There’s nothing more intimidating when it comes to makeup than knowing and learning how to apply foundation. If you’re not a makeup a pro, foundation can be very daunting, but if you know a few tricks of the trade, you can use it to the best of your advantage. Foundation is an amazing way to create a smooth and flawless canvas, perfect for setting the stage for the rest of your makeup. If you’ve previously shied away from foundation, knowing how to apply is the name of the game. Want to learn a few tricks? Keep reading to learn how to apply foundation like a pro.
How to Apply Foundation Like a Pro
Keep your skin soft and moisturized.
Dry skin does not absorb foundation the same way that well hydrated and moisturized skin does. It’s a huge advantage to keep your skin supple when it comes to flawless foundation application. Stay on top of treating your skin well by staying hydrated from the inside out (drink lots of water!), using moisturizing cleansers and moisturizing daily.
Find the perfect tone for your skin.
“Test foundation on your jawline and check it in the daylight,” says CoverGirl makeup guru Pat McGrath. “The color is correct if it disappears without blending.” Finding the right shade at the drugstore can be harder, but Surratt gives this sneaky tip: “If you can’t afford to splurge on foundation, get a beauty adviser at a department store to help you pick the perfect color, and ask for a sample to take home. Then bring it to the drugstore and look for the closest match.” (via Glamour)
Having and using the correct color is half the battle – leaving you with a foundation that won’t feel too dark, too light or too heavy. When the color is spot on, it leaves a bit more room for error when it comes to applying too much or not enough – it will blend flawlessly with skin.
Mix foundation with a little primer for a bit less coverage.
According to Sharon Li of Total Beauty during her trip to makeup school, “You can wear cream foundation as is for opaque, full coverage or you can break it down to be more translucent by mixing it with some primer.” What? Isn’t primer only supposed to go on before foundation? According to the teacher, this is a surefire way to retain the foundation’s coverage without it looking caked on. Plus, you get to reap the long-lasting durability that cream foundation has over liquids and powders. This also helps the makeup blend seamlessly with the first layer of primer on your skin.
Use concealer that’s one shade lighter than your skin and apply after foundation.
Applying concealer on top of your foundation helps ensure a gorgeous and flawless look – and you don’t end up using too much this way. This is a great technique when it comes to covering under eye circles or small blemishes that need a bit of extra concealing. Remember: a little bit goes a long way when it comes to concealer.
So, will you give these tricks a try rather than being shy about using foundation?
