Four Things I’ve Learned About Applying Foundation

1. Concealer Goes On Top

This is a bit of a controversial one and I know that some of you probably won’t agree but I am a firm believer that concealer should always go on top of the foundation. Sure it’s nice to cover all spots and redness first and then just even everything out with foundation but in reality I find that does not happen. No matter how hard I try not to budge the concealer I always fail. Regardless of what brushes / sponges I use the foundation layer is thinning out the concealer, so I end up reapplying it, which only cakes the face. Instead, I like to use color-correcting primer, which not only counteracts any redness and discoloration but it also primes the skin, which leads me to my next point:

2. Always Moisturize and Prime

I cannot stress that enough! Slapping some moisturizer on and applying primer prior to foundation makes the biggest difference. These are the two steps I never skip and I suggest you don’t too. By prepping the skin you actually help the foundation adhere to the skin properly and create a smooth and even canvas for it to go on top. What I like to do is always pat some lightweight moisturizer and then wait for about 5-10 minutes for it to absorb. You need to wait because if the moisturizer is not absorbed properly your foundation will just sit on top and will slide off your face a lot faster, plus it might end up looking patchy. Now I’ve found that you always need to pat, rather then rub both the cream and the primer, as otherwise you cause micro exfoliation, which lifts the dry flakey patches of skin and the foundation ends up looking a lot more cakey that it normally would.

3. Less Is More

A lot of people seem to think that they need to slap a lot of foundation in order to get fuller coverage but this is not always the case. Some foundations just won’t give you full coverage no matter how much you put on because the amount of pigment there is in them is simply not enough. If you are after fuller coverage invest in foundation specifically made for that. I suggest you work in thin layers, rather that applying a huge blob all at once. Otherwise chances are you will end up looking cakey as hell. Also, always try to keep things as minimal as possible around the eyes and your mouth. The skin is thinnest there and too much foundation results in accentuated wrinkles and fine lines. Not a cute look.

4. The Sponge & Tissue Trick

This is my all time favorite beauty trick and oh boy does it work! It’s a tip I learned from Wayne Goss and something I do daily. All you need to have is a disposable makeup sponge and a tissue. Basically you wrap the sponge with the tissue and start pressing it gently onto your skin before setting everything with powder. This technique helps absorb the excess oils, as well as all silicones and waxes from your primer, foundation and concealer. I find that this not only helps your base look a lot more natural and cake-free but it also makes the foundation hang around for longer. This little blotting technique prevents your foundation from oxidizing throughout the day as well, which is just brilliant! Hello flawless, non-orange skin!

What have you learned about the foundation application? Have you got any tips?

Lots of love,

Andrea