I spend a few hours of my day scrolling endlessly on Instagram and ending up in a loop of watching visually appealing skincare and makeup videos. Usually, this activity doesn’t lead to anything fruitful and only results in me making impulse purchases of beauty products I don’t need at all! But let me not take away the credit where it’s due. Social media is also a source of knowledge especially in beauty as it translates into cutting-edge techniques and hacks that we can learn and use daily. Recently, I saw a makeup tutorial by Mary Phillips, celebrity makeup artist for Jennifer Lopez, Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, where she used a specific technique called underpainting to do her own makeup.
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Hailey’s soft, angelic glow and Kendall’s perfectly pink cheeks can be credited to this makeup technique. Instead of the usual routine which involves the application of foundation as the first step—underpainting follows a reverse process wherein one applies the concealer and contour before the foundation followed by blush application. This specific makeup technique is what promises you a subtle, sunkissed look that’s natural at the same time. Think a sculpted face, but softer!
Here’s how you can try out underpainting for yourself—
Skin Prep
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Prepping your skin before applying any makeup is key to ensuring that the makeup lasts longer and its application is smooth and seamless. Opt for an intensely hydrating moisturiser which sinks into the skin upon application.
Dior’s Prestige La Creme is an intensive moisturiser which rejuvenates the appearance of the skin with the help of Rosapeptides. Instead of dotting this moisturiser on the face and massaging it, choose to warm up the product in your hands prior to application.
Contour
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Mary uses her bare face as a canvas and begins the process of underpainting by choosing to contour first. Steer clear from powder contour since its application on a bare face can be a little tricky. Cream or liquid contour is your best bet because it can glide on without any patches.
Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Contour Wand is a celebrity favourite for all the right reasons! Begin by applying it on the hollows of your cheekbones, then on your temples and followed by on the edges of the nose and your temple. Blend it evenly with a contour brush except for the nose for which you will need a thinner brush. You might look like a clown right now, but trust the process!
Conceal
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Now, if the usual process of makeup was being followed, this step would show itself much later on. Instead of choosing a concealer that matches your skin tone perfectly, opt for one that is a couple of shades lighter. This will ensure that when the foundation is applied, the focus areas seem brighter.
The Bobbi Brown Skin Concealer Stick is a hydrating concealer that offers you just the right amount of coverage. Use this stick on your under eyes, but apply it in an outward direction. If you’re looking for that extra ounce of definition, apply some concealer on the forehead and below your cheek contour too. Blend it with a brush or beauty blender.
Foundation
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The next step is to go over your contoured and concealed face with a lightweight and sheer foundation. This step is probably the most crucial one in this entire process. Your foundation choice can make or break this look, so steer clear from high-coverage foundations.
Clinique’s Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation is a medium coverage foundation which comes packed with skincare ingredients such as vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Mary prefers applying foundation from the back of her hand instead of directly putting it on her face. Take a small amount of product, since we’re going for a sheer look, and dot it evenly all over the face. Use a fluffy brush to blend it seamlessly, this will give the look an airy effect.
Blush
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This is our favourite part of this entire routine! Once you’re done blending your foundation, opt for a dewy, creamy blush which will add a kiss of colour to your final makeup look. The Cheeky Tint Blush Stick from HUDA Beauty is the ideal option as it offers a healthy pop of colour and glow. Transfer some product to the back of your hand and use a fluffy brush to dab it on your cheeks and a tad bit on the nose!
