When you apply foundation, it’s without a doubt that you want people to compliment how amazing your skin looks, not how great your foundation is. And while finding the correct formula is half the battle, once you have it, ensuring that it vanishes into your complexion is just as crucial. But if you know what you’re doing, you can easily apply your foundation in a way that your face looks natural and gorgeous all day.
First, choose a liquid formula that is buildable and which not only looks more natural than a powder or cream but also feels like the same texture of your actual skin. Then read these smart hacks and tips:
Prep Your Skin
The best skin routine should always start with a good skincare routine. Make sure not to have dry patches as they make your skin rough, and your foundation won’t blend smoothly. To supercharge your glow, start with a hydrating mask and follow it with a facial massage. After masking, add moisturizer while your skin is still damp to boost circulation and reduce puffiness; this makes your face look more awakened, giving your skin that luminous complexion.
Prime as Needed
Should you prime your face to achieve that natural look? It’s a question commonly asked, and it has taken an eternity to get an answer. Many people typically skip this step in the interest of using as little product as possible; however, when applied correctly, a primer can make your foundation last all day long.
When going for a natural look, a primer is the easiest way to get a smooth base. Use an anti-shine primer on your forehead, hairline, sides of the nose, and around your mouth. To highlight the top of your cheekbones, opt for a sheer primer.
Custom-Blend the Right Shade
It can be quite challenging to do this, but it’s a trick that ensures an exact match every time. The skin tends to be darker during summer and lighter in winter. This method, therefore, helps you tweak your color all year-round. Get two foundation shades, one lighter and one darker than your skin tone. Put a few drops of each on the back of your hand and mix them before applying the mixture on your jawline to test.
If it blends in seamlessly, then apply it all over your face. If not, play with different ratios of color until you get the desired result.
Know Your Skin Type
Knowing your skin type and using the right product helps in achieving that natural look. There are four different skin types namely, oily, dry, normal, and combination skin. If you have oily skin, opt for a product with a matte finish as it makes you look flawless. If your skin is the combination type, try a foundation that’s long-wearing and doesn’t have any shimmer; dewy and smooth versions work well with combination skin.
On the other hand, if your skin type is dry, select a light, hydrating foundation to quench your dry skin all day long. For a longer-lasting coverage, use your fingers to press the product into your skin.
Diffuse with a Sponge
One of the best ways to prevent your foundation from looking cakey is to use a damp sponge to blend. Tap the sponge all over your face to even out the coverage and diffuse the product. The sponge should only be moist, not soaking wet.
For the perfect consistency, use warm water and wring it out in a paper towel. For a more glowing look, spritz your sponge with a facial mist that has a touch of oil. Remember to also run the sponge under your chin and down your neck to blend the shade so that your coverage looks even more seamless.
Pat on Concealer Afterward
When you apply concealer before your foundation, you’ll possibly end up using too much of it, or you’ll blend it out while applying your foundation. It is therefore advisable to start with the foundation, then proceed to apply your concealer.
To cover up dark circles, use a creamy, hydrating formula. On the other hand, a thicker and hydrating formula works excellent in covering blemishes.
Don’t Apply too Much Foundation
When it comes to getting a natural-looking foundation, always remember: Less is more. To avoid applying way too much foundation, buy a foundation with a dropper, not a pump. This will be an excellent way to prevent you from over dispensing the product and eventually wasting it.
Start by applying a few drops of foundation on areas that need coverage. Then blend it out with your damp sponge to get a more natural finish.
Blot Don’t Dust
First, use blotting papers to soak up excess oil; they cut shine leaving behind a flattering glow. Next is to dip a clean makeup puff in loose translucent powder, then fold the puff in half and rub the sides together until the powder is absorbed.
To set it, tap off any excess powder and lightly roll the puff over your skin. If you find it challenging to apply loose powder without overusing it, opt for a pressed one instead.
Use a Light Mascara
To make your mascara look more natural, choose a color that closely resembles your hair color. When applying, make sure you coat your entire lashes to prevent people from noticing a different color. However, do not overcoat your lashes with mascara as it makes them look clumpy. Use a hypoallergenic mascara for a more natural look.
Honorable Mentions for the Best Drugstore Mascara
Milani Dangerous Lengths is ideal for those looking to experience a dramatic lift for smaller and sparse lashes. It pulls together your entire look using only a few strokes.
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara is a gluten and cruelty-free product. This brush is conically shaped to let you experience dramatic volume. It also separates lashes giving you that bold look.
There you have it! These tips and hacks will aid you in a smooth application of your foundation. Incorporate these tips into your makeup routine for that natural and flawless foundation look.