1. What Is Underpainting in Makeup?
If youve been scrolling through beauty YouTube lately, chances are youve come across the term “underpainting.” Its the latest makeup trend taking over tutorials and social feeds, but what exactly is it? Simply put, underpainting is a technique where you apply contour, highlight, and sometimes blush before your foundation, instead of on top of it like traditional methods.
This method isn’t entirely new — in fact, its been used by makeup artists for decades, especially in theater and film. It’s all about creating dimension and depth beneath the surface layer of foundation, giving your skin a more natural, lit-from-within look. Underpainting allows the skin to peek through while still sculpting the face subtly.
Where Did Underpainting Come From?
The concept of underpainting actually comes from classical art techniques. Painters would use a monochromatic base to map out shadows and highlights before layering on color. In makeup, this idea has evolved into applying cream-based contour and highlight as your first step — kind of like prepping your canvas.
How Is It Different from Traditional Contouring?
| Technique | Application Order | Finish | Tools Commonly Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underpainting | Contour & highlight before foundation | Soft, blended, natural-looking glow | Cream products, brushes or sponges |
| Traditional Contouring | Contour & highlight after foundation | More defined and sculpted effect | Powder or cream products, brushes |
While traditional contouring tends to be more structured and dramatic, underpainting gives a more seamless finish. The foundation acts almost like a veil that softens the edges of your contour and highlight without covering them completely. This makes it perfect for everyday looks or those who prefer a more natural aesthetic.
Why Is Everyone Talking About It Now?
Thanks to viral TikToks and YouTube tutorials featuring celebrity makeup artists like Mary Phillips (known for working with Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner), underpainting has resurfaced with major popularity. Beauty influencers are embracing this method for its skin-like finish and ability to create dimension without looking too heavy or cakey.
Pro Tip:
Use a lightweight or sheer foundation when doing underpainting to let the sculpted areas shine through. Think less full coverage, more glow-up!
2. Why Everyone on YouTube Is Talking About It
If you’ve been scrolling through your YouTube feed lately, chances are youve come across at least one tutorial featuring the “underpainting” makeup trend. Beauty influencers and professional makeup artists alike are buzzing about it — and for good reason. This technique isn’t new, but its making a major comeback thanks to viral videos that make it look both easy and transformative.
What’s Driving the Buzz?
YouTube creators are always looking for ways to deliver fresh content, and underpainting checks all the boxes: its visually interesting, delivers impressive results, and feels like a backstage beauty secret. The technique involves applying contour, blush, and highlight underneath foundation instead of on top — flipping the traditional order of makeup application.
This method creates a more natural, blended finish that looks like it’s coming from within the skin rather than sitting on top of it. That “no-makeup makeup” look is super popular right now, especially among Gen Z viewers who favor subtle glam over heavy coverage.
Influencers Leading the Trend
| Influencer | Channel Name | Video Title | Views (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hailey B. | Makeup by Hailey | “Trying Underpainting – Is It Worth the Hype?” | 1.2M+ |
| Jasmin Luv | LuvBeauty | “Underpainting Tutorial for Beginners” | 850K+ |
| Robert Welsh | Robert Welsh | “Why Underpainting Actually Works” | 500K+ |
The table above shows just a few of the many creators hopping on this trend. Their tutorials often include step-by-step guides, product recommendations, and real-time demos — making it easy for viewers to follow along at home.
Pro Tips Go Viral
Celebrity makeup artists like Mary Phillips — known for working with stars like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber — have also helped boost underpainting into the mainstream. Clips of her techniques have been widely shared on YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, sparking curiosity about how pros achieve such flawless complexions.
The Appeal to Everyday Users
What really makes underpainting go viral is its accessibility. You don’t need expensive products or advanced skills to try it. In fact, many influencers stress that it actually uses fewer layers than traditional methods — saving time while still delivering that sculpted yet natural glow.
3. How to Master the Technique at Home
Ready to try the underpainting trend for yourself? Don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks! Whether you’re a total beginner or just want to switch up your routine, we’ve got a simple guide to help you master this viral makeup technique from the comfort of your home.
What Youll Need
You don’t need a full glam kit to get started. Heres a list of basic products that’ll help you nail the underpainting look:
| Product | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Cream contour | To sculpt and define your face underneath foundation |
| Cream blush | Adds a natural flush from within |
| Concealer | Brightens under eyes and covers any blemishes |
| Light-to-medium coverage foundation | Helps blend everything seamlessly without covering it up completely |
| Damp beauty sponge or blending brush | Essential for blending cream products smoothly |
Step-by-Step Guide to Underpainting
Step 1: Start With Skincare
A clean, moisturized face is key. Apply your regular skincare—moisturizer and SPF if youre heading out.
Step 2: Apply Cream Contour First
Use your cream contour stick or palette to map out your cheekbones, jawline, forehead, and nose. Think of this as “pre-sculpting” before foundation goes on.
Step 3: Add Cream Blush and Concealer
Dab cream blush on the apples of your cheeks and blend upward toward your temples. Then apply concealer under your eyes and on any areas needing brightness or coverage.
Step 4: Light Foundation Layer Over Top
This is where the magic happens. Use a damp sponge or soft brush to lightly apply foundation over everything. You should still see hints of the contour and blush underneath—it gives that lit-from-within glow!
Step 5: Blend, Blend, Blend!
This step is crucial. Make sure everything melts together for a natural finish. If needed, go back in with a touch more blush or contour on top for extra definition.
Pro Tip:
If youre oily or want longer wear, set lightly with translucent powder—just enough to lock it all in without hiding the glow.
Why It Works
The reason underpainting has gone viral on YouTube is because it delivers dimension without layering tons of product. Instead of piling contour over foundation (which can look heavy), this method lets everything peek through subtly—like a real-life filter.
Keep Practicing!
Your first try doesn’t have to be perfect. With a few practice runs, you’ll figure out how much product works best for your skin type and how bold or natural you want your look to be. Grab your mirror and give it a go—you might just fall in love with this game-changing technique!
4. Pro Tips from American Makeup Artists
Underpainting isn’t just a one-size-fits-all technique—it looks different on everyone depending on their face shape, skin tone, and even daily routine. To help you master this trend like the pros on YouTube, we’ve gathered tips from top U.S.-based makeup artists who know how to make underpainting work for every kind of beauty.
Customize for Your Face Shape
Knowing your face shape can totally change how you approach underpainting. Heres a quick guide to help you map out where to place your contour and highlight layers before foundation:
| Face Shape | Where to Contour | Where to Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Round | Sides of the forehead, under cheekbones, jawline | Center of forehead, chin, tops of cheekbones |
| Oval | Sides of forehead, under cheekbones | Center of face, under eyes, bridge of nose |
| Square | Corners of forehead, jawline edges | Tops of cheekbones, center of forehead and chin |
| Heart | Sides of forehead, bottom of chin | Tops of cheeks, under eyes, center of chin |
| Long | Sides of forehead, under chin | Around eyes and cheeks to add width |
Selecting Shades for Your Skin Tone
The base colors you choose are key in underpainting—go too dark or too light and it can look unnatural. Here’s what some U.S. makeup artists recommend when selecting contour and highlight shades:
| Skin Tone | Contour Shade Tip | Highlight Shade Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Fair to Light | Ashy taupe or soft gray-brown (avoid orange tones) | Pearl or soft champagne with cool undertones |
| Medium to Tan | Cocoa or warm brown with golden undertones | Luminous beige or gold-based highlighter |
| Olive Skin | Browns with green or neutral undertones (no red) | Lemon-gold or peach-toned highlighters work well |
| Deep Skin Tones | Ebonies with rich red or purple undertones (no grays) | Copper, bronze or rose gold highlighters pop beautifully |
Pacing the Layers: Less Is More!
L.A.-based makeup artist Jasmine Lee says the biggest mistake beginners make is using too much product too soon. Her advice? “Start light—think watercolor, not oil paint.” Use cream formulas for smoother blending and always blend upward for a natural lift.
Avoid Over-Applying Foundation After Underpainting
N.Y.C. celebrity MUA David Torres warns: “The whole point is to let the sculpting peek through the foundation—not cover it up.” Choose a sheer-to-medium coverage foundation and apply it with a damp sponge by dabbing lightly instead of swiping.
MUA-Approved Tools That Make It Easier:
- Damp Beauty Sponge: Great for pressing in foundation without disturbing your base contour.
- Duo Fiber Brush: Ideal for buffing cream products into the skin seamlessly.
- Cream-Based Products: They blend better and layer naturally for that second-skin finish.
- Tapered Concealer Brush: Helps target highlight areas like under the eyes and nose bridge precisely.
The key takeaway from all these American pros? Don’t be afraid to experiment! Underpainting is meant to enhance your natural features—not mask them. So take these tips as a starting point and adjust based on your own unique look.
5. Is It Worth the Hype?
The “underpainting” trend has taken over YouTube tutorials and TikTok feeds, leaving beauty lovers curious: is it actually worth the hype? Lets break it down with a balanced look at what makes this technique so buzzworthy—and where it might fall short.
✨ The Pros
Underpainting can be a game-changer for those who want a more natural, skin-like finish while still achieving dimension in their makeup. By applying contour, blush, and highlight before foundation, the colors peek through the top layer subtly. Here’s what users and experts love about it:
- Natural Look: Gives your makeup an effortless, blended appearance.
- Lightweight Feel: Avoids heavy layering by keeping products minimal.
- Customizable: Works with both cream and liquid products based on your preference.
⚠️ The Cons
But underpainting isn’t for everyone—especially if you’re used to a more full-coverage or traditional routine. Here are some common drawbacks reported by both pros and everyday users:
- Learning Curve: It can be tricky to master the placement without seeing the final result until after foundation.
- Product Compatibility: Not all foundations work well over cream contour or blush—some may cause patchiness.
- Time-Consuming: For beginners, it might take longer than standard makeup routines.
💬 Real User Experiences vs. Expert Opinions
| Perspective | What They Say |
|---|---|
| Makeup Artists | “Underpainting gives depth without caking on layers—perfect for editorial or bridal looks.” |
| YouTube Creators | “It took me a few tries, but once I got the hang of it, my base looked way more natural.” |
| Everyday Users | “I loved the idea, but it didn’t work well with my matte foundation. It got patchy.” |
🧪 Pro Tip: Try Before You Commit
If youre curious about underpainting but not ready to overhaul your entire routine, try using just one element like blush underneath your foundation first. Its a low-risk way to experiment and see how your current products perform with this method.
