Remove dirt or makeup by wiping from the center outwards, applying gentle pressure. You may need several wipes. Repeat the process to make sure you get everything – even stuff that isn’t necessarily visible. [2] X Research source
Massage in the cleanser using circular motions, beginning at your hairline and working your way down toward your neck. Rinse your face thoroughly, rinsing at least 10 times, then pat your face with a towel so that it’s damp, but no longer wet. [4] X Research source
If you’re doing a daytime routine, you can skip applying serum.
For acne issues, look for serums that include vitamin C, retinol, zinc, and salicylic acid. For dry skin look for formulas that include vitamin E, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid. To brighten your skin look for serums that include antioxidants like green tea extract. [6] X Research source If you have very sensitive skin, swap the moisturizing and serum steps. This can help reduce skin irritation and therefore redness by preventing the full effect of your serum’s potent ingredients. [7] X Research source
Massage in your moisturizer using upward strokes to ensure the moisturizer soaks in to your pores. [8] X Research source Avoid your lashes. Moisturizing cream travels on its own, so avoid massaging moisturizer directly into your lashes. You don’t want to risk burning your eyes and the moisturizer will find its way there on its own. [9] X Research source
You’ll have to wait until the rest of your products have dried – about ten minutes – to apply your sunscreen to make sure it soaks into your skin and actually provides protection. You should apply sunscreen to both your face and your neck. Make sure the sunscreen has fully absorbed into your skin before applying makeup.
You should use a special eye primer if you’re planning on using quite a bit of eye makeup. You can also apply lip balm during this step to prep your lips. This step is particularly important if you’re using lipstick (rather than a gloss), which can dry out your lips. [12] X Research source Apply all of your liquid and cream products, like primer, foundation, and concealer, directly on top of your skincare products. [13] X Research source [v161376_b02]. 26 May 2020.
Choose your concealer based on the color of the blemishes you want to conceal and by looking for opposite colors on the color wheel. So, for example, if you want to cover up the blue circles under your eyes, look for an orange-hued concealer. Cover up redness with green. [16] X Research source Use concealer that is a shade lighter than your skin tone to conceal scars, blemishes, and sun damage. To properly conceal the bags under your eyes, apply concealer in what’s called a “Hollywood V” pattern. Start at one corner of your eye, draw a v under the middle of your eye (about an inch you’re your face) and then connect to other corner before filling in. [17] X Research source Lightly dust translucent powder under your eyes and nose to set your foundation.
You generally want to choose a bronzer that’s one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone. You want it to look like the natural contours of your face once you’re done blending, so don’t go too dark.
If you’re using a cream blush, apply it before you set your foundation with powder. If you apply a liquid or cream product on top of powder, the product will clump, and it will often change color or texture. [19] X Research source [v161376_b02]. 26 May 2020.
Use shadows the opposite color of your eyes to make your eyes stand out. So if you have blue eyes, you should use shadows with orangey undertones. For green eyes use purples. Brown eyes are neutral so most colors look good, but blue and purple work best. [21] X Research source To add definition to your eyes, use a light bronzer in your crease (the area halfway between your eyebrow and your lash line). Use highlighting/contouring technique to address droopy eyes by applying highlighter above your crease and then blend a darker shadow into the fold that you want to recede. Make sure you blend these together well so it looks natural. [22] X Research source
Make your eyes look longer by applying black eyeliner to your upper and lower lash lines. Start from the middle of your eye and work your way out to the corner of your eyes. Make sure you connect the lines on your upper and lower lash lines at the corner of your eye. [24] X Research source If you have very small eyes, only line the outer third of your eyes. [25] X Research source [v161376_b02]. 26 May 2020. To naturally define your eyes, use a black or brown pencil on the inner upper rims of your eyes only. Don’t draw on your eyeliner in one continuous line – your pencil or brush will likely catch on your eyelid and interrupt the line. Instead, apply your eyeliner in a series of short dashes from the inner corner to the middle of your eye and then from outer corner to the middle, meeting in the middle. [26] X Research source
Apply two to three coats of mascara to ensure adequate coating.
If you’re applying brow powder, work against the grain of the hair in a powder a shade or 2 lighter than your natural hair color. If you’re using a pencil, apply it in light, hair-like strokes to get a natural look.
You can also use a setting spray to set your makeup. [30] X Research source [v161376_b02]. 26 May 2020.
You can dab a bit of lip gloss at your cupid’s bow and the middle of your lower lip for a natural looking pouty lip. [32] X Research source Always use lip liner if you’re wearing lipstick to keep the color from bleeding outside the lip line and to achieve a vibrant, lasting result. You can skip it if you’re wearing gloss. You can use a neutral color of lip liner or one that matches the shade of your lipstick.
