Makeup application order is not something that should be taken lightly. It is a fundamental part of ensuring your makeup lasts throughout the day and looks flawless for any occasion. Whether you’re going for a natural look or a full glam masterpiece, the order in which you apply your makeup can make a significant difference in the final outcome.
Following a proper makeup order ensures that every product works to its highest potential. Products are designed to interact with each other in a specific way. For instance, a primer is used before foundation to create a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup. Similarly, concealer is used after foundation to cover any stubborn spots that the foundation couldn’t fully hide.
Not only does the right makeup order improve your look, but it can also save you time and product. Applying makeup in the correct order can result in less product usage and reduce the need for retouching throughout the day. It can also speed up your makeup routine, giving you more time to enjoy the sunshine in the summer months.
Understanding Your Skin: The Key to Flawless Makeup
Knowing your skin is the first step to flawless makeup. Understanding your skin type (normal, dry, oily, or combination), your skin’s undertone (cool, warm, or neutral), and any skin conditions you may have will influence your choice of products and how they should be applied.
For instance, if you have oily skin, you might opt for oil-free, mattifying products. Conversely, if your skin is dry, you may choose hydrating, dewy products. Knowing your skin’s undertone can help you select the perfect shade of foundation and other color cosmetics.
Your skin’s behavior can also change with the seasons. You might find your skin tends to be more oily in the humid summer months and drier in the colder months. Understanding these changes and adjusting your makeup routine and products accordingly can help guarantee a flawless finish.
Prepping Your Skin: The First Step of Makeup Application
Before you even think about makeup, you need to prepare your skin. Prepping your skin is an essential step in your makeup routine that should never be skipped. Cleanse your skin to ensure there’s no dirt or residual makeup. Then, exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and reveal a smoother surface for makeup application.
Next, hydrate your skin with a moisturizer suitable for your skin type. This step is crucial as hydrated skin allows for smoother makeup application and a more natural-looking finish. Lastly, apply a good quality primer to create an even canvas for your makeup. A primer will help your makeup adhere better to your skin and last longer.
Also, if you’re heading out in the sun, don’t forget SPF! You can opt for a moisturizer or primer with SPF, or apply a separate sunscreen. This step is particularly important in summer to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent premature aging.
Base First: The Argument for Starting with Foundation
Starting with the foundation as your base is an approach preferred by many makeup artists. The reason? It creates an even, flawless canvas that sets the stage for the rest of your makeup. Foundation evens out your skin tone and hides any minor imperfections.
Once your foundation is in place, you can then go in with concealer to cover any stubborn blemishes or areas of concern that your foundation couldn’t fully hide. By doing this after foundation, you avoid applying too much concealer and create a more natural look.
However, remember that the key to a great base is not just the order of application. You should also ensure you choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and type. And don’t forget to blend well, especially along the jawline and neck, to avoid stark lines.
Order of Eye Makeup: From Primer to Mascara
Applying eye makeup in the correct order can enhance the final look and make your application process smoother. First, start with an eye primer. This will give your eye makeup a base to adhere to, enhancing its longevity and vibrancy.
Next, apply your eyeshadow. If you’re using multiple shades, start with the lightest and gradually work your way to the darkest. This technique helps achieve a seamless blend. Once your eyeshadow is applied, move on to eyeliner.
Finish off your eye makeup with volumizing or lengthening mascara. If you plan to use false lashes, apply them after your mascara. By applying mascara first, you give the false lashes something to hold on to, making them easier to apply and ensuring they stay in place longer.
Perfecting Your Cheeks: Blush, Contour, and Highlighter
To get that perfect summer glow, you need to know how to play with blush, contour, and highlighter. Start with contouring to define your facial structure. Apply the contour shade to the areas you want to recede or look smaller, typically the hollows of your cheeks, the sides of your nose, and your hairline.
Next, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, mixing it slightly with the contour to create a natural transition. Finish off with a highlighter on the high points of your face: the top of your cheekbones, down the center of your nose, and your cupid’s bow. This will give your face a radiant glow that’s perfect for summer.
Remember, the key here is to blend, blend, blend. The goal is to create a seamless transition between each product, eliminating any harsh lines and creating a natural, sun-kissed look.
Setting Your Makeup: The Final and Crucial Step
Setting your makeup is the final and most crucial step in your summer makeup routine. No matter how flawlessly your makeup is applied, if it’s not set, it won’t withstand the summer heat.
To set your face, start with a setting powder. This will lock in your foundation and concealer, prevent creasing, and help control oil. Apply it using a brush, patting it onto your skin, not rubbing.
Finally, spritz your face with a setting spray. This will not only lock your makeup in place but will also remove any powdery look, leaving you with a more natural, skin-like finish. Plus, there are setting sprays available with SPF that provide extra sun protection, an essential consideration for summer.
Free Chart: Your Guide to Summer Makeup Application Order
To make things easier, here’s a free chart outlining the order of application for your summer makeup routine:
- Cleanse and exfoliate skin
- Apply moisturizer (with SPF) and primer
- Apply foundation
- Apply concealer
- Apply eye primer
- Apply eyeshadow
- Apply eyeliner
- Apply mascara (and false lashes if desired)
- Contour, blush, and highlight cheeks
- Set makeup with powder and setting spray
Following this guide, you can ensure your makeup not only looks flawless but also withstands the heat of those sunny summer days. So, embrace the sunshine, and let your makeup shine just as bright!
