This is a question I get asked a lot. And it’s one of those things that is hard to answer. Because I think it really depends on the person, and what you’re doing. For example, if you’re going to do an all over hair color, then doing that first would make sense. Or if you’re using a toner or some kind of color-depositing shampoo, then doing that first would make sense too.

But for most women who are just doing their makeup everyday, it’s probably best to do your makeup first and then do your hair second.

Here’s why: when you put on foundation or concealer and powder, blemishes are going to be covered up and it’s going to look pretty seamless. But if there is any oil in the way on your face (which happens if you put on mascara first), then when you put on foundation after mascara, it will tend to slide around on top of the oil and not go where it should.

It won’t look as nice as it could have looked had the mascara been taken off first (or at least before foundation was applied). Also, if there is any mascara left in the root area of your lashes after applying mascara.

Last modified: October 13, 2022