The perfect method of foundation application is a bit like the Holy Grail. Some days, you find it and it is amazing. Other days, you’re pretty sure that it’s just a myth and that you’re doomed to a flaky face of streaky make-up for the rest of your life.
Foundation is one of the essential parts of any woman’s daily beauty regime, but it can be so hard to nail it every single day. A lot of the problem is our own skin (y’know that stuff that you’re trying so hard to cover up).
Skin has the ability to change on an hourly basis. It can morph from parched to oil slick in the space of a few minutes. Needless to say, this does not bode well when it comes to the application of foundation. Ladies, in most cases, we really are dermatologically challenged.
There are countless tips and tricks when it comes to getting the perfect, flawless finish on your foundation. Here are five simple ideas to help you out. The best thing about them? They actually work…
1. Cleanse, tone and moisturize: Applying foundation on a dirty face is a bad idea – mainly because your poor pores will be so clogged up you’re likely to be heading towards pimplesville. Always clean away any dirt and grime before you start putting on make-up.
After you cleanse and tone, finish with a heavy layer of moisturizer. Don’t be shy – blob it on. Not only will it make your skin soft and smooth, it’ll also help to bond the foundation to your face, meaning it’ll last longer. Moisturizer is just as good as any fancy primer. Fact.
2. Use your fingers: We know, we know! It sounds sacrilegious, especially if you’re a brush addict, but please just hear us out! Applying foundation with your fingers is great for a number of reasons.
Firstly, you can decide exactly how much coverage you want. Secondly, your fingers can get into all your nooks (nose creases, eye corners – the works!). Thirdly, the body heat from your fingers will melt the foundation slightly. This means that the foundation will be more manageable and you’re less likely to be left with any unsightly streaks.
3. Always blend downwards: You can start lobbing on foundation anywhere on your face, but we’re going to be controversial here and suggest that you begin at your forehead and work your way down.
Make sure that you blend in your foundation with downward strokes. Why? Well ladies, much and all as we hate to admit it, if you get up close and personal with a mirror, you’re likely to see that your face has some unnoticeable downy fluff on it. All part of being a woman we’re afraid!
The only problem is that foundation is likely to make this fluff very noticeable. Therefore it’s essential that you blend in a downward manner – this will keep the fluff at bay. Trust us.
4. Allow it to sink in: After you’ve finished the first phase of applying your foundation, leave it for five minutes before you continue with the rest of your make-up. This will help your foundation to bond to your skin and set, which means that it will last longer.
After the five minutes are up, get a tissue and blot your face ever so lightly with it. This will take away any shiny bits that you don’t want.
5. Grab a buffing brush: Now comes the fun part. Get yourself a buffing brush (a brush with a flat head). Place a teensy little bit of foundation on it and work it into your face in circular motions. This will give you a bit more coverage and help you to create that completely flawless look.
Leave it to dry for another few minutes and blot again with a tissue if you need to.
6. Set your face: It’s always worth investing in a good foundation setting powder because not only will it help to keep your make-up in place, it’ll also help to give you a bit of a matte finish, which looks great.
Brush a thin layer of your setting powder over your face and enjoy having beautiful, flawless skin (well for the next few hours anyway).
