How to Apply Makeup In Correct Order: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying makeup may be empowering and enjoyable, but it can also feel overwhelming or confusing if you don't know how to do it.  Knowing the proper procedures for applying makeup guarantees a flawless, polished, and long-lasting appearance, regardless of your level of experience or desire to update your routine.

To help you glow with comfort and confidence, we'll go over the proper procedure for applying makeup, from getting your skin ready to final touches.

Credit: Canva

Step 1: Get Your Canvas Ready by Cleaning and Moisturizing

• Start with a clean face before anything else.
• To get rid of oil, debris, and residual products, wash your face with a mild cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type.
• There is no negotiating moisturizer!  Moisturized skin makes makeup apply more smoothly and avoids caking or patchiness, even if you have oily skin.
• Using a toner and serum as part of your skincare regimen is optional.

Step 2: Use sunscreen (just as a morning routine)

• Sun protection is essential!  Select a broad-spectrum, lightweight sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Before applying makeup, apply sunscreen and give it a few minutes to work its way in.

Step 3: Primer.

• Primer prolongs the wear of your makeup, reduces pores, and smoothes your skin.
• Apply a matte primer on oily skin.
• For dry skin, use moisturizing primer.
• Apply illuminating primer to get a dewy appearance.
• Apply a small amount with your fingers or a brush and focus on areas where makeup tends to wear off.

Step 4: Foundation

• Foundation balances out the tone of your skin.  Using liquid, cream, or powder will depend on your skin type and personal choice.
• For a natural look, use a moist sponge.
• To increase coverage, use a brush.
• To prevent hard lines, blend in effectively with the neck, jawline, and hairline.

Step 5: Concealer.

• Concealer aids in concealing dark circles, redness, and imperfections.
• For the area beneath your eyes, choose a shade lighter than your foundation.
• For spots or imperfections, apply a similar shade.
• To blend them together, lightly tap with a finger or sponge.  Do not rub.

Step 6: Setting Powder.

• To keep your base in place, especially in oily areas like the T-zone, use translucent or tinted setting powder.
• Apply sparingly if your skin is dry.
• Use sponges or a puff to massage powder over oily skin.

Step 7: Bronzer and Contour

• Use bronzer or contour to give your face more definition.
•  Put bronzer on the areas of your face that surround your jawline, cheekbones, and forehead.
•  Use contouring to define the jawline, sides of the nose, and beneath the cheekbones.
•  Blend well to prevent harsh lines.

 Step 8: Blush.

•  Blush gives your face vitality and color.
•  If you want a lifted look, apply to the apples of your cheeks and then sweep upward.
•  Select a shade that goes well with your skin tone:
•  Coral and peach for warm skin tones
•  Berry and pink for cool tones

Step 9: Use a highlighter

 Put highlighter on your face's high points for that radiant appearance:

•  The cheekbones
•  bridge and tip of the nose
•  Cupid's bow
•  Inner corner of eyes and brow bone

 To ensure accurate placement, use a brush or your finger.

 Step 10: The eyebrows

 Use brow powder, pomade, or a pencil to define and shape your brows.

1. Use a spoolie to push the hairs on your brows upward.
2. Fill in and outline any empty spaces.
3. Apply brow gel that is clear or colored.

 Well-defined eyebrows complement your appearance and frame the face.

Step 11: Applying eyeshadow

• Use an eyeshadow primer first to avoid creasing.
• Use a neutral base color.
• The crease should be painted a medium shade.
• Use a deeper tint in the outside corner to provide depth.
• Add a last touch of glimmer or brightness to the inside corner or lid.
• For a smooth appearance, blend thoroughly.

 Step 12: Applying eyeliner

• To define your eyes, use a pencil, gel, or liquid eyeliner.
• For a fuller lash appearance, tighten your top lash line.
• For a striking look, add a wing.
• For a softer, more organic look, use brown. 

Step 13: Mascara.

• Apply mascara to lift and define your lashes after curling them.
• Apply from roots to tips.
• To ensure equal coating, use a zigzag motion.
• As needed, apply two to three coats.

Step 14: Lip products.

• To give lips form and durability, line them with a lip liner
• Style-wise, lipstick, gloss, or tint
• For a natural appearance, use peach or nude.
• Use plum or crimson for a striking look.
• For extended wear, wipe lips with tissue and reapply.

 Step 15: The Last Step: Setting Spray

• Use a cosmetic setting spray to fix everything in place and minimize a powdery look when sealing your masterpiece.
• Hold the mist in a "X" and "T" motion while holding the spray at arm's length.  Allow it to air dry. 

Achieving a fresh, radiant, and polished appearance requires knowing how to apply makeup in the correct order. Enjoy applying makeup as it's a way to express who you are! As your confidence increases, start small and work your way up.

Keep in mind that while makeup can accentuate your inherent beauty, genuine beauty originates from inside. The finest foundation is always compassion, and confidence.