So there you have it. In the class of makeup best practices 101, makeup artists recommend applying eye makeup first before moving on to face makeup with foundation first and then (and only then) concealer.
When to apply eye shadow in your routine
"When applying eye shadow I suggest applying the eye shadow first before you apply foundation to avoid the fallout. First apply a thin layer of eye shadow primer, then eye shadow and eyeliner where you desire," celebrity makeup artist Billie Gene said.
Never put concealer or foundation on your eyelids as a base, it will cause your eye makeup to crease. Use your fingers to apply your foundation if you want sheer coverage and a brush for medium to full coverage.
So, do you use concealer before or after foundation? The proper way to apply the two products is to first smooth on a foundation and then apply concealer. Foundation will create that even canvas we talked about earlier, and then concealer can be used to spot correct any outstanding areas that need extra coverage.
Work from the inside out. Concentrate the foundation in the center of your face where redness and blemishes tend to be more problematic. Apply just a dab of foundation on each side of your nose, and in the center of your forehead and chin, then blend outward.
Step 3: Take your light shade and apply it over your entire lid going from your upper lash-line up to the brow bone, right below your brows. The most concentration should be on the brow bone area.
Wide Set Eyes – As a general rule, the width between your eyes should be approximately one eye – if it's more, you have wide set eyes. When it comes color placement, to balance the face, apply a medium tone to the inner corner and work out across the lid, which will make the eyes appear to be closer together.
4. Up & Out = Winner. When applying eye makeup blend the shadow up towards the tail of your brow. Concentrate the majority of the pigment on the outer corner and then blend and diffuse the colour up and out, this will give the flattering illusion of a lifted eye.
Sprinkle recommends working with a synthetic brush if you're applying liquid foundation, as they're easier to sanitize, and create a smooth, even finish. "A sponge is great for sheering out creams and liquids," he adds.
Blend the foundation evenly.
Starting with your nose, start blending the foundation into your skin with the tip of the brush or sponge. Work in small areas to spread the foundation. When you're finished with the nose, move on to the cheeks, spreading and blending the dabs of foundation.
Contouring makeup is usually applied after foundation and concealer. Cream, liquid, and stick contours can be applied directly on top of foundation and then blended out for a seamless finish.
"If you're looking to brighten certain areas like undereyes, then I recommend going 1-2 shades lighter with your concealer than your foundation. However, if you're looking to cover a blemish, it's best to use a shade of concealer that matches your foundation."
Looking back through Sarah's videos, I traced the concealer line using my finger first, sweeping the eyes, down the nose, along the cheekbone and underneath the chin. After a handful of failed attempts I grabbed my concealer and decided to wing it.
How many layers of foundation do you put on? The number of layers depends on the amount of coverage you want. Generally, one to two layers are good enough to cover any blemishes and give your skin a smooth finish. It is always a good idea to take a minute or two in between layers to check if you need more coverage.
Wetting your sponge thoroughly and letting it fully expand has to be your first step. Then, when you apply foundation or other product to it, it'll already be full of water and won't soak up so much product, saving you tons of product and money. When your makeup sponge is damp, it makes product application way easier.
If they're applied incorrectly and with the wrong brushes, however, they can leave behind unflattering brush stroke streaks. And believe us, no one wants to be walking around with bristle imprints all over their cheeks, eyes or face.
Tapered foundation brushes are usually flat, less full in form, with a gentle taper. These brushes are best for liquid foundation and other liquid products.
For a natural look, dip your fluffy or angled crease brush into your medium eyeshadow shade. Then, close your eye and apply the eyeshadow along where your eyelid meets your brow bone, creating a wash of color (as opposed to a thin, hard line).