Underpainting Makeup Is Trending & It's So Easy

The latest pro makeup artist technique to gain traction on TikTok is underpainting makeup. But if you ask Milk Makeup Director of Artistry Sara Wren, it’s “the only way I’m going to do my makeup from now on.”

For those unfamiliar, underpainting involves applying your bronzer, highlighter, contour, blush, and concealer before foundation. By flipping the order of your steps and placing color and warmth below your base, your makeup will have a more subtle, natural-looking effect. It’s the ultimate key to seamless, lit-from-within makeup because everything literally peeks through your foundation instead of sitting on top of it.

Gather your tools.

For underpainting makeup, you’ll need all the same products you typically use on your face. However, if you need specifics, Sara recommends Matte Bronzer, Future Fluid All Over Cream Concealer, and Bionic Blush to start.

1. Bronze

After prepping and priming your skin, add your bronzer to a clean and moisturized face in all the usual areas. Then, blend out your lines with a fluffy brush. You can stop there or if you want added depth, contour your facewhile you’re at it with Sculpt Stick.

2. Conceal

Reach for your Future Fluid, and conceal your under eyes and anywhere else that needs extra coverage.

3. Foundation

Leaving your foundation for last allows your makeup to “marinate and marry everything together for a flawless finish,” Sara explains. She likes to add her favorite formula to the back of her hand before dipping a fluffy foundation brush into it and tapping it onto her skin. Start at the center of your face and work outward. Be sure not to drag your brush—just stamp, pat, and tap to keep the groundwork you laid down in all the right places.

4. Blush

Depending on which makeup artist you ask, blush can come before or after foundation when underpainting. Sara likes to do it after to keep her blush as vibrant and dewy as possible. However, feel free to try it out before to see how the color softly glows through your foundation. Here, Sara uses our Bionic Blush in Teleport.

Whether you add the blush before or after your foundation, you’ll still get that naturally defined, warm, sculpted look with just the right amount of a glow.

And yes, you may never do your makeup the same way again.

Meet the Expert

Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.