What Is the Correct Order to Apply Makeup?

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should apply foundation or eyeshadow first, you’re in good company. Makeup order can be a tricky topic because there are many variations that ultimately lead to the same endpoint. Add in all the TikTok hacks that flood our timelines and it can get really complicated.

Some yield better results than others, and by that, we mean the order of your makeup application can affect the end result. When you have the right order, you’ll know because it can lead to better-looking makeup. As for what the right order is, sometimes it depends on the look you’re going for (we’re talking to you smokey eyes), but there’s a model you can follow to help streamline the process. Follow along as we share a step-by-step routine that includes the cheat codes to applying your makeup in the right order and crafting the perfect look every time you do your makeup.

1. Skin Care and SPF

Skin care and SPF are the unspoken primers of any solid makeup routine and ensure that you’re starting with a clean, hydrated and protected base. A typical skin care routine before applying your makeup for the day usually includes cleanser, a serum like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, moisturizer and SPF. To condense your routine, consider a moisturizer with SPF to prime and protect your skin in a single step. 

As a general rule of thumb, look for formulations with SPF 30 or greater such as the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30. While it’s great to wear foundation with SPF, that alone does not offer ample protection from UV rays so you’re better off wearing sunscreen under your foundation with SPF.

2. Primer

Makeup primers are different from your skin care because they focus on specific complexion issues like blurring pores, adding a radiant glow or mattifying the skin and help to extend the wear of your makeup. To kick start your makeup look, apply a thin layer of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Lock Makeup Primer to give your skin a hydrated glow. If you prefer something matte, opt for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer. 

3. Color Corrector

Addressing discoloration and blemishes is the last step before applying foundation and it’s best achieved with a color-correcting concealer, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Color Correcting Crayon. 

The rules of color correcting align with the color wheel and opposite colors cancel each other out. Green neutralizes the appearance of redness caused by blotchiness or blemishes whereas peach, bisque and orange diminish the appearance of dark circles, dark spots and hyperpigmentation, so choose accordingly. Apply the appropriate concealer sparingly where needed and use your fingers to blend until even.

4. Foundation

Foundation is meant to give your face a flawless base and an even canvas for the rest of your makeup. Foundation isn’t one-size-fits-all so choose what’s best for your skin type. Dry skin might reach for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation, which provides medium, lightweight coverage and a lasting glow, whereas oily skin may prefer the matte and long wear of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder. The type of foundation you choose will dictate how you apply it. A liquid foundation works well with a makeup sponge while a powder foundation pairs better with a brush.

Editor’s tip: If you’re going for a smokey eye or any type of dramatic and dark eye look, you might want to do your eyeshadow before your foundation to avoid getting shadow fallout on your base. If you still prefer foundation first, bake your under-eyes with a healthy dose of translucent powder to catch any fallout and brush it away once you’re finished.

5. Concealer

Concealer follows foundation because this way, you need less of it. Concealer is great for highlighting the high points of your face and adding extra coverage to areas with dark spots, blemishes and dark circles. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer up to 24H Full Coverage, offers full coverage and masks blemishes with a flawless matte finish. Use it in one to two shades deeper to sculpt your face and add dimension.

6. Bronzer, Highlighter and Blush

Bronzer, highlighter and blush are the fun part and really take your makeup look to the next level. You don’t need to use all three but the best time to apply them is after you’ve perfected your base and concealer. Starting with bronzer, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer (this one works to bronze or contour), is a great way to add some color and depth to your complexion. 

Next, continue with highlighter by sweeping it over your cheekbones and the high points of your face. If you’re opting for a liquid formula, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion, use the warmth of your fingers to lightly tap it into the skin. If you’re opting for powder formula, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glow Nude Highlighter Palette, use a fluffy brush to lightly brush it onto the skin.

In most instances, applying blush after your bronzer and highlighter is a great way to blend everything together. The L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Satin Blush with Camellia Oil gives the skin a luminous sheen and offers a healthy glow that doesn’t look dry. Use a fluffy brush to apply some on the apples of your cheeks. If you’re using a liquid blush like the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip and Cheek Tint, apply that before powder bronzer or contour.

7. Eyebrows

Once your complexion is just how you like it, remove any leftover foundation from your brows and get started on perfecting your arches. Use a brow pencil like the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Mechanical Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil to shape your brows and make them look thicker. Or, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Unbelievabrow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel to sculpt your brows to your liking and set them in place. 

8. Eyeshadow

Next is eyeshadow and if you’re looking to really upgrade your look, this is the step to make it happen. A neutral palette like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in Boudoir Charme, is a great option to keep in your makeup bag because it works for day or night looks. 

Use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to apply shadow all over your lid and crease. Keep it simple with a crease shade for the daytime and use the darker shades to smoke out your lid and lower lash line for a nighttime look. If you’re looking to brighten your lids with shimmer, try the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup.

9. Eyeliner

After eyeshadow comes eyeliner and enhancing the shape of your eyes. If winged eyeliner is your go-to, try the L’Oréal Paris Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner. This liquid eyeliner is waterproof, transfer-proof and the precision felt tip is perfect for drawing the sharpest of wings. For the waterline or to tightline, opt for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner.

10. Mascara

It’s much easier to get the perfect winged liner when you apply your eyeliner before your mascara. Plus, a few coats of mascara brings the whole eye look together so it’s the perfect finishing piece. Curl your lashes and sweep on a few coats of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Noir Balm Washable Mascara to score voluminous and perfectly curled lashes. If you’re looking to lengthen your lashes, try the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara.

11. Lips

Much like the way mascara brings your eye look together, lipstick or lip gloss brings the whole makeup look together. Start by lining your lips with the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner. Then, decide if you want to top it off with a lip balm, lipstick or lip gloss. 

For everyday wear and a comfortable hydrating finish, try the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract or the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss Pomegranate Extract. If you prefer lipstick, try the long-wearing L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick or the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick. If a fierce red lip is your signature, try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Reds Of Worth Satin Lipstick With Saturated Color.

12. Set Your Face

The end is near and the final step is to set your face so all the work you did to perfect your makeup lasts. Setting powder helps your makeup last longer throughout the day, it also helps to manage shine and oily skin types can attest to this. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Tinted Loose Setting Powder has a translucent powder finish and is flattering on all skin types, even skin concerns like texture or dry patches and it won’t wash out your complexion.  

In addition to your setting powder or in its spot, lock your makeup in place with a setting spray. Spritz your face with four to six sprays of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray in an “X” and “T” shape. This spray will keep your makeup looking fresh all day long without settling into fine lines.

Next: How to Fake a Facelift With Concealer

Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo Credit: Matthew Kelly