Creating a flawless makeup look isn't just about the products you use—it's about following the right steps in the correct order.
Don't hesitate to join us in digging in a comprehensive guide that will help you achieve a professional-looking finish every time.
Step 1: Skincare Prep
Before touching any makeup products, proper skin preparation is crucial. Start with:
• Gentle cleanser
• Toner (if needed)
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen (essential for daytime)
Allow 5-10 minutes for products to fully absorb.
Step 2: Priming
Primer creates a smooth canvas for your makeup and helps it last longer. Choose based on your skin type:
• Mattifying primers for oily skin
• Hydrating primers for dry skin
• Color-correcting primers for uneven tone
• Pore-filling primers for textured skin
Step 3: Foundation
This is where the magic begins. For a flawless base, recommended foundations include:
1. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation ($43)
• 24-hour wear
• Oil-free formula
• Perfect for normal to oily skin
• Medium to full coverage
2. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation ($44)
• Natural finish
• Contains moisturizing compounds
• Suitable for all skin types
• Full coverage that doesn't look cakey
Application tip: Start from the center of your face and blend outward using either a damp beauty sponge or foundation brush.
Step 4: Concealer
Apply concealer after foundation to:
• Under-eye area
• Blemishes
• Areas needing extra coverage
Application tip: Blend edges carefully to avoid harsh lines.
Step 5: Setting Powder
Apply loose or pressed powder to:
• Lock in foundation
• Prevent creasing
How To Apply Makeup For Beginners STEP BY STEP
Video by Haley Kim
Application tip: Focus particularly on the T-zone and under-eye area.
Step 6: Color and Definition
Follow this order for the best results:
1. Bronzer: Create warmth and dimension
2. Blush: Add a natural flush
3. Highlighter: Create radiance on high points
Step 7: Eye Makeup
The eye makeup sequence:
1. Eyeshadow primer
2. Eyeshadow
3. Eyeliner
4. Mascara Pro tip: Do eye makeup before face makeup if using dark shadows to avoid fallout issues.
Step 8: Eyebrows
Fill in brows after eye makeup but before lips:
• Brush brows upward
• Fill in sparse areas
• Set with clear or tinted gel
Step 9: Lips
The final touch:
1. Line lips if desired
2. Apply lipstick or gloss
3. Blot and reapply for longevity
Step 10: Setting Spray
Finish with setting spray to:
• Meld all products together
• Create a natural finish
• Extend wear time
Remember, makeup is personal, and these steps can be adjusted to suit your needs and preferences. The key is finding what works best for you while maintaining the general order of application. Start with these basics and experiment to discover your perfect routine.
