The Correct Makeup Steps in Order, According to MUAs

Makeup order is a tricky topic mostly because there are differing opinions on what product lands on your face first. If you're tired of stressing over when to apply concealer or asking yourself if you should really do your eye makeup before sponging on foundation, you've landed in the right place. After all, the back of a foundation bottle might give you some direction on how to apply the liquid-y solution to your face, but it definitely doesn't indicate where it falls within your routine. So, to clear up the confusion, we reached out to makeup artists Neil Scibelli and Tara Lauren.

Keep scrolling to discover their best advice and tips regarding your makeup application order.

Step 1: Skin Care

How many times have you read about the importance of prepping the skin before applying your makeup? Sure, the advice is repetitive, but it's legit. While the exact products applied will vary based on an individual's skin type and needs, a thorough skin care routine helps the makeup adhere to the skin better, reduces the chances of it flaking off, and helps your skin appear more glowy.

"I typically start with a hydrating or luminizing eye cream and a good lip balm," Scibelli said. Then, he moves on to moisturizer: an oil-free version or just a hydrating primer if the client has oily skin and a creamier, more emollient moisturizer if the client has dry skin.

Lauren agreed, adding that she also makes sure to layer on some sunscreen after applying moisturizer. 

"I am loving Bolden SPF 30 Skin Brightening Moisturizer and Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30," noted Lauren.

Step 2: Primer

Using a primer is pretty optional, said Scibelli, but for the sake of this explainer, it falls directly after your skin care routine.

Oily skin types tend to benefit from the long-lasting, oil-reducing qualities of a primer, whereas other primers are specifically made to help the skin appear more luminous and hydrated and even enhance your foundation's glow-boosting effects.

Step 3: Brows and Eyes

OK, so this rule isn't set in stone, but there's solid reasoning for completing your eye makeup and eyebrows before applying any complexion products. 

"I can clean up under the eyes if need be, without disrupting concealer or foundation, especially if it's a heavier eye look," suggested Scibelli.

While this method helps eliminate the mess of fixing fallout or mascara smudges, you can also apply eye makeup after your complexion products (making it Step 5). That said, Lauren noted that this step will vary depending on the type of finish you're going for.

"I usually begin on what will be the look's focal point," Lauren said. "If it's an eye look, I'll begin there. If the look is about skin, I will begin there. This gives me more time to develop the look, then connect the other elements — like the lip, cheeks, etc. — to make it cohesive in the end."

Step 4: Foundation

"I work on foundation and blending the overall complexion [before concealer] first," said Scibelli. 

This is where you'll see the coverage of your foundation and its finish really come into play. Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation, as well as Fenty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation are among Lauren's favorites.

Step 5: Concealer

"Sometimes you'll be surprised how much your foundation can layer and cover without adding concealer," noted Scibelli. After he assess what areas of the face need more coverage, he goes in with concealer. This usually consists of the under-eye area, redness, blemishes, etc.

Step 6: Bronzer, Blush, and/or Highlighter

After the skin has been evened out and set with complexion products, feel free to add a pop of color to cheeks, some shimmer on the high points of the face, or give yourself a bit of contouring with bronzer.

VIDEO: How to Use a Beautyblender

Step 7: Lips

If you're wearing a lip gloss, you might want to apply your powder and setting spray first. However, Scibelli said that it all really depends on what type of look you're creating. 

"You may be basing your look on a certain lip color, so maybe applying that first is a great guideline for you," he suggested.

Step 8: Translucent Powder and Setting Spray

You can use one, both, or neither, but each of these products is designed to help your makeup last longer and look better as the day goes on.

"I like to use a light loose powder and press it into the skin only in the places that I want to protect from shine and movement, like the temple, side of nose, mouth, and chin," said Lauren. "I love for the skin to show and glow but not have excessive shine."

She likes to use Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder or the Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Setting Powder. However, if it's particularly humid out or the makeup needs at least 12 hours of wear, Scibelli suggested spritzing on some setting spray to seal the deal.