When should I put on makeup?

Posted on June 25 2019

Concealer after foundation? Blush before eyebrows? The order in which you should apply your makeup is a controversial topic , largely due to the differing opinions on what products should land on your face first.

But never fear—we’re breaking down the exact sequence for putting on makeup to help take out some of the guesswork and have you looking flawless. The general rule of thumb? After going through your skincare routine (check out the correct order to apply your skincare products) consider the texture and staying power of what you put on next, and don’t be afraid to slightly alter the process to make it work for you.

Check out our step-by-step application guide—along with some of our favorite beauty products—below.

Step 1: Primer & Color Corrector

Using a primer and/or color corrector is optional, but if you choose to use either (or both) it should be done directly after your skincare routine. This will smooth and even out your complexion and help product stay put longer.

Step 2: Foundation

Foundation acts as a foundation (no pun intended) on which to build your other makeup. Look for a formula that will enhance your skin type and tone—this will help set your other products properly. if you have even skin, you can skip foundation entirely and dab a few spots of concealer on your trouble spots instead.

Step 3: Concealer

Always use concealer after putting on foundation to avoid using more product than necessary and to stop your skin from appearing cakey. Dab our buildable Cream Concealer on the spots that need more coverage (under your eyes, over blemishes, etc.), and then soften the edges with a Blender Brush.

Step 4: Blush, Bronzer, & Highlighter

To give your complexion a finishing touch, add a pop of color on your cheeks with blush, get your glow on with a shimmering highlighter, and/or try your hand at contouring with our Mineral Bronzer. Layer creams under powders if you choose to use both.

Step 5: Eyeshadow, Eyeliner, & Mascara

Coated eyelashes can get in the way when you’re trying to nail winged liner, so swipe on your mascara after applying your eyeshadow and eyeliner.

Step 6: Eyebrows

The intensity of your eyebrows should complement the rest of your makeup, so shape and fill your arches with our Cream Brow Pencil to match your entire look. (Pro tip: Feel free to interchange Steps 4, 5, & 6 depending on your preference)

Step 7: Lips

Because it's the easiest to reapply as the day wears on, applying your lip color is always a good final step in your makeup routine, whether you’re simply dabbing on some tinted gloss or doing a full look with liner and lipstick.

Step 8: Setting Spray or Powder

You can use one, both, or neither, but these two products (try our Sea Mineral Hydra Mist or Mosaic Illuminator) are made to help your makeup last longer and look better as the day goes on—apply them right before you head out the door.

Frequently Asked Questions: How To Apply Makeup Steps

With so many ways to create a BEAUTIFUL makeup look, it’s natural to have some questions. Here, Charlotte gives you the answers to some frequently asked questions about the correct order of makeup application.

Should I do my eyebrows before or after foundation?

Foundation should be one of the first steps in your makeup routine order to give your makeup look a beautiful-looking canvas! Once you’ve applied your colour corrector, apply your foundation, concealer, powder, bronzer and highlighter. Then, you’re ready to create your supermodel brows! If you apply your foundation after your brows, your foundation may be more difficult to blend as you will be trying to avoid your newly-perfected brows!

Should I apply concealer or foundation first?

If you’re wondering, ‘What goes first, concealer or foundation?’ then you’ve come to the right place. Foundation should be applied first to give overall coverage. Depending on the formula you use, you may be left with areas that need some extra coverage and this is where concealer comes in! Concealer will conceal, correct and brighten the look of any areas that are still showing dark circles, blemishes and dark spots for an overall flawless beauty look!

Do you need to use powder after foundation?

Powder is a great way to manage shine and help your makeup last for longer. For this reason, it’s best to apply it after your foundation. For makeup with serious staying power, Charlotte recommends her Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray to lock in your beauty look in seconds!

Should you apply setting spray after foundation?

Charlotte’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is an oil-free and hydrating setting spray that primes your makeup and sets it in place for up to 16 hours*! It can be applied both before and after your foundation, due to the fact it PRIMES and SETS your makeup!

Tilbury Tip: Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray can also be spritzed on your face throughout the day to give your makeup a MAGICAL refresh with a fresh and weightless veil of hydration!

Do you contour before or after foundation?

You should apply your foundation before your contour to create a SEAMLESS canvas for your contour makeup! Charlotte’s guide on how to contour tells you everything you need to know about FLAWLESS contouring for the look of a perfectly sculpted complexion!