If a makeup hack promises to make getting ready in the morning easier, I’m guaranteed to try it at least once. Since joining TikTok in 2020, I’ve tried a few beauty trends aimed at simplifying my makeup routine — examples include the five-minute makeup trend and the facelift concealer hack, just to name a few to name a few. So when “underpainting” popped up on my FYP, I couldn’t wait to try it.
For those new to it, underpainting is an old-school makeup technique that involves applying blush, bronzer, and concealer under foundation for a more natural look. It has recently taken TikTok by storm thanks to the new generation of people who have discovered its magic. I’d never tried underlining before, but as someone who likes minimal, barely-there makeup, I had a feeling it was going to be a hit.
To start, I grabbed my favorite cream makeup products — not powders. “When all you’re using is a creamy product, layering it up like this helps blend everything together seamlessly,” says the celebrity makeup artist Monica error previously said POPSUGAR. I used my Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer ($38) to conceal blemishes under my eyes, around my nose, two blemishes on my jawline, and between my eyebrows. Then I used my Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick ($23) on my forehead, nose and jawline and my Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand in “Peachgasm” ($40) for blush.
With these products on my face, I used my damp makeup sponge (the Beautyblender Original BeautyBlender Makeup Sponge ($20) is my favorite) to blend everything. I rotated the sponge to use a different part in each area to keep them from muddling together. After all of these products were mixed, I grabbed the Maybelline New York Green Edition Superdrop Tinted Oil ($10) to use as a pure foundation.
To apply foundation over blush, concealer and contour, I applied some of the product to the back of my hand and dabbed on it with my makeup sponge, then blended it all over my face. This allowed me to achieve smooth, even coverage without overloading my face with foundation.
The cream and liquid formulas blended well, leaving a smooth base that looked like I’d worn just a hint of concealer plus blush, bronzer, and foundation. The end result was super natural and lightweight while still giving me flawless skin. And perhaps best of all, it only took about five minutes to apply everything. To complete the look, I applied some mascara and brow gel.
For makeup free days, like when I’m working from home, this will be my new method.
Image Credit: POPSUGAR Photography / Jessica Harrington