Here’s the Most Foolproof Order to Apply Your Makeup

When we started our makeup journeys, overwhelmed was an understatement to describe our feelings. Between primer, mascara, lipstick, bronzer and so many other products to tailor a look to our features, we didn't know where to begin and end.

Thankfully, makeup tutorials and 10 years of experimenting have helped us perfect our routines. Below, discover the exact order you should use to apply your beauty products.

1. Skincare Prep

To have a good makeup look, you need to have a good base, and a strong foundation (pun intended) starts with taking care of what's already there with adequate skincare. Take the time to apply moisturizer and SPF to give yourself the hydration it needs to look flawless. Without it, your makeup might bunch, flake off and emphasize blemishes.

young woman applying skincare

(via Shutterstock)

 

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2. Primer

Now, we can start to get into the makeup products. Primer is optional, but we like to have one because it can give your skin the extra help to achieve a smooth base. It's just like painting on a canvas—you'll want to add a primer to make sure lays exactly how you want it to.

 

3. Color Corrector

Color correctors work with foundation to neutralize the different tones in your skin. To do so, you might use bright colors like purple and green. Apply your color corrector first and see how your foundation will balance to look like your natural complexion.

 

4. Foundation

Some people who are lucky enough to have good skin might immediately jump to this step (or even skip to the next one), but if you've been following along from the beginning, you've finally got to the point where you can see the magic happen.

As the name suggest, this is the foundation to your look, helping you achieve an natural, skin-like finish underneath the other colors you will add later.

woman using foundation

(via Shutterstock)

 

5. Concealer

Sometimes, wearing foundation can make you look very flat. Adding a highlighting concealer on top will add more dimension to your skin. Or, it will help you cover hyperpigmentation with its thicker consistency.

 

6. Bronzer

Searching for even more ways to shape your face? Recreate shadows by adding a bronzer around the low points of your face. You can also use this step to contour your nose and cheeks to give you a chiseled, model-like appearance.

 

7. Blush

You've done all this work to even your skin tone. You may feel like you need to add more color back into your face. This is the time for you to add your blush across your cheeks, nose and chin.

 

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8. Highlighter

Seeking a natural glow? Include a highlighter onto the natural points of your face. We like to put it on the tops of our cheeks and the tip of our nose to look like an ethereal goddess.

young woman with highlight skin

(via Shutterstock)

 

9. Brows

It's time to move onto the eyes. We prefer to start by getting our brows on fleek. But don't forget to wipe off the excess foundations to get as much pigment as possible.

 

10. Eyeshadow

Here comes the fun stuff! Now that you've gotten your skin right, you can start experimenting with your eyeshadow. We like to do this part first because it can create the most mess.

woman applying eyeshadow

(via Shutterstock)

 

11. Eyeliner

Finish your eye art with dramatic liner. Get the sharpest shape and pigment by applying it after eyeshadow, so the pigment isn't muddied by other colors.

 

12. Mascara

Since the product can fall and smudge onto your lashes, save your mascara for last. You'll get the darkest lashes when you wait. You can also use this step to apply your favorite falsies.

 

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13. Lip Liner

Lip liner is basically primer for your lips, providing a guide for the shape,k so of course, you'll want to apply it first.

 

14. Lipstick

Arguably the most important step, your lipstick! The color and finish you choose can drastically change the vibe of your look. Oh, and you can top it off with a gloss (or use a gloss instead of a lipstick).

woman biting her lipstick

(via Shutterstock)

 

15. Setting Spray

Voilà! You've made it to the finish line. Finally, lock everything into place by misting your face with a setting spray. This will prevent your makeup from sliding and fading while you eat or sweat throughout the day.

 

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