Beauty experts say the order in which makeup is applied can determine whether a look turns out polished or patchy, offering step-by-step guidance for anyone unsure whether to start with the eyes, the lips or the base.
Makeup has been practised since prehistoric times, used to smooth over imperfections and highlight facial features. While the sequence of steps can seem trivial, following it correctly saves time and produces a cleaner finish, according to the guidance.
Preparing the Skin
The first rule for a successful look is properly preparing the skin, according to experts at French cosmetics group L'Oréal writing on the brand's website. The routine should begin with a gentle cleanse, using a soap suited to facial skin, a micellar water that is then rinsed off, or a cleansing milk. A moisturiser, serum or anti-aging cream should follow.
Max Herlant, a professional makeup artist at Yves Rocher, told readers of French magazine ELLE that anyone planning to wear foundation should avoid a cream that is too rich and use a fluid moisturiser instead. Herlant advised finishing the preparation stage with a makeup primer, which improves foundation's staying power by countering the skin's natural acidity.
Evening Out Skin Tone
Once the skin is prepared, makeup begins with foundation. L'Oréal's experts and Herlant both advise choosing a shade as close as possible to one's natural skin tone, since foundation is meant only to even out the complexion rather than make someone look more tanned or paler, which would show up against the untouched skin of the ears, neck and chest.
Any remaining imperfections should then be covered with concealer, applied after foundation. Fanny Maurer, a global makeup artist for KVD Vegan Beauty, told Cosmopolitan magazine that concealer should be chosen in a shade half a tone or a full tone lighter than the skin, to brighten the eyes and the face. Applying it after foundation gives a more even finish and better protects the thin, sensitive skin around the eyes without emphasising dark circles, Maurer said.
Adding Colour and Definition
After foundation comes a touch of colour for a healthier-looking complexion. Bronzer, described as "sun powder", is applied to the forehead, the hollows of the cheeks and the jawline. L'Oréal's experts warn it should be applied with a large brush and used sparingly, since too much can create harsh lines that make the wearer look like a child who has raided her mother's makeup bag.
Blush follows, applied only to the cheekbones. Anyone using only cream products can apply bronzer and blush directly over foundation. Powder versions should instead be applied after a mattifying, setting powder, to stop the products clumping together with the foundation underneath.
Eyebrows, Eyes and Lips
Eyebrows play a key role in facial expression and structure, so they should not be neglected. Stray hairs should be removed and brows brushed toward the temples. Two pencils, one matching the brow colour and one slightly lighter, should be alternated to add volume and create a precise line.
Eye makeup comes next, starting with a unifying base applied to the eyelids before eyeshadow and mascara. Beginners, or anyone wanting to recreate Billie Eilish's smokey-eye look, can do their eye makeup before applying foundation, Herlant advised, to avoid ruining the base with stray flecks of colour and having to start over.
The final step is the lips, with the outline traced in pencil before lipstick is applied.
