The purpose of foundation application is to enhance your beauty and boost your confidence. But do you know the opposite can happen if you don’t get it right?
When it comes to foundation, following a few essential rules ensures you achieve the flawless look you desire. Skipping these steps often results in cakey, uneven, or unattractive makeup.
So, what should you keep in mind when applying foundation? Let’s dive in!
Do’s and Don’ts of Applying Foundation
1. Do: Wash and moisturize your face
This may seem obvious, but it’s very important. The surface your foundation sits on must be clean and prepped. Even if you washed your face earlier in the day, you’ll need to cleanse it again before applying makeup, especially if it’s been hours. Sweat, oil, and dirt build up over time and need to be removed.
Start by washing your face, then apply a moisturizer that suits your skin type to create a hydrated base for your foundation application.
2. Don’t: Apply foundation immediately after moisturizer
Moisturizer needs time to sink into your skin—around 10 minutes should do the trick. Applying foundation right after moisturizer can result in a messy finish because both products are wet.
By giving your moisturizer time to absorb, you’ll achieve a smoother and more flawless application.
3. Do: Dampen your beauty blender
A damp beauty blender gives you the best results when applying foundation. When the sponge is damp, it absorbs less product, meaning you use less foundation while achieving better coverage. Plus, a damp blender helps blend the foundation seamlessly, creating a smooth and polished finish.
4. Don’t: Rub foundation onto your face
While you may rub in your moisturizer or serum, foundation is a different story. Rubbing foundation can irritate your skin and even cause premature aging. It also creates a streaky, uneven finish.
Instead, gently dab the foundation onto your skin with a sponge or brush. This technique ensures a clean, beautiful finish without irritating your skin.
5. Do: Use sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and creating a strong base for your makeup.
Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it before your foundation. This not only shields your skin from sun damage but also ensures a smoother, longer-lasting foundation application.
6. Don’t: Use too much foundation
With foundation, less is often more. It’s about how you apply it, not how much you use it.
For most applications, 1-2 pumps of foundation are sufficient. This amount allows for even coverage without overwhelming your skin. Apply it evenly and adjust as needed for areas that require extra attention.
7. Do: Focus on discoloured areas first
When applying foundation, start with the discoloured areas of your face. These are the spots that need the most coverage to create an even skin tone.
By addressing those areas first, you’ll ensure that your foundation blends seamlessly, leaving your skin looking smooth and uniform.
8. Don’t: Match foundation to your neck
Your neck’s undertone may differ from your face due to factors like sun exposure or hyperpigmentation. Matching your foundation to your neck can result in a shade that looks too dark or mismatched.
Instead, match your foundation to your face for a natural, harmonious finish. The goal is to create balance and enhance your overall look.