Your Comprehensive Beauty Routine Cheat Sheet
Sure you can slap on skincare essentials and makeup favorites willy nilly, but if you put them on in the order they're meant to be applied, you'll optimize their benefits big time! Neutrogena celebrity makeup artist Amy Oresman is here to help. The beauty pro is breaking down when to apply each cream, gel, serum, lotion, and potion in your morning regimen, plus the various steps in your makeup application. And to make things super simple, she's streamlining the whole ordeal in the process! Just take it one step at a time–literally.
Photo: courtesy of Neutrogena1/7Step 1: Moisturizer and Sunscreen
"Always use a moisturizer with SPF," says Oresman. "This cuts down on time and ensures your skin is protected. The basis of any cosmetic look is a healthy complexion, so it’s really important to take care of your skin."
Oresman recommends Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer with SPF 35, $9. Drugstore.com.
2/7When you're faced with a pile of products, it's hard to know what to put on when. We've got you covered!
Photo: courtesy of Sephora3/7Step 2: Creams and Serums
Next Oresman recommends applying your primer, creams, acne medications, and serums. The order of these are interchangeable, but should be put on after moisturizer and SPF and before foundation. "I look for primers with rice protein instead of clay as it absorbs oil but doesn’t dry out the skin. Use them all over or just in the T-zone."
Try the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer, $52. Sephora.com.
Photo: courtesy of Neutrogena4/7Step 3: Foundation and Concealer
"When starting your makeup, put foundation on first because that will allow you to use less concealer and make it more blendable. I like Neutrogena Shine Control Liquid Makeup because it has beautiful buildable coverage. Use your foundation around your eyes to add soft coverage and then do your eyeshadow and you will be shocked at how much less concealer you’ll need. If you’re covering spots and want to treat them at the same time, I recommend Neutrogena SkinClearing Blemish Concealer."
Oresman’s pick is the Neutrogena SkinClearing Blemish Concealer, $8. Drugstore.com.
Photo: courtesy of Sephora5/7Step 4: Powder
"After you’ve finished your foundation and concealer, set it in place with a powder that’s three shades darker than your skin to combine two steps by using it like a bronzer. Sweep the product across your hairline, jawline, and on the apples of your cheeks. This gives the most natural soft tan."
Try Nars Pressed Powder, $33. Sephora.com.
Photo: courtesy of Neutrogena6/7Step 5: Blush
"I love the illusion of a sun-kissed flush. You can actually use your lip balm as a cream blush on the apples of your cheeks. Right now I’m loving more neutral peach tones and my favorite this season is Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick in Juicy Peach. It’s made with shea butter and smells like mango! Take your pointer finger with a pea size amount and blend it in."
Oresman recommends Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick in Juicy Peach, $9. Drugstore.com.
Photo: courtesy of Sephora7/7Step 6: Highlighter
"Finally use a powder highlight to complete your look. Try something with a golden sheen if you’re brunette or a silver pink if you’re a blonde. Use a big soft brush so you can dust on your neck shoulders and legs. You can use a body oil to hydrate first and then your highlight powder has something to adhere to. That little bit of oil also gives the skin an extra shine. A little mascara and a dab of gloss complete the perfect summer look!"
Try Dior DiorSkin Shimmer Star, $45. Sephora.com.
