Apply Foundation

To quote makeup artist Nam Vo, "If someone compliments you on your foundation, you're doing something wrong." If you struggle with applying your foundation for a natural look, don't worry - it's a common problem. Look out for the perfect shade, take your time to apply it the right way, then set your foundation for the best of makeup circumstances. Soon enough, you'll be praised for the quality of your skin rather than the talent of your makeup application.

Steps

Getting Started

  1. Know your skin type. It is important to know whether you have dry, oily, normal or combination skin before applying foundation. This will determine what foundation is right for you. Some foundations are specially designed for different skin types. A mousse foundation is light and great for oily skin, whereas, a liquid foundation with a built in moisturising element is perfect for dry skin.
  2. Choose the right foundation color. As the name implies, your foundation is the basis for the rest of your makeup. To make sure that it acts as a blank canvas, choose a foundation that identically matches your skin tone. Try multiple shades of foundation on your face (rather than your hand or your neck), and stick with the color that matches your skin tone without blending.
  3. Decide on a medium. Foundation comes in a varieties of mediums and textures, including loose powders, compact powders, creams, liquids, and aerosols. All the variety can seem daunting, but really doesn’t change much except for the application of the makeup. Visit the makeup counter at a local department store and try on versions on each to determine which feels the most comfortable and looks the most realistic on your skin.[1]
  4. Get the right tools. There are three primary means of applying foundation: with your fingers, with a sponge, or with a brush. Although there is debate between which is the best means of application, there are benefits to each. Putting on your makeup with your fingers allows for better blending, while applying it with a brush helps keep the spread of bacteria (and therefore acne) to a minimum.
  5. Prep your face. Foundation glides on most smoothly with a clean, well moisturized face. Wash your face with a gentle face cleanser, and follow up with a facial moisturizer. Wait five minutes for the lotion to set before applying your foundation.

Applying Your Foundation

  1. Put on your pre-foundation makeup. A slight misnomer, foundation isn’t actually the first makeup you apply. Add a primer to your face, which is a clear gel that work to smooth out your skin and seal in imperfections. Some people also choose to apply their concealer prior to putting on their foundation, although this can be applied afterwards as well.[2]
  2. Put on your foundation. Regardless of whether your foundation is a liquid, cream, or powder, it should be applied first in the center of your face. Add a few dabs to either cheek near your nose, your chin, and a bit on your forehead.
  3. Blend your foundation with your selected tool. Use your tool of choice to blend your foundation around your face. There shouldn't be any noticeable lines where your foundation starts or ends; it should blend smoothly into your neck and hairline. Prevent your foundation from being too thick by spreading it out. Otherwise, your face will look cakey and fake, rather than airbrushed and lustrous.
  4. Touch up on difficult areas. If you do have particularly uneven skin in certain areas, acne, dark spots, or under-eye circles, use your foundation to touch up on these areas. Use a concealer brush to apply foundation more heavily on these spots. Make sure to blend it in well to prevent dark or orange dots on your face.
  5. Finish up on your foundation. If you haven’t yet already, apply concealer to troubled areas on your face. Finish up your entire face by applying your foundation with setting powder. This is a translucent, matte powder that helps prevent your foundation from sliding around while preventing oil buildup from showing through.[2]
  6. Finished.



Tips

  • Wash your application brush or sponge on a regular basis to prevent bacteria growth and allow for a smoother application.
  • Wash your hands before you put on the foundation. You don't want to touch your face with your hand and get bacteria on your face; it can cause pimples and acne.
  • If you want to use a brush, use a stippling brush as it will allow you to "buff" the foundation, which will give you a better finish.
  • If you don't want to pay high prices for a nice foundation, get a sample of a pricey version and take it with you to the drugstore. Match the high-end sample as best you can to the cheap drugstore versions that are available.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.oprah.com/style/Guide-to-Putting-on-Foundation-and-Coverup/9
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 http://www.birchbox.com/magazine/article/learn-how-to-apply-foundation-for-perfect-skin
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