A clear makeup application order saves time and gives a smoother result. Products are designed to sit on top of one another in a certain way. In the wrong order, creams drag over powder, concealer is wiped away and sunscreen is thinned out. One principle explains almost every step: liquids and creams first, powders after.
The full order
| Step | Product | Why here |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skincare: cleanser, moisturizer | Makeup sits best on comfortable, hydrated skin |
| 2 | Sunscreen | Needs to form an even film directly on skincare |
| 3 | Primer (optional) | Creates a smooth layer for foundation |
| 4 | Foundation | Evens out the whole face |
| 5 | Concealer | Covers only what foundation did not |
| 6 | Cream bronzer, blush, highlighter | Blend into the base while it is still creamy |
| 7 | Setting powder | Locks the creams in place |
| 8 | Powder bronzer, blush, highlighter | Glide over a powdered surface |
| 9 | Eyebrows | Frame the face before the eyes |
| 10 | Eyeshadow, eyeliner | Shape and color the eyes |
| 11 | Mascara | Last on the eyes, so powder does not dust the lashes |
| 12 | Lips: liner, then color | Finished last to stay clean |
| 13 | Setting spray (optional) | Holds everything together |
You will rarely use every step. Take out what you do not need and keep the order of the rest.
The rules behind the order
Skincare and sunscreen come first
Give moisturizer and sunscreen a few minutes to settle. Makeup applied on wet skincare slides and pills. Do not mix sunscreen with foundation, because that dilutes the protection. See Morning Skincare Routine: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide.
Cream before powder
Cream products need a slightly tacky surface to blend. Put a cream over powder and it catches and goes patchy. If you have already powdered, switch to powder blush and bronzer.
Foundation before concealer
Foundation does a lot of the covering. Applying it first means you use less concealer and do not wipe it away while blending. See How to Apply Concealer for a Smooth Finish. The exception is color corrector, which usually goes under foundation or concealer.
Thin layers
Each layer should be thin and blended before the next. Thick layers move and look heavy.
Eyes first or face first?
Both work. Choose by the look.
- Face first is quicker for simple eye makeup and helps you judge how much color you need.
- Eyes first is better for dark or glittery eyeshadow. Fallen powder can be wiped from bare skin, and then you apply your base.
If you do your face first and are using dark eyeshadow, hold a tissue under the eye or dust loose powder there to catch fallout, then sweep it away.
A five-minute version
- Moisturizer and sunscreen.
- Tinted moisturizer or light foundation where needed.
- Concealer under the eyes and on spots.
- Cream blush.
- Mascara and brow gel.
- Tinted balm.
Everyday Makeup: A Simple Look for Work or College expands this into an everyday look.
Common order mistakes
- Powdering before cream blush.
- Applying sunscreen over makeup as the first and only layer. Sunscreen belongs underneath, with top-ups later.
- Doing lips before a dusting of powder, which dulls the color.
- Applying mascara before eyeshadow, so powder settles on the lashes.
- Rushing skincare, so that foundation pills.
Where setting products go
Powder goes after cream products and before powder color. Setting spray goes last. For more hold, some people also mist lightly after foundation. Setting Powder vs Setting Spray: When to Use Each explains both.
Where each tool fits
Use sponges and dense brushes for liquids and creams, fluffy brushes for powders, and small brushes for eyes. Wash your hands before you start, and work with clean tools.
If you are still building your collection, Beginner Makeup Kit: Essential Products to Start With lists what to buy first.
Related on ArniSun
Frequently asked questions
Does concealer go on before or after foundation?
After, in most cases. You need less concealer, and it stays where you put it.
Should I do my eyebrows before or after foundation?
After foundation and powder. Brow products grip better on a dry surface, and foundation will not smudge the shape.
Where does primer go in a makeup routine?
After skincare and sunscreen and before foundation. Let sunscreen set first.