I have been a makeup lover for nearly 20+ years now and can apply a full face in my sleep at this point. LOL But it took me a long time of trial and error with techniques and application for me to find a method that worked for me. Applying your makeup in a certain order is key and I have a step by step makeup routine that I follow nearly every day. Following these steps helps me maximize the effectiveness of the products as well create a look that is polished and well blended.

I know it can be confusing if you are just starting out or aren’t as familiar with makeup application, so I will share my step by step routine of exactly how I apply my makeup each day. What products I use first, second, third, etc. Obviously this is my personal preference and other people could have differing opinions on the correct order. But this has been working for me for nearly 20 years so it’s tried and true for me. Here is a step-by-step application guide that you can follow to help clear up the confusion and streamline the process.

What Order to Apply Makeup

Step 1 – Prep Your Skin

This may seem like an inconsequential part of your makeup steps, but ensuring your skin is nicely prepped before makeup is key to longevity and having your makeup look more natural overall. I will do my entire morning skincare routine first thing but I like to make sure my skin is well hydrated immediately before I apply any primer or foundation. Often my SPF can prep my skin nicely for foundation, but if I don’t apply my foundation right after my SPF then I will use something to add a bit more moisture to my skin.

For this step, I have been using the Rhode Glazing Milk to prep my skin and add some moisture. That added bit of moisture really helped my foundation and all my makeup products apply much more smoothly. If  you skin isn’t properly hydrated, then the rest of your makeup will never look its best. Even for acne prone skin, it is important to ensure the skin is moisturized. There are tons of oil-free moisturizer options that help to add moisture but don’t feel too heavy on the skin.

Step 2 – Apply Your Primer

Please note that you do not HAVE to wear primer if you don’t have one you love. But if you do use a primer, this is the time to apply it. There are a ton of different primers available that do all sorts of things so it’s important to find one that suits your skin type and your skin’s needs. Since I have dry skin, I love adding an illuminating primer to give my skin a bit of a glow before adding my foundation. If you have oily skin or plan to be out in the heat, opt for a mattifying primer or a primer that has a good “grip” to keep your foundation from moving all around during the day.

How Long After Primer To Apply Makeup?

You don’t have to wait more than a minute or two after applying your primer to put on your foundation or complexion products. If the primer specifically states that you should wait longer, be sure to follow the instructions. But if not, it can be applied immediately after.

Step 3 – Apply Foundation

This step is one of the most important steps of my entire makeup routine because my foundation will create a blank canvas for my face. No matter what other products I put on, my foundation will play the biggest role in how my makeup looks throughout the day. My biggest tip in applying foundation is to start with a small amount and build up as you need it. Especially if you are using a foundation that offers medium coverage or full coverage, it’s best to start with a sheer layer and build up. Some people only apply foundation where they feel they need it, and others (like myself) apply foundation over my entire face.

I like to apply my foundation to the four main parts of my face and blend it out from there. I will put a bit on each cheek, my forehead and then on my chin. You can use either a brush or sponge depending on your preference and begin the blending process in the center of the face and work your way out.

Step 4 – Apply Concealer

The foundation/concealer application step is often one that can be the  most confusing because everyone has an opinion on which way works better but for me personally, I like to apply concealer after my foundation. Use concealer to cover a dark under eye area or areas of your face that foundation did not. If I apply concealer first, I will often use too much because I’m trying to conceal a ton of different areas and then adding foundation on top of that is way too much for me.

My foundation usually will cover everything I need and I will only use concealer under my eyes to brighten my dark circles or if my foundation did not cover a specific blemish, then I will dab on a touch of concealer. If you use a color corrector under your eyes, this would also be the step to apply it. In terms of concealer shade, I like something that matches my skin tone almost perfectly rather than choosing something too light.

Step 5 – Eyeshadow Primer

I use an eyeshadow primer nearly every single day to help my eyeshadow stay on longer so this always goes on before I apply eyeshadow. I like to use a designated eyeshadow primer rather than an eyeshadow stick as my base. Often primers are designed to last longer and help with any creasing or fading throughout the day. This eyeshadow primer is still one of my favorites and one that I have been using for nearly 10 years.

Step 6 – Apply Eyeshadow

My chosen eyeshadow often dictates my entire makeup look so I will usually begin there. The only time I will choose to do my eyeshadow before my foundation/concealer is if I am doing a dramatic eye look and I am worried there could be fallout on my cheeks. If that is the case I will do my eyes first, clean up any product fallout and apply my foundation + concealer. However my daily makeup looks are quite natural, so I will do my eyeshadow after my complexion routine.

Step 7 – Apply Eyeliner

I don’t wear pencil liner or liquid eyeliner but if you do, I like to apply it after all of the eyeshadow is blended.

Step 8 – Apply Mascara

After I have completed my eye makeup, I will add a few coats of mascara.

Step 9 – Brows

Doing my brows is actually my least favorite step of my entire makeup routine (getting them even is always a challenge LOL), but it has to be done so I will apply my brow product after mascara. If there is any foundation or makeup on your brows, give them a quick wipe before applying your brow products. This is the final step of my entire eye makeup look.

Step 10 – Loose Powder/Pressed Powder

I don’t apply loose or pressed powder every single time I do my makeup. But if I plan on doing so I will apply it at this step. Most of the time I will only apply powder down the center of my face (t-zone) because that is where I will get shiny (if I do). If my foundation is especially dewy or moisturizing and I want to apply a powder bronzer/blush on my cheeks, I will also apply powder there because I find that a powder bronzer/blush blends better when there is already powder on the face. I used to use a fluffy powder brush to apply my powder, but lately I have been having more success with a powder puff and pressing the powder into my skin. I find that it looks less visible and lasts longer.

Step 11 – Bronzer

Bronzer is a great product that can sculpt your face and add warmth to the complexion. I usually will use either a cream bronzer, liquid bronzer OR a powder bronzer. But if you want to use both, it is best to apply the cream bronzer first and then set that with the powder bronzer. Everyone applies their bronzer in different places so find what works best for you.

I personally only apply bronzer to the outer portion of my cheeks to add some warmth. Some people like to add a bit of bronzer to their forehead along their hairline which is naturally where the sun would hit you. Be sure you are blending enough when applying it to the forehead so that there is a seamless transition from where the bronzer ends. Try to choose a shade that isn’t too dark either or it will create too much of a contrast and not look natural.

 Step 12 – Blush

I like applying blush right after bronzer onto the apples of my cheeks and blending out towards the hairline. I will use either a cream, liquid or powder blush depending on my preference for the day. Some people will use the same technique with blush as they do with bronzer, going in first with a cream blush and setting it with a powder blush to help make it last longer. I have tried that occasionally. But often it can be too much product for me to wear. I prefer to choose just one formula to apply – either a cream or powder blush. The bronzer formula that I have used can dictate the blush I choose because a cream blush blends better with a cream bronzer and a powder blush blends better with a powder bronzer.

 Step 13 – Highlighter

I am a three step cheek gal regardless of the type of makeup I am doing. I always love to apply a bronzer, then a blush and finish with a touch of highlighter on my cheekbones. And I like to add it after I have finished my entire cheek look and tap a bit of it on my cheekbones and slightly over my cheeks to add some glow. I don’t like to add it too close to the corners of my eyes so it doesn’t emphasize any fine lines. Highlighters used to be so bold and intense when they first became popular. But over the years, so many sheer and natural formulas have come out that give the skin a soft summer makeup glow. For the most natural and skin-like highlighter application, I recommend tapping it on with your fingers or with a damp makeup sponge.

Step 14 – Lip Liner

To be honest, I was never a huge lip liner user for most of my life. It always felt unnecessary and an added step that didn’t really make a difference. As I have gotten older, I do feel that a lip liner is a must have daily to help define my lip line better and give my lips more definition. You can either use lip liner just around the edge of your lips. Or if you want to help your lip color last longer, apply it all over the lips. Typically lip liner formulas are quite pigmented and long wearing. So even if your gloss or lipstick has worn off, your lip liner is still there.

When applying lip liner, use short feathery strokes rather than drawing it on like a pencil. This looks more natural and soft and requires less blending afterwards. Usually once I have applied my lip liner, I will smudge it out just a bit with my finger to soften the look even more. I try to follow the natural shape of my lips rather than lining too far outside the edge of my lip.

Step 15 – Lipstick

For many people that aren’t fans of lipstick, they would probably skip this step and throw on a gloss or lip oil as the final step. I love blending lip formulas together so I love applying a lipstick before an oil or gloss. Adding a medium to full coverage lipstick can also aid in ensuring your lip combination lasts longer throughout the day. You can apply it directly from the tube. But another great tip to add just a hint of color is to dab your lipstick on the lips for a softer look.

Step 16 – Lipgloss or Lip Oil

If you are a three step lip lover like myself, this would be the final step – adding your lipgloss or lip oil. I am not a huge matte lip lover so I prefer a tad bit of shine most days. Adding a lipgloss or lip oil can definitely decrease the longevity of your lip combination because it will make the product move around. If this is a concern, my best advice would be to add it only to the center of your lips and blot it around. This will add just a hint of shine but not enough to really disrupt the rest of the formulas you are wearing.

Step 17 – Setting Spray

If you are a setting spray user, this is the step where you would apply it to your completed makeup look. Some setting sprays are great for helping your makeup last longer and some are great for simply adding some moisture back into your skin. Especially if you have used a ton of powder products on your face, using a hydrating setting spray or even a hydrating mist can help minimize that overly powdered look.

How To Layer Makeup

Prep Your Skin

Making sure you prep your skin before makeup with the proper skincare is key for having your makeup layer more easily. If your skin is well hydrated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane, your makeup will blend seamlessly and look better.

Apply Liquid and Creams Before Powders

Powder products are best layered over liquid and cream.

Start With Thin Layers

You can wear a full face of makeup and make it feel weightless on the skin by applying the products in thin buildable layers. You can always add more as needed but it is best to start with less and add more as you want.

Order of Makeup Application For Beginners

Step 1: Prep Your Skin

This is always important so your makeup blends better and looks more natural.

Step 2: Apply Your Foundation or Complexion Product

Evening out the skin tone with your complexion product will give you a nice blank canvas to work off.

Step 3: Swipe a Light Shadow Across the Lids + Mascara

I like to do my eye makeup first before lips or cheeks even if I am doing one eyeshadow or just mascara.

Step 4: Buff Your Bronzer and/or Blush Into the Cheeks

You don’t have to use both especially as a beginner so choose either bronzer or blush and apply this next.

Step 5: Choose Your Lip Color

Add the lip color of your choice to finish the look.

Step 6: Setting Spray

Even as a beginner, finding a setting spray that can help extend the wear of your makeup is key. Use it as the very final step for your entire look.

Now that you know the steps, it’s time to find my everyday makeup essentials here!

Doing my skincare routines is one of my favorite parts of each day. And as a result, my skin looks and feels better than it has in years. Active ingredients are the foundation of most effective skincare routines. These ingredients are designed to target specific concerns. However, this is a lot of questions about whether ingredients can be used together safely and effectively. Retinol and hyaluronic acid are among the most common ingredients for skin aging, so I am going to talk about whether or not you can use hyaluronic acid and retinol together.

Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid With Retinol

Combining skincare active ingredients can be confusing for many people including myself at times. A skin cycling routine can often help simply the process of how best to use your active ingredients to be the most effective. Getting the most out of retinol and hyaluronic acid is less about using the strongest products and more about building a routine that you can maintain consistently. Retinol and hyaluronic acid can absolutely work together to create a balanced routine that improves both the appearance and overall health of your skin over the long term when used correctly.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found throughout the body. It functions as a humectant, meaning it attracts and holds water. It is often referred to as a hydration powerhouse, but how it naturally declines with age. As a result, aging skin can become dehydrated much easier unless we are putting that hyaluronic acid back into the skin with our skincare products.

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do?

Increasing hydration

Because hyaluronic acid can draw and bind moisture to the skin, applying it can help to increase surface level hydration.

Improving skin elasticity

By adding back moisture into the skin, it can help improve elasticity and firmness.

Creating a plumper appearance

When the skin has improved elasticity and firmness, it will naturally appear more plump and supple.

Softening the appearance of fine lines

Hydrated skin tends to show less fine lines.

Supporting skin barrier function

In order to have a healthy barrier, the skin must be properly hydrated inside and out.

Helping skin feel smoother and more comfortable

Dry and dehydrated skin can feel so uncomfortable so adding in moisture will help to relieve many issues with discomfort.

What Is Retinol

Retinol is one of the most studied and recommended skincare ingredients available. It’s main function is to help speed up cellular turnover and stimulate collagen production.

What Does Retinol Do

Reduce fine lines and wrinkles

By helping to boost collagen production in the skin, the skin will appear more plump and fine lines less noticeable.

Improve skin texture

By speeding up the cellular turnover process, new cells are being produced on the skin giving it a more youthful and smooth appearance.

Support collagen production

Retinol can penetrate the epidermis in order to boost collagen and elastin production.

Address acne concerns

Retinol can help exfoliate the surface of the skin helping to prevent dead skin cells from clogging your pores.

Improve uneven skin tone

By speeding up cellular turnover, pigmented skin is diminished leading to a more even tone complexion.

Minimize the appearance of dark spots

By helping the skin shed those pigmented and damaged cells, it can break up dark spots and areas of hyperpigmentation.

Can You Use Retinol With Hyaluronic Acid

Yes, retinol and hyaluronic acid are compatible ingredients that can be used in the same skincare routine. They do not interfere with each other’s effectiveness. Hyaluronic acid helps support skin hydration while retinol focuses on long-term skin improvement.

How To Use Hyaluronic Acid And Retinol Together

Start with a gentle cleanser.

Ensure you are properly washing your face each night which should include double cleansing if you are wearing makeup or sunscreen. A nourishing cleansing balm is a great first step and be sure to follow it up with a gentle face wash tailored to your skin type.

Apply retinol according to the product directions.

It’s important to follow the exact product directions or prescription instructions when using retinol to avoid any damage to your skin barrier. When used properly, retinol can be incredibly beneficial to the skin but depending on the strength can cause dryness, flakiness, irritation, etc.

Follow with hyaluronic acid to support hydration.

It’s not a necessity but I like to apply my hyaluronic acid serums to damp skin instead of dry skin. I will often just spray a face mist right before I apply the serum so that it traps the moisture on my skin.

Apply a moisturizer to help lock in moisture.

Finishing off your skincare routine with a moisturizer is key to help nourish the skin and protect the skin barrier.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning.

No matter what time of year it is or what the weather is outside, you should always have sun protection on the face. Sun damage even on cloudy days can occur. In order to protect all the hard work you are doing with your skincare routine, be sure to wear a sunscreen every single day.

My Recommended Hyaluronic Acid Products

Sarah Creal Beauty Moisture Source

This is the only skincare product I have tried from Sarah Creal but it is a best seller for good reason. It’s one of the most hydrating and plumping essences I’ve ever tried. An essence is heavier than traditional toners. So it is best used after you have cleansed/toned, but before you apply your serums. Skip a cotton pad and pour the essence into the palm of your hands so you can press it gently into the skin. It’s a bi-phase formula so be sure to shake it up before you apply.

On the Sarah Creal website, it’s described as a liquid moisturizer which is a great description. You could even use it as a serum in your skincare routine if you are in need of added moisture. I use it both morning/night and find that it helps my skin hold onto moisture longer throughout the day. My skin is less dehydrated at the end of the day when I use this regularly in my morning routine. For my nighttime routine, I find it adds another layer of hydration that helps my skin stay balanced.

Medik8 Liquid Peptides

Many hydrating serums focus on simply providing moisture. But the Medik8 Liquid Peptides hydrates the skin as well as visibly plump. From the first time I used this serum, I could instantly notice a difference! My skin immediately looked firmer, more supple and fine lines were noticeably smoothed. After 4 weeks of using it every day, my skin looks so plump and actually feels thicker (not sure if it is but it feels that way LOL). If this is your first time trying the Medik8 line, this serum is a must have! It would easily work into any skincare routine and really targets fine lines and wrinkles better than most of my other hydrating serums. A definite repurchase for me.

The Retinol Products I Love

Mother Science Retinol Synergist (discount code: MAREESYE)

Retinol Synergist helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, smooths texture and firms the skin. It will also help to reduce the appearance of pore size.  The additional benefit of supporting the skin barrier is one of the reasons I was so excited to try this serum because retinol products can often be quite harsh on the skin. So to find one that also provides skin barrier support is rare and what made me love this product even more.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal

This retinol product uses retinaldehyde which works faster than traditional (over the counter) retinol. There are various strengths depending on what your skin can tolerate and you can work up to the stronger levels over time or stick with what works for you. If you really want to target anti-aging concerns such as wrinkles, uneven skin tone and firmness, retinol products are a must have for your skincare routine. I started with using this once a week and worked my way up to every other night.