Have you ever wondered how to apply foundation the right way? Whether you’re new to the ins and outs of makeup or have been experimenting with it for years, it’s always beneficial to know how to do something simply and effectively. Especially when it comes to your face! We often have an idea in our head about how we want a particular look to turn out. And when we attempt it ourselves, it often doesn’t look the way we wanted it to.
This can be frustrating and discourage us from ever picking up a brush again, but it can easily be remedied by knowing the proper techniques and practicing them over time. Foundation forms the basis of any good makeup routine. Knowing how to apply foundation flawlessly can be more challenging than expected, but we’re here to help. Let’s get into five simple steps on how to apply foundation.
Before We Start To Apply Foundation
Before we get started on the steps for how to apply foundation, you first need to make sure you have the right products. To apply foundation with the best results, you’re going to need a little more than just the foundation itself. Remember that there is a difference between foundation and concealer and therefore they are separate processes in the makeup routine. But don’t stress – all you need before you begin is a good face cleanser, moisturizer, and your preferred tool of choice for the application process.
Here’s a handy list of tools you may need:
- High quality foundation matching your skin tone
- Facial cleanser
- Facial moisturizer
- Blender sponge
- Flat top makeup brush or stippling brush
When it comes to deciding between liquid or powder foundation there are a few tips to bear in mind. First, you don’t need both. It’s a common misconception that you must apply a liquid foundation and then top it with powder foundation. This isn’t necessary in all cases and can make your makeup look caked-on instead of naturally flawless.
Powder foundation gives a very light coverage and is not recommended for people with wrinkles, scars or sagging skin as the powder can nestle in these sections of skin making them stand out more. However, it can be a nice light touch if you don’t require a lot of coverage.
Liquid foundation is usually the preferred option as it offers better coverage and is buildable. Liquid foundation can also be blended easier and is suitable for all skin types. For the purpose of this article how to apply foundation, we’ll be using liquid foundation.
How To Apply Foundation For Flawless Looking Skin
Now that we know what we’ll need, we can start with the process of applying foundation.
Step 1: Cleanse
Clean skin makes for a great, bare canvas. Whether you’re applying your foundation in the morning or evening, it’s important to cleanse your skin before applying makeup to remove any lingering dirt or oil that may clog your pores once they’re covered. You can clean your face with whatever cleanser you use in your regular skincare routine, or alternatively wipe your skin with a cotton pad or gentle damp cloth and some micellar water. Not only will you feel fresh and ready to glam up, but your skin will thank you for it later.
Step 2: Prep
Once you’ve cleansed your skin, it’s not a good idea to apply foundation right onto it. It’s important to have a nourishing layer between your bare skin and the makeup – not only for protection but to give the foundation a flawless finish. This is where moisturizer and primer come in. You don’t need to include both, but you do need a layer between your skin and the foundation. Moisturizer will hydrate your skin to prevent the foundation from looking dry or flaky. Primer will create an even surface and help keep the makeup in place on the skin.
Step 3: Apply
Now you can start the application! A little goes a long way with foundation, so don’t get too eager when pumping or squeezing it out of the bottle. You can always add more later if you need to. You can apply your foundation with your fingers if that’s what you prefer, but for a cleaner and more precise method, you can use a tool, like a beauty blender or foundation brush.
Beauty blenders are kinder for dry skin, but both tools are effective. Pump or squeeze a small measure of foundation onto your tool and gently apply it to your face. You can dab it on your cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, jawline, and neck, and slowly work it to cover the entire surface in a nice even layer.
If you’re learning how to apply foundation for the first time, you might want to measure out the foundation first before applying it directly to a tool. You can use a small bowl or flat surface like a cosmetic palette for this. Pump or squeeze your foundation into the bowl or onto the palette, so you have a better idea of what you’re working with, and then use your tool to gather it and apply it to your face.
Step 4: Blend
Next, blend, blend, blend! Blend until you think you can’t possibly blend anymore. We don’t want any lines of demarcation; we want a smooth, even finish. Use your beauty blender or brush to even out the foundation so that it covers every part of your face in a smooth layer. Don’t forget to blend out over your jawline and neck, too. Try to invest in a lightweight foundation that matches your skin tone, so it looks as natural as possible.
Step 5: Touch Up
The final step comes once the application is done. Check your skin under good lighting to see if everything is well-blended and smooth. Any spots you may have missed can be covered by dabbing your beauty blender or foundation brush over the area and blending it even more. Or, if needed, you can use a little more of the product and dab it on gently and lightly. Remember that you only need a little foundation to cover a wide area. After this step, you can apply concealer or over the areas where you’d like a little extra coverage. From here you can proceed with the next steps in your makeup routine knowing you have a flawless foundation to build on.
A Full Face of Confidence
We hope we’ve given you everything you need to know about how to apply foundation. Natural beauty is always encouraged, but sometimes we need that extra bit of coverage or enhancement to make us feel more confident, and there’s no harm in that! Foundation can do the trick as long as you use the right product for your skin and know how to apply it. Let us know in the comments which foundations are your favorite and if you have any favorite tools to apply it!
