The Foundation Tips You Need To Know!
Applying Your Foundation Well Can Feel Like A Minefield, Do You Agree?
If You Find Yourself Relating To One Of The Following, Then You Are In The Right Place
How do I make my foundation look flawless?
What is the best way to apply liquid foundation?
How do I get a smooth finish with the foundation?
Why does my foundation look patchy?
How do I get a foundation to look natural, not cakey?
How do you lay a foundation for a beginner?
Do you need powder foundation?
The questions around foundation application can go on and on, and you know what? I completely get it. I think every single person has one or more struggles when it comes to creating a beautiful base. Before you start to think about applying your foundation or deciding if you have the right product for you, you first need to look at what you are doing before your makeup with your skincare.
Foundation will only look as good as your skin underneath, so it is important to make sure you get the preparation steps right first.
Questions to ask yourself about your skincare routine
Am I cleansing morning and night?
Am I double-cleansing in the evening to remove the makeup and then clean the skin?
Am I using a serum or treatment oil after cleansing?
Do I even need a serum or treatment oil?
Am I exfoliating weekly?
Am I using the right exfoliating product?
Have I gotten the right moisturiser for my skin type?
Am I doing a treatment face mask every week or two?
I know it feels intense to jump into your skincare first and ask yourself all of these questions, but trust me, skincare impacts the way the rest of your makeup applies, looks, and lasts, especially your foundation.
If you find your skin is more on the dry side, a hydrating serum and face mist will help to give your skin a boost of much-needed hydration. For oily and combination skin types, you will want to factor in a primer to help your foundation last.
Top Tip: If You Find You Do Not Have Oily Skin Or An Oily T-Zone, Skip The Primer; Your Skin Prep Will Be Enough.
Prior to foundation application, if you notice you have any redness on your face, you can colour correct by applying a green corrector in thin layers, which will neutralise the redness. If you feel your skin is looking a bit dull and lifeless, a purple corrector is your go-to neutralizer. Dark circles respond well to peach and orange correctors.
To get the flawless base you want, you first need to think about a few things. There is a lot to take in when choosing a foundation, but when you find the perfect one, you will never stray.
Decide What Coverage You Would Like
There are a few different types of coverage to consider. Do you want more sheer coverage that lightly evens out your skin tone? Light to medium coverage that will pretty much cover everything on your face? Or full coverage, which will help with acne and spot-prone skin?
Making this decision will definitely come down to personal preference, but it will also help you to start looking at brands and their formulation. Full coverage can look quite heavy on some people if you are only looking for a natural finish.
What type of foundation do you prefer?
There are different types of textures and formulations available, so choosing what you feel most comfortable with on your skin is key.
Cream
Liquid
Powder
Mineral Powders
What type of finish would you like?
Sheer: Perfect if you do not want to look like you are wearing anything but would like to even out your skin tone.
Dewy/illuminating: This is a great base if you are looking for that healthy glow from within. Glowing skin gives the appearance of health and youth.
Matte: If you are not a fan of dewy skin and also have combination or oily skin, a matte finish would be perfect for you.
Satin: This finish is the balance between dewy and matte; you will not look illuminated or flat matte but will have a healthy sheen, absolutely perfect for the light within.
When it comes to matching your foundation shade, I tend to colour-match the chest, as you will want to look seamless between your face and body. Our face and chest will never naturally be the same colour due to sun exposure, so I would always recommend the chest as your starting point.
Top Tip: The Best Way To Judge Your Shade Is To See Which Colour Disappears Into Your Chest With Ease. At this point, you will know you have chosen the right shade for you.
This Is Where the Fun Begins: Application and Techniques
There are quite a few techniques you could try out, and then you will see which one suits you best and gives you the results you are looking for.
Fingers work great with cream-based products. The warmth of your fingers will help the foundation seamlessly melt into your skin.
Damp Sponges: these tend to soak up the excess product, so they are great if you have applied too much foundation. Perfect for use with liquid formulas and also if you are looking for more lightweight and sheer coverage.
When it comes to brushes, you will find some brushes that will give you either high or sheer coverage. It is key to wash your brushes every couple of weeks; residue foundation will affect the application and leave streaks on the skin.
Stippling brush: this will give you less coverage, something more sheer and lightweight.
Buffing brushes will give you medium-to-full coverage, but in a controlled manner.
Flat Brush: this will give you full coverage; be mindful of how much product you use.
17 Foundation Application Tips!
Less is more when it comes to foundation; use small amounts!
Build the product up in thin layers.
Take time to blend the foundation into the skin.
Use circular motions when using a stippling or buffing brush.
For extra coverage, push the brush onto the skin.
Do not use the foundation under the eyes; it will be too heavy with concealer.
Change the consistency of the formula by adding a drop of face oil.
Regularly clean your brush every two weeks.
Use warm, soapy water to clean your sponge every 3 applications.
Replace your sponge every 3 months.
Bring your foundation under your jawline and down the neck.
Work from the centre of your face out towards the hairline and jaw.
Lightly set oily areas with a small dusting of translucent powder.
For oily skin, use an oil-free foundation.
For dry and flakey patches, apply a small amount of Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream before applying it to key areas.
Use much less product than what you think you need.
Apply concealer after foundation where needed.
There is a lot to consider when applying foundation, but once you get your skin prep right and you find the best techniques for you, then your makeup will look absolutely amazing. The rest of your makeup will only look good if you get your foundation right.
You may not already be aware of this, but I specialise in makeup lessons. I provide a lot of support to ladies who want to learn how to use their products better, how to apply makeup better, or are looking for a complete refresh of their look.
This also includes your foundation routine.
Sometimes all we need is a little guidance and shown how to do things differently or better, and discovering new must-have products.