Foundation can help make your face look alot more even and uniformed in colour to your complexion. It helps cover up any flaws that you might have in your skin.
So, Tips for flawless foundation?
- Having A Skin Care Regime
- Using A Primer
- Using An Eye cream
- Colour Correcting Concealer
- Foundation
- Cover The Ears And Neck
- Concealer
- Setting Powder
- Setting Spray
Once you have applied the above products you can have a flawless foundation that will make your skin look even.
How do you make your foundation flawless
When it comes to having flawless skin with foundation here are a few steps to consider. The first steps to consider is creating an even texture which will all boil down to a great skin care regime. By having a great skin care regime in place it will help create a smooth, hydrated and well balanced canvass to work with when applying foundation. There are four main skin types Dry skin, Normal/Combination skin and Oily skin types.
When it comes to Skin to dry skin the appearance and feel is usually tight after cleansing and has smaller pores. The one feature that lacks emollients and usually doesn’t have much elasticity. Dry skin is very common in more mature and older skin types. The needs of dry skin requires moisturizing and foundations which have moisture in them. Always look for a foundation that has emollients and high in antioxidants.
Dry skin types usually have a rougher textures to the skin due to the loss of moisture to the skin. this is very common in mature skin types. When there is moisture loss to the skin it either has rough patches that can give the skin a flakey texture. Its important to add the moisture back into the skin so that there is a smooth canvass to work with. By having a rough texture on the skin foundation will usually stick to those rough patches and will even exaggerate the roughness of the skin. There are a few simple skin care steps that can help dry skin.
There are a few tips and tricks that can make your foundation appear flawless. Depending on how much discoloration your skin may have its worth trying out color correcting products from primers to concealers. Once your able to determine the right foundation for your skin tone its important to look at foundations that are medium to full coverage. When applying the foundation make sure it is applied in layers this way your able to control how much coverage is needed. A full coverage concealer can also help cover any under eye pigmentation and any blemishes. To set the look into place there are many products from powders to sprays that will set the foundation into place.
1. Having A Skin Care Regime
A simple way to create the perfect canvass for dry skin types is by
- Regularly exfoliating the skin which is known to help remove any dead skin cells that may be sitting on top of the skin. Sometimes if we don’t exfoliate and remove dead skin cells from the first layer of the skin it can create a rough canvass which foundation has a tendency of sticking on and can exaggerate the dry skin. Therefore one of the best ways to get rid of dry skin is exfoliating the first layer or skin.
- A moisturizing face wash will help add hydration to the skin. You want to look for a cleanser that cleanses the skin while hydrating it and in which it doesn’t dry out the skin further. Using a moisturizing face wash should help with hydration and cleansing the skin.
- Applying a hydrating toner after cleansing the skin. This will further add hydrate the skin and will help clean out the pores of any dirt or residue.
- Applying a face serum. By using a face serum this will hydrate the skin and allow moisturizer that is put on top of the serum to sink into the skin. It allows your moisturizer to go further, I currently use an advanced night serum that works well.
- Using a hydrating moisturizer especially for dry skin is usually thicker than a normal moisturizer, which is suitable for dryer skin types because it adds additional hydration which is needed for this particular skin type.
- For additional care it’s wise to use a face mask made for dry skin types at least once or twice a week it will help to hydrate the skin, removing dry skin on the surface ( it will do a mild exfoliation). Face masks usually keep the skin fresh and hydrated for several days.
- At night while removing makeup make sure you still follow steps of cleansing, toning, applying a face serum and using a night cream. Night creams are usually formulated richer than your normal day cream and help your skin rejuvenate overnight.
The best foundations for dry skin types are usually liquid, creams, gel and mousse foundations because they are the most hydrating formulations. Its good to look at foundations that have a dewy finish because this will give the skin the illusion that it’s more hydrated and glowing.
For normal/combination skin
Normal to combination skin is usually not too oily nor is it not to dry. It’s usually smooth and even in texture and has small pores with a few breakouts. Normal/Combination skin usually needs a balance with its pH levels. Its all about balancing the skin. when it comes to normal to combination skin
- Exfoliation is needed weekly in order to remove any dry skin. This can potentially help with any dry patches and become the first process of balancing normal/combination skin types.
- A cleanser that is formulated for normal to combination skin types should be used daily to remove any excess dirt and oils that may remain on the surface of the skin.
- Using a toner usually helps balance any pH levels with the skin. A toner usually refreshes the skin and removes any additional oils the cleanser was unable to get.
- A serum is still necessary to use on normal/combination skin types. It helps to hydrate the skin and helps lock in the skin with any moisture and moisturizer added to the skin. The current serum that I use again is the night advanced serum.
- Using a daily moisturizer that is made for normal to combination skin will help hydrate and bring the pH levels back to the skin. Keep in mind to make sure your daily moisturizer has an SPF to prevent any environmental damage. The moisturizer cream that I currently use is Estee Lauder Daywear, it’s a multi-protection 24h moisture cream with an SPF of 15.
- Using a weekly face mask to help keep the skins pH levels balanced can really help the skin become more plum and moisturized for a couple of days. Face masks usually help remove any excess dirt and oils that are sitting in the pores. A face mask should be done once or twice a week.
- At night before going to bed it’s important to cleanse, tone and moisturize the face with a night cream. A night cream is usually thicker in consistency compared to a normal cream. Such creams have anti-aging properties in them while hydrated and treating your skin while you sleep.
When it comes to foundations and formulations for normal/combination skin types wearing liquid, creams and powders usually work. It all depends on what finish your going for from here.
For Oily skin types:
It’s really important to treat oily skin types and to have a skin care regime because this can really affect how any makeup products work on the skin. Too much oily on the face can affect the formulation of foundation and cause separation and creasing. Oily skin types have a tendency to have larger pores which means more oil secretion. It’s important to try to control the oil secretion by using the right products that can potentially help eliminate this problem. It’s important to stick to oil-free products when it comes to oily skin types.
- Use an oil-free face wash this will help control oils and cleanse the face of any dirt and oils
- Use an oil-free toner which will remove any remaining residue that the cleanser was unable to remove
- Apply a serum for large pores this usually helps decrease the size of the pores which helps reduce oil secretion
- Apply an oil-free moisturizer. some people assume that oily skin doesn’t need a moisturizer but the truth is it does and an oil-free moisturizer can give the skin the perfect balance
- Use a face mask that helps control the oily skin at least once a week
- Use a pore cleansing oil-free exfoliator for oily skin types
- After a long day cleanses the makeup with an oil-free cleanser, oil-free toner and uses night cream for oily skin.
The reason oil-free products are suggested is that the last thing you want is to have products which won’t add more oils to the skin. The Body shop has a great Seaweed line that is specialized for oily skin types. It’s worth checking out if you don’t have a skin care regime going on.
2. Use A Primer
Once your skincare routine has been determined this should help create a smooth canvass on your face. The main goal for the skin regime is to balance the skin and create a smooth surface to work with. Therefore the second step is to prime the face.
What does a face primer do
By applying a face primer to the face it usually helps your foundation last longer. Not only does it make your foundation last longer it helps fill in any larger pores and blur out any fine lines. Most primers come out in clear color. However, Nowadays there are face primers that have color correctors in them. The color correctors usually help even out any discoloration on the skin such as having a green tint to them which means it will help cancel out any redness on the skin. If it has a more purple color this means it will help cancel out the yellow in the skin and help brighten it. Lastly, if it has a peach color to it this usually means it’s going o cancel out any sunspots. Depending on how problematic your skin is having primers that are color corrective is always a nice option to have.
For a clear simple primer, a good one would be Smash Box Photo Finish Primer.
For a color correcting primer I found that NYX cosmetics has color correcting liquid primers
Lastly, there are two types of finishes primers do have which is a matte and a dewy/luminous finish.
Now depending on the type of finish, your flawless foundation requires it can either be a matte finish which means there will be no shine which is more ideal for oily skin types. Then there are those primers which have that luminous finish with gives the skin a healthy dewy glow. This type of primer is ideal for dry skin types it provides them with a more hydrated look.
A primer for a matte finish would be Estee Lauders Mattifier shine and control Perfecting Primer Finisher
The primer for a more luminous finish would be Estee Lauder The Illuminator Radiant Perfecting Primer and Finisher.
3. Use An eye cream
The eye area is one of the areas of our face that needs special attention. The skin around the eye area is thinner than the rest of the skin on our face. By applying face moisturizer sometimes that’s not enough. If you have drier skin it can be a nightmare because applying makeup around the eye area can exaggerate the dryness. investing in eye cream can do wonders for the eye area on your face. It can eliminate texture by adding additional hydration and smoothing out the skin in the eye area.
Eye creams usually have a thicker consistency when applying it to the skin in the eye area. A little goes a long way. Before applying eye cream in a patting motion around the eyes and under the eye area will hydrate that section properly which will further prepare the skin for makeup application.
The eye cream I currently use that targets, hydrates, dark circles and brightening the eye area is Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair.
4. Color Correcting Concealer
Color correcting concealer is a technique which you can use different concealers to help color correct the different skin pigmentation problems. Color correcting concealers work by canceling out the different pigmentation looking at the opposite colors on the color wheel. Using a color correcting concealer it usually helps neutralize the skin’s pigmentation
Green concealer is applied on the skin to cancel out redness so skin conditions like rosacea.
Orange concealer is for dark circles under the eyes for darker skin tones.
Pink/peach concealer is used for lighter skin tones who want to cover dark circles.
Yelllow concealer helps hide bruising or purple toned colors.
Blue tones down any orange pigmentation.
Color correcting concealers are usually applied before foundation application. Your foundation should be able to cover the cover correcting concealers. Color correcting concealers are usually thicker in consistency and blend in smoothly without it showing through.
5. Foundation
When it comes to a flawless foundation it’s wise to go for a foundation that is full coverage. A full coverage foundation usually is able to even out complexion with a few drops. Liquid and cream foundation formulation is usually a medium-full coverage foundation. When applying a full coverage foundation its wise to use a few drops to and apply it all over the face. If your not satisfied with the coverage a few drops have provided you then apply a second layer of foundation.
Some foundations like a medium coverage foundation can build up to a full coverage foundation. It’s always a good idea to check the packaging of your foundations.
Examples of a good full coverage foundation are: Estee Lauders Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation, MAC’s Full Coverage Foundation
What brushes to use for full coverage foundations
When it comes to applying full coverage foundations there are a few tools that would work well in blending out. The first thing to look at is a buffing brush. A buffing brush usually requires circular motion when applying foundation. The purpose of a buffing brush is to give your skin an airbrush finish. This will help make the skin appear even more flawless. The brush that I use for this is a Real Techniques buffing brush.
Another item that I personally use is the Beauty Blender. It allows me to apply my foundation in layers with out leaving it looking streaky. If you’re familiar with a beauty blender it requires the sponge to be damp. The dampness in a beauty blender thins out product and evens it out. It makes thicker textured foundation thin out so you can even it out on the skin. when applying foundation with a Beauty Blender apply the foundation in a bouncing motion. This will apply the foundation on the skin flawlessly.
6. Cover The Ears And The Neck
When applying foundation the two areas we forget to apply foundation is our ears and our necks. These two areas are ideal because you want your neck looking the same as your face along with your ears. From a distance, it can look off it not covered. Therefore, make sure you include these two areas in your foundation routine because it’s part of your face.
7. Concealer:
The purpose of concealer is to help cover blemish and dark circles and any redness such as broken capillaries. In step 4 we discussed color correcting concealers which are worn under foundation, now we are looking to apply concealer on top of foundation to brighten then skin and cover blemishes.
The concealer looks the most natural when it has been applied in light layers. Just like foundation concealer should be applied in light layers so that you have more control. Concealer should be used two shades lighter than your normal foundation color this will give the under eye area more brightness and on blemishes. Always apply concealer after the foundation application this will provide additional coverage.
There are different formulations of concealers
Cream concealers are usually creamy and have full coverage. These usually come in a compact form or an in a bullet form. The formulation is more hydrating and is suitable for more mature skin types. It can have multi-purpose uses such as covering blemishes.
Highlighting pens: is a type of concealer that is used to brighten dark circles. It can help wrinkles appear shallower and can be used in the on the outer corners of the eyes to life the eyes. These types of concealers can also have shimmer in them to help with the brightening effect.
Liquid concealers: usually comes in a wand packaging. It has a creamy formulation and is easy to use. Just like cream concealer, it is a multi-purpose use. Its good to cover blemishes and is good at touching up and can have a buildable coverage depending on the chosen brand
Please download a concealer chart that can help guide you to the correct concealer for your skin type.
8. Setting Powder
What is setting powder used for
Setting powder is a thin powder that is one of the finishing steps to flawless makeup. This step usually occurs after foundation application. A setting powder is usually a light powder. Some powders are tinted to the skins complexation. The purpose of setting powder is that it keeps your foundation in place and helps with skins textures such as smoothing out large pores and fine lines. Some setting powders even help reduce shine. Try to look for setting powders without reflective particles because this will cause flashback with photography.
The way to apply a setting powder is by using a large fluffy brush. This usually distributes the powder lightly all over the face.
I personally sometimes use a lightweight powder such as Mac’s mineralized skin finish to set my foundation. It’s a lightweight foundation with minimal coverage and sets my foundation in place extending its longevity. For makeup for photography, a popular translucent powder to consider is IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores or Laura Marcier Translucent Loose Setting Powder.
9. Setting Spray
After all your makeup has been applied such as the eyeshadow, blush, contour, and highlighter its best to set all the makeup with a setting spray. Setting sprays help all the makeup stay in place and last all day. It also helps reduce any cakey looking makeup by molding the makeup together. A setting spray prevents the makeup from looking too powdery and gives it a more natural look. Lastly, it prevents the makeup from melting off the face and gives it further longevity throughout the day.
There are two types of setting sprays one being with a matte finish and the second being a dewy finish. Which gives the skin a more hydrated luminous finished look. The second type of finish is a matte finish which doesn’t give the skin a luminous finish instead gives it the matte finish which means it adds no shine to the skin. A matte finish is more ideal for a flawless look.
The two setting sprays that I find work the best for me is MAC’s Fix Plus Setting Spray and Urban Decays’ All Nighter Setting Spray. Both these setting sprays don’t add any shine to the skin but allow your makeup to stay on longer and sets it in place for the rest of the night.
In conclusion, the following these nine steps while doing your foundation it should make your foundation appear flawless. The first thing to always to consider is having a
Flawless skin with the foundation can come in different forms it all depends on your skin and the finishes, so if you’re looking for
For further flawless foundation apply a medium to full coverage foundation. When applying foundation apply them in layers and don’t