How do I buy and apply makeup?
Start off by getting to know what products are out there and which ones are good for you. A good place to begin is this buying guide from Popsugar. 
In terms of the actual products you buy, Boots or Superdrug in the UK have very large, affordable ranges that should suit your need.

The following are the basics of what you might need. Apply them in the order listed.

Foundation is used to even out your skin tone. They range from matte to dewy to glittery - we’d recommend a matte or “basic” one for your first foundation.

• ​Applying foundation can be done in a number of ways, with your fingertips, brushes, sponges, and pads. Find out what works best for you.

Concealer is used as a thicker alternative to foundation that is applied in a concentrated area to cover up significant imperfections in your skin, such as under-eye bags or spots.

• Applying concealer depends on the packaging it comes in - it can be in a pump bottle, a brush, a pot, a stick, etc. Whatever it is, apply a thin layer first and then smooth it out with your fingertips.

Powder evens out your foundation and concealer.

• Smooth out the powder across your face using the pad provided.

Blusher is used to add colour to your cheeks. There are many types and colours to choose from - we’d recommend going for a colour that isn’t too far from your skin, so it doesn’t show up mistakes if you don’t get it quite right the first time.

• Brushes are the most common way of applying blusher. A technique many people use are squeezing your cheeks in (as if you were making your lips “like a fish”) and then applying the blusher just above the indent created.

Eye Shadow covers your eyelids (and sometimes the area between your eyelid and eyebrow) to add colour to your face. It can be used to make your eyes look brighter, sharper or just more colourful!

• There are many techniques on how to apply eye shadow depending on the look you are going for - Google is your friend here. A simple rule to follow is putting the lightest colour in the corner of your eyelid closest to your nose, and the darkest on the opposite corner - this gives the eye shape and definition.

Eyeliner gives your eyes more definition and makes them stand out. They come in a number of colours and types - gel, liquid, pencil, etc. For your first go, you may wish to go for a brown kohl pencil which is easy to use and more likely to hide mistakes.

• Eyeliner is difficult, and takes a lot of practice. Essentially draw a thin line on the very bottom edge of your eyelid, as close to your eyelashes as possible. Go slow and use short strokes to avoid bumps in the line.

Mascara is used to make your eyelashes fuller, longer or curlier. Start with one the colour of your eyelashes, or a dark brown.

• Shake the mascara bottle before opening to get the brush completely covered. Then draw the brush out and rub off any excess on the top of the bottle. Glide the brush along the lashes, making sure not to make it too thick.

Lipstick colours your lips to make them “pop”. There are many different colours to choose from.

• Purse your lips together and apply medium pressure to your bottom lip with the stick. Rub your lips together to even out the coat to both lips. Re-apply the lipstick if you need to. Put a tissue between your lips and press downwards - this is called blotting, and helps even out the colour further.

There are many makeup tutorials online, from YouTubers to bloggers to professional makeup artists. Have a look around for tips and tricks on how to get specific looks. We’d recommend not going too fancy for your first try, so use search terms such as “neutral” or “everyday” for simpler styles.

How do I look after and paint my nails?
This guide from Makeup Talk may be a bit too detailed for your first try, but it provides an introduction to the steps one can take when painting your nails.
Once more, products from Boots or Superdrug in the UK should provide you with enough formulas and styles to get you going. As with makeup, some products may perform better than others depending on your desired look. In summary:

1. Cut your nails. Use nail clippers or scissors to shorten your nails to the desired length. Shorter is often more practical, but reduces the amount of polish you can put on!
2. Shape them. Nail files range in material and texture - most high street ones will do the job well. File each nail in the same direction, as moving back and forth without lifting away will damage the fibres. If you wanted to splash out, using a glass or crystal file means you can file in both directions without risk of damage.
3. Add a base coat. This is often a transparent liquid (sometimes substituted for transparent polish itself) that provides a barrier between the coloured polish and the nail to avoid staining. Leave it to dry for a couple of minutes before moving on.
4. Choose your colour(s). Apply a thin layer of polish across each nail, making sure to leave your cuticle (the thin piece of skin at the bottom of the nail) exposed. Movely slowly to avoid streaks, but not so slowly as to create blobs. Allow yourself a couple of tries to get used to the brush. Wipe off any mistakes with a fingertip or tissue before it has time to dry.
5. Apply a second coat to strengthen the colour or add light effects (holographics, glitters, sheens, etc.).
6. Add a top coat (optional). Top coats can improve how long your polish lasts before chipping, and/or help it to dry faster. They are usually transparent.​
7. Don’t touch anything. Ok, that’s a bit of a joke, but avoid doing much with your hands or you’ll smudge your work! It should dry within 10-20 minutes.