What is the correct order to apply makeup?

Author: Parker Roob  |  Last update: Monday, June 2, 2025

Here's Charlotte's step-by-step guide to applying each makeup product in the correct order for a MESMERISING beauty look for every occasion.
  1. STEP 1: PRIMER. ...
  2. STEP 2: COLOUR CORRECTOR. ...
  3. STEP 3: FOUNDATION. ...
  4. STEP 4: CONCEALER. ...
  5. STEP 5: POWDER. ...
  6. STEP 6: BRONZER & CONTOUR. ...
  7. STEP 7: HIGHLIGHTER. ...
  8. STEP 8: BROWS.

What is the proper order to do makeup?

Everything eyes goes first, so you're not spreading eye product all over your completed base. Eyes first. Then eyebrows. Then base (foundation and concealer). Then extras on base (highlight, contour, blush/bronzer). Setting spray or powder as final step.

How to apply makeup step by step?

Here is the correct order of makeup:
  1. Cleanse, moisturise, and apply sunscreen.
  2. Use a primer.
  3. Add foundation.
  4. Cover dark spots with concealer.
  5. Contour with bronzer and highlighter.
  6. Get a natural glow with blush,
  7. Apply eye makeup and lipstick.
  8. Finish with a setting spray.

What makeup items should you apply first?

Here's the order for applying makeup products: 1. Primer: - Smooths skin and helps makeup last longer. 2. Foundation: - Evens out skin tone. 3. Concealer: - Covers blemishes and dark circles. 4. Setting Powder: - Sets foundation and concealer. 5. ...

What goes on first, primer or concealer?

You should put on the base primer first. Then, you should put on your concealer followed by your foundation. Next goes on the eye shadow primer, and last the eye liner, eye shadow, and mascara.

HOW TO LAYER SKINCARE! What Order, Morning or Night?! Glass Skin

Does concealer go under or over foundation?

If your aim is to even out your skin tone, you'll probably want to apply foundation before concealer. A major pro for applying foundation first is that you'll usually have to use less concealer to perfect your skin's complexion afterward.

Do you put on moisturizer or primer first?

Moisturiser goes first because it hydrates the skin and creates a healthy base for the primer and makeup. Applying moisturiser before primer allows the skin to absorb essential nutrients and hydration, preventing makeup from looking patchy or cakey.

What is the most basic makeup routine?

How to Apply Makeup for Beginners
  • Step 1 – Prime the Skin. ...
  • Step 2 – Apply Foundation. ...
  • Step 3 – Conceal. ...
  • Step 4 – Eyebrow Gel. ...
  • Step 4 – Eyebrow Gel. ...
  • Step 5 – Shadow Palette. ...
  • Step 6 – Mascara. ...
  • Step 7 – Bronzer, Highlighter.

Should concealer be lighter or darker?

Concealer to cover imperfections

To hide imperfections and blemishes, concealer should match your skin tone and undertone, seamlessly blending into the skin. To reduce the appearance of dark circles, though, apply a concealer that is 1 shade lighter than your skin tone.

Do you put sunscreen or primer first?

The solution is simple: always use sunscreen before primer. The most vital step in any skincare routine is applying sunscreen, and it's especially crucial to do so before applying makeup.

What is the best makeup primer?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Primer, $42.
  • Best Firming: Beautyblender Boost Firming & Smoothing Peptide Primer, $29.
  • Best Glowy: Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer, $46.
  • Best Moisturizer: Merit Great Skin Priming Moisturizer, $38.

How to apply foundation properly?

How to Apply Foundation With a Brush
  1. Step 1: Clean a Stipple Brush. Make sure you're using a clean stipple brush (or clean it) before applying the foundation. ...
  2. Step 2: Dab Brush Along Skin. ...
  3. Step 3: Use Small Circular Motions. ...
  4. Step 4: Blend Excess Foundation Downward. ...
  5. Step 5: Use Clean Brush to Blend More.

What is the best concealer?

Vogue's Favorite Concealers
  • Best for Hydration: Chanel Sublimage Le Correcteur Yeux, $110.
  • Best Drugstore: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer, $11.
  • Best Serum Concealer: Kosas Revealer Concealer, $32.
  • Best Medium Coverage: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, $32.
  • Best Stick: Merit The Minimalist, $38.

How to do proper makeup step by step?

How to Apply Makeup in 12 Steps
  1. Prep your skin with skincare and SPF. ...
  2. Start your makeup application with a primer. ...
  3. Color-correct if needed. ...
  4. Apply your foundation. ...
  5. Add concealer as needed. ...
  6. Apply bronzer, highlighter, and blush. ...
  7. Fill and tame your brows. ...
  8. Apply eyeshadow.

Do you put mascara on first or eyeliner?

“Mascara always last after eye shadow and liner as you want to keep it clean with no particles in it,” advises Vogue beauty and health director Sigourney Cantelo. This also helps to achieve a more precise result with your eyeliner: “It's easier to see where you're drawing if you have nude lashes,” she says.

Do you put concealer on before or after foundation?

To summarize, applying foundation before concealer has a few key benefits: 1. Builds a Base Layer: Foundation evens out your skin tone and provides initial coverage, which can reduce the amount of concealer you need. This way, you use less product overall and prevent a cakey look.

What is the best concealer for mature skin?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Buildable: Monika Blunder Beauty Blunder Cover All in One Foundation, $52.
  • Best Budget: Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Concealer, $11.
  • Best Glowy Finish: Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Concealer, $95.
  • Best for Dark Circles: Sisley Paris Phyto-Cernes Éclat Eye Concealer, $130.

How do I find my foundation shade?

Find My Shade
  1. Click the FIND MY SHADE button on any foundation product page.
  2. Find the brand of foundation you currently use.
  3. Choose the formula you're using.
  4. Select the shade you wear.
  5. Get your match in your new foundation!

What is the correct order for makeup?

  • Step 1: Moisturizer. Before you begin applying your makeup, take the time to prep your skin with a high-quality moisturizer. ...
  • Step 2: Primer. ...
  • Step 3: Liquid Foundation. ...
  • Step 4: Concealer. ...
  • Step 5: Foundation Powder. ...
  • Step 6: Bronzer. ...
  • Step 7: Blush. ...
  • Step 8: Highlighter.

What is the difference between BB cream and CC cream?

The difference between BB and CC creams is actually quite subtle. CC typically stands for colour correcting and so CC creams are designed to address issues such as redness or sallowness. BB creams on the other hand are typically a lighter foundation with some skincare benefits in the formula as well.

What is the perfect skin routine?

Apply your skin care products in the following order for optimal results:
  • Cleanse.
  • Tone: Essence, Facial Mist or Toner.
  • Exfoliate.
  • Mask.
  • Treat: Serum, Concentrate or Facial Oil.
  • Moisturize.
  • Eye Care.
  • Protect/SPF.

What's the best drugstore primer?

The Best Drugstore Primers
  • Makeup Artist Pick. e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer. Read more.
  • Best for Dry Skin. NYX Plump Right Back Plumping Serum & Primer. Read more.
  • Best for Mature Skin. L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Face Blurring Primer. Read more.

Can I skip primer if I use moisturizer?

But while there's some flexibility in the proper order of application for products like blush and bronzer, that's not the case where face primer and moisturizer are concerned. No matter what look you're hoping to create, you should always apply moisturizer before primer (yes, always).

Are toner and primer the same thing?

These are 3 different things. Toner and essence are basically used in skin care routine while primer is a make up routine. Toner is used just after cleansing to calm the skin, it has watery texture.

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