The angle of your eyeliner, the undertone of your concealer, and the placement of your blush all contribute significantly to your overall look. A few minor adjustments can have a major impact.
And who better to provide insight into these makeup intricacies than professional makeup artists? That’s why we turned to three experts—Sofia Tilbury, Daniel Martin, and Kelli Anne Sewell—for their essential tips and tricks. These Perfect Makeup Tips Will Guide You from Foundation to Eyebrows, so let’s dive into their step-by-step advice for achieving a flawless finish.
1. Skin Prep
“Charlotte always taught me that great makeup starts with great skincare,” shares Tilbury. Sewell echoes this sentiment, noting that “people often overlook skincare before makeup. Regardless of the products used, if your skin isn’t prepped and hydrated beforehand, you won’t achieve the desired results.”
While the specifics of skin prep can vary by skin type, Martin recommends heavy-duty creams and lightweight hydrating serums for drier skin. An oil can also be added on top, as long as you press it into the skin properly. For those with oilier skin, all three experts suggest a water-based moisturizer containing niacinamide for gentle refinement. Sewell also likes to apply a mattifying stick, such as the Nudestix Blot & Blur Matte Stick ($34), to oily areas like the t-zone.
No matter your skin type, using light layers is crucial. Take the time to massage each layer into the skin and allow a few minutes for absorption before proceeding.
2. Primer
Choosing a primer is a personal decision. Sewell mentions that effective skin prep can sometimes eliminate the need for a primer, while Martin has a different take. “If you plan to wear makeup for more than four hours and won’t be touching up, select a primer that suits your skin type and foundation to help it last,” he advises. He particularly likes Tatcha’s Liquid Silk Canvas ($54), which is water-based and works well for balanced, combination, and oily skin types.
3. Foundation and Concealer
Creating a flawless base is both an art and a science, so let’s break it down step by step.
All three experts prefer applying foundation before concealer. “That way, you only use what you need, which is often much less than you think,” explains Tilbury. However, exceptions exist. For dark circles and hyperpigmentation, she suggests using a peach-toned color corrector to neutralize blue and purple tones before applying foundation and concealer. Martin advises applying a thin layer of cortisone gel to blemishes to reduce redness and act as a barrier. If you have a significant breakout, Sewell recommends using a heavy-duty concealer for spot treatment before applying foundation. Pot concealers like the NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer ($32) work well for this.
When applying foundation, light layers are essential. This prevents a patchy or cakey appearance and allows you to achieve your desired coverage. Be sure to give each layer time to set into the skin for a long-lasting, flawless finish.
4. Powder
Depending on your foundation and concealer formulas, and how long you want your makeup to last, experts generally recommend applying powder right after your base. Martin starts with a loose powder, such as the Make Up Forever HD Skin Shine-Controlling & Blurring Setting Powder ($43), to set his foundation and concealer. Then, he applies a pressed powder to specific areas that need extra mattifying, like the t-zone and concealed acne. He finishes by using a radiant loose powder with a fluffy eyeshadow brush to set and blur under the eyes.
Tilbury prefers a pressed setting powder on the center of her face, focusing on mattifying the t-zone while leaving the high points looking fresh and glowing. She often uses the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder($48), which she presses over blemishes to eliminate shine and enhance texture. For Sewell, the amount and placement of powder depend on her desired look; for a natural effect, she limits powder to the t-zone, but for a full glam or long-lasting look, she applies it all over.
5. Bronzer and/or Contour
Adjust your bronzer or contour application technique based on your desired outcome. “Applying directly to the skin and blending with a brush is a great method for achieving a glowing, sculpted effect,” Tilbury shares. “Alternatively, warming the product with your hands can provide a more sheer, natural finish.”
For a “contoured-from-within” look, Martin prefers to apply cream contour before foundation to create a depth that appears to come from beneath the makeup. While applying bronzer or contour directly to the skin is quicker and offers more coverage, using a brush and buffing it into your hands first allows for a layered, softer appearance.
To define and lift your features, glide your contour or bronzer high along the cheekbones, then tap it into the temples, jawline, and sides of the nose, blending with a tapping motion.
6. Blush and/or Highlighter
Sewell provides excellent advice for avoiding patchy or streaky blush: “If your blush looks off, you may be applying too much pressure. A good rule of thumb is to hold your brush further back to apply less pressure.” She recommends using light patting motions rather than dragging the product across the skin.
Meanwhile, Martin stresses the importance of product formulation. For powder blushes, ensure your foundation is set with powder first. He likes to apply cream blush with a brush, followed by a damp sponge to eliminate streaks.
7. Eyes
There’s an ongoing debate in the beauty world about whether to do eyes or complexion first. “The order is a matter of personal preference,” Sewell says. “I prefer starting with the face as it helps me envision the eye look I want to achieve.” However, Tilbury shares some tips for a great eye look: “Many people make the mistake of applying products in a way that drags their features down. Always look straight ahead in the mirror when doing your eye makeup to ensure proper placement of eyeshadow and eyeliner.”
For those unsure, a neutral eye look is a reliable choice. A neutral four-shade palette like the Tom Ford Eye Color Quad Palette ($90) in Sous Le Sable can be a foolproof option: apply the middle shade all over, the lightest in the inner corner, the shimmer on the lid, and the darkest in the crease and outer corners.
8. Mascara
We’ve all experienced that moment when a sneeze ruins our mascara application, leaving behind unsightly smudges. Thankfully, the pros have a solution. Martin recommends using a pointed cotton bud lightly soaked to spot-treat any mishaps.
9. Brows
Martin prefers to start his makeup routine with brows, explaining, “They set the framework for your application. Plus, it prevents your brows from appearing too heavy when there’s nothing else on your face.” Sewell also begins with a brow gel to avoid flakes from the foundation getting stuck in the hairs before filling them in later.
For natural-looking brows, use thin, hair-like strokes to fill in sparse areas with light pressure. For added definition, try using two shades—one matching your hair color and another slightly lighter.
10. Setting Spray
Both Sewell and Tilbury advocate for using a setting spray as the final step in your makeup routine. Sewell explains that it helps meld the makeup together and locks in your hard work. Both experts recommend Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray ($38). Martin recently became a fan of setting spray, citing BeautyBlender’s Boost 4-in-1 Setting Spray ($33) as his new favorite due to its versatility across skin types.
These Perfect Makeup Tips Will Guide You from Foundation to Eyebrows and ensure that you achieve a polished, beautiful look with ease!
