Is there a right order to put on your makeup? Not to throw fuel to the fire, but we’ve got some suggestions. There is a definite debate on what comes first: eye makeup or foundation or concealer? In all fairness, it is all personal preference but there are some techniques that will make your makeup look more flawless and last longer.
Step One: Lay Down Your Foundation
After cleansing, toning and moisturizing—and letting it sink in for a sec—begin your makeup routine with foundation. If you apply shadow or liner first, you won’t be able to apply your foundation and concealer seamlessly around your eye makeup. It can look especially messy if you don’t have a perfect color match with your foundation.
Step Two: Conceal and Set
Grab your magic markers because it’s time to correct! Conceal any blemishes and under-eye darkness right after setting in your foundation. Some people tend to crease under the eyes so make sure to follow up immediately with setting powder. Setting the concealer will prevent it from sinking into the fine lines underneath your eyes and will increase wear time.
Step Three: Eyeshadow and Liner
Now, you aren’t really done with the face yet, but doing the eyes first will allow you to have a better idea on how much bronzer and blush to apply so that things don’t get too crazy. Once you finish smoldering those eyes, it’s time to finish off the face!
Step Four: With Cream Products
If you’re going to use cream contour, bronzer or blush, do not set your entire face with powder; just set your t-zone if you tend to get oily. First contour with your cream contour or bronzer, then follow that with your cream blush. As a rule of thumb, use creams before powders because cream products can get blotchy and muddy when placed on top of powders.
Step Four: With Powder Products
If you’re sticking to powder cheek products, go ahead and set your entire face with a translucent powder. This way your makeup will last longer, and it will allow your cheek products to blend much smoother on top of your foundation since you’re layering a powder on top of a liquid.
Step Five: Lips
Now for the cherry on top, the lippies! Lips come last because they tie the while look together. You can even layer a liquid lipstick on top of a cream lipstick for a more hydrated, yet lasting look.