How To Apply Foundation Like A Pro – A Step-By-Step Tutorial

This article is for you if you struggle while applying foundation to achieve a natural look. Here, we talk about how to apply foundation correctly.

Before you start, the first and most crucial step is to pick the right foundation shade that complements your skin tone. There are days when your skin refuses to behave, and if you don’t get the shade right, your entire look will be ruined. Also, it would help if you keep the right tools handy for mastering its application. So, let’s have a look at the step-by-step guide on how to apply foundation!

Keep In Mind

• Consider Your Undertone: Look for warm, golden, or peach shades, if you have a warm undertone. Choose rosy or cool shades if you have a cool undertone.
• Test The Foundation: Check the shade of the foundation in natural light to see if it matches your skin tone and undertone.
• Choose The Right Formula: If you have oily skin, look for a matte formula. For dry skin, opt for a hydrating formula.

How To Apply Foundation Like A Pro: Tools For The Perfect Finish

The first step is to find the right formula for you. Depending on your skin type, you can choose between a liquid, powder or a cream formulation. Remember that different formulas respond better to specific application techniques than others. That flawless base you’ve been trying so hard to achieve is equal parts the formula you choose and the tools you use.

Liquid Foundation

Recommended Skin Type: All

When it comes to liquid foundation formulas, the tools you use can be a total game-changer. According to top makeup artists, sponges are better than brushes when it comes to this formulation. You can use the sponge for cream as well as gel foundation. A beauty sponge not only allows you to build coverage, but it also gives you a very natural and smooth finish. All the motions you make while application will also have an impact on the outcome.

However, you can also use other tools like a stippling brush, a flat-top kabuki brush, a rounded foundation brush or simply your fingers to apply your liquid foundation. It all depends on your preference and the kind of coverage you’re trying to achieve. Now, let’s learn how to apply liquid foundation in the next section.

How To Apply Liquid Foundation Using A Beauty Sponge – Step By Step Tutorial

All you need is your favorite liquid foundation and an egg-shaped sponge like the Beauty Blender. The NARS Sheer Glow Foundation is a great option – it won’t leave you looking cakey, and it hydrates your skin owing to its wholesome ingredients.

Step 1: Prep Your Face

Start with a clean canvas. Wash your face using a gentle cleanser, use a toner, and moisturize well using a lightweight moisturizing lotion or cream. Give your moisturizer some time to absorb into your skin, then go in with your primer.

Quick Tip

In case you have an uneven complexion, opt for a color-correcting primer to conceal redness and achieve an even tone.

Step 2: Apply Your Foundation

Dampen your sponge either with water or spray some makeup setting spray over it. Next, take some foundation on the back of your hand. Pick a little bit of product up with the broader end of your beauty sponge, and start applying it from the center of your face, and blend it out really well. This is done most effectively by using a stippling or bouncing motion. Blending your foundation evenly is key to avoid cakey makeup so do pay attention to this step.

To blend it in smaller areas, like around your nose, or under your eyes, use the narrow end of the sponge with the same bouncing motion.

Freiha, a blogger, shares that she likes to use the two-brush foundation application method to achieve a flawless base. She first applies a thin layer of the foundation with a flat brush, then blends it in with a dense brush. She states in one of her blog posts, “I do one layer all over my face and the second layer concentrating on the problem areas, followed by spot concealing. This two-brush method gives me the most solid, flawless coverage, perfect for special occasions (i).”

Quick Tip

Do not forget to apply the product to your ear lobes. They are often overlooked and the foundation helps prevent any unwanted red lobes.

Step 3: Set Your Foundation

Use a translucent powder or your favorite setting powder and set your foundation with a brush. Now that your base is done, you can go about the rest of your makeup as usual. Do your eye makeup, add some blush, a bit of highlighter, and some lipstick to complete the look.

Here’s the look!

Mineral/ Loose Powder Foundation

Recommended Skin Type: Combination to oily skin

A mineral or a loose powder foundation is perfect if you battle with sensitive skin. They are a lighter alternative to liquid formulations and are typically free of harsh ingredients and oils so they won’t break you out or aggravate your acne. Your mineral powder foundation is best applied with a kabuki brush because it’s a lot easier to pick up the product and blend it into your skin using one. You build up coverage and still end up with a natural-looking finish.

You can also try using a rounded foundation brush or a fluffy powder brush – these give you a more sheer and natural coverage.

How To Apply Loose/ Mineral Powder Foundation Using a Brush – Step By Step Tutorial

Try the L’Oreal Paris True Match Loose Powder Mineral Foundation

– it’s lightweight, gentle on the skin, and comes with SPF.

Step 1: Prep Your Face

First and foremost, cleanse, tone and moisturize your face before you apply any makeup. Make sure your moisturizer has absorbed well into the skin. Don’t forget to prime!

Step 2: Pick Up The Right Amount Of Product

Tap a little bit of foundation on the lid of the product and swirl your brush around the cap. You need very little to begin with – so tap off the excess as you can always come back for more.

Step 3: Applying Loose Powder Foundation

Using your kabuki brush, start from the larger areas of your face by buffing in circular motions. Concentrate on one part of the face until the formula has thoroughly blended in before you move to another area. Make sure you swirl the brush around your jawline and hairline, just to make sure there aren’t any visible demarcations on the face.

If certain areas of your face require extra coverage, you can build it up by lightly picking up more product on the brush and repeating the same process.

Here’s what you get!

Pressed Powder Foundation

Recommended Skin Type: Combination to oily skin

If you like keeping your makeup routine to a bare minimum and are always on-the-go, a pressed powder foundation is what you need. You can carry it around in your handbag, and it’s ideal for touch-ups. Use either a beauty sponge, a rounded kabuki brush or even a rounded foundation brush to apply this with ease and perfection. Depending on the technique of your application, you’ll achieve coverage ranging from a medium to full.

The Real Techniques Powder Brush will help you create a flawless, high-definition finish.

How To Apply Pressed Powder Foundation Using A Brush – Step By Step Tutorial

If you’re looking for a high-coverage, easy-to-use pressed powder foundation, try the MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation.

Step 1: Prep It Up

Do the drill – cleanse, tone, and moisturize your face well. Apply a primer and give it a few minutes to settle.

Step 2: Apply Concealer

It’s a good idea to conceal the problem areas before you apply your powder foundation. A little goes a long way – apply and ensure to pat it in to your under- eye dark circles, prominent spots, and blemishes. You can use some translucent powder to set the areas you’ve concealed.

Step 3: Apply Pressed Powder Foundation

Now, tap your brush into the powder and pick up a little bit, tapping off any excess product. Start from the larger area of your face, in a patting motion. Gently tap the product onto your face and blend away. You can always use a tad bit of extra product on areas you need more coverage on – but make sure you’ve blended everything out for an even and natural finish.

Here’s what it looks like!

Foundation Makeup Tips Every Woman Should Know

Along with the right tools and products, some handy makeup tips and tricks can help you transform your makeup looks from good to perfect. Now that you know how to apply your preferred foundation formula with the right tools and techniques, here are some tips that will help you achieve a flawless base.

• It requires a certain amount of skill to look radiant in any light. When it comes to foundation, lighting is crucial because your makeup will look different in yellow lighting when compared to fluorescent. It’s best to do your makeup in natural lighting, or a warm, white LED light.
• To find your shade match, make sure you test out a few samples or at least test it out on your jawline or the cheek.
• If your skin is oily and acne-prone, opt for a lightweight, oil-free formula, and if your skin is dry and does not break out, try an oil-based foundation.
• To add a subtle glow to your face, mix a liquid illuminator with your foundation.
• Liquid, cream and gel foundations are best applied with a damp beauty sponge.
• Want to make your foundation last all day long? Use a translucent setting powder with a fluffy brush and dust it over your T-zone. You can also set your base with a setting spray.
• The way you prep your skin before you get in with the makeup will have a drastic impact on how your makeup eventually turns out.

Ladies, your foundation is meant to balance out color and unify your skin tone. Remember – less is more, so use it right, and it can make you feel pretty powerful! That was our take on how to apply foundation flawlessly. Do you have any go-to techniques to apply foundation? We would love to hear your take on this. Share with us in the comments section below.

Infographic: Foundation Hacks: Simple Tips For Flawless Skin

The foundation can be a total game-changer when you know which formulation works for which skin type and the right application process. In the infographic below, we have summarized the ultimate foundation hacks that will ensure a flawless look every time and never let you down. Check it out now!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to apply foundation every day?

Yes, you can use foundation everyday provided you choose a good quality foundation that best suits your skin type. Make sure to cleanse off any makeup and let your skin breathe at the end of the day.

Should I wet my foundation brush?

No, you need not wet your foundation brush before application.

Should I clean my foundation brush after every use?

If you are someone who does professional makeup everyday, then you may need to clean your makeup brushes after every use. Otherwise, cleaning your foundation brush once every week is good enough.

Are BB creams better than foundation?

BB creams are good for a light, moisturizing, everyday coverage. However, a foundation would work better if you need full coverage of spots and blemishes

How do you avoid foundation lines?

Keeping your skin hydrated, clean, and well-moisturized would ensure a clean healthy base for foundation application. Applying the primer properly would help fill in creases and lines. Also, blend in the makeup well to ensure that there are no streaks or lines of demarcation.

Illustration: How To Apply Foundation Like A Pro - A Step-By-Step Tutorial

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Wondering what is the right way to apply foundation? Learn the basics of foundation with this easy video makeup tutorial for beginners and get ready to look your best!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Angela JacksonLicensed Cosmetologist

 

Angela Jackson is a Maryland board-certified cosmetologist with over 28 years of experience. She received her cosmetology education from Dudley Beauty College in Washington, DC. She has trained under various hair and makeup artists and served bridal and in-salon clients and worked on various photoshoots and branding events.

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Esha SaxenaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Esha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and firmly believes that makeup is nothing less than art.

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Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor

Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.

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Anu PallaviBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Anu is a beauty and lifestyle writer and a graduate of Amity University, Noida, where she refined her writing skills and cultivated her deep passion for the field. She pursued the Beauty Technician Training Program at Maquillage Beauty Institute, which has equipped her with practical skills in various beauty treatments.

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