How To Apply Makeup Step By Step Like a Pro
Learn how to nail your makeup look every time.
Figuring out how to apply makeup—and make it last all day—can feel a little overwhelming, especially when you're scrolling through endless tutorials that skip the basics. So if you’re wondering how to apply makeup step by step or what the right makeup routine order looks like, you’re in the right place.
This beginner-friendly guide covers everything from prepping your skin to following the proper order of makeup application. Whether you’re getting ready for work, a night out, or just practicing your skills, our simple makeup steps below will help you get smooth, natural-looking results every time.
Hi everyone, my name is LJ and today I'm going to be showing you how to achieve the super easy, beginner friendly makeup look featuring all L'Oreal Paris products. So without further ado, let's get right into it. To start off my makeup routine, I'm going to start off with a primer. It's so important for you to start off with priming your skin, because it allows you to create the perfect canvas for your makeup. And to do that, I'm going to use the L'Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion. The reason why I really like using this is because it gives your skin this really nice glow from within look, which is exactly what we're going for. I like applying this all over my face first, before going in with foundation. Now, when it comes to foundation, the L'Oréal True Match Super Blendable Foundation is a go-to. Not only is it a medium coverage foundation, but it gives a really nice skin-like finish. This foundation is also beginner friendly, so if you're getting into makeup, this is a perfect foundation to start your makeup journey. It comes in so many different shades that could work on so many different undertones and skin tones. And I love that the formula can work on all skin types. Now to apply the foundation, I like to shake it up first and then use about two drops of this foundation. And then I like to take a little bit of that foundation and distribute it across my face. The shade that I'm using is W9.5, which is a perfect shade match for my skin tone. It doesn't have too much of that yellow or that orange tone to it. It's like the perfect warmth for my skin. And as you can see, the foundation is super easy to blend and the shade match is perfect. This foundation is a hydrating formula, so it really helps to give your skin this fresh looking finish. Now, when it comes to concealer, you want to use a concealer that's going to help cover up discoloration under your eyes. For concealer, I really love the L'Oréal Infallible Full Wear Concealer because this is a waterproof formula. It doesn't transfer it doesn't fade, and it doesn't flake on your skin even if you're a beginner. So the shade that I'm using for this concealer is 415 Honey. And for concealer, what I like to do is I like to apply a little bit at the back of my hand. This concealer is a full coverage concealer. So as a beginner it's important to build up the coverage as you go. And then I like to take the concealer on a sponge and then apply it under my eyes. I like to focus it on the areas of my face where I experience a lot of discoloration, which is normally under my eye area. This will allow you to build up the concealer to the coverage that you need, instead of going in with too much where you can take it away. If you feel like you need more, you can just tap back into your hand and go in and apply a little bit more. So you get full time wear that is locked in all day long. It also has a really nice creamy texture. It's not greasy and it's super easy to apply. So you're applying the concealer right where light reflects on your skin, which is under your eyes and at the center of your face. And as you can see, this concealer is a full coverage concealer. It covers up all the discoloration under my eyes and it also helps to brighten up my skin. The undertone is also perfect for my skin tone, so you wanna to make sure to get a concealer that is about 2 to 3 shades lighter than your skin to add back dimension to your skin after you've applied your foundation. For blush, I really love the L'Oréal Lumi blushes. The reason why I really love these blushes is because they're super lightweight on the skin. They're also really great for all skin types. So the thing that I also really love about these blushes is that they come in so many different shades. So I'm gonna go in with this shade right here, which is 635. This shade right here is perfect if you have a deeper and darker skin tone and if you have a lighter skin tone, this shade right here would be perfect, which is 610. So I like to focus the blush on the highest points of my cheekbones and just apply a small amount and then using my fingers, I like to blend it out. These blushes are really easy to blend. They melt on the skin, and blending the blush out with your fingers is really going to help you maintain that color and the coverage. As you can see, the blush melted into my skin. It's super easy to blend and easy to work with, so it’s definitely beginner friendly. Now this blush gave my skin a little bit of a glow, but I like to add in a little bit more. To do this I used the Lumi Le Glow highlighter stick. This is a really easy to apply highlighter stick, and I feel like it gives your skin that perfect glow without making your skin look washed out or looking ashy. So I like to apply the highlighter on the highest points of my cheekbones, and I like where place the blush, but a little bit higher closer towards under my eye area. This is gonna give you this really nice natural glow. It'll look like you're glowing from within. Also I like to take a little bit and apply it on my nose area for that button nose effect. Now to absorb all the natural oils on your skin and to set the liquid and cream products that we just applied, You want to go in with a setting powder. And for setting powder, my go to right now is the L'Oréal Infallible Blur-Fection. Setting powders. I love that the setting powder can last up to 24 hours, and it's also a blurring setting powder so it helps to blur out your skin. It does come in loose form. So I have the pink shade here which is 05 Pink Medium Deep. This is the shade that I'm going to use. And then another shade that they have is 15 Translucent Medium Deep. This is a perfect shade if you have a medium or darker skin tone, but if you're looking to brighten up your skin, I would say the pink shade is perfect. Today I'm gonna use both shades, and I'm gonna show you guys how I like to use the pink shade and how I like to use this Translucent Medium Deep shade. So first I'm gonna go in with the pink shade and swirl that on my brush. And I like to focus the shade under my eyes. So all the areas where I applied concealer I like to set it with this pink shade. This is gonna help brighten up your skin and like I mentioned, it helps to absorb oils and to set that concealer in place. And then on my forehead area and on my chin area. And then for the shade Translucent Medium Deep, I like to take it in on a brush as well. Using this shade, I like to focus it on the perimeter of my face. This is gonna help set that foundation and that primer that we just applied. It's gonna help it stay in place so that it lasts all day long. Now look at this before and after. So this is before setting it in place. It still looks glowy, but you can see that there's a little bit of oils that come from my skin naturally. And on this side, I've set all those products in place. I've absorbed all those excess oils and you still get to maintain that glow from the blush and the highlighter. Now, bronzer is supposed to add warmth to your skin, so it's supposed to give your skin a nice sunkissed glow. And for bronze, I'm gonna use the L'Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear Bronzer. This is in the shade 550 Deep Dark. This bronzer is a really nice rich shade. As you can see, it's a shade that could really add warmth to my skin. And for bronzer, I like to take an angled brush. And then I like to focus it right above my cheekbones, right before where I applied that highlighter. And I like to just tap that into my skin to bring back color and dimension to my skin. And then whatever's left on the brush, I like to apply it on my temples and my forehead area. These are areas of my face where the sun naturally hits. So those are the areas where you wanna place this bronzer and then a little bit on your jawline as well to add some structure to your face. It's also a powder bronzer that gives your skin a soft, matte finish. It's waterproof and it's budge-proof, which we absolutely love. Now for eyebrows, I'm using the Brow Stylist Definer. This is a very fine tip shaping eyebrow pencil. I like to start with the spoolie side to brush up my hairs upwards. This just make sure that all my eyebrow hairs are going in one direction, and then I go in with the pencil side. So the shade that I'm using is Dark Brunette. I like to use this dark brown shade because it's similar to the natural hairs of my eyebrows and my hair, and I just like to use this pencil to fill in my eyebrows. So I like to focus on the bottom and drag it upwards and just fill in my entire eyebrows with this shaping pencil. Now, to lock your entire makeup look, you wanna use a good setting spray. And for this, I'm gonna use the Infallible Makeup Setting spray. This is gonna make your makeup defy transfer, locks in your makeup for up to 36 hours, so this is a perfect setting spray to lock in your makeup to make sure that it doesn't move, and that it stays put all day long. And then we're gonna add some mascara to the lashes. I'm going in with the Panorama Mascara by L'Oréal. I love this mascara because a long wearing mascara and it really helps to add volume to your lashes. It really delivers this thick and fanned-out look. It kinda makes your eyes look much bigger. The formula is also clump-resistant. It's flake-resistant, smudge-resistant, and it just wears beautifully for up to 24 hours. And when it comes to lip liner, you wanna select a shade that is going to add dimension to your lips as well. This is the Colour Riche Lip Liner in the shade Forever Rose. I love this lip liner because it helps to define my lips. It's also infused with omega-3 and vitamin E. I like to use it to create full lips, and I also like to use it to give my lips a bolder look, then going in with Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in the shade 755 Spiced Cider. I love that this shade is so pigmented. It also comes in 52 shades and the formula gives this beautiful satin finish. Then I like to top this look off with a little bit of lip oil, and I'm going in with the Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil. I'm using the shade 101 Cristal clear. This lip oil also infused with hyaluronic acid and tri-peptide, so it's going to help moisturize your lips. It also comes with this cushiony pillow applicator, and it allows for like a really nice, luxurious application. This is going to add shine to your lip look. It's also a non-sticky formula and available in 10 different shades. And there we have it for this makeup look. If you wanna learn more about these products and where to buy them, head over to LOrealParisusa.com. All the links are down below.
Have questions about this article? Ask me! I'm Beauty Genius, your AI Beauty Assistant.
Prep Your Skin for a Smooth Base
When it comes to makeup application, skincare is your foundation—literally. Prepping your skin helps your products go on smoother and stay put longer.
Step 1: Cleanse your skin
Start your makeup routine with a clean, refreshed complexion. You might want to try a gentle exfoliating cleanser such as L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser. This gentle formula helps remove dirt and oil while providing gentle exfoliation to create a smooth, even base for easier makeup application.
Step 2: Hydrate and moisturize
After cleansing, apply a lightweight facial serum and moisturizer to keep your skin soft, plump, and hydrated. This helps your foundation and other makeup products apply more evenly and blend effortlessly.
Step 3: Apply sunscreen
Don’t skip SPF, especially for daytime looks. Choose a formula that offers strong sun protection and works well under makeup without leaving a white cast. For an easier process, you can try using a moisturizer with SPF, such as the L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Moisturizer with SPF 30.
Once you’ve finished your skincare, give it about 15 minutes to fully absorb before moving on to makeup. This helps prevent pilling and gives you a smooth canvas.
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Plan Your Look
Before diving into your makeup routine, take a moment to figure out the look you’re going for. Scrolling through social media can help spark inspiration and guide your product picks.
Once you’ve got your vision, gather your essentials. For a basic makeup routine, here’s a helpful starter list:
- Makeup primer
- Foundation
- Concealer
- Blush and/or bronzer
- Highlighter
- Eyeshadow
- Eyeliner
- Mascara
- Brow products
- Lipstick or gloss
- Lip liner (optional)
- Setting spray
Gather Your Tools
Having your tools on hand before you start will make the process smoother. Some key basics include:
- A clean makeup sponge for blending
- A fluffy powder brush
- A tapered eyeshadow brush
- Cotton swabs for cleanups
Depending on your routine, you might also want a foundation brush, a concealer brush, or an angled brush for brows.
Follow the Right Application Order
One of the most common questions is: What is the correct order to apply makeup? While you can tweak the order to suit your style, here’s a super easy-to-follow makeup application guide to get you started.
This routine is ideal if you’re learning how to apply makeup for beginners or just want to get your makeup steps in order without the guesswork.
Step 1: Apply makeup primer
We always suggest kicking off your makeup routine with a makeup primer tailored to your skin type and needs. The right makeup primer can help smooth your skin, balance your complexion, and keep makeup in place. Apply an even layer, focusing on areas where makeup tends to wear off fastest.
Step 2: Create your base
After priming your skin, even out your complexion with foundation. For seamless, skin-like coverage, try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 32HR Fresh Wear Foundation. It wears for up to 32 hours and boasts a buildable, medium-to-full coverage finish that looks completely natural. Dot the product onto your face with your fingers or a flat brush, then blend it out with a makeup brush or sponge.
If you need extra coverage for dark circles or blemishes, reach for a targeted concealer, such as the L'Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer. The hyaluronic acid and caffeine-infused formula helps brighten and de-puff while camoflauging imperfections with a radiant, medium-coverage finish.
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Step 3: Contour and highlight
Contouring can help enhance your natural bone structure, giving your face shape and definition. For natural-looking results, we suggest using a concealer or contour stick two to three shades few shades darker than your base to define your cheekbones, jawline, and nose. Blend well so it looks soft and natural. (If you need a refresher on the technique, check out How To Contour Your Face Like a Pro).
Next, tap a liquid highlighter, like the L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer, onto your cheekbones, brow bones, nose bridge, and Cupid’s bow. The luminous-finish formula helps reflect light, which can further emphasize your facial structure (and give your skin a gorgeous, lit-from-within glow).
Step 4: Add blush and bronzer
Bronzer can help warm up your complexion and add dimension to your skin. For a naturally sun-kissed look, we suggest using a matte bronzer, such as the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Up To 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer. Use a fluffy brush to sweep the pigmented formula onto your temples, cheekbones, and along your hairline, blending well for a soft, diffused finish.
For added dimension, pair your bronzer with blush—the right formula can help bring your face to life and give your skin a naturally flushed look. We’re fans of the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Up To 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush, which is lightweight, buildable, and wears for up to 24 hours. Sweep the color of your choice across your cheeks, building the pigment to your liking.
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Step 5: Eye makeup
Eye makeup doesn’t have to be complicated to make an impact. A soft wash of pigment across the lids helps accentuate your eye area without overpowering your look. For a super easy application, use a cream eyeshadow stick, like the L'Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick. Swipe the color of your choice across your lids, blending the pigment out with your finger for a soft, seamless blend.
Next, define your eyes with a long-lasting eyeliner, such as the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner. Use the fine brush tip to trace along your upper lash line for a softly-defined look, or flick the liner out at the outer corners to create a subtle wing.
Don’t forget to apply mascara before moving onto the next step in your routine. There are plenty of different types of mascara out there, so choose one that aligns with your preferences and needs. For natural-looking volume and intense length, for example, we recommend the L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Lengthening Mascara—the clump-free formula provides lash-by-lash separation and makes your natural eyelashes look up to 50 percent longer. Plus, it wears for up to 24 hours without fading or transferring.
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Step 6: Shape and set brows
Brows are often the unsung hero of any makeup routine. They frame the face and pull your whole look together. Use a pencil like L'Oréal Paris Faux Brow Hair-Like Brow Filling Pen to lightly fill in any sparse areas. Then, set your shape with a tinted gel—L'Oréal Paris Infallible Up To 24HR Brow Lamination keeps brows in place and adds a touch of volume for a soft, natural look.
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Step 7: Lips
Lips are the final touch in your makeup routine order. For a bold lip look, reach for a matte, full-coverage lipstick, such as the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick. Want something softer? Try a gloss like L'Oréal Paris Paradise Hyaluron Lip Oil for a glossy finish and a subtle wash of flattering color. You can also line your lips with lip liner before applying your chosen lip color for added definition.
Step 8: Lock It In
Once you’ve completed all your steps, seal in your hard work. A good setting spray, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist, will keep your makeup looking fresh for longer and help prevent fading.
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Next Up: How To Fix and Prevent Cakey Makeup
Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris
