Makeup is a wonderfully lawless land. Do whatever you want! Have fun! Make mistakes! Fancy Face everything off! Start all over again!
But if you find the endless freedom of makeup intimidating rather than exciting, it can sometimes help to have a general guide. We’ve gone ahead and compiled your step-by-step breakdown of how to order your makeup for the best results, featuring the tips and tricks of the trade that we’ve gleaned from makeup artists and plenty of trial and error.
Do something different? Amazing! This is first and foremost, just a suggestion, and definitely not the be-and-end-all rulebook. Follow this guide if you need a hand—or don’t, and stick to whatever works for you.
1. Start with skincare
Exceptional makeup (or even just simple, no makeup makeup) starts with exceptional skincare. Technically, the skincare routine you follow every night can be considered makeup prep. It’s these steps that help keep your skin smooth and hydrated by the time you apply your makeup.
But immediately before you start your makeup, we recommend washing your face (with a cleanser or even just water) to remove any dirt or grime. Then, go in with a moisturiser if you need it.
If it's daytime, a hydrating SPF can work great here. Remember: SPF needs to be applied directly to the skin to form an effective barrier.
2. Prime time
Once your skin-prep is done and dusted, it’s time to prime your skin. Go in with your primer of choice. Something hydrating and illuminating if your skin errs on the dry side or something oil-taming and smoothing if you tend to get oily with the day.
Pat primer into your skin. Rubbing can prevent it from creating a smooth, even base for makeup.
3. Base products
This is where your complexion products come in: BB cream, CC cream, foundation, glow boosters, or whatever you use.
Apply these over your skin with a brush, sponge, or even your fingers, strategically building more coverage where you need it.
You can always skip this step if you’re feeling a bare face day.
4. Bit of concealer
Grab your concealer or colour corrector of choice and apply this under your eyes, onto blemishes, redness, or dark spots. Use as much or as little as you feel your skin needs.
Skip this set if you’re not in the mood!
5. Bronze your skin (if you’re using a cream)
Using powder cheek products? Skip to step 8.
Planning to use a cream bronzer? Nice! We’d recommend using that now to warm up your skin. Applying bronzer before blush helps to create a more cohesive, blended look.
6. Blush up (but only if it’s cream/ liquid)
Using a liquid or cream blush (like, maybe our Glowy Blush or Matte Pop Blush)? This is when you’ll slot it in. Sweep your blush of choice over your cheekbones, over your unpowdered base. Blending the cream colour into your base products for a seamless, natural flush.
(Using a powdered foundation? You blush might take a little more work to blend in. For an easier application, maybe try underpainting.)
7. Highlight the high points
A liquid highlighter is a great pick for believable luminosity. Tap your liquid highlighter (like Ring Light) anywhere you want added glow: cheek bones, bridge of nose, Cupid’s bow, brow bone. Blend with fingers, sponges, or brush.
8. Powder your base
It’s time to set everything. We recommend applying face powder only where you need it and if you need it. Like the T-zone, around the nose, maybe across the chin. Be sure to not layer powder atop of where you put highlighter, you might dull that glorious glow. Press the product lightly into the skin and stir clear of any aggressive rubbing: this will disrupt the product
Using powder blush, bronzer, and highlighter? Follow up with these steps now.
9. Brows, lashes, some eyeshadow
Once your base is done and dusted, go in with your brow and eye products to help add some dimension and structure to your face.
10. Setting spray (if you want)
You definitely don’t need to use a setting spray—particularly if you’ve primed and powdered. But if you want the added support, this would be when you spritz your spray of choice across your face to lock everything in.
11. You’re done
Huzzah! You’re all finished with your makeup. And holy shit, you look amazing.
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