Learn how to apply makeup like a pro in our easy step-by-step guide.
Don’t know how to apply makeup in the right order? Confused about what you’re watching on YouTube tutorials? Clueless about whether you should apply concealer before or after foundation?
Then, you’ve come to the right place!
There is a general order to use products if you desire to have the most beautiful end look.
So read on, friends to learn the best order to apply face makeup, eye makeup, and lip color. Also, get product recommendations from experts for our best foundation for dry skin, and more!
How to Apply Makeup When You Don’t Know What To Do
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How To Apply Makeup for Beginners
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A. PREP YOUR FACE FOR MAKEUP
1. Use Facial Cleanser
2. Face Scrub
3. Moisturizer
B. APPLY FACE MAKEUP
1. Primer
2. Color Correct
3. Concealer
4. Foundation
5. Bronzer, Blush, and/or Highlighter
C. APPLY EYE MAKEUP
1. Eyebrows
2. Eye Shadow
3. Eyeliner
4. Mascara
D. APPLY LIP MAKEUP
1. Lip Liner
2. Lipstick
E. HOW TO SET YOUR MAKEUP LOOK
F. HOW TO REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP AT THE END OF THE DAY
Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners on How to Apply Makeup Like a Pro!
A. Prep Your Face for Makeup
First things first! Before we get into the best order to apply your makeup, it’s always important to consider your skincare routine.
Well, you don’t need to spend a lot of time working on it. There are only three essential steps you need to follow:
1. Use Facial Cleanser (how to apply makeup)
The first step in your skincare routine should be washing your face. Try a clay facial cleanser, like the L’Oréal Paris Skincare Pure-Clay Facial Cleanser, this is formulated to rid the surface of your skin of impurities.
Just squeeze a small amount of facial cleanser into your hands, add water to transform it from clay to mousse, then gently massage it onto your skin and rinse off thoroughly and pat dry.
2. Face Scrub
Exfoliating with a face scrub is a great way to prep your skin for makeup. Use the L’Oréal Paris Skin Care Pure Sugar Face Scrub.
Smooth a small amount of face scrub onto clean, dry skin, then massage over your face with wet fingers and rinse off thoroughly.
You can use our face scrubs three times a week.
3. Moisturizer (how to apply makeup)
After you’re done washing your face and exfoliating, it’s time to use a moisturizer to create a smooth base for makeup application.
Pick a moisturizer that’s formulated for your skin type, like the L’Oreal Paris Skincare Hydra Genius.
This moisturizer is formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water for long-lasting hydration.
B. Apply Face Makeup
In terms of makeup, your face should be number one before you move on to your lip makeup and eye makeup.
But things can get complicated.
Do you really need a primer? Does concealer come before or after foundation?
We’re here to take the guesswork out of the equation with our step-by-step guide to applying face makeup from start to finish.
1. Primer
When it comes to applying makeup, using a primer is one of the best things you can do.
It gives you an even canvas to work on, as it can help smooth lines.
Primer also helps your makeup wear more evenly throughout the day.
Tip: Pick a primer depending on your skin type:
Dry skin = primer with a glowing finish
Oily skin = primer with a matte finish
Regardless of which primer you choose, apply it all over your face or to targeted areas, depending on your skin’s specific concerns.
2. Color Correct (how to apply makeup)
Have dark circles under your eyes or redness you want to hide? Now’s the time to use a color-correcting concealer to cover these up.
Tips: Simply blend a small amount of color-correcting concealer onto targeted areas using your finger.
Tricks: Use these colors to hide skin imperfections:
Peach, bisque, or orange = disguise dark circles
Green = neutralizes redness
Purple = hides discoloration
Yellow = masks discoloration
3. Concealer
Next, once you’re done color-correcting, finish the cover-up process by applying a flesh-toned concealer, like L’Oreal Paris Cosmetics True Match Super-Blendable Multi-Use Concealer Makeup (it has 14 true-to-you shades that are perfect for every skin tone), on top.
Use the included applicator to polish and blend the concealer into your skin.
4. Foundation (how to apply makeup)
Remember, your face wouldn’t be complete without a little foundation! Again, according to your skin type, choose the one that fits you.
If you have oily skin, you may want to consider using a matte (a.k.a. non-shiny) finish foundation.
On the other hand, if you have dry skin, a radiant finish foundation, might be a better option for you.
5. Bronzer, Blush, and/or Highlighter
Next up: Get your glow on or fake a rosy tone by applying a little bronzer, blush, and/or highlighter.
As far as bronzer and highlighter go, put them on areas where the sun would naturally hit your face (your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin).
In using blush, apply them to the apples of your cheeks. It’s best to smile while doing so!
C. Apply Eye Makeup
Done with your face? Now, let’s get creative and proceed to apply eye makeup. Ready your eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, eye shadow, and mascara, and let’s begin!
1. Eyebrows (how to apply makeup)
To start with, shape and fill in your eyebrows with the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Shape & Fill Mechanical Pencil. This helps to create a well-defined arch.
Not only will this look gorgeous, but it can act as a guide when it comes to applying your eye shadow.
2. Eye Shadow
When applying eye shadow, follow this guide: First, dust color onto your lids, then follow up with a crease color, and finally, place a dab of highlighter along your brow bone.
For a neutral eye makeup look for daytime, use the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadows; for a shimmery nighttime eye makeup look, use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Metallics Eye Shadows.
3. Eyeliner (how to apply makeup)
We’ve found that it’s easiest to apply eyeliner before mascara but after eye shadow. Reach for a waterproof eyeliner pencil.
You can even use this eyeliner in your waterline (this technique is called “tightlining”) for added definition.
4. Mascara
Alright, so for the final step in your eye makeup application routine? That should be mascara!
Tip: Make sure to keep Q-tips handy to easily clean up inevitable stray smudges without ruining all your work.
D. Apply Lip Makeup
You’re almost at the end! After you’re done with your face and eyes, it’s time to show your lips some love by following this step-by-step makeup routine.
1. Lip Liner (how to apply makeup)
Lip liner can help prevent color from bleeding out or feathering.
In choosing a lip liner, pick the one that’s the same shade as your lipstick. Then outline your lips to make your pout look fuller.
You can also color your lips with liner before applying the lipstick to help create a smooth base.
2. Lipstick
Once you’ve prepped your lips with liner, go ahead and swipe on your lipstick shade of choice.
With so many different colors and formulas available, the possibilities are basically endless!
Whether you opt for something shimmery, something matte, or something shiny, your pout is sure to look stunning!
E. HOW TO SET YOUR MAKEUP LOOK
Well done! You’ve officially finished all of the steps in your makeup routine.
Now, keep your makeup in place by spritzing on a setting spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Makeup Extender Setting Spray.
Shake it well before using and make sure to hold the bottle 8-10 inches away from your face.
Close your eyes while spraying it 4 to 6 times in an X and T motion. And there you have it!
F. HOW TO REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP AT THE END OF THE DAY
We’ve been told not to sleep with our makeup on. Sleeping in your makeup can lead to clogged pores—and clogged pores can lead to breakouts.
Make things easy on yourself by keeping a bottle of micellar water on hand.
Micellar water is a no-rinse cleansing option that helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the surface of your skin without harsh tugging.
You just have to pour some of the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types onto a cotton pad, wipe the pad across your face, eyes, and lips, and you’re done with makeup removal.
So, that’s it, lovelies! Now, you know how to apply makeup like a pro! Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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