighter color in the inner corner of your eyes. However, avoid anything too shimmery, or your makeup will be too obvious.

Step 9: Apply a coat of mascara to highlight your lashes.

If your lashes are pale or too short, or you just want to highlight your eyes, a coat of mascara can help your eyes look wider and brighter. Just place the wand at the base of your lashes and move it gently in a zigzag motion, then pull the wand up to the tips of your lashes. You can also apply a little mascara to your lower lashes, but apply only a very light coat to keep the makeup from being too obvious.

If there are any clumps on your lashes, use a cotton swab or your finger to remove them. If you have light-colored hair or lashes, use brown mascara, and only use black if you have naturally black hair. For an even more subtle look, curl your lashes with an eyelash curler and then apply a coat of clear mascara. You might need to remove eye makeup if you're going to use brown or black mascara, as this type of mascara can be difficult to wash off.

Step 10: Moisturize your lips with lip balm.

Lipstick and lip gloss can look too obvious, but you can get a more natural effect by applying lip balm. You can even find a tinted lip balm to subtly highlight your lips without revealing the makeup. If you have chapped lips, you might be able to get your parents' permission to apply lip balm, even if they don't agree with you wearing makeup.

Method 2: Not getting caught buying makeup.

Step 1: Buy makeup when you go shopping with a friend.

When you have a chance to hang out with friends, look for inexpensive makeup brands you can buy to start your collection. Try to choose colors that are close to your natural skin tone for the most subtle effect. After paying, throw away all packaging or receipts and hide the makeup in your purse or shopping bag.

If you have a debit card, withdraw cash to pay for cosmetics and keep your parents from looking at your statement and knowing what you've spent. Make sure the friend you're shopping with isn't a tattletale!

Step 2: Choose outfits that give you an excuse to buy makeup whenever possible.

If you have a good reason to buy makeup, you won't need to sneak around to do it. For example, for Halloween, try wearing a costume that requires makeup, such as a 70s hippie costume. School plays are another great excuse to wear makeup!

Step 3: Apply makeup after leaving home if you think they'll notice.

If your parents are really observant or if you want to try a more dramatic makeup look, you'll probably need to apply makeup after leaving home. For example, you can apply makeup in the school bathroom before the bell rings, or you can do it on your way to school if you take the bus.

Avoid overdoing your makeup even if you think your parents won't see you. They can show up anywhere you don't expect, and makeup will also be harder to remove without leaving any traces. Remember to wash your face before coming home!

Step 4: Don't leave your cosmetics at home.

If you don't want your parents to know you're wearing makeup, remember to put your cosmetics away after each use. Or you can store your makeup somewhere inconspicuous like the bottom drawer of your wardrobe, or carry it with you. For example, you can keep your makeup in a pencil case in your school bag or purse.

Ask a friend to hold your makeup for you if you're still afraid your parents will find it, for example, if you think they might search your wardrobe or backpack. However, remember to entrust it to someone trustworthy so your makeup doesn't get lost or stolen.

Step 5: Remember that disobeying your parents can get you into trouble.

Before secretly applying makeup, ask yourself if it's worth it and if it will upset you if you get caught. Lying to your parents about makeup can make them distrust you in other matters, which can affect your ability to be allowed to go out with friends or participate in your favorite activities.

If you want to try any of these techniques, you might consider saving them for a special occasion, such as a school dance or a picnic.

Author: Amy Bobinger. Translator: Bich Ngoc.

Source: Wikihow. Copyright belongs to: Kallos Vietnam.

About the author Amy Bobinger

This article is co-authored by Amy Bobinger. Amy Bobinger has been a writer and editor for wikiHow since 2017. She especially enjoys writing articles that help people overcome interpersonal barriers but often covers a variety of other topics, including health, spirituality, gardening, and more. Amy graduated with a B.A. in English from Mississippi College in 2011 and currently lives in her hometown with her husband and two young sons.