No time for touch ups during the day? Here are our top tips for keeping that foundation on all day long:
1. Choosing the right formula of foundation
Different formulas of foundation are designed for different skin types. Just because you like the packaging doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If you have dry skin, use a cream or liquid foundation. If you have oily skin, go for oil-free formulas, powder or mineral foundation.
2. Exfoliate and moisturise
By exfoliating and moisturising your skin you are allowing your foundation and the rest of your make-up to go on smoother and look good for longer. Remember – your foundation sits on top of your skin.
3. Prime, prime, prime
Never skip this step. It is the setting step for your foundation and one that will also help you save on product. A primer creates a flawless canvas for your foundation and helps hold it in place and prolong wear.
4. Use the right tools to apply it
Apply your foundation with a foundation brush. This will help deliver the correct amount you need, effortlessly onto your skin. If you are applying mineral or powder foundation, use a fluffy powder brush or kabuki brush to help buff on the product properly.
5. Less is more
This tip applies to most make-up products. Start off with less foundation on your brush and gradually apply more if you need to.
6. Use a finishing powder
If you are using a liquid or cream foundation it is always best to finish off your look with a dusting of finishing / translucent powder. This helps seal your foundation and stops it from “sliding” down your face. Think of it as a top coat, like you apply on your nails as the last step of your manicure.
52 comments
Bev Saunders
Great tips indeed. I pretty much do everything suggested, but pat my powder on and do not use a powder brush as I do not get the same finish when using a brush and the brush fibers tend to stick onto my face. Any suggestions please? Thanks!
BeautySouthAfrica
Hi Bev, this might be because your brushes need to be replaced. A lot of brushes may drop a few bristles every now and then, but it if happens on the regular even after cleansing your brushes, it’s time for new ones! – Aléz
LeRonique January
All these steps are definitely a MUST DO for your foundation, I have combination skin & i found that a cream foundation works best (My favourite is the Mac studio sculpt).
I also find that you can get even more coverage for your foundation by colour correcting….this definitely does wonders & lets your foundation last even longer so you don’t have to go out & buy a new one every single month!
BeautySouthAfrica
Thank you for the tip, LeRonique! Sounds great:) – Alez
Fouzia Damon
Well a lesson learnt great read !
I will be using these tips daily at the end of the day i will be saving so much money!
Julia Booysen
After reading this article – I never knew that it was a must to apply a primer before putting on foundation. I always thought moisturizer was enough with a matt finishing spray. I’ve always used a foundation brush, but I’m considering using a beauty blender as I have seen so many Youtubers use on their channels. One product I cannot seem to find is a good but inexpensive translucent powder to finish off my look – is using a matt foundation powder okay to use as a finishing powder? Also I have a question regarding mascara – I have naturally long lashes, that don’t curl well unless I use a lash curler, which type of mascara would be good to use in my case?
BeautySouthAfrica
Hey Julia! Thank you for your questions. You can definitely use a matt foundation powder at a setting powder, but it’s actually pretty fashionable to just rock a liquid foundation. It makes the skin look more natural. If you are looking for more of a sharp finish, the matte powder is great, but use a setting spray over it to make it look less powdery. If you’re not going to fork over for a setting spray, you can get a bottle of rosewater from Dischem or Clicks, then add a spray nozzle to it. And voila! You have the perfect setting spray.
As for the right mascara, I have that problem too, but I’m not that phased about curly lashes. I accentuate my lashes with something like Lacôme’s Doll Eyes. After some research it seems like curlers are almost always necessary to set a curl, and the issue is just finding a mascara that can hold it. *BUT* one source (https://www.birchbox.com/product/27512) said that Benefit’s Cosmetics Roller Lash Super-Curling & Lifting Mascara works well enough to replace your curler. You can find out more about the mascara and where to buy it here: https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/za/en-gb/product/roller-lash
Hope that helps!
Aléz
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Great tip. Will definitely use it.
Rachelle Horn
I must say I am guilty of not applying Primer and this is the most important step! I have acne skin so I can’t exfoliate; I only use my clinique anti-blemish products which help to prevent breakouts which helps a lot. Another thing which I am guilty of is not using a foundation brush. I normally apply my foundation with my fingers which is not the most hygienic thing to do. My first thing on my beaty list is a foundation bush. Do you need to wet your foundation brush when applying foundation?
BeautySouthAfrica
Hey Rachelle, thanks for your question! From my research, it looks like dampening before use is a personal preference. Some never do, some do only with certain foundations, others don’t at all. One thing you can do is dampen a beauty blender before use and this will give you a fuller coverage. Something to consider:) Hope that helps! – ALéz
Zelda24 Du Plessis
Usefull tips, I noticed that applying primer already makes a difference, and ofcourse chosing the correct foundation.
Carey Wertheim
great tips to apply
HURTERQ
Priming is so important. And when I moisturise it feels like the foundation is also on longer than usual.
Amber Poggenpoel
Great tips… Always looking for great make-up tips