Underpainting: The Secrets to a Natural, Radiant Look
Dear make-up lovers,
You may have already spotted it on TikTok and Instagram: underpainting is the latest makeup trend to go viral. While it may seem like a novelty now, underpainting is actually a classic technique. Back in the 90s, celebrity makeup artists used it a lot on stars like Whitney Houston and Madonna. But what exactly is underpainting, and how can you try it out yourself?
WHAT IS UNDERPAINTING?
Underpainting is a makeup technique where you first apply contour, concealer, bronzer, blush (and sometimes even highlighter) before your foundation. Instead of 'layering' these products on top, you are essentially laying the base underneath. The result? A soft, natural look that subtly accentuates your face. This technique is perfect if you want to achieve a beautiful glow, but without looking like you are wearing a lot of makeup.
WHY CHOOSE UNDERPAINTING?
Underpainting is ideal for anyone who loves a fresh, natural look. If you sometimes find it difficult to blend contour, bronzer and blush into each other, underpainting is definitely worth a try. By applying the colours under the foundation, you create depth and definition without any hard lines being visible. The result is a 'soft-focus' effect, as if everything has been perfectly blurred.
STEP-BY-STEP UNDERPAINTING GUIDE
Are you curious? I will take you step by step to try the underpainting technique yourself:
Preparation: Start with a good skin care. Apply a nourishing day cream and, if you have dry skin, possibly a hydrating serum. A primer is the next step; this ensures that the make-up stays on longer and the skin looks even.
Apply Concealer, Contour, Bronzer, and Blush: Start with concealer on areas where you want extra coverage, like under your eyes or on any blemishes. Then, apply contour to create depth, like under your cheekbones, along your jawline, and the sides of your nose. Then, add some bronzer to the high points of your face and apply a touch of blush to the apples of your cheeks. This will create a subtle base of color and shape before foundation goes on top.
Apply Foundation: Now it’s time to apply your foundation using a kabuki brush. For best results, start in the center of your face and work your way out. This will help blend your concealer, contour, bronzer, and blush naturally under your foundation, creating a beautiful blend.
Finishing Touch: Finally, apply a light finishing powder to set everything. This will keep your look in place all day long, without taking away from the natural look you’ve achieved with underpainting.
MY EXPERIENCE WITH UNDERPAINTING
At first this technique might feel a bit strange, because you work in a different order than usual. But after trying it myself I can say that the result is beautiful. It gives a very fresh, soft finish where your make-up looks super natural.
Feel like experimenting with underpainting yourself? Grab your makeup supplies and give it a try!
Dear makeup greetings, Jeannette
