If you have trouble applying foundation to get a natural look, know that this is a very common problem. First of all, you need to prepare the skin for makeup by cleaning and moisturizing it in the correct way. You can also use a primer and concealer, neutral or tinted, depending on the type of blemishes you want to cover. As for the foundation, it is important to start with a small amount and apply it to the center of the face, then blend it towards the neck and hairline. Make sure you have chosen the correct shade, take the time you need to apply it correctly and finally fix it for a flawless complexion until the evening.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Skin and Apply Concealer and Primer
Step 1. Wash your face
Cleaning the skin properly allows you to effectively remove impurities, previously used makeup and excess sebum. First, it is important to choose a product formulated to meet the needs of your skin type:
- Use micellar water to reduce redness. It is a water-based cleanser that does not create foam and contains anti-inflammatory substances that decongest the skin.
- Cleansing balms effectively moisturize dry skin.
- Choose a clay cleanser if you have oily skin. In addition to clay, it contains other substances, such as vegetable carbon, which help to remove excess sebum and free the pores.
- For combination skin it is best to use a gel cleanser, as it removes excess sebum and is slightly moisturizing at the same time.
- If you have sensitive skin, the best choice is a cleansing milk, as it contains less water and more nourishing ingredients.
Step 2. Exfoliate and tone the skin
Flaky or uneven skin is not a good foundation for foundation. Use an exfoliating scrub containing hydroxy acid 2-3 times a week. Also, use a facial toner daily after cleansing to keep skin smooth and even.
Step 3. Apply a moisturizer
Every woman should use a moisturizer with sun protection factor (SPF) before starting to apply makeup. Its function is to protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun, while giving it a healthier and brighter appearance. If you have dry skin, you should use a cream with a thick and rich texture. If you have oily skin, it is better to choose a light cream that is more like a gel.
If you choose a cream without a sun protection factor, apply one with a factor of 15 or higher later
Step 4. Apply primer
The primer's job is to smooth the skin surface and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. It is also a great remedy for skin that tends to become shiny due to excessive sebum production. It also makes sure that the make-up adheres better to the face and therefore lasts longer. You can choose between a cream, gel or powder primer. Spread it on your skin as if it were a normal moisturizer, starting with a small amount.
Step 5. Use a tinted concealer to cover dark circles and any other skin discolorations
In this case you will need to apply it before the foundation. Use it to camouflage dark circles, redness or areas where the complexion is dull. Select the correct color based on the type of blemish:
- Pink covers bluish dark circles in the case of fair skin.
- Peach masks the bluish or purplish skin of dark circles in the case of medium skin.
- Concealers in shades of pink and orange hide dark spots on Mediterranean skins.
- Yellow neutralizes dark or purplish shades on olive or tanned skin.
- Green is very useful for covering up redness.
- Lavender color is good for skin that tends to yellow.
Part 2 of 3: Applying the Foundation
Step 1. Start with a small amount
To avoid the "mask" effect it is better to start with a small dose of foundation and possibly add more as needed. Apply it in the center of the forehead, under the eyes, on the nose and on the chin.
Step 2. Spread it over the rest of your face by tapping it
Start from the center of the face and gradually distribute it towards the neck and hairline. You can use your fingers, a brush or a make-up sponge, depending on your preferences. What matters is to use the correct technique, which is to gently tap the skin without rubbing it.
- Use your fingers if you want to get light coverage. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly both before and after.
- Use a brush to achieve light, even coverage, preferably with synthetic bristles. Distribute the foundation by making small circular movements with the brush.
- Use a sponge for extra coverage. Remember to wash it often to prevent bacteria from proliferating.
Step 3. Blend the foundation
Use the tool of your choice to blend it along the perimeter of the face. There should be no visible cut-off lines to help determine where the foundation starts or ends. Therefore you have to blend it where the face reaches the ears, neck and hairline.
Step 4. Touch up problem areas
If the skin is particularly bad in some parts of the face, for example due to acne, spots or very dark dark circles, use the foundation to make an additional touch-up. Apply it where you need it with a concealer brush that guarantees greater coverage. Also in this case, it is essential to blend it well before continuing, to avoid seeing lighter or darker spots on the face.
Step 5. Fix the base with the powder
Finish by applying a veil of clear, matte face powder over the foundation. In addition to setting the base and allowing it to last longer, the powder has a mattifying effect, as it absorbs excess oil that could otherwise make the skin appear shiny.
Part 3 of 3: Choosing the Foundation
Step 1. Find a product suitable for your skin type
It is essential to understand if it is dry, oily, normal or mixed, before choosing which foundation to apply. Only in this way can you get an excellent result. Many foundations are formulated exclusively for a single skin type.
- Light foundations, for example in mousse, are excellent for oily skin. As well as the liquid or powdered ones in the oil-free version.
- Liquid foundations that contain moisturizing elements are perfect for dry skin. You can also choose a powder or stick product, as long as it is designed to moisturize dry skin.
- Use a powder foundation if you have combination skin. The powder has the ability to absorb sebum. You should apply more where oil production is excessive and less where the skin is dry.
Step 2. Choose a foundation of the right color
As the name suggests, it serves to create the base shade on which to apply the rest of the make-up. To be a blank canvas on which to add other products, it must perfectly match the color of your natural complexion. Try different colors directly on the face (not on the hand or neck) and choose the one that is closest to your skin tone, without blending it.
Let the foundation soak in for a minute before checking the color, as it often changes slightly as it dries
Step 3. Get the coverage you want
Most people can use any medium coverage foundation, but if you have special needs you can use the following guidelines. Go to the perfumery and do several tests to determine which product you are best with and which allows you to look more natural.
- Powder foundations are generally less opaque.
- Compact foundations offer light coverage.
- The spray foundations guarantee medium coverage.
- Liquid foundations usually have high coverage.
- Cream foundations are generally the most opaque ones.
