Beautiful makeup starts with a great base, but do you know how to apply foundation like a pro?
Unfortunately, even the best foundation can end up looking a bit iffy if you haven't nailed how to apply it in the first place. As with learning how to apply concealer, a little know-how from the experts (whose job it is to ready celebrities' faces for the red carpet) plus some skin prep tips, will get you well on your way to complexion perfection.
Whether you feel you need lots of coverage or just a touch, knowing how to apply foundation can really transform your look. According to Aimee Connolly (opens in new tab), makeup artist and owner of Sculpted By Aimee, "Foundation is great for evening out the skin tone and adding all over color and coverage to the skin." So if common concerns like rosacea, acne, or pigmentation are getting the better of you, there's no harm in covering these up with a great foundation.
How to apply foundation: step-by-step
Step 1: Choose the right formula
No amount of skill can make up for using the wrong base in the first place. Get to know foundation terminology and pick one of the best foundation formulas that encourage your skin's natural radiance. Allow us to translate:
- Luminous: glowy, sheeny, hydrated-looking skin
- Dewy: moisturized, slightly shiny skin; "glass skin"
- Sheer: translucent, radiance-enhancing formulas with minimal coverage
- Glowy: sheeny verging on shiny effect, good for those with nothing to hide
- Full coverage: more opaque, you will see fewer blemishes, but also less skin
- Medium coverage: allows the skin to show through, but blurs blemishes
- Matte: reduces shine, looks polished, but can be unflattering if applied too thickly
Step 2: Prep your skin
Learning how to apply foundation can enhance what you’ve got, but it’s no substitute for real radiance, so begin with a few skincare for makeup prep steps. "Your skin prep should be tailored to your skin type, it's not one routine suits all," explains Connolly. Aim for a smooth, hydrated canvas to work from and allow your foundation to sit better on the skin. As a rule of thumb:
- Cleanse: Dislodge old, dead skin cells that can build up and subdue radiance. Lather up with lukewarm water and a nourishing oil or balm, then remove with a washcloth for extra smoothness.
- Smooth: Follow up with a gentle acid toner, which loosens the joins between dead cells so they’re easier to budge. You skin will be smoother with a radiance that shines through any base.
- Hydrate: Once your skin is clean and flake-free, a good quenching moisturizer will ensure any patches of dehydrated skin won't drink your foundation or cause it to flake.
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(opens in new tab)Step 3: Use a primer
Think of your skin as a wall that needs a fresh paint job - you wouldn't just paint the wall straight away. It needs cleaning and priming first to get the best possible finish and longevity. "Primer will extend the longevity of your makeup and keep it from wearing off," agrees Connolly.
The best primers grab hold of your foundation and give skin a smooth, blurred quality that’s as natural-looking as it is naturally impossible to achieve. "Choose a primer to target what your skin needs, such as oil control, hydration or to reduce pore size," says Connolly. "For an all-over glow, use a radiant primer straight after moisturizer, applying right across the face to enhance the skin," says makeup artist Tania Greer (opens in new tab). "Alternatively, using your fingers, apply to specific areas: bridge of the nose, cheekbones, middle of the chin, above the brow, and on the Cupid's bow."
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(opens in new tab)Step 4. Grab a brush
Blenders and fingers have their merits when working with lighter formulas. How to apply tinted moisturizer is all in the handiwork, and if you're weighing up foundation vs BB cream, it's worth noting that BBs are often best applied with a dampened beauty sponge. But most experts agree that a brush is best when it comes to learning how to apply foundation for a smooth finish.
The type of brush you use depends on the finish you want, explains MAC Senior Artist Dominic Skinner (opens in new tab). "A duo-fiber brush will whip the foundation onto the skin lightly and evenly, so it's ideal for glow." He says, "Whereas a flat synthetic brush will lay the foundation on the skin with a fuller finish, and will suit if you have oilier skin or need more coverage. You can use fingers to apply foundation if you prefer, but always go over with a brush to finish off and add finesse."
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(opens in new tab)Step 5: Work outwards and build
Once your skin is prepped to perfection, the last thing you want to do is smother your whole face in heavy pigment. "Apply foundation to the areas that need more coverage first and blend it out from there," says Connolly, "This helps prevent too much product build-up in areas you might not necessarily need it."
Generally speaking, the center of the face including the nose, sides of the nose, and forehead need the most coverage so start buffing there first. This allows for sheer coverage on the cheeks and jaw. Then use whatever's left on your brush and blend down the neck - this stops the dreaded tidemark and ensures a seamless finish.
Building up slowly is key. "Some common mistakes I see women making with foundation is applying far too much product," says Val Garland (opens in new tab), L’Oréal Paris Global Makeup Artist. "To achieve a healthy skin look, start with a thin layer and only apply to areas that need coverage." When you've buffed in your first layer of foundation, take a good look in natural light before applying any more; you want as much skin as possible to show through for a natural, radiant look.
Step 6: Check and set
It's up to you how you finish. If you have oily skin, a dusting of loose powder can help set your foundation in place. "Powder will naturally help to reduce and control oil and shine," explains Connolly. Some people like to use setting sprays for extra hold and if you have dry skin, you may want to add extra glow.
"A great trick is after you have finished your makeup, add a little bit of your best face moisturizer on the palms of your hands and gently press onto the high points of your cheekbones," says Garland. "This is my secret to achieve a hyperreal glossy skin finish, and help your makeup appear natural."
For even more glow, consider finishing with highlighter. If you’ve tried these before and ended up looking more C-3PO than J-Lo, don’t blame yourself. They’re often billed as all-over glow boosters, when in reality they look far better as an eye-catching dab here and there, creating a flattering flash where light naturally hits. Cream is generally more flattering than powder, as are champagne, peach, and rose gold shades compared to silver, which can look grayish in the wrong light.
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