Incredible White Base Makeup Hack Tutorial

Smitha Deepak
by Smitha Deepak
14 Materials
$20
30 Minutes
Easy

One of the biggest makeup trends for 2023 is using a white base under the foundation to get a filter-like finish.


This hack is supposed to show you how to get flawless skin with makeup, and I'm going to try it out to show you why it may not be for you! Let's get into it.

Tools and materials:

  • Primer
  • White base
  • Foundation
  • Concealer
  • Contour 
  • Blush
  • Translucent setting powder
  • Highlighter
  • Brow pencil
  • Mascara
  • Lip liner
  • Lipstick
  • Lip gloss
  • Makeup brushes
Applying primer

1. Apply primer

To start, apply primer to your skin. One reason this technique isn't followed by makeup artists is that the base ingredient of your primer should be the same as the white base and foundation.


This means you're limited in your choice of primers. I'm using a water-based base, so I have to use a water-based primer and foundation.

Applying white base

2. Apply the white base

Another reason artists may not prefer this technique is that it may not work on all skin tones.


If it's not a true match to your skin tone, it looks patchy and it may not blend well.

Applying white base

I had to apply a second layer to even everything out.


This technique performs better on lighter skin tones than on deeper skin tones.


Otherwise, you have to layer up the base and that might look cakey. 

Applying foundation

3. Applying foundation 

You'll have to wait until the base is completely dry before using foundation otherwise it can mix with the foundation.


You'll also need a foundation that's deeper than your skin tone. If you decide not to use this technique, you're left with a foundation that you might not be able to use.


Another downside is you'll have to use a sponge over a brush to blend it out properly, as the bristles of a brush can pull the white base from underneath and mix it with the foundation.


Using a sponge only presses the foundation so it settles on top of the base. 

Applying foundation

You may struggle with a patchy finish since you're trying to blend two completely shades.


You'll need another layer of foundation to blend everything in. Too much product can look cakey.

Applying concealer

4. Apply concealer

I applied concealer around my eyes.


Because we've layered up so much, it's nicely covered up all of the discoloration around my mouth and I don't need concealer there. 

Applying contour

5. Apply contour

Apply contour to the circumference of your face, your cheekbones, your jawline, and your nose.


If you're using a brush, pat it on your face rather than pulling or tugging because it can disturb the product.

Applying blush

6. Apply blush

Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks.


The blush looked good because the white base under the foundation reflects light, and it gave the blush a beautiful, rosy hue.  

Setting with translucent setting powder

7. Set with translucent setting powder

Lightly set your face with a translucent setting powder.

Applying highlighter

8. Apply highlighter

The true test was applying a highlighter. Apply it to the highest planes of your face.


Usually, when you apply too many layers or cake up, that's when you start seeing the texture on your face but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

Filling in brows

9. Fill in your brows

Fill in the sparse areas of your brows with a brow pencil.


While doing this, I noticed a lot of the white base settled around my hairline so watch out for that, because it can be difficult to remove.

Applying mascara

10. Apply mascara

Curl your lashes before applying mascara.

Applying lip gloss

11. Line and fill in your lips

Line your lips with a brow pencil, then apply lipstick and lip gloss.

White base makeup: Finished look

White base makeup hack

Here's the finished look! The final reason makeup artists don't prefer this technique is that it will give you flashbacks.


The white base will reflect a lot of light, especially when there's flash photography, and you'll look whitewashed.


I hope this white base tutorial and review was helpful. Let me know if you'll do this popular trend in the comments! 


Next, check out my post on a Super Easy Winged Eyeliner Look for Hooded Eyes.

Suggested materials:
  • Primer
  • White base
  • Foundation
See all materials

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