How to: apply foundation flawlessly

You want to look polished and flawless (if at all possible!), not like an ageing groupie with too much make-up. Follow our steps to applying foundation like a pro and you will to get a near-perfect finish.

Step 1: Cleanse

Clean your hands and your face. You want clean hands so that you don’t touch your face with dirty hands which could cause blemishes and pimples. And you want to clean your face so that you have a clear canvas to start with!

Step 2: Prepare

Apply moisturiser, sunscreen and/or a primer suited to your skin type. Foundations go on to well-hydrated skin more smoothly and so your look will be more natural. Most make-up artists prefer to use a primer as well as a moisturiser as the primer creates an utterly smooth surface for the foundation. This, as you can imagine, makes blending a cinch!

Wait a moment or two before applying the foundation though, giving the moisturiser and primer (and sunscreen!) time to set.

Step 3: Cover up

Cover up any spots or redness with a touch of concealer (rather than simply using masses of foundation). If your eyes are looking less than bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, a couple of dots of concealer underneath and on the corner of each eye should do the trick. Always PAT the concealer to blend it in – don’t rub it. Rubbing will damage your skin, not to mention the fact that you will end up rubbing all the concealer away, entirely defeating the purpose of the exercise.

Helpful hint
• Use a concealer with a peach or yellowish undertone to brighten dark circles under your eyes.
• Use a green concealer to cover up the red of blemishes or broken capillaries on your face. Green cancels out red as they are opposites on the colour wheel.

Step 4: Apply your foundation

Now apply the foundation by dotting it around the areas of your face that need evening out – probably your cheeks, chin, forehead and nose. Use as little as possible – the idea is to make it look like your skin is NATURALLY this perfect, not offer a cakey giveaway!

Blend well, in the direction of the hairs on your face (that would be downwards). Don’t cover the neck as well, but do go slightly below the jawline to prevent that tell-tale demarcation of colour. Pay special attention to your hairline as well.

Now check in a magnifying mirror for any spots that have escaped your blending.

FAQ

Which is best to use? A sponge, brush or my fingers?

Make-up artists swear by brushes as they soak up less foundation and blend really well.
A sponge gives a sheer, even cover – although it soaks up a lot of your foundation.
Your fingers are easiest and the warmth from your fingers heats up the pigment and makes it easier to blend.
Our advice is to use whichever method you find easiest.
But which ever method you choose, make sure your tool of choice is CLEAN!

Helpful hint
Remember that your skin probably changes colour with the seasons so you might need a different shade of foundation to the one you’re used to, as winter starts closing in.

Step 5: Powder

Dust your face lightly (LIGHTLY) with a translucent powder to give it a matte finish and to set your look. Or skip this step if you want a more natural, dewy look (our own preference).

Now you can apply the other make-up you are using (eyes, lips) and go out into the world with confidence knowing your skin looks effortlessly flawless and natural.

Image: Shutterstock.com

Other articles you may be interested in:
Choose the perfect mascara
Pink pout
Foundation types explained: Creams
Foundation types explained: Powders
Foundation types explained: Liquids