The key to a flawless foundation application begins with looking after your skin. A good skincare routine and a foundation formula that works with your skin type. But once you have all these beginnings in place how do you to apply foundation perfectly? Well let me tell you…
Examine your skin type
Firstly, look at your skin type. Are you in need of a foundations that is for oily, dry or combination skin?
Foundations are developed with different skin types in mind. Finding a formula that works best for your own skin type is the first step in a flawless foundation application. Dry skin often needs a more hydrating formula whereas oily skin requires a more matte finish. When searching for foundation research the type of skin that product is intended for to ensure it will work well with your skin type.
I used to buy any foundation that was recommended without actually knowing if it would sit well on my skin. This would leave me disappointed when it didn’t look as nice on me as it did on others. Don’t give yourself the disappointment (and waste your money) buying the wrong type of foundation.
What coverage foundation do you want?
Do you have problemed skin or an uneven skin tone that may require a fuller coverage? Or are you looking for a lightweight real skin feel that just slightly smooths your skin? The possibilities are endless.
Foundation coverage refers to how heavy you want your foundation to appear on the skin. It comes in three different types.
Light coverage
A barely there appearance that casts a veil over your skin while still showing the skin underneath. Freckles and beauty marks are still visible through light coverage foundation, but it gives an even layer that can buff away any minor uneven skin tone and often a more radiant finish to the skin. A popular coverage for everyday wear or if you have clear skin.
Medium coverage
If you’re looking for slightly more coverage but skill want your skin to feel like skin then medium is a great option. It still gives you some coverage over imperfections without it feeling like you have much product on your face.
Full coverage
For those who have skin imperfections or blemishes a full coverage will be your best friend. With the ability to hide uneven skin tone and redness full coverage foundations leave an even base layer to build product on top. A go to choice for events or evening makeup looks.
Some foundations also have a buildable coverages that can take you from light to medium, or medium to full.
Look after your skin
Foundation will inevitably look best on a looked after skin. Keeping up a good skin care routine is the main step to achieve a flawless makeup application. Apply your foundation on cleansed and moisturised skin to get the best result from your foundation and have your skin looking it’s healthiest.
Once you’ve found the perfect foundation for you we can now delve into the best way to apply!
Believe in the effectiveness of a primer or not we do recommend applying a primer as a base before you go in with your foundation. Decide on the primer that is right for you. There are so many on the market and all do different things. If you have dry skin dewy primers can work great for bringing some extra hydration to your skin. My favourite primer to use is a pore blurring formula to smooth my face.
Now we’re on to foundation. Its time to give you the full low down on how to apply foundation using a brush vs sponge. Theses are the two most popular ways to apply foundation but which is best?
How to apply foundation with a brush
With so many types of makeup brushes on the market its hard to know which is the best option for your foundation. First of all we would recommend using a synthetic hair brush over a brush made with real hair. Synthetic brush bristled will soak up less on the product and concentrate the most coverage on your face.
I recommend using a flat top foundation brush.
Zoeva 104 Buffer Brush
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
I usually apply the foundation straight to the skin and then buff it into my skin as I find this uses less product that applying to the brush and then to the face. When you apply your foundation start from the centre of your face and work your way outwards. This will keep your foundation layer looking as natural as possible and keep the most coverage where it is mainly needed.
When blending you foundation make sure to lightly buff in circular motions. Do not press down or swipe your skin like your painting, this will leave foundation streaks on your face whilst buffing will create a smooth vail over your skin.
Using a foundation brush can often leave a more professional looking application but this does take more time. You need to concentrate on blending, and it will take you slightly longer to achieve a seamless looking application.
Applying with a brush is my favourite method when I have more time to apply makeup, I also love using the same brush to buff in my liquid contour and concealer for a flawlessly blended base.
How to apply foundation with a sponge
The blending sponge is often my go to for applying foundation. It is a much quicker method of application. I would recommend a sponge to those starting out in makeup or just like to choose the quickest, easiest application route.
The first thing to know when using a makeup sponge is to always dampen it before use. Dampening you sponge will stop it from soaking up as much product which then deposits a higher coverage to your face. It will also leave a more flawless application that looks seamlessly blended.
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge.
This sponge is great value retailing at £5 and works wonders for blending in your foundation. It also lasts extremely well providing you’re looking after your sponge and cleaning it regularly.
Sponges are perfect for effortlessly building foundation to the coverage you need. When using a sponge gently bounce it on your skin working the foundation in. It is often easier to get to every part of your face with a sponge even the hard-to-reach inner corners or around the nose.
Makeup sponges do however tend to soak up product more than brushes do. If the formula of your foundation is a thin liquid formula you may find yourself using more product to get a higher coverage.
To keep your makeup lasting as long as possible it’s always a good idea to set it using powder.
