IS UNDERPAINTING THE SECRET TO NATURAL-LOOKING MAKEUP?

Exploring the Underpainting Makeup Trend on TikTok

If you’re tapped into the beauty scene on TikTok, you’ve likely encountered the buzz around underpainting. This method, where foundation is applied after contour, blush, and concealer, is gaining traction, not just as a social media trend but as a time-honored technique among professional makeup artists. Discover the enduring appeal of underpainting and why it might be the game-changer your makeup routine needs. Plus, get the lowdown on mastering the underpainting method with our step-by-step guide for a flawless, natural look.

Benefits of Underpainting Makeup

Traditionally, you’d apply your makeup primer, then foundation, then layer on the other components of your base makeup (such as concealer, blush, and contour). The underpainting makeup technique reverses that process almost entirely, so foundation goes on last. There are a few benefits to this method. For one, it produces a much more natural-looking finish. The colours of your blush, contour, and anything else you use peek through your foundation rather than sit on top of it, making it appear as though you’re not wearing much makeup at all. It’s like your skin but enhanced.

Underpainting not only enhances the natural beauty but also streamlines your makeup routine. By reversing the traditional order, you blend once rather than multiple times, saving precious minutes and achieving a consistent, smooth finish.

Adopting underpainting can lead to a more subdued yet sculpted makeup base, perfect for those aiming for an understated yet defined look. Continue reading to delve deeper into the underpainting makeup technique and its benefits.

What Do You Need to Underpaint?

Underpainting requires a set of products similar to your regular makeup routine but with a focus on creating a layered, natural look. For those looking to try this technique, here’s what you need for a successful underpainting application:

• Makeup primer
• Contour product
• Blush
• Concealer
• Foundation
• Setting spray
• Makeup brushes or sponges

When adopting the underpainting approach, it’s crucial to use products with compatible textures. If your foundation is liquid, ensure your blush, bronzer, concealer, and contour are also in liquid or cream form. This consistency is vital for seamless blending and preventing the makeup from appearing uneven or patchy.

Choose a foundation with buildable or medium coverage like the Bare With Me Blur Tint Foundation, which allows the underpaint layers to peek through for a naturally enhanced look. For more pronounced colour, opt for blush and contour with high pigmentation.

How to Underpaint Makeup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Underpainting is a strategic makeup application process that typically involves six key steps: skin preparation, contouring, applying blush, concealing, blending, and finally, foundation application. For a lasting finish, a setting spray is essential. Below is a detailed guide to achieving a flawless underpaint look.

Step 1: Skin Preparation

Begin with a clean canvas. For Canadians, we recommend starting with the Face Freezie Cooling Primer + Moisturizer, a product that's perfect for the Canadian climate. This 10-in-1 formula readies the skin by evening out, smoothing, minimizing pores, tightening, hydrating, sculpting, softening, calming, and revitalizing. Apply it to clean, dry skin to set the stage for underpainting.

Step 2: Define Your Features with Contour

Using the Wonder Stick Contour and Highlighter Stick, shape and define your facial structure. Apply the darker shade to the temples, under the cheekbones, and along the jawline, but hold off on blending for now. For more detailed instructions on where to place contour, refer to our guide, ‘Contouring 101: How to Contour Like an Absolute Pro.’

Step 3: Add Blush

Inject a lively flush into your look with a swipe of cream blush, like the Wonder Stick Blush, ideal for Canadian weather. Apply it to the apples of your cheeks and a hint across the nose for a radiant, natural glow. This versatile product can double as a contour for those desiring a more vibrant yet defined appearance. Hold off on blending; that step comes next.

Step 4: Colour Correct and Conceal

Now’s the time to address any blemishes, under-eye circles, or uneven spots. With the Pro Fix Sticks, you can correct colour discrepancies or conceal imperfections as needed. For those new to colour correction, our guide, ‘Colour Correcting: The Makeup Artist Secret You Need to Know,’ offers comprehensive insights.

Step 5: Blend Your Underpainting Makeup

Before foundation application, ensure all underpaint elements are seamlessly blended. Using a damp makeup sponge often yields the most natural finish. Start blending with the concealer to maintain its brightness and coverage, then proceed to smooth out the contours and blush.

Step 6: Apply Foundation

Now for the foundation, using a product like Bare With Me Blur Tint Foundation, dispense a small amount onto your hand, then use a sponge or brush to apply it, starting from the center of your face outward. This method allows you to build coverage where needed without disturbing the layers beneath. Remember, gentle dabbing is key to maintaining the integrity of your underpainting work.

Step 7: Secure Your Look with Setting Spray

To ensure your makeup endures the Canadian weather and stays flawless all day, finish with a setting spray. Opt for a formula like Plump Finish Setting Spray to lock in your look, which not only extends wear up to 24 hours but also enhances your skin's appearance with a hydrated, plump look.