Foundation mishaps such as blotches and streaks, can be quite embarrassing especially when you leave half your face on someone you've just hugged.
Have you ever looked at your face after a day out and wondered why it looks so greasy? If you have dry skin, are there parts of your skin that are peeling or appear ashen? Or does your foundation tend to disappear from your face by the end of the day? Regardless of your skin type, we all want our skin to look flawless, without looking "made-up".
Here are some tips for perfect, lasting foundation.
Step 1 – Cleanse/Exfoliate
Cleanse and exfoliate your skin to get rid of any dead or dry skin, leaving a clean smooth canvas. Bicarbonate of soda works really well as it leaves your skin feeling super smooth. Just mix a little bicarbonate of soda with a few drops of water and scrub. Rub an ice cube on your face to minimize the appearance of your pores, and pat dry with a towel.
Step 2 – Tone
Toner will help to tighten your skin and lock in moisture.
Step 3 - Moisturise
Use your usual face cream to protect your skin and avoid flaky makeup. For oily skin, use an oil-free moisturizer or you may use primer alone.
Step 4 - Prime
Primers create a flawless base and help your makeup stay on. Apply a small amount all over your face, avoiding the area around your lips.
Step 5 – Warm the Foundation
For smoother application put a medium size drop of foundation on the back of your hand to warm it.
Step 6 – Apply foundation
Use a foundation or stippling brush to apply dots of foundation all over your face. Blend it in using a damp beauty blender in a bouncing motion. Avoid rubbing it against your skin as this will remove the product. Bouncing ensures that the foundation is evenly distributed and prevents wastage. According to Beauty by Dee, a beauty blender is one of the best tools to use as it makes your foundation look natural, like skin.
Step 7 – Conceal
The modern way is to apply foundation first, and then use concealer only if you need it. Use a shade lighter than your skin tone to hide blemishes.
Step 8 – Highlight
In a map sequence, use highlighter to enhance or attract light to certain features your face.
Step 9 – Contour
Contouring helps to shape your face and to restore naturalness. Apply a darker shade of foundation to the sides of your nose, your chin, jawline, and cheekbones.
Step 10 – Set with powder
Use a brush to apply loose powder all over your face. Use loose powder not pressed powder, concentrating on the t-zone and under your eyes. Setting with powder helps to keep your makeup in place longer. If your skin is very dry, use a light layer of powder.