The Basic Guide: Here's How to Do Your Makeup Step-by-Step

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Applying makeup can seem daunting at first, especially with so many products and techniques out there. However, mastering how to do makeup step-by-step can help you achieve a flawless, natural, or glamorous look effortlessly. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this guide breaks down the proper order of beginner makeup steps and offers tips to enhance your final look.

Correct Order Of Applying Makeup

The order in which you apply makeup products can make a significant difference in the final result. Here's a simple breakdown of basic makeup steps:

Primer: Prepares your skin and creates a smooth canvas
Foundation: Evens out skin tone
Concealer: Covers blemishes, dark circles, or imperfections
Powder: Sets the base and controls shine
Blush: Adds a flush of colour to the cheeks
Eyeshadow: Adds colour and definition to your eyelids
Eyeliner: Defines the eyes for a sharper look
Mascara: Enhances the lashes, making them fuller and longer
Lipstick: Completes the look by adding colour to your lips
Setting Spray: Locks in your makeup for long-lasting wear

Following these basic makeup steps ensures that each product works in harmony with the others, resulting in a balanced and long-lasting look.

How To Do Makeup Step-by-Step?

Step 1: Primer

Start with a face primer to create a smooth and even surface for makeup. Apply a small amount of primer all over your face or just on areas that need extra smoothness, such as the T-zone or under the eyes.
Step 2: Foundation

Next, apply foundation. The goal is to even out your skin tone while maintaining a natural finish. You can use a liquid, cream, or powder foundation depending on your skin type. Start in the centre of your face and blend outward using a brush, sponge, or your fingers for a seamless finish.
Step 3: Concealer

Concealer is used to cover dark circles, blemishes, and any areas that need extra coverage. Use a shade that is one or two tones lighter than your foundation for under-eye areas and a shade that matches your skin tone for blemishes. Gently pat the concealer into the skin, avoiding rubbing.
Step 4: Setting Powder

To ensure your base stays put all day, set your foundation and concealer with a translucent setting powder. If you have dry skin, focus on areas prone to creasing, such as under the eyes. Oily skin types may want to lightly dust powder over the entire face.
Step 5: Blush

Blush adds a healthy flush to your complexion. Smile to find the apples of your cheeks, and apply blush in upward strokes toward your temples.
Step 6: Eyeshadow

Now onto the eyes. Start with a neutral eyeshadow shade over your entire eyelid. Then, apply a medium shade to your crease for depth. Finally, use a darker shade on the outer corner of your eyes to create definition, and blend well. If you're going for a bold look, apply a shimmer shade to the centre of your eyelid or inner corner.
Step 7: Eyeliner

Eyeliner adds definition and sharpness to your eyes. You can choose a liquid, gel, or pen eyeliner based on your preference. For a classic look, line your upper lash line close to the lashes or opt for a winged eyeliner look for a more dramatic effect.
Step 8: Mascara

No eye look is complete without mascara. Wiggle the waterproof mascara wand at the base of your lashes and sweep upward to coat each lash. Apply a second coat for added volume and length. Don’t forget to apply mascara to your lower lashes for a balanced look.
Step 9: Lipstick

Finish your look with lipstick. Start by outlining your lips with a lip liner to create definition and prevent feathering. Then, apply your lipstick of choice. For a long-lasting finish, blot your lips with a tissue and reapply a second layer.
Step 10: Setting Spray

To ensure your makeup lasts all day, spray a setting spray evenly across your face. This step locks everything in place and helps prevent your makeup from fading or transferring.

How To Enhance Your Makeup Further?

If you want to take your makeup look to the next level, here are a few additional techniques you can incorporate:

Baking

Baking is a technique where you apply a thick layer of setting powder to areas where your makeup tends to crease (such as under the eyes or the T-zone). Let it sit for a few minutes and then dust it off, leaving a flawless, matte finish that lasts all day.
Tightlining

Tightlining involves applying eyeliner directly to your upper waterline, creating the illusion of fuller lashes and more defined eyes without the appearance of a thick liner.
Overlining Lips

If you want fuller-looking lips, slightly overline the outer edges of your lips with a lip liner. Make sure to blend the liner into your lipstick for a seamless finish.
Highlighting Inner Corners And Brow Bone

Adding a touch of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes and your brow bone can instantly brighten your eyes and give your makeup a more polished, professional look.

Prep Your Makeup Base With The Right Skincare

Before you even reach for your primer or foundation, proper skin care is essential for achieving a smooth and long-lasting makeup look. Here's how to prep your skin:

Step 1: Cleanse

Start by cleansing your skin to remove dirt, oil, and impurities. Use a gentle face wash that suits your skin type, ensuring a clean canvas for makeup application.
Step 2: Exfoliate

Exfoliating once or twice a week helps remove dead skin cells, allowing makeup to go on smoothly. Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can irritate.
Step 3: Moisturise

Moisturising is key to hydrating your skin and preventing dry patches under makeup. Choose a day cream suited to your skin type, lightweight for oily skin, and richer creams for dry skin.
Step 4: Eye Cream

A lifting eye cream can help smooth the delicate skin around your eyes, minimising the appearance of fine lines and reducing puffiness before makeup application.
Step 5: SPF Protection

Always apply sunscreen before makeup, even if you’re staying indoors. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays.

Applying makeup step-by-step not only simplifies the process but also ensures that your makeup looks flawless and lasts throughout the day. By following the correct order of application, enhancing your makeup with advanced techniques, and prepping your skin with the right skincare, you can achieve any look, from a fresh, natural glow to a full-glam night out. So, browse through a wide range of Lancôme makeup products and skincare products for women, master these steps, and you’ll be ready to create stunning makeup looks effortlessly! You can also finalise your makeup by heading to the Lancôme Virtual-Try-On tool that allows you to try a variety of face makeup, eye makeup and lip makeup products from the comfort of your home, without having to spend a penny. Additionally, explore our makeup beauty magazine to learn more about makeup tips, tricks, and looks!