Eyes Before Foundation or Foundation Before Eyes?

Apr 21, 2012

Deepa B.

Eyes 1st! I love the freedom to be as messy as I want during the process, knowing that I can clean it all up before foundation

Apr 23, 2012

Toshira A.

I agree with Vesna. It definitely depends on how heavy or it I'm doing a glitter look if I apply my foundation first or last. 9/10 I apply last. 

Apr 24, 2012

Ann O.

I do foundation first, never had a problem with fallout, even with "dramatic" looks. The only time when I don't do this is if I'm applying glitter...that stuff is impossible to apply neatly, I swear to stardust.

Apr 25, 2012

Bec L.

Pretty much always do eyes first, unless the eyeshadow look is very very simple and I'm not using/building up a lot of product.

Apr 26, 2012

Vanessa L.

I believe the best outcome is applying eyeshadow first THEN foundation THEN powder THEN eyeliner and mascara. Applying foundation after the eyeshadow is a must to clean up any fallout from the eyeshadow (even if it's minimal). Applying powder BEFORE the eyeliner and mascara will avoid getting powder on your lashes and having them look kind of ashy.

Apr 26, 2012

keri k.

for some reason i always end up doing eyes last

Apr 29, 2012

Angie S.

I had to reply to this thread because I saw Amanda's comment about blowing on people. Sorry, but BLOWING on ANY PRODUCT or ANYONE is completely unsanitary. I wouldn't expect a client to be okay with me bursting out a stream of air onto their face, or on any of my products. It's totally unacceptable and NOT CLEAN. (just sayin')

Oh, and btw....Jordan is a male. He's an awesome makeup artist!!

Apr 30, 2012

Isabella H.

if you have problem with eyeshadow fallout, I HIGHLY recommend Shadow Shields! They're these disposable, moon-shaped shields that you put on under your eye when doing your eye makeup. Here's the link if you're interested! http://www.shadowshields.com/

Apr 30, 2012

Nabila V.

It depends on what look I am doing. If I am doing a smokey eye with lots of dark color or if I am using pigments or glitter I do my eyes first then use a makeup wipe to remove any fallout then proceed with everything else but if I am doing a quick look I do eye last then just use transluscent powder under the eyes and swipe it away when I am finished.

May 1, 2012

Rikki P.

I just tried eyes and then tinted moisturizer not too long ago and it drove me crazy. I like the idea of it since it seems like after I apply shadow after TM, it fades but it does that even with minimal makeup, ha. I just feel like I can't cover all my dark circles (lol "cover") if I apply liquid stuff after, blargh.

Nov 2, 2012

Tallia W.

I suggest that you do your eye makeup first then put on your foundation

Nov 2, 2012

Z M.

Eyebrows
Eyes
Face 

Nov 3, 2012

Nuvie M.

@ Vanessa, agree with everything you said. Tnx for sharing. It depends on what works best for you really. There really isn't any rule as regards this. I tried the technique of getting the brush damp before taking the eyeshadow then patting it on the eyes rather than blending it cos blending sometimes reduces the pigments. It was perfect and WOW, for some reason it never falls off each time I do this even with very glittery shadows. So try it and let's see if that works for you. Have fun!

Nov 3, 2012

Niki C.

I always do my eyes first as a general rule

Nov 3, 2012

Chelsea S.

I actually do a bit of both. I start with MAC Pro Longwear Concealer all over the eye area, including the lid. I feel like it anchors my shadow and primer really well, and gives the eye area the evenness I want to start with the shadows. Then, I do the eyeshadow and liner, holding a tissue under it to catch fallout, and my first coat of mascara. I then continue on with my highlighting concealer and foundation, using the concealer brush to conceal RIGHT up to the eyeliner line... as it seems to really clean the area up and make it look more precise. Fallout or not, I just like the look of the cleanest possible line between eyeliner and foundation. And of course, one more coat of mascara when the look is complete. 

Nov 4, 2012

Toni E.

I prefer to do my eyes before foundation because of the fall-out but when I have less time to makeup, I apply my foundation first and if there is any fall-out, I re-apply the foundation to that area....

Nov 4, 2012

Toshia W.

What ever works for you. I think it is a matter of preference. Opinions on how to apply makeup will vary, even between pros. The end result is what really matters, right?  

Nov 4, 2012

Yesenia P.

I personally like foundation first. The time I take to do my eyeshadow gives my makeup time to set and dry before applying my blush and highlight 

Nov 4, 2012

Avery M.

Foundation first. A also put foundation on my lids and I find it helps keep the eyeshadow on

Nov 6, 2012

Christen S.

I've always done eyes first and then the face mainly because it gives me more room to rest my hand on the face while applying to my lids, also I don't have to worry about messing up what I have already applied to the face. And if I am just playing around and doing a look with multiple products to the eye I'll have less cleanup. Plus I like eyes first because its that much longer i can go with out the foundation wearing off.

Nov 6, 2012

Brittany S.

I prime my face then do my eyes, clean up any fall out and apply my face. After I'm done sometimes I touch up my eyes. 

Nov 6, 2012

Sarah B.

If I use any shadows with high shimmer or dark unforgiving pigment then I always do my eyes first. It's way more aggravating to try to clean up a flawless canvas then having to go back in and blend my eyes to fix any harsh lines.


And most of the time I have no plan for my eyes... So I guess I just do my eyes first.

Nov 7, 2012

Dania M.

Foundation before eyes... eyes before foundation.. it really doesnt matter.

I dont place foundation on the lids so I really dont care.

If you are OCD about the order of this or you have a professional stick up your bum.. use shadow sheilds... waste of money in my opinion but whatever works.

Some people put a powder puff by the eyes while they work but its awkward and annoying for clients. Some people pack on translucent powder under the eyes... now not only does the client look like a ghost for a couple minutes... but the under ear area is excessively matte after the face is complete.

If I am using black and other dark colours I would do eyes first.. simple. If not... simply tap off excess shadow.. Use a shadow brush to pack on powder and then you brend with a clean blending brush. Its hard sometimes, eg when using glitters... so I think eyes before is just the more PRACTICAL way to do it.

Nov 7, 2012

Mickey S.

Always start with eyes !!

Nov 7, 2012

Caitlin M.

I do my eyes first so it gives my moisturizer a bit to sink in and so I don't have to touch up and remove fallout after. That and foundation doesn't take me long. I conceal first because I've discovered that my Rimmel concealer looks and covers better underneath. Then just buff my foundation on and set it with powder. I also have this thing where I don't like touching my face if it has any foundation on it, even if its set. I feel like I still smudge it so its just easier for me to do the eyes first lol.