Expert Insight
A study conducted by the research firm The NPD Group, and commissioned by Make Up For Ever, found that foundation application seems to be a big concern.
I hear ya, ladies! Today, I’m excited to share some of my favorite tips and tricks for applying foundation like a straight up pro!
First Things First
While makeup can help you in your quest to achieve flawless-looking skin, your best bet is start with your best skin through good skincare.
Step 1: Cleanser: Start by washing your face with a cleanser formulated for your skin type. This will help remove any dirt, dry skin, or excess oils and get skin glowing and ready to go.
Step 2: Toner or Astringent: Place a few drops of a toner or astringent on a cotton round and swipe over face and neck. Again, make sure you’re using a toner for your skin type to get the best benefits.
Step 3: Moisturizer/SPF: Dry skin and fine lines look even more apparent when makeup settles in and creases. Hydrate skin with a good lightweight moisturizer before moving on to makeup.
Step 4: Primer: This step is optional, but a primer gives your skin a faultless surface to help makeup go on more smoothly.
Choosing the Right Foundation
Shade: The biggest factor in your makeup looking natural is to choose the right shade for your skin tone, making sure you’re not going too light or too dark. Choose a couple shades that are closest to your skin color and do some test swatches on your cheek near your jawbone. The one that disappears most is your match!
Undertones: Don’t just look at the lightness/darkness of your makeup, choose a shade that will complement your skin’s undertones (cool, warm, neutral). To determine your undertone, look at the veins at the inside of your wrist. If they look blue or purple, your undertone is cool; if they’re green or olive colored, you’re warm; and if they’re a mix of both, you’re a neutral undertone.
Skin Type: Today’s formulas offer different benefits to target concerns tailored to your skin type. Do you need a hydrating formula for dry skin? A mattifying one to keep oil in check? Or maybe you want to combat some signs of aging while you’re beautifying. Choose a makeup that will best suit your skin while you wear it!
Choosing Your Tools
There are online videos of makeup mavens applying foundation with everything from paint rollers to kitchen sponges, so obviously there’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to putting on your face.
Makeup pros are typically loyal to one or two techniques over the others, but it really comes down to preference and what works best for you.
You may even want to try a combo of a couple, such as applying makeup with your fingers then blending with a sponge.
Fingers
This came in especially handy (hee hee) with older, thicker formulas since they would melt a little with the hand’s natural body heat and go on smoother.
Pros: Quick and easy, no extra tools required. More control when applying makeup since you can basically put it on the same way you would moisturizer.
Cons: Less coverage control. This method can result in streaky makeup since it doesn’t go on as evenly. You may also end up rubbing makeup off in places while you’re applying.
Sponges
Wet the sponge, squeeze out excess water and tap it on a clean towel before dipping into makeup. Your sponge should be damp, but not wet.
Pros: Allows for even application and good control of coverage. Great for blending makeup and concealing pores since it can press makeup evenly into skin. Good for all skin types, but especially good for dry skin since the damp sponge won’t disturb skin’s surface.
Cons: Some experts argue that a sponge soaks up more makeup and ends up wasting product. A damp sponge should curb that. Also, sponges can get grungy and harbor oil and bacteria, so make sure you’re keeping them clean!
Brushes
Makeup brushes also come in a variety of shapes, sizes and textures, so talk to an expert (or do some quick online research) to find out what each one does and which one will give you the look you want.
Pros: Most even application and flawless finish. Uses less product since it distributes makeup evenly.
Cons: Requires some blending after application. Brushes get scummy or lose their shape if not kept clean. Wash your brushes regularly!
My Tips for Applying Foundation
Squeeze a small amount of makeup on the back of your hand so it’s easily accessible to work from like a palette.
Next, using your fingers, brush or damp sponge, apply makeup to the center of your face on your forehead, nose and chin (these are the areas that typically need the most coverage), and blend outward toward the edges of your face.
When applying and blending makeup, don’t rub it in vigorously. This ends up having a micro-exfoliating effect which can exacerbate skin and blemishes, and lift dry skin making it more noticeable.
For the ultimate in flawless coverage, you might want to give airbrushed makeup a chance. I tried the Mineral Air system, and loved it so much I had to add it to my shop so you can get it too!
This comes in really handy when you want to adjust your shade for different seasons when your skin might be more tan or pale.
This amazing mineral primer not only preps skin for perfect makeup application, it also provides a ton of benefits! It stimulates skin cell activity to increase collagen production which means supple skin with diminished wrinkles and pore size. It also soothes inflammation and nourishes skin to repair damage. Plus, it absorbs quickly so your skin’s surface will be smooth, even and ready to start your makeup routine!