Have you ever wondered if you're applying your makeup in the right order? The sequence matters more than you think: doing it correctly ensures longer wear, a better finish, and healthier skin. Here, we guide you step-by-step to make your routine flawless.
Step 1: Skincare
Before any makeup product, your skin needs to be prepped. Cleanse, tone, and apply your favorite serum. Always finish with moisturizer and SPF sunscreen. Wait 2-3 minutes for them to fully absorb.
Step 2: Primer
Primer is the bridge between skincare and makeup. It smooths pores, extends the wear of your makeup, and creates an even base. Apply it all over your face using your fingers or a sponge.
Step 3: Under-eye concealer
Yes, concealer goes before foundation. Apply it under the eyes in an inverted triangle shape and blend gently. This allows you to use less foundation in that area and achieve a more natural finish.
Step 4: Foundation or BB Cream
Apply your foundation with a damp sponge, brush, or your fingers, depending on your preference. Work from the center of the face outward using gentle motions. Use only the amount necessary to cover what you need.
Step 5: Spot concealer
Now cover any pimples, blemishes, or specific redness with a higher-coverage concealer. Blend the edges so it integrates perfectly with the foundation.
Step 6: Translucent powder (optional)
If you have oily skin or want longer wear, set your makeup with translucent powder only on the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Avoid applying too much under the eyes so as not to accentuate fine lines.
Step 7: Contour and bronzer
Define your face with contour on the sides of the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. Apply bronzer to the areas where the sun naturally hits: forehead, nose, and cheeks. Blend well for a natural effect.
Step 8: Blush
Smile gently and apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards towards your temples. Choose a shade that complements your skin tone for a healthy, youthful look.
Step 9: Highlighter
Apply highlighter to the high points of your face: brow bone, inner corners of the eyes, tip of the nose, and Cupid's bow. Use fine particles for an elegant, non-glittery glow.
Step 10: Eyeshadow
Start with a light base shade over the entire eyelid, then apply the medium shade in the crease and the darkest in the outer corner. Always blend upwards and outwards.
Step 11: Eyeliner
Line your eyes according to the look you want: cat eye, tightline, or natural liner. If you use pencil on the waterline, choose white or nude to open up and enlarge your eyes.
Step 12: Mascara
Apply mascara in a zigzag motion from root to tip for maximum volume and length. Let it dry between coats if you want more intensity. Focus primarily on the upper lashes.
Step 13: Eyebrows
Define your eyebrows following their natural shape. Fill them in with short strokes mimicking hair and set them with brow gel. Well-defined brows frame the face and provide an instant lifting effect.
Step 14: Lips
First, hydrate with a lip oil to prep your lips. Then, line them with lip liner for better definition and apply your favorite lipstick. Lip oil can also be used as a final touch for a juicy, luminous finish.
Step 15: Setting spray
Finish your routine with a setting spray held about 30 cm from your face. This merges all products together, hydrates, and prolongs the wear of your makeup for hours.