Which makeup product is applied first?

Author: Dr. Gail Howe DDS  |  Last update: Saturday, November 22, 2025

Foundation should be one of the first steps in your makeup routine order to give your makeup look a beautiful-looking canvas! Once you've applied your colour corrector, apply your foundation, concealer, powder, bronzer and highlighter. Then, you're ready to create your supermodel brows!

What makeup product do you put on first?

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

What is the correct order to put on 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 do proper 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 is applied first primer or foundation?

The most popular way to use a primer is before your foundation, and this is a fantastic method of creating a smoother-looking canvas. As the skincare ingredients treat your complexion, the smoothing makeup will create silky soft feeling skin that helps your face makeup glide on effortlessly.

How YOU Should Apply Makeup in the Right Order

Does primer go under or over 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).

Do you put concealer or primer first?

Primer should always be the first step in your makeup routine. Simply put, investing in a primer ensures your foundation and concealer look better for longer!

Is primer necessary for makeup?

Primer is often referred to as a base for Foundation or a Foundation primer. They are most commonly used to achieve a controlled matte finish. It isn't necessary to use a Primer before foundation, yet there are many benefits to adding this product into your makeup bag.

Where does concealer go?

Where Should You Apply Concealer?
  • The inner corners and underneath your eyes. The under-eye area is probably the most well-known place to apply concealer. ...
  • Above and below your brows. ...
  • Along the bridge of your nose. ...
  • Around your mouth. ...
  • The center of your chin. ...
  • Around each nostril.

What is the correct order for face products?

How to Layer Your Skincare Products in the Right Order
  • Step 1: Cleanser.
  • Step 2: Toner.
  • Step 3: Spot Treatment.
  • Step 4: Serums.
  • Step 5: Retinol.
  • Step 6: Eye Cream.
  • Step 7: Moisturizer.
  • Step 8: Face Oils.

Do you put sunscreen or primer first?

That's why we're here to answer your inquiry about whether primer should be applied before or after sunscreen. 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.

What is the correct order to do makeup?

As a general rule, the best order to apply makeup is: base makeup, face makeup, eye makeup, then lip makeup (with some wiggle room on the latter two).

Should concealer be lighter than foundation?

MYTH: You should always use a concealer one shade lighter than your foundation. Truth: If your goal is to brighten dark circles, then yes, choose a lighter concealer. But for blemishes or scars, you need a yellow-based shade as close as possible to that of your foundation.

What order do you apply face products before makeup?

To create a hydrated, nourished base before makeup, cleansing, moisturising and priming are the principal steps. Beyond these, you can swap steps in and out to best suit your skin each day.

How to get a flawless base makeup?

8 Tips for Flawless Foundation Application
  1. Start with a clean canvas. ...
  2. Take the time to prime. ...
  3. Be conservative. ...
  4. Work from the inside out. ...
  5. Stipple, don't rub. ...
  6. Don't forget your ears! ...
  7. Set it and forget it. ...
  8. Stack concealer only where needed.

Can you just wear foundation without concealer?

Foundation color corrects your entire face and provides the base for the rest of your makeup. You may find you don't need as much (or any) concealer after applying foundation.

Can I use moisturizer instead of primer?

While you can use a moisturiser instead of primer if you just want a hydrated base, I wouldn't suggest using makeup primer as a moisturiser. Hydrating primers are designed to be an additional step for dry skin, not a substitute for moisturiser.

Do you put concealer or foundation first?

The final takeaway? Apply foundation before concealer when you only want to cover up any minor skin imperfections. The concealer aka colour corrector goes before the foundation if you want to hide stubborn marks or dark circles. Then a layer of your foundation followed by a concealer that is true to your skin tone.

What happens if I don't use primer before foundation?

✅ Without a non-comedogenic primer, the other makeup you apply may clog your pores. ✅ Your makeup may not last as long. Primer works to create an ideal canvas for applying your foundation, and it can help it last longer.

Do you put foundation under your eyes?

To avoid drawing unwanted attention to the area, many makeup artists would recommend not applying too much, if any, foundation around the eye. Instead, they suggest using a hydrating, lightweight concealer that has been designed specifically for the under eye area.

Do you put primer all over your face?

Blend in a gentle, circular motion using your fingers or brush over your entire face or to targeted areas. You can wear the primer alone or under foundation for a smoother, more even application and to prolong your foundation's wear time.

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.

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