Some beauty techniques quietly fall out of fashion…until suddenly, they’re everywhere again and looking better than ever. Underpainting makeup is one of those methods that’s currently reclaiming the spotlight, and it’s no surprise why. As cosmetic routines shift toward lighter textures and more natural finishes, this old-school application is proving to be one of the most reliable ways to sculpt the features without the weight.
Underpainting makeup is a method where you apply contour, blush, and concealer directly on bare skin before putting on foundation. It works like outlining your face with color, then fading that outline under a sheer layer of foundation. The technique is making a comeback this 2025, and you’re about to find out why.
Why Underpainting Fits Modern Makeup
Underpainting suits today’s beauty trends because it supports the sheer, weightless formulas that dominate 2025. Many of these new bases offer minimal grip. When you try to layer blush or contour over them, the product often moves around and fades unevenly. Underpainting solves this by anchoring cream pigments directly to bare skin. This technique creates smoother wear and reduces the need for midday touchups.
How Underpainting Makeup Looks on Skin
Underpainting makeup works by reversing the usual order of application. Creams go directly onto bare skin where they blend more evenly. When you press a thin layer of foundation over them, the contour and blush still show through.
Instead of a bold patch of color, you get a soft pink haze that moves naturally across the cheekbone. Beneath the eyes, the concealer brightens the area without leaving a thick surface coat. As a result, each sculpted zone keeps its shape without looking streaky, flat, or overdone.
How Underpainting Method Works for Different Skin Types
Underpainting makeup works for most people, but your skin type can affect how it looks and how long it lasts. If you have dry skin, applying creams directly on the bare surface might feel rough or patchy. To avoid that blotchy texture, use a thin layer of moisturizer first.
If your skin gets oily, underpainting can actually help. When you put contour and blush under foundation, they stick better and don’t slide off as easily. That grip keeps your makeup from melting or fading during the day. If you use a matte or full-coverage base, be careful not to use too much. Heavy products can cover up all the sculpting you did. Instead, apply a very light layer so the colors underneath still show through.
Step-by-Step: Underpainting Makeup for Beginners
You don’t need to buy new makeup products for underpainting. If you already use contour, blush, and concealer, you’re set. The only thing that changes is the makeup order. These next steps walk through the full underpainting makeup routine.
- Start with contour. Apply it under the lower cheek area, along the jawline, and around the forehead edges. Blend until the color melts into the skin but still shapes each area clearly.
- Add blush next. Place tint on the apples of your upper cheeks and blend it upward toward your temples. The shade should sit just above the sculpt without mixing into it.
- Apply concealer. Use a highlighting version under your eyes and over any spots you want to brighten. Keep the blending controlled so the lighter tone doesn’t wash into the tint or shadow.
- Press on foundation. Use a sponge and tap a light amount of coverage over your entire face. Use a pressing motion instead of swiping, so the sculpted areas stay visible underneath.
- Check the result. Look for a soft shadow below your mid-face zone, a warm flush from your upper cheek to your temples, and a lighter tone under your eyes. The colors should blend into the skin without leaving streaks or sharp edges.
Underpainting Still Shows Up When Everything Else Wears Off
By the afternoon, blush fades and definition wears off. Because underpainting places pigment under foundation, the flush on your features and the shape along your jaw still show through. Your look will remain intact enough that you won’t reach for a brush halfway through the day.
Ready to try it? Switch up your makeup routine and see the difference for yourself.
FAQs About Underpainting Makeup
- What is underpainting in makeup?
It’s applying contour, blush, and concealer before foundation. - Why use underpainting instead of the usual order?
It helps colors stay visible and blend more naturally as makeup wears. - Does underpainting work with all skin types?
Yes—just adjust product textures to suit your skin. - Can I use powder products for underpainting?
Creams work best. Powders are harder to blend under foundation. - Do I need a specific type of foundation?
Use lightweight or sheer formulas so the color underneath can show through. - Will underpainting make my makeup last longer?
It helps the color fade evenly, so your face keeps its shape longer. - Is underpainting beginner-friendly?
Yes. It’s just a change in order—not new products or techniques. - What tools should I use to blend?
Use a sponge or brush to press foundation on top without smudging the base. - Does it work for full glam looks?
Absolutely—just build coverage in thin layers. - Can I underpaint with minimal makeup?
Yes, it works beautifully with skin tints or no-makeup makeup looks.