I Tried Hailey Bieber’s Viral Beauty Hack And It Forever Changed How I Do My Makeup

Makeup trends come and go. We're constantly bombarded with the newest best-selling product we just have to have, and a week later when the hype dies down and the influencers have their check in hand, it's almost as if it never existed. But this is a makeup trend that is decidedly different. It’s one that could help you every single time you put your makeup on, no matter what kind of look you’re going for. And that trend is underpainting.

Underpainting is a trend that is truly worth getting on board with. We’ll tell you everything you need to know.

What Is Underpainting?

Underpainting is a makeup technique used by lots of celeb makeup artists. It’s been around for quite a while, but was popularized when Mary Phillips, makeup artist to Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, demonstrated the technique. 

We love underpainting because it’s a look you don’t necessarily need to buy any makeup products you don’t already have to achieve. All you need to do is use your makeup in the opposite order you’d probably normally apply it: Contour and concealer come first, followed by your foundation or your tinted moisturizer and blended with a fluffy brush. And now that you’ve got a great skin base, you can move on to your blush, eyes, and lips. Pretty simple, right? But it makes a huge difference!

Underpainting will help your contour or cream bronzer be much more blended and thus look more natural. Because who wants a super obvious stripe on their face rather than having makeup feel like part of their skin? You’ll probably find doing your makeup this way will let you get away with a lot less foundation, which not only means more natural looking makeup, but also that your skin won’t be clogged by so much product, and you won’t have to buy what’s normally one of your more expensive products as often. Sound good? Let’s get into the details of how to do it. 

How To Underpaint

Start with your contour! Apply it to your cheekbones, jawline, nose, forehead, and following the line of your eyeliner like Mary Phillips does, or just wherever you normally like your contour.

Next, go in with your concealer. Put it in all the normal places, like under your eyes for brightening and to cover up blemishes, but then take a tip from the master and use it to sculpt as well. In a shade lighter than your skin color, take your concealer down the nose, and above and below where you contour your cheekbones. It’s a really natural way to sculpt your face using makeup.

Finally, blend it out using your favorite medium coverage foundation. Avoid applying your foundation over the top of your contour and concealer, as you’ll get rid of everything you did; instead, apply it where you need more coverage and blend to soften out the edges of that contour and concealer. The result is a lovely and blended base for the rest of your makeup.

My Experience

You know when you see something you just can't unsee? That's how I feel about seeing my makeup after trying this viral beauty hack.

My sister gave me a cream bronzer stick for my birthday, and I was terrified to use it at first because I didn't want to have the dreaded, super obvious lines on my face. But when I saw this technique and how simple it seemed, I had the confidence to give it a shot. Needless to say, I'm now obsessed. It makes my contour look so much more natural, and I'll never go back!

This makeup technique is perfect whether you’re something of a makeup guru, as lots of professional makeup artists swear by this method, but it’s also great if you really aren’t very experienced. It’s a great way to get a natural look, no matter your skill level. 

Makeup Artist-Approved Products To Help You Get the Look

For underpainting, you’ll essentially just need contour or cream bronzer, concealer, and your foundation. You can use whatever you already have, but these are a couple of products Mary Phillips is said to use and love.

Evie's product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick, $48

At $48, it’s definitely a splurge item. Rare Beauty makes a great bronzer stick for about half that, and E.l.f. also makes a good one at a drugstore price point. 

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear, Full Coverage, Waterproof Concealer, $13

You heard that right! Mary Phillips loves this drugstore makeup product. The concealer she uses is one your budget won’t be mad at. 

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation, $57

Now, her favorite foundation is decidedly less budget-friendly, but this one from Catrice Cosmetics is said to be a dupe, and at $10, it’s a whole lot cheaper. 

Closing Thoughts

Underpainting is a makeup trend that will work no matter what kind of look you are going for as an end result. Although a viral social media trend made popular by Hailey Bieber, it’s no doubt a great technique that will stand the test of time!

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