April 07, 2021 8 min read

Makeup is transformative.

A well-applied face of makeup makes us feel powerful. It boosts our confidence. Some of us even use it as an outlet for self-expression.

Flawless makeup application prepares us for whatever the world has in store for us that day. If our coverage is spot on, we know we can face anything!

A strong woman with flawless makeup application

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And, in the same way that we cook a good meal, there are techniques for makeup application.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how to apply foundation like a professional or you’re not sure which order to apply your concealer (before or after the foundation), then you’ve come to the right place.

From primer to powder, we’ll reveal the secrets on how to apply makeup flawlessly with our step-by-step tutorials.

Scroll down or click on a link below for specific application tips for each type of makeup product.

Contents

Preparation is everything

The best order to apply makeup

Gel, cream, or powder formula?

Step 1. How to apply primer

Step 2. How to apply foundation

Step 3. How to apply concealer

Step 4. How to apply loose powder

Step 5. How to apply bronzer

Step 6. How to apply blush

Preparation is everything

Don’t worry, you don’t need to spend too much time preparing for a flawless makeup look but for best results we really recommend you do the following:

1. Practice a skin care routine

A good foundation can look amazing but it will look even more flawless on healthy skin.

A girl with flawless makeup on glowing skin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A simple, yet consistent skin care routine ensures the removal of dry, flaky skin, as well as any old makeup or dirt lurking in our pores. This not only helps to prevent breakouts, but it also provides us with a smooth canvas for better makeup coverage.

2. Use the right beauty tools for the job

An artist is only as good as their brushes and tools - you wouldn’t catch Monet painting with his fingers!

While applying makeup with our fingertips can improve precision, they’re not covered in dense bristles so the coverage is never going to be as good as a brush.

A woman demonstrating how to apply makeup using the Yubi Miracle Buff Brush

What’s more, you’re asking for breakouts!

Consequently, if you want to apply makeup flawlessly, we recommend using the right beauty tools.

What’s the best makeup brush for the job?

The Best Order to Apply Makeup

What comes first, foundation or concealer?

Don’t worry, we got you!

If you’ve ever wondered about the order or want to know how to blend foundation correctly, check out our step-by-step makeup tutorials below to show you how to apply your makeup without streaks.

Gel, Cream, or Powder Formula?

Which one is best for flawless makeup application?

Well, it can depend on the type of makeup product you are using but the general rules are as follows:

  • Liquid-based formulas are better for those with dry skin
  • Powder formulas are more suited to oily skin types.
  • Combination skin types should use different formulas depending on the areas of application and where they experience dry or oily skin.

Step 1. How to apply primer

Have you ever had to decorate your house?

If you have, then you’ll probably know the importance of creating an undercoat on the walls before applying any paint. Primer is essentially the same thing!

A paintbrush demonstrating how to apply primer before your makeup

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It ensures better adhesion of makeup to the surface of your face and helps keep the coverage even.  How?  It fills in all of the tiny crevices and creates a smooth texture over your skin.

Ok, so how do you apply primer?

1. Make sure your face is moisturized before applying primer

Remember the importance of a good skin care routine!

2. Apply and blend primer 

Add a pea-sized blob of primer to your favorite makeup brush or sponge.

Start with the T-zone and blend the primer into your skin using circular motions.

Blend outwards until you have covered your forehead, cheeks, and chin.

3. Wait 60 seconds for it to dry

Step 2. How to apply foundation

Getting your foundation application right is the difference between having smooth glowing skin and looking like a streaky orange.

Here’s our step-by-step guide to applying foundation like a pro:

1. Watch this foundation makeup tutorial video

Check out @sosodoesmakeup to see how she perfectly applies her foundation in under 30 seconds:

  

 

2. Decide on foundation coverage

Depending on how much you want to cover, choose between lightweight (e.g. sheer, hydrating), medium (e.g. satin-finish, semi-matte), and full-coverage (e.g. matte) foundation.

3. Choose your shade of foundation

Find yourself a shade of foundation that matches your skin color. To make sure it suits you, we recommend applying it to your face and looking at yourself in a mirror under natural light.

4. Apply and blend foundation

Add a few drops of foundation to the main areas of your face (forehead, nose, cheeks, chin).

A woman giving a tutorial on how to apply foundation flawlessly

Use a makeup brush with dense bristles (like  Yubi’s Miracle Buff Brush) and blend the foundation out towards the hairline and jawline.

Switch to a makeup sponge (such as  Yubi’s Blend Sponge) to grab any excess product that might result in creases, patches and clumps.

How to absolutely melt foundation into your skin

Step 3. How to apply concealer

Pimples and blemishes are common skin features and a normal part of everyday life but concealer can act as a magic wand for when we want that flawless look.

Although some swear by using concealer first, many experts agree that using foundation afterward can  wipe away the coverage.

Therefore, we recommend using concealer AFTER foundation.

Want to know how to apply concealer like a professional?

1. Watch this concealer tutorial video

Check out Master Hair Stylist & Certified Pro Makeup Artist, J’hanna’s concealer tutorial for her top tips on how to apply it for flawless coverage:

 

 

2. Choose the right color of concealer

For dark circles, sun spots, and age spots, peach concealer is best.

Hide red patches and hyperpigmentation with green or yellow shades.

Or choose a color that’s close to your skin tone for easier to hide blemishes.

3. Pick stick or liquid concealer

A stick or pencil concealer is perfect for precision and provides heavier coverage for those pesky pimples.

Liquid concealer is better for larger areas and is used for light coverage, such as for circles under the eyes or wrinkles around the mouth.

4. Apply and blend concealer

For light coverage, apply a small amount of liquid concealer to any problem areas and gently blend in using a damp sponge or makeup brush.

For heavier coverage, apply stick concealer directly to problem areas and blend out.

Step 4. How to apply loose powder

Once your concealer has dried, it’s time to set your face using makeup powder.

We have to be careful here in case we end up applying too much and giving ourselves the dreaded caked makeup face.

Face powder for makeup application

We’ll demonstrate how to apply makeup powder for a gorgeous natural finish:

1. Watch this video tutorial to see how to apply powder using the Yubi Miracle Buff Brush

Unlike other brushes (or your hands!) Yubi can go from liquid to powder and from one color to the next, all without cleaning or changing in between.

And it will give you a superior, airbrush-quality finish to boot.

 

  

2. Choose a makeup powder that disappears

You’ll want a powder that so perfectly matches your skin color that it disappears once applied.

Although these don’t work for everyone, you can also try experimenting with translucent powders as these can be a great way to get rid of oil and shine while blending in with your skin tone.

3. Use a decent makeup brush

We recommend either using a large fluffy brush or an all-in-one makeup brush, such as  Yubi’s Miracle Buff Brush.

A diagram of Yubi's all-in-one brush for liquid, gel, and powder makeup application

4. Apply loose powder using a makeup brush

Dip the makeup brush in your powder and tap on the side of the container to get rid of excess.

Starting with the T-zone, gently buff the powder into the skin using circular movements before moving to the forehead and cheeks.

Use a clean brush to gently sweep any excess powder off the skin.

Step 5. How to apply bronzer

It’s time to give your skin that sunkissed glow by applying your bronzer. But how do you avoid making your face look orange or dirty?

How to apply bronzer to prevent orange/dirty skin

Follow our step-by-step guide to bronzer application and you’ll look like you’ve just stepped off a beach in Hawaii, each and every time you apply your makeup!

1. Watch this video tutorial for flawless bronzer application

 

2. Choose a shade that’s no more than 2 shades darker than your skin

The trick with bronzer is to make it look as natural as possible, so you may have to change the shade depending on what time of the year it is.

Bronzers also come in different undertones, so try to pick a bronzer that matches the undertone of your skin.

For example, copper shades are great for olive skin tones, peach/pink bronzers are more suitable for those with fair skin that’s easily sunburnt, and some dark skin tones suit more golden/caramel hues.

3. Apply and blend bronzer

It’s important not to apply bronzer after loose powder to prevent it from sticking to your foundation. Applying it last also gives you that gorgeous glowing finish.

Dip your brush or sponge into the bronzer and blow/knock-off any excess before applying it first to your cheeks.

You’ll need to apply the bronzer in a ‘3’ shape on each side of your face.

A woman applying her makeup powder for a flawless finish

Start from your cheeks and sweep the bronzer in a curved motion up to your temples and then back down along your jawline. Use small circular motions to blend out.

Without re-dipping your makeup brush, sweep it down your nose and across your forehead to give your skin that suntouched glow without making it look dirty.

4. Contour (optional step)

Some of you may want to use your bronzer to contour your face to create further definition.

To do this, lightly dust bronzer underneath your best parts, such as your jawline and cheekbones and then blend out. This will create shadows to accentuate these areas.

The key here is to go lightly and blend, blend, blend!

Step 6. How to apply blush

Blush is one of those seemingly simple but actually pretty difficult makeup products to apply. It’s relatively easy to get this wrong and end up looking like Jigsaw from the Saw movies...

Blush product opened and ready for application to the face

But not if you follow our simple steps for flawless blush application!

1. Watch this makeup tutorial on how to apply blush

 

2. Choose a natural shade of blush

You’ll want to match your blush to the color your cheeks naturally flush to.

For example, if you have darker skin then you will want a deeper and more pigmented color. Pale complexions look better with a cooler pink and those with olive skin might want to choose a more apricot pink.

 

3. Smile and identify your smile line

Gauge where you should apply your blush by smiling and taking notice of the areas that become more pronounced - these are the apples of your cheeks!

A woman identifying her smile line for blush application

Place your finger at one side of your mouth, along the smile line. When you apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, make sure you don’t cross over this line towards your mouth.

4. Apply and blend blush

Swirl your makeup brush lightly into your blush and then blow/knock-off the excess product.

Always start with less blush than you think you need! You can always build the color up later as required.

Apply the blush to your cheeks in gentle patting motions and then make circular motions to blend out.

Without re-dipping your makeup brush into the blush, finish by making larger outward sweeping motions and gently dust the brush across your nose for a natural hint of color.

Flawless Makeup!

So there you have it, you now know how to apply makeup flawlessly.

Click here for more makeup tutorials


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