Makeup artists recommend the correct order for applying makeup.

The Best Makeup Application Order: Unleash Your Beauty Creativity!

Ever wondered what the best makeup application order is? Well, ask a million people and you’ll likely get a million different answers. Some start with lips, others swear by underpainting, and a few simply wing it every time. But fear not, my beauty enthusiasts! We’ve consulted the experts and gathered their advice on finding the perfect routine. So, grab your makeup brushes and let’s dive into the wonderful world of makeup magic!

Meet the Experts

Before we unveil the mystical makeup order, let’s meet the wise beauty gurus who shared their insights:

Michele Shakeshaft: A professional makeup artist and Bobbi Brown Pro Artist.
Jamie Greenberg: A celebrity makeup artist and founder of Jamie Makeup.
Melissa Murdick: A celebrity makeup artist, educator, content creator, and ColourPop partner.
Tobi Henney: A celebrity makeup artist based in the glamorous New York City.

Now that we’re acquainted with the experts, let’s explore the enchanted realm of makeup application!

1. Skin Prep: Lay the Foundation for Beauty

Beauty is more than just skin deep, but fabulous makeup starts with proper skin preparation. Don’t worry, we have a three-step routine to save the day!

Start with a lightweight, hydrating serum to plump and prepare your skin. We recommend The Outset’s Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum—it’s like a magical elixir for your face. Next, choose a moisturizer that suits your skin’s needs. For oily and acne-prone skin, try La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Moisturizer. If your skin craves balance, embrace the Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre. And for dry skin, indulge in the luxurious Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream. Oh, and don’t forget the most essential step: apply SPF like your skin depends on it!

2. Primed for Perfection: Unleash the Power of Primer

Now that your skin is prepped to perfection, it’s time to introduce the magic of primer. Think of it as a long-wearing booster for your makeup routine—your secret weapon against imperfections.

Choose a primer that addresses your specific needs. If redness is your nemesis, embrace Make Up Forever’s Step 1 Primer Redness Corrector. Worried about enlarged pores? The Caliray So Blown Blurring and Hydrating Primer is here to save the day. And for all you beautiful souls with oily skin, the One/Size Secure the Sweat Primer promises to combat shine like a superhero. From color-correcting to mattifying, there’s a primer for everyone!

3. Foundation and Concealer: Unveil Your Flawless Canvas

Ah, the great concealer-foundation debate. Does concealer come before or after foundation? It’s a matter of personal preference! Explore different techniques and find what works best for you.

For professional makeup artist Michele Shakeshaft, it depends on the unique needs of your skin. Camouflage uneven skin tone with foundation if redness and blemishes dominate. If under-eye darkness is your arch-nemesis, start by neutralizing it with color corrector and concealer. Achieving a beautiful, even skin tone creates the perfect canvas for the rest of your makeup—less product, more pop!

4. Contour and/or Bronzer: Sculpt Your Way to Radiance

Next, we journey into the realm of contours and bronzers. Michele Shakeshaft reminds us that bronzer adds warmth and dimension to the skin, connecting it to our glorious bodies. Contouring comes after foundation and concealer, a crucial part of perfecting complexion.

5. Brows: Frame Your Face with Fabulousness

Your complexion is now a work of art—time to frame it with fabulous brows! Celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney insists that doing the brows before eyes is vital for a finished look. Embrace your favorite brow formula, whether it’s powders, pencils, pens, pomades, or gels. Just remember to keep those brows soft, bushy, and tamed—like a wild garden of beauty on your face!

6. Eyeshadow and Liner: Unleash Your Inner Artist

Now, it’s time for the pièce de résistance—the eyes! While some believe in starting with eyeshadow, our pros prefer to begin with complexion and then dive into eye looks. Let those eyes shine without the competition of dark under-eye circles! Apply concealer and color corrector first, creating a flawless base for your eye masterpiece.

Choose your eyeshadow adventure—cream or powder—and explore a world of colors and textures. Don’t forget to add primer for a boost in longevity. Lime Crime Electric Slide Eyeshadow and Brush Sticks offer easy application and a heavenly finish. Liner lovers, feel free to embrace your inner artist and enhance your eye masterpiece even further. Creativity knows no bounds!

7. Mascara: Bat Those Luscious Lashes

Your eye declaration is almost complete, but wait! One final touch—a coat of mascara. Remember to curl your lashes beforehand to avoid any sticky situations. And if needed, touch up your eyeshadow and liner. Let your lashes take center stage while the world marvels at your mesmerizing eyes.

8. Blush and Highlighter: Rosy Cheeks, Radiant Glow

Time to add a flush of color to your enchanting canvas. Blush and highlighter dance together, creating harmony on your face. Michele Shakeshaft offers a pro tip: consider your lip color and choose a blush within the same undertones for a cohesive look. The order of application is your artistic choice. Apply the highlighter first for an ethereal glow, or begin with blush for a pop of color. Blend, diffuse, and embrace your radiance!

9. Lips: Pucker Up, Beautiful!

Lips, the finishing touch that can transform your entire look! Whether you opt for a subtle nude or a bold red, your lips deserve their moment to shine. Celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney recommends finishing with the lips—it’s an easy change that can dramatically alter your overall appearance. So, pucker up and let those lips steal the spotlight!

10. Powder: Set It and Forget It

For oily skin and those prone to creasing, setting concealer with powder early on is a smart move. However, for the more adventurous souls who dabble with cream and liquid formulas, let your creativity flow freely. Set strategically as needed, allowing some areas of your face to remain untouched by powder. With powder blush adding its magic touch, your masterpiece is ready for the world!

11. Setting Spray: Lock in Your Beauty Brilliance

“At the end of the day, the order in which you apply your makeup doesn’t really matter,” reveals celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg. However, she emphasizes the importance of finishing with a setting spray and a lippie. Find a setting spray that aligns with your desired finish—whether it’s matte, dewy, or somewhere in-between. Lock in your beauty brilliance and show the world your stunning creation!

The Final Takeaway: Embrace Your Beauty Adventure!

As we journey through the magical world of makeup application, remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Trial and error, experimentation, and self-expression are the guideposts of your beauty adventure. Don’t be afraid to play with different products, textures, and orders of application. Unleash your inner artist, and let your beauty shine brightly!

Now, go forth and conquer the realm of makeup with your newfound knowledge! May your brushes be forever blessed, and may your beauty journey be forever extraordinary!

Makeup artists recommend the correct order for applying makeup.