Makeup Steps: How to Apply Makeup Step by Step

Makeup steps are the order in which you apply each product to your face, from skin prep through setting spray. Following the correct makeup routine order helps every layer sit smoothly, blend easily, and last longer, because each product is designed to layer on top of the one before it.

The standard order of makeup application is: skincare, primer, foundation, concealer, powder, bronzer, blush, highlighter, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, lip color, and setting spray or powder. Whether you're learning how to apply makeup for the first time or fine-tuning your routine, this guide walks you through every face makeup step.

Step 1: Skincare

Great makeup starts with great skin prep. Before you reach for any makeup products, it helps to give your skin a clean, hydrated base to work with.

Here’s a simple routine you can follow before applying makeup. If you want a deeper look at building a full skincare routine, check out our guide on the correct order of products for skin care.

Step 1: Cleanse

Start with a clean canvas. Washing your face removes overnight oils, dirt, and leftover products so your makeup can sit smoothly on your skin. A gentle cleanser like the Barrier Pro™ 1-Step Cleanser can help get the job done without stripping your skin.

Step 2: Treatment

If you use any treatment products, now is the time to apply them. Treatments target specific skin concerns and work best on freshly cleansed skin. Depending on what your skin needs, you might consider options like Barrier Pro™ Serum Spray, Pep Up® Collagen Boost Face & Neck Serum, Even Up® Multi-Correction Serum, or All Calm® Multi-Correction Serum.

Step 3: Eye Area

The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, so it benefits from its own step. Gently pat an eye product around the orbital bone using your ring finger. You might like the Total Eye® Firm & Repair Cream or the Total Eye® Concentrate Serum for this step.

Step 4: Moisturize

A good moisturizer locks in all the products you just applied and gives your makeup a smooth, even surface to hold onto. Try the Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer for lightweight hydration that layers well under makeup.

Step 5: Sun Protection

This is one of the most important steps in your routine. Applying sunscreen before makeup helps protect your skin from UV rays and other environmental stressors throughout the day. For a sheer finish that works beautifully under makeup, you might want to try Total Protection® No-Show™ Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. We’ll talk about tinted SPF options a little later when we get to the foundation step.

Step 2: Primer

Now that your skin is well moisturized, prep your face with primer. Whether you’re planning on applying a light coat of foundation or a full face of makeup, primer is an important first step. Using primer under your makeup will make your look last longer.

What is primer? 

Think of primer as a base for your foundation or face makeup that will help it go on smoother and last longer. Primers are silky smooth gels and creams that fill in the lines and pores on your face, smoothing out uneven textures and creating the ideal canvas for your makeup.

How to apply primer

To apply your primer, begin by squeezing a small amount onto your fingertips, or onto your preferred makeup brush or sponge. Pro Tip: A little bit goes a long way. Start with a dime-sized amount of primer in the center of your face, and slowly work it out towards your cheeks, forehead, and chin.

If you want to apply primer to the sensitive skin around your eyelids (and keep that smokey eye looking professionally applied all day long), be sure to find a dedicated product for this area of the face.

Our eyelids can collect grease throughout the day, causing a “creased” look in eyeshadow. If your eyelids are oily and you apply eyeshadow or eyeliner without primer, application may prove to be patchy and uneven.

Primer recommendations

There are a variety of primer formulas that can help you achieve the results you’re hoping to achieve with your makeup look.

• For sensitive or redder skin, consider the Calming Primer SPF 20 , as it soothes the face with its fragrance-free formula and a blend of botanical extracts and antioxidants. Also ideal for reactive skin, this 3-in-1 primer neutralizes redness, hydrates, and extends makeup wear with a light texture.
• For dull skin, Brightening Primer SPF 20 brings a subtle, radiant boost to instantly brighten your complexion. It effortlessly smooths skin and sets the stage for makeup, helping you look fresh and luminous.
• For a touch of bronze, the Bronzing Primer SPF 20 will give your skin a healthy, sun-kissed glow. Formulated with rice proteins and peptides, this primer blurs imperfections and firms skin.
• For oily or blemish-prone skin, Mattifying Primer SPF 20 is your go-to for shine control and a flawless matte finish. The silky formula absorbs excess oil, blurs imperfections, and firms skin.

Each primer is non-comedogenic, water resistant (up to 40 minutes), and packed with mineral SPF 20 to help protect against sun damage and environmental stressors.

Step 3: Liquid foundation

The first step after primer is applying makeup foundation that evens tone without settling into fine lines.

When it comes to foundation, finding the perfect shade for your skin is priority number one. The right shade of foundation can make all the difference.

How to pick your foundation shade 

Test foundation colors against your jawline. After applying, if the foundation disappears without any sort of blending, you’ve found your true match. This may take a bit of trial and error, but taking the time to pick the right shade is crucial. After you’ve selected a product, consider the tools you’ll use to apply it.  If you’re thinking about using a Colorescience tinted mineral sunscreen as your liquid foundation, here’s how to pick the right shade. 

How to apply foundation

Some people prefer to use their fingers, while others opt for beauty tools like brushes and sponges. If you’re looking for a light coverage look, your fingers may prove to be the right applicator; however, never touch your face without thoroughly washing your hands, and be sure to wash them after application—you don’t want to find your makeup handprints all over the house. For a more full-coverage look, opt for an applicator brush or beauty blender.

Start from the center of your face and blend the liquid foundation outwards. As you sweep your foundation across the skin, be sure to buff it in. Some individuals like to stipple a damp sponge over their foundation to help ensure it gets into those lines and creases, which can create a smoother, more even texture. Certain types of makeup brushes are also great for buffing foundation into the skin.

Foundation recommendations

Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 is a lightweight, liquid mineral sunscreen that adjusts to your skin tone with iron oxide pigments, giving you the kind of coverage that can replace your foundation.

You can also customize your SPF base by mixing Face Shield formulas together without losing sun protection or water and sweat resistance. Try pairing Flex with Glow for a luminous finish, or layering Flex with Bronze and Glow for an all-over radiance. Then set your look and reapply throughout the day with a Brush-On Shield.

This unique formula uses patented EnviroScreen Technology, providing a high level of protection against UVA/UVB, HEV (blue) light, pollution, and infrared radiation. Perfect for daily wear, it offers medium coverage with a demi-matte finish, so your skin looks natural and flawless.

For a lighter, whipped texture, Tint du Soleil™ Whipped Mineral Foundation SPF 30 offers buildable coverage that nourishes as it perfects.

This foundation is packed with skin-boosting peptides, ceramides, and a multivitamin complex, helping to hydrate, minimize fine lines, and improve skin texture over time. With mineral protection, it is ideal if you’re looking to add a little extra skincare to your routine, leaving skin silky and radiant all day.

Step 4: Concealer

There are two main categories of concealer: liquid and stick/compact.

Liquid concealer is best for the times you want light coverage over a large area of your face, or better yet, you can try a no-makeup makeup solution like Total Eye® 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35. It’s an excellent concealer alternative because it’s an eye cream, brightener, and sunscreen, all in one.

Achieve a natural look with our tinted eye cream, which can visibly improve the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines and wrinkles.

How to pick the color of your concealer

It’s wise to invest in two shades of concealer. One should be very similar to your skin tone and can be used to cover dark spots, pimples, and other facial blemishes. The other should be lighter than your skin tone and can be used to highlight certain areas of the face or add clarity to your makeup look.

Note: Some  prefer to apply concealer before liquid foundation. The order of these two steps is truly a matter of preference—and trial and error. Try out both and discover which method works best for creating a smooth, radiant finish on your skin.

Where to apply concealer

For dark circles

To reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles and create a glowing, bright look, apply light concealer beneath the eyes with a damp sponge, makeup brush, or the built-in Total Eye 3-in-1 applicator.

For blemishes

If you’re using a concealer to minimize the appearance of blemishes, apply directly to the area where you want coverage.

For highlighting

To highlight your face using a liquid or cream concealer, place small dots in the following areas:

• Horizontally over the center of your forehead
• Down the center of your nose
• Under your eyes
• In a curving arch at the top of your chin, just under your bottom lip

Gently blend it into the surrounding skin, and always be sure to cover with a foundation or setting powder.

Step 5: Foundation powder

Applying foundation powder can be a tricky process; too little and you may as well have skipped the step altogether, too much and your makeup can start to look thick. 

Keep these tips in mind to get that perfect complexion:

• Use a large, fluffy powder brush for dusting a light coat of powder all over your face. 
• After pressing the bristles into the powder, sweep across the skin in long, arching strokes.If there are certain areas of your skin that need more coverage (the red and oily parts of your face are generally found in the center), you may want to apply a bit more powder. For this step, place your brush into the powder, then firmly press it into the skin; this step helps the powder make its way into pores and lines for a smoother texture.

Powder foundation recommendation

The Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Brush-On Shield SPF 50 is great for on-the-go protection. This all-mineral powder combines SPF 50 with full-spectrum defense, making it a standout in skincare makeup hybrids. Plus, its gentle, hydrating formula contains hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to keep your skin nourished, all in a portable brush design. It’s non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and easy to layer over makeup or wear solo. With 80-minute water and sweat resistance, this brush-on shield makes SPF reapplication a breeze, even on your busiest days.

Step 6: Bronzer

Bronzer can give your skin that sun-kissed glow all year long. If you’re using a powder formula, use a dedicated bronzer brush to sweep a golden tan across your face; bronzer brushes are crafted with more bristles, and placed much more tightly together, ensuring you get the most out of your colorful bronzer with each and every swipe. 

Cream formulas like our Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Color Balm SPF 50 can be applied with clean fingers after getting warmed up. 

How to choose the right shade of bronzer

One of the most common bronzer blunders comes in choosing the wrong shade. If you’re not used to working with bronzer, use one that’s two shades darker than your skin at most.

Where to apply bronzer

Once you’ve got the right shade, apply your bronzer in the shape of a number “3” on both sides of the face. Start at your forehead, pull the bronzer along your cheeks, then sweep it across the jawline, reaching all the way down to your chin.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to blend it into your neck. Repeat on the opposite side.

Bronzer Recommendations

Add a sun-kissed glow with the Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Color Balm SPF 50 in shade Bronze. This shimmering, golden bronzer highlights your face with natural-looking radiance while delivering 5-Point Protection against UV, blue light, pollution, infrared radiation and free radical formation.

The balm’s hydrating, conditioning formula leaves your skin looking fresh and glowing, while its water and swear resistance properties ensure long-lasting wear. Safe for sensitive skin, simply swipe, blend, and go for a luminous, beachy finish.

Step 7: Blush

Flushed cheeks have been a mainstay of makeup glamour for centuries. If you want to add a bit more color and vibrancy to your complexion, blush may be the key. Use a dense brush with plenty of bristles to apply your blush—this will make sure you get the most out of every blush sweep.

Where to apply blush

There’s not a one-size-fits-all answer for blush application. Blush placement can make a big difference in how your face looks, and the best approach depends on your face shape and the finish you’re going for. Here are a few techniques worth trying.

General blush placement techniques

• Lifted look: Place blush on the highest point of your cheekbone and sweep it back toward the hairline. This helps sculpt the face and gives a more defined appearance.
• Classic flush: Tap color lightly onto the apples of your cheeks (the fleshy part that stands out when you smile) and blend well for a natural, healthy glow.
• Sun-kissed: Sweep a light touch across the high points of the cheeks and slightly across the bridge of the nose for a warm, just-got-back-from-the-beach vibe.

Placement by face shape

• Round faces: You may want to apply at an angle starting high on the cheekbone and blend upward. Skipping the center apples of the cheeks can help avoid adding extra width.
• Long faces: Applying horizontally across the apples of the cheeks can add visual width and balance the face shape.
• Heart faces: Try a curved or C-shaped motion starting on the apples and sweeping up toward the temples. This can help balance a narrow chin.
• Oval faces: Follow the natural line of your cheekbones. Balanced proportions mean almost any placement tends to work well.

Blush recommendations

Choose the Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Color Balm SPF 50 for a fresh, everyday glow. With eight different shades of blush to choose from, your perfect shade is covered from a subtle flush of pink to a deep berry red.

It blends seamlessly for a natural finish and is perfect for quick touch-ups and all-day wear. Available in eight shades, it can even double as a hydrating lip color.

Step 8: Highlighter

The right highlighter adds a bit of glam and glow to every makeup look. Whether you’re opting for a more natural look or want something bold and beautiful, highlighter can complement your makeup application.

Highlighters come in a variety of forms, including liquids, creams, and powders. You can choose to use one, or find your favorite combination of two or three. Whatever you choose, the application process remains the same.

Where to Apply Highlighter

After you’ve created a flawless canvas with your new foundation routine, map out the areas on your face that you wish to highlight.

Using a liquid highlighter first, apply in the following areas:

• Down the bridge of your nose
• Across the tops of your cheekbones
• In the inner corners of your eyelids
• On your brow bone
• The indent above your upper lip (also called the Cupid’s Bow)
• The center of your forehead
• The center of your chin

Once you’re happy with your liquid highlighter application, blend it in using your fingertips or a sponge. To maximize the effect of your highlighting, layer in cream or powder highlighter over the areas you wish to accentuate.

Highlighter recommendations

Want that radiant, lit-from-within glow? Here are two options worth trying:

Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Brush-On Shield Glow SPF 50 gives you a soft, buildable luminosity with all-mineral sun protection. It works well as a highlighter step in your order of makeup application, and it’s easy to reapply throughout the day without disrupting your look.

For a more targeted glow, Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Color Balm SPF 50 adds a luminous tint to cheekbones, brow bones, or wherever you like to highlight. It blends smoothly and layers nicely over your base products while offering broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection.

Both are lightweight, non-greasy, and hypoallergenic, so you can get that natural glow while keeping your skin protected from UVA/UVB rays and pollution.

Step 9: Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow can add interest to your makeup look, whether you opt for neutral shades or go bold with colorful hues.

How to pick an eyeshadow palette

Choosing the right eyeshadow colors can feel tricky, but a good starting point is to think about your eye color. Certain shades tend to bring out the natural tones in your eyes, making them pop a little more. These are just guidelines, especially if you’re still figuring out what works for you. Feel free to experiment and go with whatever makes you feel confident.

Best eyeshadow shades for brown eyes

Brown eyes are versatile and work well with a wide range of colors. Warm tones like bronze, copper, and gold can highlight the warmth already in your eyes. Purple and plum shades also create a beautiful contrast. If you want something more subtle, try taupe or champagne for an everyday look.

Best eyeshadow shades for blue eyes

Warm, earthy tones tend to complement blue eyes nicely. Think peach, coral, warm browns, and soft oranges. These colors sit opposite blue on the color wheel, which helps your eye color stand out. Copper and bronze are also worth trying for a more dramatic effect.

Best eyeshadow shades for green eyes

Reddish and warm-toned shadows can really make green eyes shine. Burgundy, mauve, rose gold, and warm plum are all flattering options. Earthy shades like terracotta and warm brown work well for daytime, while deeper berry tones are great for evening.

Best eyeshadow shades for hazel eyes

Hazel eyes have a mix of brown, green, and gold, so you can play up whichever tone you want to highlight. Green and olive shades bring out the green in hazel eyes, while warm golds and bronzes emphasize the golden flecks. Purple and plum tones can also add nice depth.

How to apply eyeshadow based on your eye shape

Almond Eyes

Almond eyes tend to have a naturally lifted shape with a balanced, slightly pointed outer edge. Try blending color through the crease and buffing it outward and upward. For a cat-eye effect, keep the outer shadow angled diagonally from the edge of your eye toward the tail of your brow.

Round Eyes

Round eyes are larger and more circular, often showing white space around the iris. You could follow your natural crease curve to play up the roundness, or blend the outer edges up and out toward your temples to create a more elongated look. A soft shadow smudged along the lower outer lash line can also help create a lifted, winged effect.

Hooded Eyes

With hooded eyes, a fold of skin sits over the crease and covers part of the lid. It can help to keep your eyes open and look straight into a mirror while applying shadow. Placing matte transition shades slightly above your natural crease, onto the hooded area, helps the color stay visible when your eyes are open.

Downturned Eyes

Downturned eyes have outer corners that angle downward toward the cheekbones. Placing shadow slightly above the actual outer corner and blending upward and outward in small circular motions can give the eye a lifted appearance and avoid a dragging effect.

Deep-Set Eyes

Deep-set eyes sit further into the socket, which makes the brow bone more prominent. Lighter, reflective shades on the lid can bring the eye forward. Keeping deeper contour shades strictly above the socket crease and angling them upward toward the brow tail helps add dimension without closing the eye in.

A quick note: these are starting-point guidelines, especially if you’re newer to eyeshadow. Once you get comfortable, feel free to mix techniques and find what works best for you.

Eyeshadow recommendation

Give your eyes a fresh look and lasting protection with the Mineral Corrector Palette SPF 20. This versatile skincare-makeup solution includes five skin-neutralizing shades that blend effortlessly for a natural look.

You can even try out the Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Color Balm SPF 50

for a radiant look. This multi-tasking SPF balm comes in 8 shades and offers protection from UVA/UVA, blue (HEV) light, pollution, infrared radiation, and provides free radical defense. Plus, it’s a great option for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. 

Step 10: Eyeliner

Applying eyeliner can be difficult for even practiced makeup wearers, but these essential tips can help you get the hang of it faster.

Types of eyeliner

Liquid eyeliner

If you’re looking for precision, liquid eyeliner is your new best friend. You can find liquid liner in bottle form, which is applied with a fine dipping brush. You can also find liquid liner in a marker-type pen.

How to apply liquid eyeliner:

1. Start with a thin line at the inner corner of your eye, or begin at the middle if that feels easier.

2. Use small strokes to create tiny dashes along the lash line, keeping the tip or brush as close to your lashes as possible.

3. Connect the dashes to fill in any gaps, gradually making the line thicker as you move toward the outer corner.

4. If your hand slips, dip a Q-tip in eye makeup remover and gently clean up the edges.

Gel eyeliner

This type of eyeliner typically comes in a small pot, with a thin brush for application. Gel eyeliner is fantastic for creating a cat-eye look.

How to apply gel eyeliner

1. Dip a flat, angled brush into the gel eyeliner pot and swirl it so both sides are coated.

2. Start at the middle of your lash line and draw a line outward toward the outer corner.

3. Go back to the inner corner and draw a line toward the middle, connecting the two sections.

4. Build up thickness or add a wing depending on the look you’re going for.

Pencil eyeliner

This is typically the best eyeliner option for beginners. A sharp pencil eyeliner is easy to use on your waterline, and is great for creating a smokey eye.

How to apply pencil eyeliner:

1. Sharpen your liner pencil before each use.

2. Gently pull your eyelid taut and draw small, light dots along your upper lash line, starting from the outer corner and working toward the inner corner.

3. Connect the dots using your pencil or a small shadow brush to blend them into a smooth line.

Step 11: Mascara

If you’re going to use only one makeup product, mascara should be at the top of your list. A few swipes of mascara can make your eyes look brighter in a single step.

You can find mascara in a variety of colors, but black and brown tend to be the most popular. Start by curling your eyelashes with an eyelash curler.

How to curl your eyelashes and apply mascara

1. Start by placing your eyelash curler at the base of your upper lashes. Gently squeeze and hold for a few seconds, then release.

2. Pick up your mascara and swirl the wand gently inside the tube to coat the bristles evenly. Avoid pumping the wand in and out, as this pushes air inside and can cause the formula to clump.

3. Place the brush at the roots of your lashes and wiggle it lightly back and forth. This helps build volume right at the base. Then pull the wand through to the tips in a smooth motion.

4. If any lashes stick together, use a clean spoolie to comb through them. You can add a second coat once the first has had a moment to set for extra fullness.

Mascara recommendation

Transform your lashes with Total Lash® Serum Mascara, designed to lengthen, strengthen, and enhance your natural beauty. Infused with a powerful peptide lash serum, this all-in-one, innovative mascara  formula adds dramatic length and volume while also nourishing your lashes to prevent breakage.

Its tubing technology wraps each lash in a rich black coating that lasts all day yet effortlessly slides off when you remove makeup with your favorite cleanser or wipe. No more harsh scrubbing!

The conical brush tip ensures every lash is coated from root to tip, including those tricky inner and outer corners. With continued use, botanical extracts support healthy growth while hydrating panthenol and jojoba oil to condition your lashes for a soft, flexible feel.

Step 12: Lip gloss

How to Apply Lip Gloss

1. Start by prepping your lips. If they feel dry or flaky, gently exfoliate with a lip scrub to remove dead skin.

2. Apply a lip conditioner or moisturizer and let it absorb fully. Blot away any excess before moving on.

3. Starting from the center of your lips, glide the applicator outward along your natural lip line. Avoid pulling gloss above your lip border.

4. Lightly press your lips together so the gloss spreads evenly into every curve.

For lips that look smooth and healthy long-term, pairing your gloss routine with a dedicated lip care regimen can help soften the appearance of fine lines around the mouth.

Lip gloss recommendation

Our Peptide Lip Shine SPF 30 comes in seven versatile shades that achieve a polished, plump look for every occasion. 

Now with double the peptides, this gloss boosts collagen for a fuller appearance and lasting hydration. Lightweight and conditioning, this lip gloss is the perfect blend of treatment and sheer color, leaving lips soft, smooth, and beautifully protected.

Step 13: Setting spray & setting powder

Setting spray or setting powder is the final touch for your makeup routine order. If you want makeup that stays on all day long without greasing, creasing, or shine, it’s important to invest in a quality setting solution.

Setting sprays are designed for all skin types and can be used to set a variety of looks, whether you’re rocking light coverage or sporting a full face of beautiful makeup. Setting spray keeps your makeup in place, helping you reduce reapplication needs and keeping your makeup looking flawless for hours at a time.

Setting powders are another great option, especially if you have oily or combination skin. A light dusting helps absorb excess oil, smooth out your finish, and keep everything in place without adding extra weight or cakiness. 

Should I use setting spray or powder or both?

You can use either one or both together. It really comes down to your skin type and the finish you’re going for. Setting powder absorbs oil and cuts shine, so it works well if your skin tends to get greasy through the day. Setting spray locks your makeup layers together and gives a more natural, skin-like finish. If you want the longest wear, you can apply powder first, let it settle, then finish with a spray to seal everything in and prevent a cakey look.

How to apply setting powder

1. Finish your full makeup application first, including foundation, concealer, and any color products.

2. Pick up a small amount of powder on a fluffy brush or sponge.

3. Gently press or dust it onto areas that tend to get oily, like your forehead, nose, and chin.

4. Use light layers and build up only where you need it to avoid a heavy or cakey appearance.

A mineral setting powder can do double duty by helping set your makeup while also giving your skin extra benefits like SPF protection and antioxidants.

How to apply setting spray

1. Hold the bottle at least 8 inches from your face.

2. Spritz in an X shape across your face to cover from forehead to chin.

3. Follow up by spraying a T shape for even coverage.

4. Let it dry naturally within seconds. No need to rub it in.

Setting spray recommendation

Experience a refresh that goes beyond simple makeup setting with the Hydrating Mist Setting Spray. This botanically-infused mist, featuring calming chamomile and hydrating D20 Heavy Water, soothes and locks in makeup for all-day vibrancy and smudge-free wear. It’s great for use before, during, or after makeup application, as it keeps skin looking dewy and feeling fresh.

Setting powder recommendation

For a lightweight finishing touch that doubles as sun protection, you might want to consider the Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen Brush. It’s specifically formulated for oily, blemish-prone skin and helps control shine throughout the day. Another option worth trying is the Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Brush-On Shield SPF 50, which offers broad-spectrum mineral protection in a convenient brush-on format that layers easily over makeup. 

Final Look

Your makeup is complete! As you can see, you can seamlessly incorporate this guide on how to apply makeup step by step into your everyday life. With these application tips, it’s easy to create a variety of looks, whether you’re headed to the office or going out for a night on the town.

As you master application order, a breakdown of different makeup brushes helps you pick the right tool for each step.

Full Face vs. Five-Minute Face: Which Steps Do You Actually Need 

We know that sometimes you don’t have enough time in your day to have a full makeup application. But we can help you come up with a streamlined makeup process that will make it faster and more efficient. Not only is a streamlined process good to have in your back pocket for the day you are running late, but it also provides you with the option for a more natural makeup look.

How Do Beginners Buy Makeup?

Buying makeup can feel overwhelming when you’re just starting out. Where do you even begin with so many products and shades to choose from?

A good first step is figuring out what your skin actually needs. Colorescience’s Skin Quiz can help point you in the right direction by matching you with products that work for your skin type and concerns.

From there, picking your base shade gets a lot simpler with Colorescience’s tinted SPF products. They come in a range of shades, and Sunforgettable products can even be mixed together to find your most perfect match and finish.

One tip that makes things easier for beginners: look for multi-functional products. Instead of layering five or six different things, you could use one product that covers skincare, sun protection, and a touch of color all at once. Colorescience specializes in exactly that, so you’re getting more done with fewer steps.

Common Makeup Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake: Skipping sunscreen under makeup

Even if your foundation has SPF, it is rarely enough on its own. A dedicated sunscreen layer underneath provides the full protection your skin needs.

Mistake: Matching the foundation to your hand

Your hand is usually a different shade than your face. Instead, swatch along your jawline in natural light. The right shade disappears without blending.

Mistake: Applying powder everywhere

If you have dry skin, heavy powder on your cheeks can look cakey and emphasize texture. Try setting only your T-zone and under-eye area, and leave the rest of your face dewy.

Mistake: Rushing between layers

Each product needs a moment to set before the next goes on top. Skipping the wait causes pilling, uneven texture, and shorter wear time. Even 30 to 60 seconds between steps helps.

Mistake: Using dirty brushes

Buildup on your brushes causes uneven color, muddy blending, and can lead to breakouts. A weekly clean keeps your tools working the way they should.  

You might think cleaning your brushes is an optional step, but clean brushes give your makeup the best chance at applying evenly and with the intensity you want. Plus, you can rest easy knowing your tools are as close to bacteria-free as possible. Your skin will thank you later. 

Mistake: Not documenting your looks

Taking a quick photo of your finished look can be more helpful than you think. It lets you track what worked, what didn’t and what you might want to tweak next time. Over time, this simple habit can help you perfect your go-to makeup routine.

Mistake: Running out of staples

When you start to run low on your makeup staples, you want to be sure you are stocking back up and buying what you are running out of before you actually run out of it. If you wait too long, you may find yourself in a situation where you are unable to create the look you want. 

We’ve all been there, reaching for a go-to product only to find it’s empty. The good news? You can skip that moment entirely. Colorescience offers a Subscribe & Save program that delivers your favorites on a schedule that works for you, every 45, 60, or 90 days. You’ll also enjoy 10% off your first order and 15% off every order after that. It’s an easy way to keep your routine running smoothly without the last-minute scramble. Learn more about Subscribe & Save. 

Makeup Application FAQs

What is the correct order of makeup application?

A simple order of makeup application is moisturizer, primer, foundation, concealer, powder, bronzer, blush, highlighter, eye makeup, mascara, lip color, and setting spray. You can adjust this based on your style and coverage needs.

Should I apply foundation before or after eye makeup?

Most people apply foundation before eye makeup to create an even base. But for a bold eye look, doing eye makeup first lets you clean up any fallout before applying foundation.

Do I need both primer and setting spray?

They serve different purposes. Primer creates a smooth base before makeup, while setting spray locks your finished look in place. Using both helps your makeup last longer.

Can makeup also protect my skin from the sun?

Yes. Multi-functional products with built-in mineral SPF can offer sun protection as part of your makeup routine. Tinted sunscreens with iron oxides also help block blue light, adding another layer of defense for your skin.

What are the must-have products for a quick makeup routine?

For a streamlined look, consider a moisturizer, primer with SPF, tinted foundation, mascara, and a lip color with SPF. These five makeup steps cover all key areas and keep your routine fast.