Makeup Tutorials on Instagram: The Different Types & Tips to Make It #Flawless

Published on: August 4, 2022
Last Updated: August 4, 2022

Makeup Tutorials on Instagram: The Different Types & Tips to Make It #Flawless

Published on: August 4, 2022
Last Updated: August 4, 2022

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Do you follow the makeup tutorials on Instagram?

Instagram has completely revolutionized the way we consume media about beauty and fashion. With beauty magazines falling by the wayside, the days of trying to follow magazine makeup tutorials are over. 

No matter if you were trying to follow the look based on the magazine photo or following the perfectly tailored instructions of the writer, the results never seemed to pan out.

It’s so difficult to follow a tutorial in a one-dimensional media format.

It’s completely different to see an image on a flat surface as opposed to watching a video of someone doing it in real time.

It’s now easier than ever to create the best makeup looks that you never would have attempted otherwise. 

Knowing this, beauty brands and influencers on Instagram have leveraged the platform to bring meaningful and useful content in the way of tutorials.

It’s one of the most popular content types on Instagram, in fact. 

How do so many incredible Instagram content creators brew up such effective and engaging makeup tutorials?

What other types of content do they post to keep their followers engaged and interested? 

Don’t worry— we’ve got all the inside info. We’re going to let you know about all the different types of makeup tutorials for Instagram that can get you more followers and engagement. 

Plus, we’ll discuss some of the best Instagram beauty content ideas to fill in those gaps. Let’s get on it! 

8 Types of Makeup Tutorials

Makeup

On the surface, a makeup tutorial seems like just a makeup tutorial— nothing more. If you look closely, however, there are actually a wide range of different beauty-related tutorials that range from tips and tricks to product recommendations and more. 

Tutorials help with all sorts of looks, and also create works of art or even show the latest trends for a holiday or upcoming event. 

We’re going to give you some insight into 8 different types of makeup tutorials that you may want to consider when you’re ready to create your next one. 

Basic Look 

You can show your followers how to create basic makeup looks, or even how to upgrade them.

For example, don’t just use a simple red lipstick— demonstrate how your followers can contour their lips with different shades of red or create an ombre look. 

Special Tricks 

Feature a more difficult trick or technique that other makeup tutorials have missed out on or that you’ve never featured before.

It’s common that makeup tutorials focus on all-over application, but they don’t hone in on a specific skill, like creating rainbow eyeshadow looks or the perfect winged eye. 

Focus on Skin Type 

Focus on Skin Type

You may be able to attract more viewers when you focus on different skin types.

Don’t only focus on one— feature a variety of different ones so that each group of viewers can relate.

You can discuss different types of makeup for different skin types, or even show viewers how to color match their skin tone with different makeup. 

You can do color matching for any makeup product— not just for concealer or foundation. 

Glam it Up 

People love everyday looks, but it doesn’t hurt to make it glam every now and then.

A fan favorite on Instagram is to create a nice day look and switch it up to a night look without having to take off all your makeup and reapply. 

Event Prep 

If you have a special event or are going to do something in particular, prep for the event and let your followers follow along. You can make it as simple as prepping for a day at work, or even to go shopping. 

People love to look at before and after shots, so you can feature this in your content. When you show your before photo, you build a relationship with your following and also helps them to see your human side, and that no one is perfect all the time. 

Create Makeup Art 

Makeup Art

One of the most majestic things about makeup is the sheer potential for transformation that it provides. Plenty of artists out there have used makeup to completely transform their body into a canvas for art, or even to turn themselves into a variety of celebrities! 

This type of content is especially good for product features or to focus on one particular technique, or just for a little “wow” factor to show off some skills. 

Fix Mistakes 

People make mistakes when applying their makeup, and instead of always having to take it off, let them know the secrets on how to fix those mistakes. Maybe someone dropped a bunch of eye shadow on their cheek, or perhaps they ended up with a crooked eyeliner line. Maybe they’ve kissed all their lipstick off! Be creative and have fun.

Mini-Tutorials 

Keep tabs on all of the different tutorials you’ve done and keep the best ones on your phone. You can then create a type of “mash-up” of all of your favorite tutorials from the month and post it to your IG stories. 

You can not only use your content in a new way without creating more, but you can get people to re-watch your content that they loved or even catch something that they missed. 

Once they’ve been posted, you can pin them to Instagram story highlights and feature all of your monthly “mash-ups.” 

17 Tips for Makeup Tutorials on Instagram 

Makeup

Having a clear idea about the type of tutorials you want to feature is a great jumping-off point for other content planning strategies. You want to not only deliver content that users want to see, but also deliver it in a way that engages them and encourages engagement and action. 

Here are 17 tips to help you create next-level makeup tutorials for Instagram that will get you noticed. 

1. Storyboard 

Map out your tutorial in advance so that your story will be cohesive and follow all necessary steps. That way, you’re not caught in confusion mid-tutorial. If you’re planning for stories, know which steps need a video or which steps can use a photo. Write out a description or outline that you’ll use for each step. 

2. Voiceover and Captions 

Decide on if you’re going to be talking in your video or if you’ll add captions later. For stories, you should consider the fact that not all users like to listen to stories with sound on; use captioning for your tutorials when needed. 

3. Introduction

Introduction

Use an introduction image to help your followers understand what they’re going to be seeing. This can work for both Instagram stories as well as feed or Instagram Television. You could even include some visuals of the final look.

4. Show the Inspo

If your tutorial was inspired by a particular source, show your viewers. People love to see images of inspiration so that they can compare your work and also see how different looks can be transformed. Also, if you don’t mention your inspiration at all, you may be considered a copycat. 

5. Review Products Needed 

Keep your audience prepared and in the loop— always be clear about what type of tools and products they’ll need. When you give a full-on tutorial, you can indicate all of the products before you go into the tutorial. 

6. Post Incremental Videos 

Don’t limit yourself to a simple 15 seconds on IG stories. Give yourself more than one video to show the whole tutorial. Each step or part of the steps can be reflected in the 15-second time slot that you have. You can record the whole video and then upload; IG stories will divide it automatically. 

7. Use Numbers and Visuals to Show the Process 

If you have a lot of steps or want to point out something in particular, you can use numbers to help users follow along and see when a new step is starting. This gives clarity, especially for visual people. 

8. Annotate Important Steps 

If something is particularly important in your tutorial, you can add a sticker or emoji to help people notice it. For instance, if your tutorial requires you to move the brush or product in a particular way, use an arrow or graphic to help demonstrate. 

9. Name All Products 

Name All Products

On Instagram stories, you can indicate each product that you use throughout the tutorial. If you’re posting to your content feed, you have more flexibility because you can list all of that information in the caption without having to discuss it right in the video, especially if you’re not using any narration. 

Be sure to include all details, such as brush size, shades, relevant numbers, etc. If you want, at the end of your story, post an image with all of the tools and products together. 

10. Tag Relevant Brands and People 

When you mention those products, you can then tag the brand that makes it. Tagging brands not only increases the quality of your tutorial, it allows you to be noticed by brands and even featured in their IG stories or profile feeds.

11. Add Location Stickers

Add Location Stickers

As with naming brands, location stickers can help you get noticed, especially if you work in a local area. If you have a salon, do house calls, or are going to be at a particular event, use geotags to get noticed and connect with more people. 

12. Match Colors for Better Aesthetics 

If your persona or profile is associated with a particular color or filter, use it to your advantage— create stories and content feed that aligns with your color scheme and brand aesthetic so that people will see consistency and your personal image. 

13. Show the Progression  

Show the progression throughout the process; you can speed up the video and use it as a teaser at the beginning or the end of your tutorial, or you can feature the quick version as repurposed content at a later time. 

14. Include Calls to Action 

Calls to Action

You need to be specific about what your goals are— do you want people to come into your salon? Do you want people to check you out on YouTube? Do you want them to buy an affiliate product? 

Use calls to action in your stories to encourage people to do what you want them to. You can even create a branded hashtag, tell your followers to recreate the look, and post it using your branded hashtag for a chance to be featured on your account.

Or, give them special discount codes to encourage product purchases. Whatever it may be, be clear and always give a call to action. 

15. Post to Your Regular IG Feed 

You can encourage people to view your Instagram profile by posting your tutorial to your feed. Promote it in your Instagram stories and direct traffic to your Instagram page; you can also use hashtags to attract new followers and viewers. 

16. Use Different Formats and BE CREATIVE!   

People expect you to post a wide range of content types, not just Instagram stories. Play around with using reels or IGTV as well; the more diverse your content is, the more likely it is that you will reach and attract more users. You’ll also look more professional and reputable when you have a range of content. 

17. Show the Final Result 

What’s a tutorial without the final result!? Don’t forget to show your followers that end look. 

What NOT to Do in Makeup Tutorials 

Makeup Tutorials

There are a few things you should avoid in makeup tutorials on Instagram: 

  • Too many steps: don’t make it so your followers have to watch a huge video with a million parts. Make it easy to follow along and practical. You know your audience; know what type of time they have, their typical product usage, as well as their expertise level. 
  • Overexplaining: be direct and to the point. Don’t give too much information and don’t make it patronizing— your audience has a basic knowledge of makeup. 
  • Unnecessary slow motion: if it doesn’t need to be slowed down, avoid. 
  • Ultimate guides in IG stories: if your tutorial is meant to be longer, feature it on your feed or in IGTV. Don’t try to jam it all into IG stories. Promote it there and include calls to action, but leave the good stuff for the longer media formats. 
  • Overpromote: nobody wants to see a bunch of salesy tutorials. Know when to say when. 

12 Creative Ideas for Additional Content 

Creative Ideas

Tutorials are great, but if you’re looking for other types of content to keep your followers and viewers engaged, you should include some variety to keep things interesting. 

Think about: what else would my audience like to learn or benefit from? Test out some new things and see what works.

1. Show How to Create a Good Base 

One thing most people need to know is how to create a good base— how can they care for their skin to keep it primed and ready for makeup? You can also show them how to care for their skin when they don’t wear makeup or show looks that require little to no makeup, such as a BB cream. 

2. Show off Products 

Take a look at different products that you recommend to help people’s overall health, such as vitamins or oils. You can also feature new products that you’ve acquired and even offer a giveaway if you want to gain some new followers. 

3. Feature Relevant People 

Feature Relevant People

Branch out and do some collabs with people who are in your niche. Who are the experts that you know? Who knows a lot about your products or makeup application? Even feature some UGC when they tag you in their content. 

4. Unboxing Stories 

Unboxing Stories

If you’re gifted something or have a monthly subscription box, you can feature your unboxing and evaluation of what’s included. This is a great way to tag other Instagram accounts that are relevant to your profile. This may also lead to sponsorships or future collabs. 

5. First Impressions of New Products 

Discuss new products with an honest take on how they work and how you like them. You can test it out on screen and see what you think about it. You could even do this on an Instagram Live. 

6. “What’s in My Bag?” Makeup Segment  

Open up your makeup bag and let people see what your go-tos are. You can tell people what you never leave home without or the essentials for transforming their lock when they’re on their way to a party or happy hour after work.

7. Reveal Entire Makeup Collection 

If you want to go into detail with longer content, you can focus on your whole makeup collection and dive into what you like and what you don’t like. Your followers can get an inside look at who you are and what your personal style is. 

8. BTS  

behind the scenes

If you ever host or attend an event, take your followers with you. Feature different specials and what it looks like so your followers can feel like they’re a part of it too. 

9. Story Takeovers  

You can let another influencer or beauty expert take over your Instagram stories for a day or a part of the day. This is especially great when you want to attract new viewers from that person’s audience and spice up your content. 

10. Holiday Features  

You’ll not only stay relevant and up-to-date on what’s going on in the world, but you can also help your followers explore hot looks for different holidays as well as put together the perfect gift sets for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, and more. 

11. Rave Reviews 

Feature any top comments or reviews that your product or videos get. This is a nice way to shout out someone who has praised you and also let your viewers see that people are liking what you have to offer.

12. Tour HQs or Makeup Spaces 

Makeup Spaces

If you have access, you can tour makeup headquarters, factories, offices, and any other makeup-related spaces that people would like to get a peek at. 

Final Thoughts: The Makeup World of Instagram 

In magazines, people only had a few ways to express their makeup ideas— through photos or the written word. Instagram offers a variety of different media types, all with endless possibilities. 

Don’t just post in-feed content— branch out to Instagram stories, IGTV, Instagram Live, and reels. The more types of content you offer on Instagram, the better you can establish your reputation and hone your skills as an Instagram makeup guru. 

Instagram stories are probably the most important; your content strategy simply isn’t complete without it. Don’t ignore other content types, though.

There is an endless world of makeup at your fingertips through Instagram makeup tutorials that you can effectively harness. 

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Written by Eddie Hurst

I’m a full-time social media research specialist. Actually you could say I’m a bit obsessed. I seek out the latest information and hacks for our How-to Guides. As well as that, I put companies under the microscope for reviews.