Finding the perfect makeup routine before going out is a real struggle. I’ve gone through so many different products and methods that weren’t good enough. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced makeup guru, this 10-step universal makeup routine is guaranteed to change your “going out” look for the better.

Step 1: Primer/Moisturizer 

This is a crucial step that can be easily forgotten. Without primer, face products have nothing to stick onto and can leave your face looking cakey. I personally like to use Cerave’s PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion and then the Becca Backlight Priming Filter. This Becca primer leaves your face shiny, which adds an overall glow to the look. I use my fingers to blend the product to achieve a seamless finish. This combination sets your face up for the rest of the routine and brightens up your features. 

Step 2: Eyebrows 

You don’t realize how important fixing up your eyebrows is until it completely changes your entire look. I use the Anastasia Brow Wiz, in the shade of dark brown, which contains an eyebrow brush and a pencil. It’s important to first brush out your eyebrows before using the pencil to add “hairs” to any gaps by drawing in the same direction as the other hairs. To make sure they don’t get messed up, I then use the Anastasia Clear Brow Gel to go over the entire brow. 

Step 3: Foundation/Concealer 

The intensity of this step depends on how much or little coverage you’re looking for. I recommend taking the Il Makiage Foundation Match Quiz to find the perfect color if you want a full coverage look. Once you have the correct color, you can put some on the backside of your hand and use a damp beauty blender to blend it all over your face. If you’d like medium to low coverage, I recommend using a tinted moisturizer instead. Next, you use your concealer to cover any spots and brighten under the eyes, along with the eyebrows, and down the middle of your nose. My favorite concealer is the Tarte Shape Tape, and I use a lighter shade to brighten. 

Step 4: Powder 

Powder is by far the easiest step. All you have to do is take a fluffy brush to apply the product all over your face. It’s best to use a minimal amount of product to avoid looking cakey. I use the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish.

Step 5: Eye shadow/Eyeliner 

Eye makeup is the perfect place to show off your style! Everyone likes a different combination of colors and shades that embellishes the eye. I like to use a navy eyeliner pencil from Makeup By Mario to make my blue eyes pop. Then for the eyeshadow, I use the Born This Way Natural Nudes palette by Two Faced. I prefer to use shades of brown and gold with a bit of shimmer in the corner of my eye. Be creative and try different colors until you find what fits you!

Step 6: Mascara

Applying mascara is a dangerous game after all your hard work on your eyeshadow look. It’s essential to be very careful not to get residue all over your eyelid. It’s imperative to curl your eyelashes before applying mascara to lift your lashes for the rest of the night. Next, I use a volumizing mascara by Stila followed up by a lengthening mascara from Benefit. This combination dramatizes the eye while still looking sharp. 

Step 7: Blush

Next is my favorite step: blush! Recently, everyone has been loving the “burnt” look, and I’m all for it. It’s best to use a cream blush first above the cheekbones and on the bridge of your nose. You can apply as much or as little as wanted and then blend that in with a smaller beauty blender or your finger. For this, I use the Milk Lip+Cheek in the color Werk. To execute the “burnt” look, I use a shimmery blush from NARS on top.

Step 8: Contour/Highlight

This step seems intimidating, but it couldn’t be more of the opposite! It’s great for shaping your face however you want to. I currently use the Soft Sculpt Shaping Stick from Makeup By Mario which has a contour brush attachment. I draw a faint line around the perimeter of my face, along my cheekbones (under the blush), and down the sides of my nose. Then, I blend it in using circular motions. To finish off the contour step, I use Becca’s Moonstone highlight on the highest point of my cheekbones (above the blush), the middle and tip of my nose, and right on top of my lips.

Step 9: Lips

Lips are another step that can bring out your personality by going modest or bold. Either way, it’s important to wipe away any excess base products off your lips with a wet tissue or cloth. Then I prime with any chapstick followed up by a very light lining along the perimeter of my lips. Next, I use Fenty Beauty’s Sweet Mouth lip gloss. Picking between lip gloss and lipstick is a personal preference, and I like a shinier look, thus why I use gloss.

Step 10: Setting Spray 

You’re almost at the finish line! The last step takes only a couple of seconds. After you’re done with your masterpiece, you want it to stay perfect throughout the night. To ensure this, I use the All Nighter Setting Spray by Urban Decay. All you have to do is spray it all over and use your hands to fan it until dry.

I highly recommend adopting this makeup routine and showing off your own unique style in any step you see fit. Good luck!