How to Blend Your Makeup the Right Way

We’ve all been there—you’re sitting in front of the mirror, wondering why your makeup looks anything less than perfectly blended. You used what you thought were the right makeup brushes and makeup blenders, so what gives? Believe it or not, you may need a little refresher on which techniques work best for which areas of your face, not to mention which products. To help you learn how to apply makeup like a pro, ahead we walk you through each type of face makeup and eye makeup and the right way to apply it for seamless coverage and allure. You’re welcome in advance.

How to Blend Eye Shadow

Picture this: You use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to apply your lid look, switching between eyeshadow shades as you go. Despite switching colors, you fail to switch brushes. What’s more, when it comes to blending, again you stick with the same brush. Well, ladies, that right there is your issue. First and foremost, whenever you’re applying different colors, much like with elementary art projects, it’s important to use a clean brush. Then, when it comes to blending, be sure to use a fluffy blending brush, as a densely-bristled brush may be too harsh when it comes to trying to blend colors together. Work in small circles, taking note of what looks seamless and what needs a bit more work.

Editor’s tip: Since blending eyeshadow typically incorporates a few different shades, instead of waiting until the end of your makeup routine to apply your hues, start off with it so that any fallout can be easily covered with foundation.

How to Blend Foundation

Before trying to blend even the smallest dab of foundation onto your face, it’s very important to start off your look with a face makeup primer, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Lock Primer or L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Lock Primer. Once you’ve successfully primed your face, it’s time to break out a makeup blender, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender, or a stippling face brush—both of which are designed to apply ultra-lightweight coverage that doesn’t weigh your face down. Whichever you choose, be sure to dab your foundation into place, as opposed to dragging it across your face. This technique will help create an airbrushed effect.

How to Blend Bronzer

If you’ve ever tried to blend bronzer, then you know just how difficult it can be to create a natural looking chisel as opposed to a harsh dark brown line. The key is to use a very sparsely bristled brush, like a fan brush, or a contour makeup blender, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Contour Blender, to apply the color the way you’d like it—light and airy. To teach yourself the technique, try practicing with the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Bronze It Bronzer and adjust your technique accordingly.

How to Blend Blush

When you apply blush, the most important thing is to apply it in the right area of your face. While you may feel silly cheesin’ into the mirror, the easiest way to apply blush with precision is to do just that. Once the apples of your cheeks are front and center, brush your blush along your apple up along your cheekbone towards your temple. Give this technique a spin with the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Blush. Easy peasy.

How to Blend Highlighter

Save the best for last. Once all of your face makeup is perfectly blended, it’s time to apply highlighter. Just like you apply your blush, you want to blend your highlighter along your cheekbone up towards your temple. And, just like with bronzer, you want to use a loosely-packed brush to get the airy glow you’re craving if you’re using a powder highlighter, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Shimmerista Highlighting Powder.

See, that’s not so hard, now is it? Now, if you’re wondering why your lipstick doesn’t look quite right, check out our article, 5 Lipstick Mistakes You Could Be Making, to help perfect that area of your beauty routine, too.