It’s actually been a hot tip among makeup artists for years, yet it recently resurfaced this summer over social media. “Change your whole routine, and try this instead,” says this TikTok user (the video currently has 4.6 million views and counting). With an immaculate, yet subtle, face of makeup, she goes on to explain her reverse-order process: First, a sweep of powder, followed by setting spray. After waiting a few minutes for it to dry, she then goes in with primer and foundation for a soft, cushiony look.
If the thought of applying powder before your liquid products has you raising a brow, you’re not alone. While it seems to work for a select few, powder does have the ability to crease or pill when it’s living under liquid makeup. That’s why makeup artist Alexandra Compton, product development manager at clean beauty retailer Credo, says to ditch the powder altogether: She is a fan of the “reverse makeup” hack for a natural-looking sheen, but she tells mbg a specific way to do it for dewy skin, sans pilling.