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*Photo: @maryphillips / @haileybieber*
"Underpainting" is the ultimate TikTok makeup trend, taking the app by storm with over 185 million views. This revolutionary technique, loved by makeup artists for ages, is the secret to achieving a natural, seamless, and glowy look. Are you ready to dive into the world of underpainting? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Here, two expert makeup artists will guide you step-by-step through the underpainting process.
## What Is Underpainting?
**Underpainting is a fantastic makeup technique that involves applying complexion products like blush and contour under your foundation for an amazingly natural finish.** This viral trend owes its popularity to renowned makeup artist Mary Phillips, renowned for her work with celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Jennifer Lopez. Underpainting uses the same products you already love, but it's all about the order of application. Before applying foundation, you'll layer on contour, concealer, and blush. Eddie Duyos, a professional makeup artist, explains that this technique adds depth from underneath and has been used for prosthetics for decades.
## The Benefits of Underpainting
According to Duyos, underpainting is an "effortless and quick" application process that enhances the overall finish of your makeup. He adds, "It helps create a seamless contour and highlight that appears completely natural." Michelle Clark, a global senior artist at MAC Cosmetics, agrees, saying, "Underpainting allows you to enhance your bone structure with less product, resulting in a remarkably natural look."
## How to Underpaint?
### 1. Prep Your Skin
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*Photo: Ashley Rebecca*
Before diving into underpainting, make sure your skin is prepped and slightly damp to aid blending. Michelle Clark suggests using Babor Hyaluronic Acid Power Serum Ampoule ($55) and Alastin A-Luminate Brightening Serum($168) for hydrated and glowing skin.
### 2. Apply Concealer
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*Photo: Ashley Rebecca*
Next, grab your favorite concealer. Eddie Duyos suggests cream formulas for underpainting. Start by highlighting your under-eye area for a brighter, smoother look. Eddie recommends Make Up For Ever HD Skin Smooth and Blur Undetectable Under Eye Concealer ($29).
### 3. Start Contouring
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*Photo: Ashley Rebecca*
Once your concealer is blended, it's time to contour. Michelle Clark advises using clean brushes for each step to avoid muddying the colors. For contouring, she suggests using a small contour brush like Mac Cosmetics Small Synthetic Contour Brush #109 ($50). Apply Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Bronzer Drops in 90 ($48) to your cheekbones, forehead, nose, and jawline, blending it until it looks natural.
### 4. Use Concealer to Highlight
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*Photo: Ashley Rebecca*
After blending the contour, move on to highlighting. Apply the same concealer you used for your under eyes between your brows, inner and outer corners of your eyes, brow bone, and nose area. Then, blend everything using the sponge side of the Real Techniques Miracle 2-In-1 Dual-Sided Powder Puff ($7).
### 5. Apply Foundation
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*Photo: Ashley Rebecca*
Highlighting done? Perfect! Now, it's time to apply your favorite foundation. Choose one that matches your skin tone and apply it on your forehead, cheeks, chin, and anywhere else you want a bit more coverage. Blend the foundation in a circular motion until it seamlessly melds with your complexion.
### 6. Apply Powder
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*Photo: Ashley Rebecca*
To brighten and smooth your under-eye area, apply Mob Beauty Blurring Translucent Loose Powder ($28) and let it bake for a few minutes before blending it in. For a more defined contour, apply loose powder around the contoured area.
### 7. Add a Touch of Blush
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*Photo: Ashley Rebecca*
Now for some rosy cheeks! Apply the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Lip and Cream Blush Stick in Coquette ($48) to the apples of your cheeks and blend it upward to create a lifted effect.
### 8. Apply Finishing Touches
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*Photo: Ashley Rebecca*
To complete the look, apply a few coats of Soshe Beauty G.L.A.M Refillable Mascara ($28) for elevated lashes, brush your eyebrows with Ilia In Frame Clear Eyebrow Gel ($24), and fill them in with Ilia In-Full Micro Tip Eyebrow Pencil in Auburn Brown ($24). Finish with a touch of color using Tata Harper Lip Creme in Risque ($42) for soft and luscious lips.
## The Final Takeaway
While it might take some time to get used to underpainting, it's definitely worth incorporating into your makeup routine. This technique is more efficient, requires less product, and gives your makeup a natural, diffused, and radiant finish. Just remember: Properly prep your skin, use cream-based products, and blend, blend, blend!
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