Ah, the horror of a globbed foundation mixed with cakey powders and a smattering of caked-up imperfections. As the base of any makeup look, a quality foundation application can make all the difference when it comes to creating a flawless finish. But fear not – achieving a smooth and even base is easier than it seems! Read on for our top tips and tricks for perfectly flawless foundation application.
1. Preparing Your Skin for Flawless Foundation
When it comes to applying foundation, it can be tough to get a smooth, even finish without proper preparation. Here are some tips to get your skin ready for a flawless foundation application.
Cleanse: Before applying foundation, it is important to start with a freshly cleansed face. Choose a cleanser that is tailored for your skin type, or try a gentle oil cleanser if your skin is feeling especially dry. After cleansing, it is important to let your skin dry completely before applying foundation.
Moisturize: If your skin is feeling dry, it is important to moisturize to provide a smooth canvas for foundation. Look for products that contain natural oils and are tailored to your skin type. Avoid creams or lotion with high alcohol content, as this may leave your skin feeling dry and tight.
Apply Primer: Primer is like a shield for your foundation, protecting it from sweat and oils that can cause it to slip or wear off. Choose a primer that is specifically designed for your skin type and apply it in thin layers to create a smooth base for the foundation to adhere to.
With these tips, application should be a breeze. Remember to cleanse, moisturize and apply primer, and you’re ready for a smooth, even foundation finish.
2. Combining the Right Foundation for Your Skin
When you’ve found your perfect shade of foundation, the next step is to find the ideal formula for your skin type. You’ll need to consider the texture and finish you are looking for, and how it will work with your skin over time.
Do you prefer a matte or dewy finish? If you have oily skin, a matte foundation will help absorb excess oils to avoid the ‘shine’ that can occur throughout the day. For dry skin, go for something more hydrating and cream-based such as a tinted moisturiser, BB or CC cream.
Choosing the right foundation will vary depending on how much coverage you need. If you’re seeking light coverage, opt for a foundation with a sheer and natural effect, or a lightly tinted moisturiser. Prefer fuller coverage? This is where higher pigment and thicker formulas come in. Test different foundations by dotting them along your cheekbones, forehead, chin and nose and blend to see what works best.
For those with sensitive skin, the right products are essential – a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free foundation is ideal. Ingredients such as salicylic acid can help keep skin healthy.
Remember to protect your skin with an SPF-infused foundation, especially in the warm summer months. Covering the face with a layer of moisturiser and foundation will protect you from sunburn and damage.
Types of Foundation to Consider:
- Tinted Moisturiser
- BB and CC Cream
- Stick and Powder Foundations
- Liquid Foundations
Take your time to find the foundation that best suits your skin type; the result will be worth it!
3. Practicing Perfect Foundation Application
Practicing a perfect foundation application is the key to a flawless, long-lasting makeup look. What sets a perfect foundation application apart from a regular one? Here is a list of essentials to make your foundation stay put:
- Primer: Primer helps to create a smooth base to apply foundation on and also helps it hold in place for longer.
- Right Shade: Finding the right shade of foundation for your skin tone is the first step in achieving a perfect foundation application.
- Blending: Use the right tools to blend your foundation into the skin – beauty sponge or buffer brush are great for this.
- Light Application: Applying several thin layers of foundation is better than cakey thick applications.
- Powder: Setting your foundation with a powder helps to set it in place for longer and keep shine at bay.
Now that you’ve got the essentials down, it’s time to practice and get those foundation skills on point. It helps to watch videos online for inspiration and tutorials. But nothing beats practice makes perfect.
Another tip to help you perfect your foundation game? Moisturize your skin before applying foundation. Hydrated skin gives you a smooth base and also helps the foundation blend and stay in place.
Setting foundation with a setting spray will keep your makeup looking fresh and fabulous all day long. Try using a spray that’s specially formulated for makeup – it will help to lock your foundation in place.
4. Finishing Your Look with a Natural Glow
The last step in creating your stunning makeup look is to give your features a subtle glow. Natural makeup doesn’t mean skipping a step in your look, it just means embracing a more delicate approach to creating a gorgeous, everyday face.
When you’re looking to add a gentle sheen to your skin, highlighter is your best friend. A light-reflecting formula will help your skin look flawless and illuminated – without the dreaded powders-in-the-crease by the end of the day.
If you want a creamy, dewy finish, then opt for a highlighter and illuminator in liquid or cream form. Apply the product to the highest points of your face to catch and reflect the light.
- Apply Highlighter to the High Points of Your Face – Cheekbones, Cupid’s Bow, Bridge of Your Nose, Chin and Above Your Eyebrows
- Use a Fan Brush – Fan brushes pick up and deposit just the right amount of product
- Don’t Cake It On – Highlighting should only be used to create a subtle, natural look.
With highlighting, a little bit really goes a long way. A creamy product is a great choice, as the shimmer is slightly more subtle and easier to blend. And don’t forget, sometimes layering it with the right products can also draw attention to your features, and help them to stand out even further.
Once you’ve finished your look, take a step back and check it out — you should be radiating a healthy, natural-looking glow!
By following these tips from foundation experts, you can achieve a smooth and even base every day. With the help of these tips, you will be able to enjoy flawless foundation application and your look will always be perfectly put together. Now you have the insider knowledge to look perfectly flawless, all the time.
