Foundation is a makeup staple, but applying it correctly can be tricky. You want people to notice your amazing skin instead of your newest foundation. The thing with foundation is that it can make your skin look perfectly even and flawless, but it can also make you look like you’re wearing a flaky-looking mask. To help you feel confident, we tell you everything you need to know on how to apply foundation to get flawless-looking skin.
How to apply foundation
Small, but powerful. The power of foundation is undeniable. It can enhance your most beautiful features, but it can also highlight fine lines you didn’t even know you had. Applying foundation correctly can help you achieve flawless-looking skin. We give you a step-by-step guide on how to apply foundation.
Step 1: Start with skincare
Since makeup tends to settle into creases, the key to getting flawless-looking skin is good skincare. If you skip this step, your foundation will never look seamless and that’s not what you’re aiming for, right?! Before you apply foundation, cleanse your skin to remove any dirt. Next, gently exfoliate your skin to sweep away dead skin cells that may cause your foundation to look flaky. Then generously put on moisturizer, since foundation sinks best into well-hydrated skin. Now wait a full 15 minutes for your moisturizer to sink in before you proceed.
Step 2: Prime time
To prime or not to prime, that’s the question. We know that primer adds an extra step to your makeup routine, but it will make sure that your foundation looks flawless. Primer turns your skin into a smooth surface and can actually prolong foundation for all-day wear. If you have skin concerns like redness or uneven pigmentation, a colour-correcting primer helps even out your skin tone.
Step 3: Apply foundation
A little foundation goes a long way! The goal is that your skin still looks like skin. You can always add another layer if needed! Start in the centre of your face and slowly blend out towards your hairline and jaws. Depending on your preferred technique, you could use a foundation brush, a makeup sponge or your fingers.
Apply foundation with a brush
Foundation brushes are perfect for applying liquid, mousse and stick foundations. Apply foundation directly to the brush and lightly pat over your face starting at the centre. Then gently swirl the brush over your face in circular motions to create a flawless finish.
Special powder brushes or kabuki brushes are perfect for applying powder foundation. Tap a small amount of powder into the product lid. Then dab in your brush and tap off any excess before applying the powder foundation.
Apply foundation with a makeup sponge
Makeup sponges are the newest kid on the makeup block and are considered as the holy grail of flawless foundation finishes. They work great with liquid foundations and are very easy to use: first dampen your makeup sponge and dab a little bit of foundation onto the back of your non-dominant hand. Now lightly dip the sponge into the foundation and dot the product around your face. Then blend it all over working from the centre of your face towards your hairline and jaws. Remember: bounce, don’t rub! Bouncing the foundation into your skin avoids streakiness.
Apply foundation with fingers
Nothing beats the old-fashioned way! Tools often leave footprints and give you a painted-on appearance. Using your fingers to apply a liquid foundation gives you the most natural skin-like finish, because you massage makeup into your pores. The warmth of your fingers causes your skin and foundation to melt together and appear as one. Just start from the centre and move outwards. Blend the foundation with the pads of your fingers and keep going until the foundation is invisible. Now wash your hand and make sure they are dry. Press your palms onto your face and roll them to wick off any excess makeup. The heat of your hands sets and blots your foundation.
Step 4: Apply concealer
What to do if you have areas, like dark undereye circles, eye bags, red spots or blemishes, where foundation just isn’t enough? Grab your magic wand, also known as concealer! Choose a concealer shade that matches your foundation and dab it over the areas that need extra coverage. Now tap the concealer into your skin to blend seamlessly without rubbing your foundation away. You can also use your concealer for highlighting and contouring, but that depends on where you apply the concealer.
Step 5: Game, set, match
To make your foundation stay put all day long, finish with translucent powder. Use a loose translucent setting powder and a fluffy powder brush for a flawless finish. Sweep the brush over your face, concentrating on areas that get the shiniest like the T-zone. Your skin will now look silky smooth and flawless.
Find your new foundation and get that flawless-looking skin
