Makeup Application: 7 Steps to a Flawless Complexion with Makeup

Applying makeup correctly and getting flawless, long-lasting results starts long before you put the first touch of color on your face. Prepping 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 deeply cleanse your pores and remove dead surface cells. This also allows all other products to apply 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 Botanical Buffing Beads by Peter Thomas Roth. This product is gentle enough to use twice a day without stripping your face of its natural oils.

Step 2: Moisturize Next, you should 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 component that continues to renew 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 drier areas of your face. This will help each area of ​​your face stay hydrated at the right 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, H20+’s Oasis Face Hydrating Treatment and Oasis 24 Hydrating Booster are my top picks for an effective moisturizer and hydrator. *Advice: The best time to apply moisturizer is immediately after washing your face and pat dry. Your face should still be damp when you apply the moisturizer; this is when it is best absorbed.

Step 3: Prime or Matt After letting the right 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 smoothing the face and even out like a canvas for paint, in terms of texture. This is a great option for someone with dry skin, because it is water-based and also hydrates the skin, which will prevent 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 makeup from running or creasing due to its water gel base. For a mattifier, Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Mattifying Gel gives great results and helps makeup 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 scars, or extreme bags under your eyes. Camouflage is just that, it is 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 apply a little, using a makeup wedge, to 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 don’t want to use a lot. One camouflage that has received rave reviews is the Erase Paste from Benefit Cosmetics. It’s great, because it doesn’t just hide; it also illuminates by reflecting light from that area of ​​the face.

Step 5: Hide A concealer is also an optional step, but more of you are likely to use it. Concealers work well to hide minor facial issues such as age spots, mild hyperpigmentation, acne scars, etc. Just like with camouflage, you’ll 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 will 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 skin types.

Step 6: Foundation Next up 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 the forehead, bridge of the nose, chin, and cheeks. Then start blending the foundation, in small dabs, into your concealer and the rest of your face. You need to 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 above, except use a foundation brush and do a swirling motion towards the edges of your face. In either case, when you’re done applying foundation, lightly dab any excess from 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 in 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, lightly sweep across 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 the 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, lightly brush the blush, tapping off the excess, then gently sweep it over the apple of your cheek. LANCOME BLUSH SUBTIL-Delicate Oil-Free Powder Blush is a red carpet staple, because it’s nearly 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 bleed and make you have an off-center lip line. My pick for lip gloss is XXX Shine Lip Gloss by CARGO, it adds just enough color and stays put for hours. From cleanup to highlights, I know you’re well on your way to doing your makeup like a pro. As with anything else, applying makeup takes practice and over time you will get better and more proficient. Don’t give up if you don’t get it right the first time because you will soon have the flawless complexion of your dreams.