It doesn't matter whether you're a makeup newbie or a cosmetic queen; with a little practice, you can apply everyday makeup like a pro. To establish a great makeup routine, you need to know what products to use and how to use them. Keep reading for some great makeup routine tips from professional makeup artists.





Prep
If you want your makeup to last all day, you need to prepare your skin with the right products. Start your daily makeup routine by applying a light moisturizer before your foundation, like CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, $19. Let it soak into the skin for five minutes before you apply any foundation.



If you need your makeup to stay perfect throughout the night, you may want to use a primer, which will blur pores and prevent creasing. M.A.C. Prep + Prime Skin Base, $31, improves foundation application and also evens out any skin tone imperfections.





Concealer, Foundation and Powder
Before applying foundation, you'll want to use a high-pigment concealer to cover up any dark circles and discoloration. Use a makeup sponge to apply concealer to acne spots and under your eyes and blend. If you'd like to apply makeup like a pro, remember that you should only apply foundation where you really need coverage. Choose a lightweight foundation like Nars Sheer Glow Foundation, $47, which is a favorite of professional makeup artists. Dab it onto the face with your fingers, and then gently buff it into the skin with a foundation brush. To set your foundation and ensure a flaw-free finish, apply a bit of powder.



Use a small brush, like the E.L.F. Kabuki Face Brush, $6, and lightly swirl the powder onto the skin in circular motions.





Eyes
There's no other step in an everyday makeup regimen so frequently plagued by mishaps. From wobbly cat eyes to smudged eye shadow, it can be hard to get eye makeup just right. For a pro-approved everyday makeup style, start by prepping the eyes with a primer, such as Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, $20. When you start applying your shadow, try tilting your head back, as it will give you more control over application.



For an everyday makeup look, try using a neutral eye shadow palette, like Lorac Unzipped, $42. Dry your waterline with a cotton swab, and then apply a bit of eyeliner to the area for a tightlined look. Swipe on a few coats of your favorite mascara and the eye portion of your makeup routine is finished.





Cheeks
To apply blush, use a fluffy brush that makes blending simple. The Real Techniques Blush Brush, $9, is a popular choice. Work the product into the apples of your cheeks with circular motions.





Lips
Lips are the final step in the perfect everyday makeup regimen. Choose a favorite daytime lipstick, like Tarte Lippie Lingerie Matte Tint in Exposed, $24. First, smudge a bit of lipstick onto the bottom lip. Then, rub the lips together to create a subtle shade.



If you like shine, coat the lips in a gloss, like BareMinerals Gen Nude Buttercream Lip Gloss, $18. Otherwise, you can mattify your lip look with a sheer powder. If you follow these steps, you'll have a makeup routine worthy of a pro!