How to Apply Makeup: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to how to apply makeup like a pro, there is a general order you should use products to achieve the most beautiful end look. So, if you’ve ever wondered whether you should apply concealer before or after foundation, you’ve come to the right place. Not sure how to apply makeup in the right order? Keep reading to learn the best order to apply face makeup, eye makeup, and lip color, plus get product recommendations for our best foundation for dry skin, best mascara for volume and length, and more.

HOW TO PREP YOUR FACE FOR MAKEUP

Before we get into the best order to apply your makeup, it’s important to work your way through your skin care routine. You don’t need to spend a ton of time on your skin care routine, but there are a few simple steps you should take to ensure your skin is ready for makeup. Below, three skin care steps to take before makeup.

STEP 1: FACIAL CLEANSER

The first step in your skin care routine should be washing your face. Try a clay facial cleanser, like the L'Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Facial Cleanser, L'Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Facial Cleanser, or L'Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refine Facial Cleanser, all of which are formulated to rid the surface of your skin of impurities. 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.

STEP 2: FACE SCRUB

Exfoliating with a face scrub is a great way to prep your skin for makeup. Use the L'Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Smooth & Glow Face Scrub, L'Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Purify & Unclog Face Scrub, or L'Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften 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.

STEP 3: MOISTURIZER

Once you’re done washing your face and exfoliating, move onto moisturizer to create a smooth base for makeup application. Pick a moisturizer that’s formulated for your skin type, like the L'Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Oily Skin, L'Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Dry Skin, or L'Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Extra Dry Skin. Each of these moisturizers is formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water for long-lasting hydration.

THE BEST ORDER TO APPLY FACE MAKEUP

In terms of makeup, acing your face should be your first order of business 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 guesswork out of the equation with our step-by-step guide to applying face makeup from start to finish.

STEP 1: PRIMER

Using a primer is one of the best things you can do when it comes to applying makeup. Primer, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Lock Makeup Primer or L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Lock Makeup Primer, can help to give you an even canvas to work on, as it can help smooth lines. Primer can also help your makeup wear more evenly throughout the day. Choose a primer with a glowing finish if you have dry skin or a primer with a matte finish if you have oily skin. Regardless of which primer you pick, apply it all over your face or to targeted areas, depending on your skin’s specific concerns.

STEP 2: COLOR CORRECT

Have dark circles under eyes or redness you want to hide? Now’s the time to use a color correcting concealer, like one of the L'Oréal Paris True Match™ Color Correcting Crayons, to cover these up. Peach, bisque, or orange can disguise dark circles, green can neutralize the look of redness, purple can hide discoloration, and yellow can mask discoloration. Simply blend a small amount of color-correcting concealer onto targeted areas using your finger.

STEP 3: CONCEALER

Once you’re done color correcting, finish the cover up process by applying a flesh-toned concealer, like L'Oréal Paris True Match™ Super-Blendable Multi-Use Concealer (which comes in 14 true-to-you shades to match every skin tone and undertone), on top. Use the included applicator to blend and buff the concealer into your skin.

STEP 4: FOUNDATION

Your face wouldn’t be complete without a little foundation! There are so many different kinds of foundation out there, so choose one that suits your needs. For example, if you have oily skin, you may want to consider using a matte (a.k.a. non-shiny) finish foundation, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, a radiant finish foundation, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation, might be a better option for you. Whichever foundation you choose, one of the best ways to apply it is with a makeup blender, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender.

STEP 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). When it comes to blush, apply some to the apples of your cheeks—and remember to smile while doing so! Try the L'Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Bronze It Bronzer, L'Oréal Paris True Match™ Blush, and L'Oréal Paris True Match™ Glow Nude Highlighter Palette.

THE BEST ORDER TO APPLY EYE MAKEUP

Done with your face? Now, it’s time to move on to applying eye makeup. Get your eyebrow pencil, eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara ready because it’s time to get started on your eye makeup!

STEP 1: EYEBROWS

Nowadays, it’s all about eyebrows—and the bigger, the better. Start by shaping and filling in your eyebrows with the L'Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Shape & Fill Mechanical Pencil to help create a well-defined arch. Not only will this look gorgeous, but it can act as a guide when it comes time to apply your eye shadow.

STEP 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.

STEP 3: EYELINER

We’ve found that it’s easiest to apply eyeliner before mascara but after eye shadow. Reach for a waterproof eyeliner pencil, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner. You can even use this eyeliner in your waterline (this technique is called “tightlining”) for added definition.

STEP 4: MASCARA

The final step in your eye makeup application routine? That should be mascara! Use the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara for everyday (make sure to prep with the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara Primer/Base first!) and the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara for a night out on the town.

THE BEST ORDER TO 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.

STEP 1: LIP LINER

Before you apply lipstick, you should consider lining your lips—this can help prevent color from bleeding out or feathering. Choose a lip liner that’s the same shade as your lipstick and outline the natural line of your lips to help make your pout look fuller. You can also color in your lips with liner before applying the lipstick to help create a smooth base. Try the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner or L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner.

STEP 2: LIPSTICK

Kiss, kiss! 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, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Paints/Lips Metallic, something matte, like the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick, or something shiny, like the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick, your pout is sure to look stunning.

HOW TO SET YOUR MAKEUP LOOK

Congratulations! You’ve officially finished all of the steps in your makeup routine. Now, help set your look by spritzing on a setting spray, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Makeup Extender Setting Spray. To use, shake well and hold the bottle 8-10 inches away from your face. Close your eyes and spray it four to six times in an X and T motion. And there you have it!

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP AT THE END OF THE DAY

Don’t hop into bed without taking your makeup off first. 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. All you have to do is 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.