underpainting makeup
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Underpainting makeup is one of this season’s coolest makeup trends. It’s a full-face technique that sees you applying many of your makeup products before putting your foundation overtop. The result? A glowy, contoured look that still looks natural. 

Underpainting is kind of like the fine art technique where painters apply an initial layer of paint to their canvas that helps define color values in the finished painting. And just like the fine art technique, it will help you turn your makeup into a masterpiece. 

underpainting makeup technique
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The underpainting makeup technique doesn’t require you to learn any new skills, so anybody can do it easily! This method is perfect for summer because it’s not too heavy and gives you a beautifully naturally sculpted look.

A strong contour is the basis of the underpainting makeup technique, so don’t be afraid to push it! In the end, the foundation–which will go on top of your contoured face– will blur and smooth everything as you apply it, giving you a fresh, perfectly blended look.

underpainting makeup
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A note on the makeup products that you can use for this technique: underpainting will not work with powder! Trying to under paint with powder products won’t let you blend correctly, and mixing products (like using a powdered foundation over cream-based contour) will just be a mess. It’s like trying to paint with acrylics over oil paint! (A huge mistake, as you may learn in art class.)

So how do you channel your inner artiste to do some underpainting? Scroll to see the tutorial!

Underpainting Makeup

Instructions

Start by applying your contour. Apply all of your bronzer, highlighter, and other cream-based products that would normally go on top of your foundation. Don’t be afraid to be generous with your product application, since you want it to peek through under your foundation. 

  1. Spritz a little setting spray to help with the blending process. 
  2. Take your time and blend all of the areas in your application until they are nice and seamless.
  3. Clean up any makeup that’s out of place.
  4. If you’re applying cream blush, consider applying it last so that it peeks through and isn’t as blended.
  5. Add your foundation. You don’t need a lot, since you’ve already applied a good amount of makeup already. If you use a liquid or mousse foundation, one pump will likely be enough.
  6. Apply setting powder or more setting spray to keep everything in place. 
  7. And that’s it! Once you’ve finished your underpainting, you can do your eyes and lips as you please.

Did you try underpainting? Show us on Instagram and TikTok @lulus using #lovelulus– and head to our Summer Shop for more hot trends!

Mariah Clayton is a Louisiana-based fashion, beauty, and fitness content creator, former Miss Louisiana USA, and host of the Girls in Real Life podcast. She has made it her mission to inspire women in her community to embrace their individuality and live their lives to the fullest. Through her beauty and lifestyle content, Mariah encourages women to feel confident in their own skin.

This post was originally published in July 2023.