This is my personal method of applying make up, and it works for me. I have oily skin, and sometimes I have a pimple or two around the time of my period. I must say that I try to treat my skin well, and I am never harsh to it. Here is the list:
Cleansing: Yes, I always wash my face before applying makeup. It evens out the surface and gets rid of excess oil. I like the Oil of Olay cleansing cloths. I can cleanse, exfoliate, and tone my skin with just that cloth.
Moisturize: Yes, even oily skin needs moisturizer. If oily skin is too dried out, the oil glands over produce oil and make the skin worse. Moisturizer balances the skin. Just make sure it is oil free and won;t clog pores. I use Oil of Olay Protective Renewal Lotion. It is oil free, and it has SPF 15 and Beta Hydroxy acid to sooth skin. Moisturizer is also important, because it helps make up go on more evenly.
Foundation/Concealer: Put on the foundation first. Again, I make sure it is oil free. I either use Cover Girl Aquastay Make up or Loreal Air Wear. I use the lightest shade they carry since my skin is ultra fair. Make sure you choose a foundation that exactly matches your skin tone, otherwise you look like you are wearing a mask. Concealer for me goes on any pimple I might have. I like Maybelline Shine Free concealer because it contains acne medication. I control pimples easily by using this. Other women might need a concealer for dark circles. In that case, do not use the concealer I use. It might not be good for the delicate eye area.
Blush: I recommend for everyone to use a cream blush. Powder blush does not last as long, plus it cakes. I use Skin Lights by Revlon. It is oil free, and it lasts all day. I use the lightest pink beige they have. I am not sure the science to applying blush. I have high cheekbones, so I just apply a dab of cream on the cheekbone and blend along the natural contour of my cheekbone.
Eye Make up: Eye make up is more tricky. Some women use it to go with their particular outfits. I like to use neutral colors that accentuate my green eyes. I use a brown eye shadow only when the mood strikes me. I always wear brown liquid eyeliner on my lower and upper lashline. I have long, thick lashes so I usually skip mascara. When I do wear it, I choose one that is waterproof. I do not want black gunk under my eyes from regular mascara.
Powder: To finish the look, I use loose powder. It sets the make up and it controls oily shine. I use Cornsilk No Color loose powder, because I find the powders for fair skin are still too dark for me.
The most important thing to remember when applying make up is that less is more. Also, accentuate your natural beauty. Do not try to create what you do not have. If you do not have high cheekbones, do not apply a dark blush and think that looks natural. Good luck!