Whether you're gearing up for a big night out or just having fun with your everyday glam, the right makeup routine can help you feel like your best, most confident self. But a makeup routine isn’t just about the products you use (though those are, of course, crucial)—it’s also about the process. That means setting the mood with great music, slipping into something cozy, and making time for yourself. Ahead, we’ll break down what a makeup routine is and walk you through an easy makeup routine that you can customize according to your preferences, skill level, and mood. Plus, we’ll share some makeup routine tips to help ensure a flawless-looking end result, no matter which type of look you’re going for.
What Is a Makeup Routine?
A makeup routine is your personalized process for applying makeup, starting with skin prep and ending with a final mist of setting spray. Developing a routine helps you stay organized, achieve consistent results, and maximize the benefits of your favorite products. A simple makeup routine may consist of little more than a lightweight skin tint, blush, and lip gloss, while a more involved routine could incorporate other makeup products, such as eyeliner, eyeshadow, contour, highlighter, and lipstick.
How To Build a Makeup Routine
No two makeup routines look exactly the same, but many share a few common elements. Ahead, we’re sharing a simple everyday makeup routine that you can easily customize to suit your needs, preferences, and aesthetic.
1. Get cozy with cute loungewear
Before you gather your products or pick up a brush, get comfortable. Soft, cozy loungewear can instantly elevate the vibe, turning your makeup routine into a relaxing ritual. Our Soft n' Smushy merch is perfect for the job (especially the plush Soft n' Smushy Pink Bubble Headband, which keeps hair off your face during skincare and makeup). The Soft n’ Smushy Pink Checkered Robe is also a go-to: it’s ultra-soft and cozy and can help protect your clothes from any makeup fallout.
2. Set the mood with the right playlist
Music matters. Whether you’re going for chill, energizing, or somewhere in between, the right soundtrack can help you get into the zone and create a look that showcases your unique personality. Need some inspiration? Check out the NYXTape, made by us, just for you.
3. Prep your face
Once you’ve got everything just right, you can go ahead and actually start applying your makeup. Begin by cleansing and moisturizing to remove debris and hydrate your skin. Follow up with a makeup primer to help create a smooth, even base for your makeup application. For the best results, choose a primer that aligns with your preferences and needs. The Face Glue Gripping Makeup Primer offers serious hold and is ideal for ultra long-lasting makeup looks, while our Blurscreen SPF 30 Primer helps blur skin texture while shielding the skin against damaging UV rays.
4. Color correct as needed
If you’re dealing with discoloration, such as redness, dark circles, or blemishes, add a quick step to your base: color correcting. Use the Pro Fix Stick Correcting Concealer to neutralize the look of discoloration before applying your foundation. Need help picking a shade? Check out our full color corrector guide.
5. Apply base makeup
Next comes your base makeup to help even out your complexion. Base makeup comes in many forms, so it’s best to narrow down your options based on your desired finish and the level of coverage you need. For example, if you want your skin to look dewy and hydrated, we recommend the Buttermelt Glaze Soft Glow Skin Tint. For a more matte, blurred look, the Bare With Me Blur Tint Foundation is ideal. You can use your fingers, a brush, or a damp makeup sponge to apply and blend your chosen formula. Be sure to blend it slightly down to your neck to avoid a line of demarcation where your makeup ends.
6. Contour with bronzer, highlighter, and blush
A little color goes a long way. Add warmth with Buttermelt Bronzer, flush with Buttermelt Blush, and radiance with Buttermelt Highlighter. Sweep bronzer under your cheekbones and along the hairline, blend blush onto the apples of your cheeks, and dust highlighter on the high points of your face—cheekbones, nose bridge, and brow bones—for a gorgeous, lit-from-within glow. The three boast the same buttery, blendable formulas, so they work together like a dream. Keep in mind that you don’t have to use all three—a pop of blush on the cheeks or a hit of highlighter on the high points of the face can make an impact all on their own.
7. Tame your brows
Well-groomed brows can tie your whole makeup look together. For fuller-looking brows, fill in sparse areas with a brow pencil that matches your natural brow color. If your brows are already full but you need help taming them, reach for a brow gel. Tinted options will add a wash of color, while clear gels, like The Brow Glue Crazy Lift Brow Lamination Gel, are great for keeping your hairs in place without any added tint. For tips on using brow gel to achieve your desired look, check out our how-to guide. .
8. Accentuate your eyes and lashes
If you ask us, no makeup routine is complete without a little something on the eyes. Eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara can help bring dimension to your look, subtly define your features, or even make your eyes look bigger—it’s all about how you apply your products. For a subtle eye look, swipe your favorite shade of the Jumbo Eye Pencil onto your lids and blend the pigment out with your fingers. From there, you can add eyeliner to define your lash line (we love the Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner) and swipe on mascara to help add length and volume to your fringe. For a more dramatic look, swap the mascara for falsies. The Jumbo Lash! Vegan False Lashes are easy to apply (no glue needed!) and can be reused up to 15 times.
9. Finish with lip color
Lip color serves as the final step in your makeup routine. And whether you’re into a soft tint, a glossy finish, or something matte, there’s a formula for you. Lip oils are perfect for a natural look, as they provide shine and hydration with a hint of color. For more intense color and shine, you may want to try a gloss. If you prefer matte lip looks, matte lipsticks are typically your best bet.
For a laid-back everyday lip, try the Smushy Matte Lip Balm. It’s available in 12 shades, from soft pinks to vibrant berries and rich browns. If you need help determining which shade is best for you, our lip color guide can help you choose.
10. Set it all in place
Once you’re satisfied with your look, mist your face with setting spray to lock everything into place. This final step helps prolong the wear of your makeup and ensures your hard work doesn’t go to waste. As is the case with foundation, setting spray comes in a range of finishes, from dewy to matte. Choose whichever one complements your look best, hold the bottle six to eight inches from your face, and spritz away in an “X” and “T” motion.
More Makeup Routine Tips To Keep in Mind
Follow these tips to help ensure a flawless makeup application every time.
- Always start with a clean face. Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type and follow up with moisturizer for a hydrated base.
- Wash your brushes and sponges weekly to prevent buildup.
- Replace your products regularly based on their expiration dates. Generally speaking, mascara should be tossed every three months, while cream makeup can last between six and 12 months. Powders often last a bit longer—up to two years, in some cases.
- If you’re spending time outdoors, incorporate SPF into your skincare and makeup routine to help protect your skin from damaging UV rays.
- Let each layer of product (like moisturizer or primer) absorb before applying the next to help avoid pilling or clumping.
- Store your makeup in a cool, dry place to keep formulas fresh.
Makeup Routine FAQs
What is a good makeup routine?
Any makeup routine that works for you is a good makeup routine. However, to get the best results from your routine, we always recommend prepping your skin well and selecting products that suit your skin type, needs, and preferences. Setting your look at the end of your routine can help ensure your hard work holds up throughout the day.
Why does setting the mood matter for a makeup routine?
Setting the mood makes your makeup routine more enjoyable and relaxing. Wearing soft, comfortable clothes and playing a favorite playlist can help you focus, feel calm, and tap into your creative side. Creating a special playlist or wearing specific loungewear isn’t essential if you’re in a rush or on the go, but it can make your routine feel like a self-care ritual.
Should you do a makeup routine every day?
You can do your makeup daily—in fact, many people do. Just remember to take care of your skin, too. Wash your face in the evening to remove all of your makeup before going to bed, and always follow up with moisturizer to keep your skin feeling soft, smooth, and healthy.
When do you apply sunscreen in your makeup routine?
Sunscreen should be applied after moisturizer and before primer or foundation. Products like the Blurscreen SPF 30 Primer and Buttermelt Glaze Soft Glow Skin Tint SPF 30 include sunscreen, but they shouldn’t replace your usual SPF entirely. Instead, you should consider these an extra layer of protection against damaging UV rays. For more tips on incorporating sunscreen into your everyday makeup routine, check out our article How To Wear Sunscreen and Makeup.
How do you incorporate skincare into your makeup routine?
Skincare is the foundation of any great makeup look. No matter whether you’re doing a makeup routine for beginners or creating a more intricate look, it’s always best to begin with a clean face, then apply a hydrating moisturizer, and finish with sunscreen to protect your skin. You can also use skincare-makeup hybrids, like hydrating primers, lip oils, or foundations with SPF, to further help support healthy-looking skin.
Next Up: How To Create a 5-Minute No-Makeup Makeup Look.
Have a makeup routine you want to show off? Share a pic on social and tag us @nyxcosmetics.
PRODUCTS USED
Soft n’ Smushy Pink Bubble Headband
An adjustable headband that helps to keep hair away from the face.
.jpg?sw=270&sfrm=jpg&q=70)
Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Waterproof felt-tip liquid eyeliner pen
BUTTERMELT HIGHLIGHTER
Butter smooth glowy highlighter in eight shades.
JUMBO EYE PENCIL
Multi-use eye crayon
THE FACE GLUE GRIPPING PRIMER
Up to 24h hydrating and gripping makeup prepping glue
THE FACE GLUE SETTING SPRAY
Up to 24h makeup lock and shield, waterproof setting spray
BLURSCREEN SPF 30 PRIMER
A blurring primer sunscreen with no white cast and up to 18h makeup wear.
BUTTERMELT GLAZE SOFT GLOW SKIN TINT SPF 30
A skin tint with a soft glow glazed finish in ten flexible shades
Soft n’ Smushy Pink Checkered Robe
Limited-edition Soft n' Smushy Robe, featuring a pink checker print, color-blocked pockets, and a tie-front closure for the perfect fit.
