Yes, well, after you've used a primer or moisturizer, according to Trop. "I take a look at the skin to see if a primer is needed, and if so, where. I love Benefit The Porefessional Face Primer to conceal larger pores, particularly in the t-zone, and Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer for more oily skin, again, in the t-zone," says Trop. "However, I typically rely on moisturizers as opposed to hydrating primers if the skin feels dry or dehydrated."
She says she then applies foundation to the face and concealer where needed.
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Step 4: Cream or powder?
After applying foundation and concealer, Trop adds contour. Though she's careful to point out that order is key: If she used a cream or liquid foundation, she'll follow up with a cream contour followed by a cream blush, topped off by a translucent power. If she's using a powder formula, she'll go straight to a translucent powder followed by powder contour and blush.
"You don't want to layer creams or liquids on top of powders as it will create texture as opposed to a seamless surface, so I typically start with liquids and creams and end with powder," she explains.
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Step 5: Highlighter
"As a last step on the complexion, I will add a slight highlight to the high points of the face. I like Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow for a highlight," says Trop. "The high points of the face typically include the cheekbones, the eyebrow bone, the cupid's bow, the center of the forehead and the chin. I typically don't add a shimmer highlight to the nose, as I like to keep it as natural-looking as possible."
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Step 6: Brows
Trop likes to leave the brows and lashes bare until close to the end to avoid as little rework as possible. Foundation or powder could ruin those perfect brows or lashes if you do them first.
Trop's approach to brows? She'll start "with either a powder, pencil, or both" and will "finish with brow gel to keep them in place." Alternatively, for "a very natural look," she'll "just use brow gel."
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Step 7: Lashes
"If I apply strip lashes, I will typically apply the lashes first and the mascara second, as it's easier to apply strip lashes over the natural curl of the lash versus an enhanced curl with added stiffness/hold from the mascara. However, if I apply individual lashes, I will apply mascara first and the lashes second to create a seamless blend," says Trop.
