Failing to plan is planning to fail. So goes the much-famed saying. And there is proof in its message because after all, preparation precedes perfection. The same goes for your makeup routine.
When it comes to any makeup routine, foundation is the key to a flawless look. Foundation prepares your face for every other bit of makeup that you’ll put on. Van Gogh couldn’t have painted the Almond Blossom without a blank canvas to start with, and that’s what foundation is to any makeup routine. It provides the platform on which you’ll build your desired look.
Here are some things to take note of when putting on your foundation.
Keep Your Age in Mind
As your skin ages, specific changes are bound to occur. More mature skin tends to feel a bit more sensitive and less elastic. This occurrence is down to a loss in elastin and collagen, disrupting the skin’s tissue arrangement. Keeping that in mind, it’s crucial to find the ideal foundation to match mature skin.
The best foundation for mature skin should feature a few antioxidant elements such as soy to aid in skin repair. A foundation that’s infused with vitamin E or biotin will help in reversing the effects of aging. Also, consider something with built-in sunscreen to offer protection against sunburn-causing UVB rays. Go for lightweight formulas that are water-based for the added advantage of skin hydration.
Make Sure You Prep Your Skin
Before applying anything on your face, it’s essential to cleanse your face and get rid of any oil and dirt. Next, apply some moisturizer. That’s because makeup tends to settle into any dry crevices on the skin. So without a proper cleanse and a moisturizer to back it up, your foundation won’t be as seamless as you’d like it to be.
Your Skin Type Matters
Your skin type is another significant factor to consider when dealing with foundation. Is your skin dry, oily, normal, or a combination of any of them? Knowing your skin type will help you pick a foundation that complements your skin type. That way, you won’t end up with a look that seems artificial or worse yet be on the receiving end of some harsh breakouts.
Powder Along Your T-Zone
Your T-Zone consists of three parts. Namely, it includes your chin, nose, and forehead. When setting your foundation, apply powder to these three parts to make the foundation last. Take a fluffy brush, pick a little setting powder then pass it gently over the T-Zone. That way, you’ll achieve a neat, natural finish.
Pick the Right Shade
Finding the right shade of foundation could be the difference between a pass and a fail. A shade too dark means tide lines. A shade too dark and you end up looking Casper the friendly ghost. When looking for the ideal shade, find a tone that’s as close to your skin color as possible. Instead of using the back of your hand to compare shades, use your jawbone for a more accurate picture.
Use a Makeup Sponge
Brush bristles are a common way to put on foundation, but they tend to leave lines on your face. Using your hand isn’t a good option either because hands can’t achieve the best kind of blend and distribution. For optimum results, make use of a good makeup sponge. Damp your sponge in a bit of water, put a bit of foundation over your face’s main points (cheeks, chin, and forehead), then use stippling motions to blend in the foundation.
How You Apply Matters
Many makeup artists make an argument for upward brush strokes when putting on foundation. However, when applying your foundation, use downward strokes to prevent clogging up your pores. Downward strokes not only protect your skin but also give an excellent smooth finish.
Apply Concealer After Foundation
The whole purpose of foundation is to even out your skin tone and lower blemishes, excess redness, and discoloration. So until you apply your foundation, you won’t know how much concealer you’ll need. If you’re tempted to blend your foundation with your concealer, think again. Combining the two usually results in moving your concealer off the region you hoped to cover up. Check out the best vegan concealer brands to make sure the products you are using are cruelty free.
Avoid Skipping the Primer
There are times you’ll be in a rush to get your makeup done and choose to forgo using your primer. Indeed, primer isn’t necessary when applying makeup, but you’ll want to use it to fill in pores, wrinkles, and small imperfections on your face. Using a primer allows your foundation to go on a lot smoother as well as enabling you to use less foundation. The benefits outweigh foregoing it altogether.
Less Is More
There is always the temptation to put on a few layers of foundation. What’s the harm, after all? Well, going overboard with your foundation is the perfect recipe for a cakey foundation. Use a single layer of foundation and spread it out evenly for a cake-free finish.
Take Some Time After Moisturizing
You may be anxious to start your makeup routine as soon as you’re done applying your moisturizer but the best option would be to hold on for a little while. In reality, moisturizer needs a couple of minutes to get absorbed into your skin. So before diving in with your foundation brush or sponge, let your moisturizer rest for a couple of minutes to avoid creating a mess.
Your Neck Matters
If you take the time to look, you’ll notice that your neck is a tad bit lighter than your face. That’s why you’ll want to blend your foundation with your neck for a seamless look. Put some foundation on your neck along your jawline, and underneath your chin, then working from your chin outwards, use downward strokes to create that perfect blend. That way, your face and neck maintain ideal harmony.
Whether you’re a pro or it’s your first time applying makeup, getting the foundation right is always the basis for an excellent finish. With these pointers, conquer your foundation application. You’ll be sure to nail that next look stress-free.
Resources – Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Byrdie