We Aim To Slay

On the quest for near-perfect makeup, we end up trying many products and techniques. This week, I’m walking you through a technique that I just learned about – underpainting!

What is Underpainting?

While researching underpainting, I found an article by L’Oreal Paris, which explains that you begin by applying cream contour and concealer (and sometimes a cream blush as well) immediately following primer. Allegedly, this allows for seamless blending and “more natural looking facial sculpting”. L’Oreal recommends using a lighter-weight foundation, in order to not completely cover your underpainting efforts.

How I Attempted it & the Products I Used

As always, you’re going to want to start with a clean and moisturized face.

Lately I’ve been using two primers, the Maybelline Master Prime – which I apply first – and the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer. Next I’ll go in with my cream contour – the Fenty Beauty Matchstick – and then I’ll conceal.

The first time I tried the look I used the Lancome Teint Idole concealer and the second attempt I used the Tarte Shape Tape. Personally, I prefered the look of the Lancome concealer!

At this point, you’ll apply a thin layer of foundation, focusing on the areas without contour or concealer, blending from the center of the face and working outward. On my first attempt I used the Clinique Even Better Foundation, which covered all of the underpainting efforts, so I ended up having to touch up my contour and concealer. On my second attempt I tried a new-to-me foundation, the Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer, in shade tan.

Once I was satisfied with my foundation, I used the Sephora brand loose setting powder to bake, and after cleaning up the loose powder I applied the ColourPop x Sailor Moon pressed blush in shade Cat’s Eye. Finishing off my makeup base, I brushed through my brows with the Benefit Fluff Up Brow wax and filled them in with a NYX eyebrow pencil in shade black brown.

All of these products have been reviewed (and linked!) in the post where I detail how I typically apply my makeup base!

My Thoughts on this Technique

Even though I did like how the look came out, and this technique didn’t really impact the time it takes to apply my makeup, I’m not sure that I’m sold enough to make this a standard part of my makeup routine.

As for the Smashbox foundation, it’s a perfect shade match and feels really nice on the face! So far I’ve worn it to a formal event, during a group workout, and to shoot some of these photos the other day. I’m excited to see how it holds up after a full day of work!

Let’s Finish With a Summery Eye!

This is one of my go-to eye makeup looks for warmer weather. These red-based hues evoke spring flowers and summer nights – let’s get started! 

For this look, I’ll be using the (limited edition) ColourPop Limoncello palette, but you can use any palettes that have these warmer hues. This Temptalia review discusses each shade in the 12-pan palette, and lists out dupes for each!

Starting with the shade Touring (1), I used a small flat brush to swipe it below my eyebrows as a highlight shade. Then I used a rounded and pointed brush to apply Limone Squeezy (2) in and slightly above my crease, as well as along my lower lash line.

Using the same brush, I applied the shade The Grotto (3) in the crease, starting lower than the previous shade and bringing it a tad farther down onto the lid – make sure to leave the majority of your lid space open – and along the lower lash line, again, not as far in as Limone Squeezy.

Using a fluffy brush, I blended these shades together, before applying Touring all over the lid and blending again. Now I’ll opt for the shade Vespa (4) as my eyeliner, using an angled brush and crafting a wing. Unlike typical eyeliner, I won’t bring Vespa in farther than the outer quarter of the lash line. I’ll finish off by applying the shade Serenade (5) to the inner corner, blending into the lid shade.

I finished off the look with Benefit BadGAL Bang mascara and the Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche lipstick in shade Chai, and spritzed my entire face with the Morphe Continuous Mist setting spray. 

What Do You Think?

What do you think of this look? Would you wear an eye-look like this? Have you tried underpainting before? What did you think of it? Tell me all about your experience and let me see your own versions of this look by tagging me on social media!

I’ll be back next with a recap of Hubby’s 30th birthday celebration!

Happy May Day, have a great rest of your week, and remember to SLAY!