Makeup

Start with well-prepared skin and choose makeup formulas that suit your skin type and the conditions in which you will wear them. Primer can be useful for some looks, while setting powder or setting spray may help with longevity. Avoid repeatedly touching the face, and blot excess oil rather than continually adding powder. How long makeup lasts varies by product, skin type, climate, and activity.

There can be differences in formulation, packaging, shade range, texture, finish, and price, but a higher price does not automatically mean better performance. Drugstore and luxury products can both have strong options. Compare the ingredients, formula characteristics, shade range, finish, and intended use rather than relying on price alone.

Brushes used with liquid or cream products generally benefit from more frequent cleaning because product residue can build up. Brushes used with powder products may be cleaned less frequently. Use a suitable brush cleanser or gentle soap, rinse thoroughly, reshape the bristles, and allow brushes to dry completely before using them again.

Different primers are designed for different purposes. Hydrating formulas are intended to add moisture or reduce the appearance of dryness, mattifying formulas are designed to reduce the appearance of shine, blurring formulas can soften the appearance of texture, color-correcting formulas can help balance the appearance of certain discoloration, and illuminating formulas add a more radiant finish. Choose based on the result you want from your makeup.

Either order can work. Doing eye makeup first can be useful when using dark eyeshadow, glitter, or other products that may create fallout, because the surrounding skin can be cleaned before foundation is applied. For simpler everyday looks, many people prefer doing their complexion first. Choose the order that works best for the products and look you are creating.