The Right Makeup Order: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever wondered if you're applying your makeup in the right order? The sequence matters more than you think: getting it right helps your makeup last longer, look more natural and use less product. Here we walk you through it step by step, in four phases, so your routine comes out flawless.

Phase 1: Prep your skin

Step 1: Skincare

Before any makeup, your skin needs to be prepped:

1. Cleanse your face.
2. Apply toner and your favorite serum.
3. Moisturize, even if you have oily skin.
4. Finish with SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.

Wait 2 or 3 minutes for everything to absorb. If you apply makeup over damp cream, foundation can slide or pill.

Step 2: Primer

Primer is the bridge between skincare and makeup. It softens the look of pores, helps makeup last and creates an even base. Choose a mattifying one for oily skin or an illuminating one for dry skin, and apply it with your fingers where you need it most.

Phase 2: Even out your complexion

Step 3: Under-eye concealer

Many makeup artists apply under-eye concealer before foundation. Apply it under the eyes and inner corners and pat to blend. That way you use less foundation there and get a more natural finish.

Step 4: Foundation, skin tint or BB cream

Apply foundation with a damp sponge, a brush or your fingers. Work from the center of your face outward and use only what you need: you can always add more, but taking it off is hard.

Step 5: Spot concealer

Now cover blemishes, dark spots or redness with a higher-coverage concealer. Blend only the edges so it melts into your foundation.

Step 6: Translucent powder

If you have oily skin or want longer wear, set with powder only on the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and a light touch under the eyes. Avoid excess so lines don't show.

Phase 3: Add dimension and color

Step 7: Contour and bronzer

Define with contour under the cheekbone, on the sides of the forehead and along the jaw. Bronzer goes where the sun naturally hits: forehead, nose and cheeks. Blend well.

Step 8: Blush

Apply blush on the upper cheeks and blend toward the temples. Cream blushes go before powder; powder blushes, after.

Step 9: Highlighter

Place highlighter on the high points: cheekbones, brow bone, inner corners, tip of the nose and Cupid's bow. Finely milled formulas give a more elegant glow.

Phase 4: Eyes, brows and lips

Step 10: Eyeshadow

Start with a light shade all over the lid, apply the medium shade in the crease and the darkest on the outer corner. Always blend up and out.

Tip: if you're using dark or glitter shadows, do your eyes before foundation. That way you can clean up fallout without ruining your base.

Step 11: Eyeliner

Line according to the look: cat eye, tightline or a soft natural line. On the waterline, a white or nude pencil opens up the eyes.

Step 12: Mascara

Curl your lashes first and apply mascara in a zigzag from root to tip. Let each coat dry if you want more intensity.

Step 13: Brows

Fill in with short, hair-like strokes following your natural shape, and set with brow gel. Well-defined brows frame your whole face.

Step 14: Lips

Hydrate with a lip oil or balm and blot the excess. Then line and apply your lipstick. You can also use lip oil as a final touch for a juicy finish; try our Ultra Hydrating Lip Oil.

Step 15: Setting spray

Finish with setting spray about 12 inches from your face, in an X and T motion. It helps melt all the layers together and makes your makeup last longer, especially in humid weather.

Common order mistakes

• Powder before cream products: cream blush or contour looks patchy over powder.
• Foundation over damp skincare: it slides and doesn't grip well.
• Too many layers: if you don't need a step, skip it.

Find it at BeautyRosee

Our Makeup collection has products for every step, refreshed all the time:

• Primers, foundations and concealers for every skin type.
• Blushes, contours and highlighters in cream and powder.
• Eyeshadow palettes, eyeliners and mascaras.
• Sponges, brushes and setting sprays.

For step one, visit our Skincare collection.

Frequently asked questions

Does concealer go before or after foundation?

Both work. For dark circles, many apply it before to use less foundation; for blemishes or spots, after, to cover only what's still visible.

Do I have to use primer?

No. It's helpful if you have visible pores, oily skin or want your makeup to last many hours. For a quick look you can skip it.

Should I do my eyes before or after my face?

If you're using dark or glitter shadows, before. For soft looks, the order in this guide works perfectly.

When does sunscreen go on?

At the end of your skincare and before primer or foundation. Give it a few minutes to settle before applying makeup.

Practice your new routine

With the right order, your makeup looks more polished and lasts longer, even in the heat. You don't need all 15 steps every day: use this guide as a map and keep what works for you.

Shop the Makeup collection