Applying makeup can sometimes feel like navigating a maze with countless products and techniques to consider. One of the most common questions is: “What should I apply after primer?” This guide will help you understand the steps to follow after primer to achieve a flawless, long-lasting makeup look.
Using simple words and straightforward instructions, this guide will ensure that you feel confident in your makeup application, even if you’re a beginner. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to enhance your natural beauty with ease.
Step 1: Primer
Before we get into what comes after, let’s briefly discuss primer. Primer is essential for creating a smooth base for your makeup. It helps to fill in pores and fine lines, making your skin texture more even and helping your makeup last longer.
Personal Anecdote: I remember the first time I used primer; it was a game-changer. My foundation looked smoother, and my makeup lasted all day without touch-ups. It was like discovering a secret weapon in my beauty routine.
Step 2: Color Corrector
After applying primer, the next step is to address any discoloration or specific skin concerns with a color corrector. Color correctors come in various shades, each targeting different issues:
- Green correctors neutralize redness.
- Orange or peach correctors counteract dark circles and pigmentation.
- Purple correctors brighten dull, sallow skin.
Expert Insight: “After primer, your next step should be a color corrector if you have any specific discoloration or concerns you want to address, such as redness or dark circles.” – Namrata Soni, Celebrity Makeup Artist (Source: Vogue India)
Step 3: Foundation
Once your color corrector is set, it’s time to apply foundation. The foundation evens out your skin tone and provides a base for the rest of your makeup. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose the right foundation: Select a shade that matches your skin tone and type.
- Apply foundation: Start in the center of your face and blend outwards using a brush, sponge, or your fingers.
- Blend well: Ensure there are no harsh lines, blending the foundation into your hairline and jawline for a seamless finish.
Expert Insight: “Once the color corrector is set, apply a thin layer of foundation. Start in the center of your face and blend outwards for a seamless finish.” – Hrush Achemyan, Celebrity Makeup Artist (Source: Hrush Achemyan)
Step 4: Concealer
After foundation, use concealer to address specific areas:
- Under-eye circles: Apply concealer in a triangle shape under your eyes to brighten and lift.
- Blemishes: Dab concealer directly onto blemishes or dark spots and blend the edges.
- Highlighting: Use a slightly lighter concealer to highlight the high points of your face, such as the bridge of your nose, forehead, and chin.
Expert Insight: “After foundation, use concealer to brighten under-eye circles, cover blemishes, and highlight specific areas of your face.” – Patrick Ta, Celebrity Makeup Artist (Source: Patrick Ta Beauty)
Step 5: Setting Powder
Setting your makeup with powder helps to lock it in place and prevent creasing or fading. Use a translucent powder to set your foundation and concealer without adding extra color or texture.
- Application: Use a fluffy brush or makeup sponge to apply powder to your face, focusing on areas that tend to get oily, like the T-zone.
- Blotting: For oily skin, blotting papers can also help to control shine throughout the day.
Expert Insight: “Set your base makeup with a translucent powder to lock it in place and prevent creasing or fading throughout the day.” – Mario Dedivanovic, Makeup Artist (Source: Makeup By Mario)
Step 6: Bronzer, Blush, and Highlighter
Now that your base is set, it’s time to add dimension and color to your face.
- Bronzer: Apply bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and jawline to add warmth and contour your face.
- Blush: Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks for a healthy, natural flush.
- Highlighter: Apply highlighter to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose for a radiant glow.
Personal Anecdote: I love the way highlighter makes my skin look radiant. Even on days when I’m feeling tired, a bit of highlighter on my cheekbones and brow bone makes me look awake and refreshed.
Step 7: Eyeshadow and Eyeliner
Enhance your eyes with eyeshadow and eyeliner. Here’s how:
- Eyeshadow: Start with a neutral base shade all over your lid, then add depth with darker shades in the crease and outer corners. Use lighter shades on the brow bone and inner corners to highlight.
- Eyeliner: Apply eyeliner close to your lash line. You can opt for a subtle line or a dramatic wing, depending on your preference.
Expert Insight: “Once your base is set, you can move on to the rest of your makeup routine, such as bronzer, blush, highlighter, eyeshadow, eyeliner, and lipstick.” – Bobbi Brown, Makeup Artist and Founder of Jones Road Beauty (Source: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics)
Step 8: Mascara and Brows
Complete your eye makeup with mascara and brow products:
- Mascara: Apply mascara to your top and bottom lashes to open up your eyes and make your lashes look fuller.
- Brows: Fill in your brows with a brow pencil or powder to define their shape. Brush them through with a spoolie for a natural finish.
Personal Anecdote: I used to skip filling in my brows, but once I started, I noticed a huge difference. Defined brows frame my face and make my features stand out more.
Step 9: Lipstick
Finish your makeup look with lipstick. Whether you prefer a bold red, a neutral nude, or a bright pink, lipstick can tie your whole look together.
- Application: Line your lips with a matching lip liner, then fill in with your chosen lipstick.
- Blot: Blot with a tissue and reapply for longer-lasting color.
Expert Insight: “For a natural, no-makeup look, you can skip foundation altogether and just use a primer with a touch of concealer where needed.” – Bobbi Brown, Makeup Artist and Founder of Jones Road Beauty (Source: Jones Road Beauty)
Conclusion
Achieving a flawless makeup look involves following a few essential steps after applying primer. Each product has a specific role to play in enhancing your natural beauty and ensuring your makeup lasts throughout the day. By understanding the order and purpose of these products, you can create a makeup routine that works best for your skin type and lifestyle.
While primers can enhance the longevity and appearance of your makeup, it’s not the end of the world if you skip it, especially if your skin is well-prepped. Experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for you. And remember, makeup should be fun and a way to express yourself. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make adjustments as needed.
Over the years, I’ve learned that a well-prepped skin can make a significant difference in how your makeup looks and lasts. On days when I don’t have a primer on hand, I’ve found that using a good moisturizer or sunscreen can provide a decent base for makeup. However, for special occasions or long days, I always reach for my primer to ensure my makeup stays flawless from morning to night.
