"Underpainting is having a moment right now, made popular by makeup artist Mary Phillips, who uses this technique on her celebrity clients such as Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner," says Simons. Underpainting is where you apply your contour, bronzer and blusher first, before applying a dash of foundation on top. "We’ve certainly moved on from harsh contours and heavy highlights, and this gives a natural approach to contouring which everyone is loving right now," says Simons. "The technique is about contouring and highlighting first, underneath your foundation for a more subtle, ‘no makeup, makeup’ look. I’ve tried it myself and on my clients, who loved the overall results."
To achieve this look, Simons says you will need to use cream products, which will blend together the best. "I love using the Charlotte Tilbury Cream Bronzer, Tarte Cosmetics Shape Tape Concealer, and, I usually go one step further by applying my blush underneath—I love Rare Beauty’s Liquid Blush in Joy," she says.