If you’ve ever paused mid-scroll to admire the effortlessly sculpted glam of Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, or Hailee Steinfeld, chances are you’re admiring the handiwork of celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips. And now, her signature style is officially shoppable—she’s launched her own brand: m.ph beauty. The coveted “Mary Phillips look” is all about Sculpted cheekbones , Sun kissed blush and Filler lips( without needle) But the real magic lies in her iconic technique: Underpainting.
Rather than starting with foundation, underpainting flips the script. You begin by applying your complexion products—Color corrector, concealer, contour, and highlighter—directly onto bare skin. Then, a sheer layer of foundation is brushed over top to seamlessly blur and unify the look , resulting in Skin that looks naturally radiant, lifted, and subtly defined.
Pro Tips for Flawless Underpainting
1. Prep Like a Pro
- Hydrated skin is key. Use a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer and let it absorb fully.
- A slightly damp base helps cream products blend seamlessly.
2. Start with Contour and Bronzer
- Use a cream formula one to two shades deeper than your skin tone.
- Apply to cheekbones, jawline, forehead edges, and sides of the nose.
- Blend with a flat brush or sponge for a soft sculpt.
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3. Brighten with Concealer
- Choose a concealer just slightly lighter than your skin tone.
- Apply under eyes, center of forehead, bridge of nose, and chin.
- Use a fluffy brush to blend into the contour for a seamless gradient.
4. Add Blush (Optional )
- Dot cream or liquid blush on the apples of your cheeks and sweep upward toward temples.
- This gives that “sunburnt chic” Mary Phillips glow.
5. The Foundation Veil
- Use a sheer or medium coverage foundation.
- Apply with a damp sponge or duo-fiber brush in a stippling motion.
- The goal is to blur—not cover—the sculpting underneath.
6. Set Strategically
- Skip heavy powders. Use a light dusting only where needed (T-zone, under eyes).
- Opt for radiant or translucent formulas to preserve the glow.
Bonus Tips
- Use cream products for better blendability and a skin-like finish.
- Avoid layering too thick—thin layers build dimension without texture.
- For mature or textured skin, underpainting minimizes product settling into fine lines.
