Applying makeup correctly and having long-lasting, flawless results starts long before you put the first hint of color on your face. Preparing with the right products for both cleansing and moisturizing, as well as the right concealer and foundation, is key to overall success. We’ll explore the 7 essential steps to flawless makeup application, recommending the best products for each step as we go. From cleansing to finishing touches, you’ll have a flawless complexion in no time.
Step 1: Clean To start, choose a quality cleanser that will gently exfoliate your skin, helping to deep clean your pores and remove dead surface cells. This also allows all other products to be applied smoothly and evenly, preventing them from drying out or clumping on any particular area of the face when it’s time to apply makeup. A great exfoliating cleanser, for all skin types, is Peter Thomas Roth’s Botanical Buffing Beads. This product is gentle enough to use twice a day without stripping your face of its natural oils.
Step 2: Hydrate Next, you need to apply a great moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type. If you have dry skin, look for a product that has a time-release ingredient that keeps renewing itself throughout the day. If you have oily skin, look for an oil-free moisturizer that won’t make your skin too oily. If you have combination skin, look for an oil-free moisturizer and moisture booster to use on the drier areas of your face. This will help each area of your face stay hydrated at the correct levels throughout the day. A great moisturizer for dry skin is Philosophy’s Hope In A Jar for dry and sensitive skin. I recommend Kinerase Clear Skin Moisture Light, for oily skin, it leaves a nice dewy finish on the face. Finally, for combination skin, Oasis Face Hydrating Treatment and Oasis 24 Hydrating Booster by H20+ are my top picks for an effective moisturizer and moisturizer. *Advice: The best time to apply moisturizer is immediately after washing your face and patting it dry. Your face should still be damp when you apply the moisturizer; this is when it is best absorbed.
Step 3: Prime or Mattify After letting the appropriate moisturizer soak into your pores for a few minutes (at least 3 minutes), it’s time to put on your foundation. A primer helps prepare the skin for makeup application by making the face smooth and even like a painting canvas, in terms of texture. This is a great option for someone with dry skin, because it’s water-based and also hydrates your skin, which will keep your makeup from looking ashy. However, if you have combination or oily skin, a mattifier would be a better option for you at this step. A mattifier is a product that also evens out skin texture for makeup application, but has the added benefit of absorbing excess oil. This is important so that your makeup never looks oily and greasy. A base that I like is Vincent Longo’s Water Canvas Base Primer, it prevents the makeup from running or creasing due to its water gel base. For a mattifier, Peter Thomas Roth’s Anti-Mattifying Gel gives great results and helps make-up wear smoothly for hours.
Step 4: Camouflage This step is optional because it is only for those of you who have severe hyperpigmentation on your face, severe acne scarring, or extreme bags under your eyes. Camouflage is just that, it is a camouflage that is more serious than a concealer and is used to completely hide a problem on someone’s face. If you need to use this product, simply dab a bit, using a makeup wedge, in the exact places you need it. Using the makeup wedge, gently blend the camouflage, blending it towards the edges of your face. Since this is a heavier product, you won’t want to use a lot of it. One camouflage that has received rave reviews is Erase Paste from Benefit Cosmetics. It’s great, because it doesn’t just hide; it also illuminates by reflecting the light from that area of the face.
Step 5: Hide A concealer is also an optional step, but chances are more of you will use it. Concealers work well to hide minor facial problems like age spots, mild hyperpigmentation, acne scars, etc. As with camo, you only want to use a small amount. I recommend using a concealer brush for this step, as the small brush is very precise and you’ll be able to put it exactly where you want it. Just apply a little to the areas you need it, then blend it into your skin with a makeup wedge. If you used a camo first, then gently go back over those areas and blend again. You don’t want your makeup to look like it’s peeling off your face. A concealer that I use faithfully is the LORAC Coverup, they have shades for a wide variety of complexions.
Step 6: Foundation Next is the base, this is the product where many get confused as there are so many different types. For dry skin, a liquid foundation or cream foundation will work best. To apply, get a clean makeup wedge and apply a generous amount (but not too much!) to forehead, bridge of nose, chin, and cheeks. Then start blending the foundation, dabbing it into your concealer and the rest of your face. You should constantly work in the direction that is towards the outer edges of your face. Liquid Balanced Foundation by NARS or Silk Crème Foundation by Laura Mercier are safe bets. For combination or oily skin, an oil-free pressed powder would be best. Repeat the same steps as above, except use a foundation brush and make a swirling motion towards the edges of your face. In either case, when you’re done applying foundation, lightly dab the excess off your face with a makeup sponge or cotton balls. This will give you a more natural look. LORAC’S Oil-Free Wet/Dry Powder Makeup is an excellent choice.
Step 7: Highlights “Highlights” is what I consider to be the remaining parts of the makeup application. This includes eye shadow, mascara, blush, lip gloss, and/or lipstick. These items can be put sparingly or not as they are just the icing on the cake.
For eyeshadow, less is always more, especially if you’re new to makeup. Using a soft eyeshadow brush, gently sweep the lids with the color of your choice. Once you’ve dipped the brush into the eyeshadow, gently tap off the excess before applying it to your face. COLORON Professional offers eyeshadow sets in various color palates, which is very helpful when you want to find a shade that is perfect for you. For mascara, choose one that matches your hair color for the most natural results. Dior DiorShow Mascara is a celebrity favorite because it volumizes, lengthens and curls lashes all at the same time!
For blush, just add a touch to the apple of your cheeks. This is the part of your cheek that sticks out when you smile. Using a blush brush, gently sweep the brush across the blush, tapping off any excess, then gently sweep it across the apple of your cheek. LANCOME BLUSH SUBTIL-Delicate Oil-Free Powder Blush is a red carpet staple, because it’s almost impossible to go too blush with this product.
For lips, lip gloss is better, providing a smoother finish and longer wear. I don’t recommend lip liner, even if you have thin lips, because it can smudge and give you an off-center lip line. My choice for lip gloss is CARGO XXX Shine Lip Gloss, it adds just enough color and stays in place for hours. From cleansing to highlights, I know you’re well on your way to applying makeup like a pro. As with anything else, makeup application takes practice and over time you will get better and more efficient. Don’t give up if you don’t get it right the first time because soon you’ll have the flawless complexion of your dreams.