A great layer of foundation can make or break your makeup look, so what’s the best way to put it on? It turns out it’s not such a daunting task—once you’ve got the right tools and products, applying foundation is a straightforward process that only takes a few minutes. In this article, we’ll walk you through preparing your skin for smooth application, applying powder and liquid foundations, and selecting the perfect foundation for your skin and complexion. If you’re ready for that flawless, airbrushed look, keep scrolling!
Things You Should Know
- Wash and moisturize your face and apply primer before adding foundation. Clean, hydrated skin makes for a smooth and even foundation layer.
- Put on concealer before powder foundation. Use a fluffy brush to dab and blend powder from the middle of your face outward, then set with spray.
- Use a damp, egg-shaped sponge to dab and blend liquid foundation. Put on concealer afterward and set with powder.
Prepping Your Face
- 1Wash your face with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser.[1] Choose a face wash based on your skin type—use moisturizing washes for dry skin or oil- and alcohol-free washes for oily skin. Try ultra-gentle cleansers like micellar water for combination or sensitive skin.[2]
- Use an exfoliating scrub on your face 2-3 times per week. It removes dead skin cells from your pores and keeps your skin extra smooth.
- Regardless of what cosmetic products you plan to use, removing the dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin is the first step of applying makeup.
- Washing your face before putting on makeup makes your skin smoother and helps the makeup apply evenly.
- 2Apply a non-drying, alcohol-free toner. Saturate a cotton pad in toner and gently rub it all over your face to remove any last impurities on your skin. Wait a few seconds until the toner is almost fully dry before applying more products or cleansers.[3]
- Toner helps seal your pores and hydrate and refresh your skin.
- Put on a thin layer of moisturizing eye cream. Use your fingers to dab an eye cream or serum to the thin, fragile skin under and around your eyes. This evens out your skin tone before you put on foundation, which helps give you that “airbrushed” look.[4]
- Moisturize with a hydrating cream suitable for your skin type. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose a water-based, oil-free gel moisturizer. For dry skin, go for a thick moisturizing cream.[5] Lightly rub a thin layer all over your face, then gently press the moisturizer into your skin with your fingertips.[6]
- If you have sensitive skin, try a fragrance- and paraben-free moisturizer.
- People with normal or combination skin can use any type of moisturizer.
- Moisturizer softens and brightens the skin, makes foundation application easier, and helps your makeup stay on longer.
- Rub on a thin layer of facial primer after your moisturizer sets. Opt for a silicone-based primer—they protect your face from losing moisture and fill in the skin’s natural creases for more even makeup application. Apply a very thin layer all over your face (a pea-sized dot should be enough) and let it set for 1 minute.[7]
- Look for hydrating primers for dry skin or mattifying primers for oily skin.
- Water-based primers will moisturize your skin but don’t give you the skin-smoothing effects of silicone-based products.
6. Color-correct dark circles or red spots that show through foundation. Foundation is meant to do light color-correcting, so you may not need to color-correct beforehand. If you need to cover something like noticeable acne, dark spots, or rosacea, though, apply a light layer of the appropriate color corrector to those spots and make sure to use at least a medium-coverage foundation afterward.[8] - Correct light redness with green.
- Fix stubborn redness or rosiness with yellow.
- Use yellow or peach to correct brownish dark circles.
- Correct sallow or yellow areas with lavender.
- Use salmon (fair complexion), peach (light complexion), orange (medium complexion), or red (dark complexion) to fix dark undereye circles.
Choosing Foundation
- 1Select a color that matches your natural skin tone. In natural lighting, apply a dab of foundation near the center of your face and blend it out towards the hairline. Ideally, the shade should match the sides of your cheeks and the middle of your neck. If your neck is lighter than your face, choose a foundation that’s one shade lighter than your face.[24]
- If you end up with a shade that’s a bit too light for your complexion, apply bronzer to warm up your face.
- If you have a warm complexion, opt for a foundation with yellow undertones. If you have a cool complexion, look for products with pink undertones.
- Go one shade darker in the summer when your skin warms up from being outdoors in sunlight.
- Choose a foundation finish that will complement your skin type. Your skin’s natural tendency to build up oil or dry out during the day affects the final look of your foundation and how well it sticks to your face. Determine your skin type and then look for these finishes:[25]
- If you have oily skin, opt for a foundation with a matte finish. A dewy finish on oily skin tends to look too bright and shiny.
- If you have normal or dry skin, choose a moisture-rich foundation with a dewy finish to hydrate your skin.
- For combination or mature skin, use foundation with a satin formula finish. It has more dimension than dewy or matte and can hide unevenness.
- Use full-coverage foundation for discoloration and long wear.Full-coverage products don’t need midday touch ups and are great for hiding acne and discoloration in your complexion. If you don’t like wearing lots of makeup or have generally balanced and clean skin, go for a light coverage foundation or medium coverage foundation.[26]
- If you find your light or medium coverage foundation isn’t heavy enough, apply multiple layers to build it up.
- If you’re not sure what kind of coverage you need, go for a sheer foundation to start.
- Choose powder or liquid foundation based on your skin’s needs. Both types of foundation will cover your blemishes and even out your complexion. Powder is easier to reapply and goes on fast, whereas liquid lasts longer during the day. Consider these factors when deciding between products:[27]
- Powder is best for young, oily, or sensitive skin and those who sweat often.
- Liquid works great for older, drier, sun-sensitive, or acne-prone skin. It’s also more effective at masking wrinkles and deep lines.
- Feel free to mix powder and liquid foundations. Some people put on a liquid base and touch up shiny spots that need more coverage with powder.
Expert Q&A
- QuestionWhat do I need to apply before foundation?Laura MartinLicensed CosmetologistExpert AnswerFoundation should be applied to clean, hydrated skin. Wash, tone, moisturize, and prime before applying foundation for the best results.Not Helpful 9Helpful 24
- QuestionHow do you apply liquid foundation?Laura MartinLicensed CosmetologistExpert AnswerDot generous dabs onto the tip of the nose, center of the forehead, cheeks, and chin. Use either a foundation brush or a sponge to spread and blend, using gentle circular motions, until your entire face is covered.Not Helpful 7Helpful 13
- QuestionHow should I apply foundation?Laura MartinLicensed CosmetologistExpert AnswerDepending on the type of foundation, you can apply it with either fingers, a sponge, or a brush. Use circular motions to blend it.Not Helpful 11Helpful 13
- Test and apply foundation in natural lighting whenever possible to make sure the shade truly matches your skin tone.[28]
- Thoroughly rinse and wash your makeup brushes and sponges after each use to keep them clean, hygienic, and long-lasting.[29]
- In addition to in-store foundation samples, many cosmetics lines now offer “virtual try-ons” so you can see what a shade looks like on your face before buying it online.[30]
Foundation Makeup serves as the cornerstone of any makeup routine, providing the canvas upon which all other products are applied. It acts as a base, evening out skin tone, concealing imperfections, and creating a smooth, flawless complexion. Whether you’re a makeup novice or a beauty enthusiast, mastering the art of foundation application is essential for achieving a polished and professional-looking finish.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about using foundation makeup like a pro. From understanding your skin type and selecting the right foundation formula to mastering application techniques and finishing touches, we’ll cover it all. By the end of this blog post, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to create a flawless foundation base that enhances your natural beauty and leaves you feeling radiant and confident.
2. UNDERSTANDING YOUR SKIN:
Understanding your skin is the first step in achieving a flawless foundation base. Your skin type and undertones play a crucial role in determining the most suitable foundation formula and shade for your complexion. This is a thorough examination of the subject:
Your skin type refers to its characteristics, such as dryness, oiliness, combination, or sensitivity. Identifying your skin type allows you to choose a foundation formula that addresses your specific needs. For example, those with dry skin may prefer a hydrating liquid foundation, while individuals with oily skin may opt for a mattifying powder formula.
Additionally, understanding your skin’s undertones—whether they’re warm, cool, or neutral—helps in selecting the perfect foundation shade that complements your complexion. Warm undertones have hints of yellow or gold, while cool undertones have pink or blue undertones. Warm and cool tones are balanced to create neutral undertones. Matching your foundation shade to your undertones ensures a seamless and natural-looking finish.
To determine your skin type, observe how your skin behaves throughout the day and how it reacts to different skincare products. Dry skin may feel tight and flaky, while oily skin may appear shiny and prone to breakouts. Combination skin exhibits characteristics of both dry and oily skin types, with some areas being dry and others oily. Sensitive skin may react negatively to certain ingredients, resulting in redness, irritation, or itching.
To identify your undertones, examine the veins on the underside of your wrist. It is likely that you have cold undertones if they seem blue or purple. It’s likely that you have warm undertones if they look green. If it’s challenging to determine, or if your veins appear blue-green, you may have neutral undertones. Another method is to consider how different jewelry metals complement your skin. Individuals with warm undertones typically look best in gold jewelry, while those with cool undertones may prefer silver or platinum.
By understanding your skin type and undertones, you can make informed decisions when selecting foundation makeup. This ensures that your foundation not only matches your skin tone but also addresses your skin’s unique needs, resulting in a flawless and natural-looking complexion.
3. PREPPING YOUR CANVAS:
Preparing your skin before applying foundation is essential for achieving a smooth and flawless base. Cleansing, moisturizing, and priming are key steps that help create an optimal canvas for makeup application. Now let’s examine each of these actions in more depth:
• CLEANSING: Start by cleansing your skin to remove any dirt, oil, or impurities that may be present. Choose a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type and massage it into your skin using circular motions. Use lukewarm water to completely rinse your skin, then pat dry with a fresh towel. Cleansing helps to unclog pores, remove excess oil, and create a clean canvas for makeup application.
• MOISTURIZING: Next, moisturize your skin to hydrate and nourish it, ensuring a smooth and supple texture. Select a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type—whether it’s lightweight for oily skin, rich and creamy for dry skin, or gel-based for combination skin. Apply moisturizer evenly to your face and neck, focusing on areas prone to dryness or dehydration. Allow the moisturizer to absorb fully before proceeding with makeup application.
• PRIMING: Primer acts as a barrier between your skin and makeup, helping to fill in pores, smooth out texture, and prolong the wear of your foundation. Choose a primer that addresses your specific concerns, whether it’s blurring imperfections, controlling shine, or extending makeup longevity. Apply primer evenly to your face using your fingertips or a makeup brush, focusing on areas where makeup tends to fade or crease, such as the T-zone and under-eye area.
Taking the time to cleanse, moisturize, and prime your skin before applying foundation ensures a flawless and long-lasting makeup application. These preparatory steps create a smooth and hydrated canvas that allows foundation to glide on effortlessly and blend seamlessly into the skin, resulting in a more natural-looking finish. Additionally, proper skin preparation helps to minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines, and other imperfections, ensuring that your makeup stays put throughout the day.
4. SELECTING THE RIGHT FOUNDATION:
Choosing the right foundation is crucial for achieving a flawless complexion that looks natural and matches your skin tone perfectly. With a myriad of foundation formulas, shades, and finishes available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect match. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the world of foundation makeup:
• Foundation Formulas: Foundation comes in various formulas, each offering unique benefits and finishes. Liquid foundation is versatile and suitable for most skin types, providing buildable coverage and a natural-looking finish. Powder foundation is ideal for oily or combination skin, offering a matte finish and lightweight coverage. Cream and stick foundations provide more coverage and are suitable for dry or mature skin, offering a creamy texture that blends seamlessly into the skin.
• Foundation Shades: Foundation shades are categorized based on undertones—warm, cool, or neutral—and range from fair to deep. When selecting a foundation shade, it’s essential to consider both your skin tone and undertones to ensure a seamless match. Test foundation shades on your jawline or the side of your face in natural light to find the closest match to your skin tone. Be sure to blend the foundation into your skin and allow it to set before making a final
decision.
• Foundation Finishes: Foundation finishes range from matte to dewy, with options for every preference and skin type. Matte foundations provide a shine-free finish and are ideal for oily or combination skin, while dewy foundations impart a luminous glow and are suitable for dry or
mature skin. Satin and natural finishes offer a balance between matte and dewy, providing a natural-looking complexion that’s flattering for most skin types.
• Undertone Matching: Matching your foundation undertone to your skin tone is essential for achieving a seamless and natural-looking finish. Warm undertones have hints of yellow or gold and pair well with foundations labeled as “warm” or “golden.” Cool undertones have pink or blue undertones and complement foundations labeled as “cool” or “rosy.” Neutral undertones are a balance of warm and cool tones and can wear foundations labeled as “neutral” or “beige.” Be sure to test foundation shades in natural light to ensure an accurate match.
• Foundation Testing: When testing foundation shades, apply a small amount to your jawline or the side of your face and blend it into your skin. Allow the foundation to set for a few minutes to observe how it adapts to your skin tone and undertones. Consider factors such as oxidation (the foundation darkening or changing color over time) and how the foundation looks in different lighting conditions. It’s also helpful to swatch multiple shades to compare and contrast before making a final decision.
By understanding the different foundation formulas, shades, and finishes available, you can make informed choices when selecting the right foundation for your skin. Take the time to test and experiment with different options to find the perfect match that enhances your natural beauty and leaves you feeling confident and radiant.
5. APPLICATION TECHNIQUES:
Proper application techniques are essential for achieving a flawless foundation base that looks natural and seamless. Whether you prefer using brushes, sponges, or your fingertips, mastering the art of foundation application can make a significant difference in the overall outcome of your makeup look. Here’s a detailed guide to help you perfect your application technique:
• BRUSHES: Foundation brushes come in various shapes and sizes, each serving a specific purpose in achieving different levels of coverage and finish. Flat-top brushes are ideal for buffing liquid foundation into the skin, while angled brushes are perfect for precise application around the nose and eyes. Stippling brushes provide an airbrushed finish and are suitable for applying cream or liquid foundation.
To apply foundation with a brush, start by dispensing a small amount of product onto the back of your hand or a makeup palette. Dip the brush into the foundation and apply it to your face using light, sweeping motions, working from the center of your face outward. Use circular motions to blend the foundation seamlessly into the skin, ensuring even coverage and a natural-looking finish. Be sure to blend the foundation into your hairline, jawline, and neck to avoid any harsh lines or demarcations.
• SPONGES: Makeup sponges, also known as beauty blenders, are versatile tools for applying foundation and blending seamlessly into the skin. They’re designed to absorb excess product and provide a smooth, airbrushed finish without streaks or brush marks. To use a sponge, dampen it with water and squeeze out any excess moisture before applying foundation.
Dip the sponge into the foundation and bounce it onto your skin, starting from the center of your face and working outward. Use a dabbing or stippling motion to press the foundation into the skin, ensuring even coverage and a natural-looking finish. Blend the foundation seamlessly into your hairline, jawline, and neck to create a seamless transition. Sponges can also be used to blend concealer, cream contour, and other base products for a flawless complexion.
• FINGERTIPS: For a quick and easy application, you can use your fingertips to apply foundation to your face. Start by dispensing a small amount of product onto your fingertips and dotting it onto your skin, focusing on areas that require more coverage or correction. Use your fingertips to blend the foundation into your skin, using light tapping motions to ensure even coverage and a natural-looking finish.
Fingertip application allows for greater control and precision, especially when targeting specific areas or blending foundation into delicate areas like around the eyes and nose. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying foundation with your fingertips to prevent the transfer of bacteria and maintain hygiene.
Regardless of the tool you choose, the key to successful foundation application is blending. Take your time to blend the foundation seamlessly into your skin, ensuring there are no visible lines or demarcations. Pay attention to areas that require more coverage or correction, such as blemishes, redness, or discoloration, and build coverage gradually as needed. By mastering your application technique, you can achieve a flawless foundation base that looks natural and radiant, enhancing your overall makeup look.
6. CONCEALING IMPERFECTIONS:
While foundation provides overall coverage and evens out skin tone, concealer is used to target specific imperfections such as blemishes, dark circles, and redness. Understanding how to conceal imperfections effectively is essential for achieving a flawless complexion. Here’s a detailed guide to help you master the art of concealing:
• BLEMISHES: To conceal blemishes or breakouts, choose a concealer that matches your skin tone and has a creamy texture for seamless blending. Using a small concealer brush or your fingertips, apply a small amount of concealer directly to the blemish and gently pat it into the skin until blended. Avoid rubbing or dragging the skin, as this can disrupt the coverage and make the blemish more noticeable. Set the concealer with a translucent powder to prevent it from creasing or fading throughout the day.
• DARK CIRCLES: Dark circles under the eyes can be camouflaged using a peach or salmon-toned concealer to neutralize discoloration. Choose a concealer that’s one to two shades lighter than your foundation to brighten the under-eye area and provide a luminous finish. Apply the concealer in a triangular shape under the eyes, starting from the inner corner and extending towards the outer corner. Use a small concealer brush or a damp makeup sponge to blend the concealer seamlessly into the skin, ensuring there are no harsh lines or creases. Set the
concealer with a translucent powder to prevent it from settling into fine lines and to prolong its wear.
• REDNESS: To neutralize redness or inflammation, opt for a green color-correcting concealer to counteract the red tones. Apply a small amount of green concealer to the areas of redness using a precise brush or your fingertips and gently blend it into the skin until the redness is diminished. Follow up with a concealer that matches your skin tone to further camouflage the redness and create a seamless finish. To guarantee that the concealer lasts all day, set it with a translucent powder.
Additional Tips: When concealing imperfections, it’s essential to use a light hand and build coverage gradually to avoid cakeiness or heaviness. Choose concealers with hydrating or lightweight formulas to prevent them from emphasizing dryness or settling into fine lines. Be sure to blend the edges of the concealer seamlessly into the surrounding skin to create a natural-looking finish. Set the concealed areas with a translucent powder to lock in the coverage and prevent creasing or fading throughout the day.
By mastering the art of concealing imperfections, you can achieve a flawless complexion that looks natural and radiant. Try out several methods and products to see which ones are most effective for your skin type and issues. With practice and patience, you’ll become adept at concealing imperfections and creating a flawless foundation base that enhances your natural beauty.
7. SETTING THE FOUNDATION:
Setting your foundation is essential for prolonging its wear time, controlling shine, and creating a smooth and flawless finish. Whether you prefer using powder or setting spray, mastering the art of setting your foundation ensures that your makeup stays put throughout the day. Here’s a detailed guide to help you perfect the setting process:
• SETTING POWDER: Translucent setting powder is a versatile product that helps to absorb excess oil, blur imperfections, and lock makeup in place. Choose a finely milled translucent powder that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter for brightening effect. Using a fluffy powder brush or makeup sponge, lightly dust the powder over your entire face, focusing on areas that tend to get oily or where makeup tends to crease, like the area around the eyes and in the T-zone. Press the powder into the skin using a rolling or pressing motion to ensure it adheres seamlessly without disturbing the foundation underneath. Be sure to blend the powder evenly into the skin, avoiding any harsh lines or patches. Set the foundation with a thin layer of powder to maintain a natural-looking finish and prevent cakiness. If you have dry or mature skin, opt for a hydrating setting powder to avoid accentuating dryness or fine lines.
• SETTING SPRAY: Setting spray is a lightweight mist that helps to lock makeup in place and prolong its wear time. Choose a setting spray that suits your skin type and desired finish, whether it’s mattifying, hydrating, or illuminating. Hold the setting spray bottle 6-8 inches away from your face and mist it evenly over your makeup, keeping your eyes and mouth closed.
Allow the setting spray to dry completely before touching your face or applying additional makeup. Setting spray helps to meld the layers of makeup together, creating a seamless and long-lasting finish. It also helps to refresh and hydrate the skin throughout the day, making it ideal for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin.
Additional Tips: When setting your foundation, it’s essential to use a light hand and avoid applying too much product, as this can lead to a heavy or cakey finish. Choose setting products that complement your skin type and desired finish, whether you prefer a matte, dewy, or natural look. Experiment with different setting powders and sprays to find what works best for your skin, and adjust your application technique as needed.
By mastering the art of setting your foundation, you can prolong its wear time and ensure a flawless and long-lasting finish. Incorporate setting powder or spray into your makeup routine to lock in your foundation and keep your makeup looking fresh throughout the day. With proper setting techniques, you can achieve a smooth and flawless complexion that lasts from morning to night.
8. FINISHING TOUCHES:
After applying foundation and setting your makeup, it’s time to add the finishing touches to enhance your overall look. Bronzing, contouring, and highlighting are essential steps that add dimension, warmth, and luminosity to the complexion. Here’s a detailed guide to help you master the finishing touches:
• BRONZING: Bronzer adds warmth and dimension to the complexion, mimicking the sun-kissed glow of a natural tan. Choose a bronzer that’s one to two shades darker than your skin tone and has a matte or satin finish. Using a fluffy bronzer brush, lightly dust the bronzer onto areas of the face where the sun naturally hits, such as the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.
Apply bronzer in a sweeping motion, focusing on the outer perimeter of the face to create a natural looking sun-kissed effect. Be sure to blend the bronzer seamlessly into the skin, avoiding any harsh lines or patches. Bronzing adds warmth and definition to the complexion, enhancing your overall makeup look.
• CONTOURING: Contouring is a technique used to sculpt and define the facial features, creating the illusion of depth and dimension. Choose a contour powder or cream that’s one to two shades darker than your skin tone and has a cool undertone to mimic natural shadows. Using a contour brush or angled makeup brush, apply contour product to the hollows of the cheeks, along the jawline, and on the sides of the nose.
Blend the contour product seamlessly into the skin using light, sweeping motions, focusing on creating soft, diffused lines. Contouring adds definition and structure to the face, creating the appearance of higher cheekbones, a slimmer jawline, and a more sculpted nose. Be sure to blend the contour product seamlessly into the skin for a natural-looking finish.
Highlighting: Highlighter adds luminosity and radiance to the complexion, creating a lit-from-within glow. Choose a highlighter that complements your skin tone and has a shimmer or pearl finish. Using a small highlighting brush or a fan brush, apply highlighter to the high points of the face where light naturally hits, such as the tops of the cheekbones, the nasal bridge, the brow bone, and the cupid’s bow.
Apply highlighter in a sweeping motion, focusing on areas that you want to emphasize and enhance. Be sure to blend the highlighter seamlessly into the skin for a natural-looking glow. Highlighting adds luminosity and dimension to the complexion, creating a youthful and radiant appearance.
Additional Tips: When applying bronzer, contour, and highlighter, it’s essential to use a light hand and build the product gradually to avoid overdoing it. Choose products that complement your skin tone and desired finish, whether you prefer a subtle or more intense look. Experiment with different application techniques and placements to find what works best for your facial structure and personal preferences.
By mastering the finishing touches, you can enhance your overall makeup look and create a flawless complexion that looks
naturally radiant and sculpted. Bronzing, contouring, and highlighting add depth, warmth, and luminosity to the complexion, elevating your makeup to the next level. Experiment with different shades, textures, and application techniques to customize your look and achieve your desired level of dimension and glow. With practice and patience, you’ll become adept at mastering the finishing touches and creating a flawless makeup look that enhances your natural beauty.
9. CONCLUSION:
In the conclusion, you’ll tie together the key points discussed throughout the blog post and leave readers with a sense of empowerment and confidence in their foundation makeup skills. Here’s an expanded version of the conclusion.
As we conclude this comprehensive guide on how to use foundation makeup, we hope you’ve gained valuable insights and tips to help you master the art of foundation application. From understanding your skin type and undertones to selecting the right foundation formula and mastering application techniques, we’ve covered it all. By taking the time to prep your canvas, select the right products, and perfect your application technique, you can achieve a flawless foundation base that enhances your natural beauty and leaves you feeling confident and radiant.
Remember that makeup is a form of self-expression and creativity, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques, products, and looks to find what works best for you. Whether you’re aiming for a natural everyday look or a glam evening ensemble, the key is to feel comfortable and confident in your own skin. With practice, patience, and a little bit of experimentation, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a foundation makeup pro.
We encourage you to continue exploring and honing your makeup skills, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance. Makeup is all about self-discovery and empowerment, so embrace the journey and have fun along the way. Remember, there are no rules in makeup—only endless possibilities to express your unique beauty.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the world of foundation makeup. We hope you feel inspired and empowered to create beautiful makeup looks that reflect your individual style and personality. Here’s to embracing your natural beauty and celebrating the transformative power of makeup. Until next time, stay fabulous!
