Applying Foundation like a Pro
Foundation is an absolute must for anyone seeking an even, flawless complexion that radiates beauty.
This article will guide you toward the foundation that’s right for you and the best application techniques to get the most out of your choice.
Truths and Myths
Although foundation’s primary function is to even out skin tone, traditional foundation cannot adequately conceal skin problems such as acne. Foundation is especially used to even out the colour and tone of your skin but not its texture. To get a flawless, perfectly smooth skin, you need to use skin care products specially formulated to your specific needs.
Choosing the right foundation
Texture
There are a variety of formulas available and adapted to every type of skin.
Normal to combination skins can choose from a wide spectrum of foundations, from liquid, to mousse, to powder or even tinted moisturizer. The chosen texture will determine the level of coverage.
If you have oily skin, your best bet is a powder foundation that will absorb any excess oil produced by your skin. Although mostly available in powder form, mineral foundation is not the ideal product for oily skin. The minerals contained in this type of foundation can often reflect light or a small quantity of oil may be used in its formulation, which will only intensify shine. Traditional powder foundation (not a mineral powder) is frequently formulated with talc, an ingredient that helps the appearance of shine
If your skin is on the dry side, liquid foundation will suit you best. A powder or mousse formula will probably increase the appearance of flakiness. For best results, moisturize before applying your foundation.
Mature skin often suffers from dehydration, so liquid foundation is the best option. Professional makeup artists add a drop of moisturizer to foundation for easier and smoother application and better overall finish.
Finally, those with sensitive skin should apply the appropriate skin care product before applying foundation. Once the skin care product has been absorbed, a light dusting of powder foundation should provide the right coverage. If you have sensitive skin, you should always perform a skin test before applying any new product to your skin.
Colour
The perfect shade of foundation should literally blend into your natural skin colour when applied to your jaw line or tip of your nose. Always keep two shades of foundation in your makeup kit, this lets you to make seasonal colour adjustments. Choose a darker shade for summer, when your skin is a little tanned and a lighter shade for the winter months. As for spring and fall, simply blend a little of each to get the shade that is closest to your own complexion.
Try to choose your foundation when your face is illuminated by natural daylight. This will help you avoid the wrong shade since bathroom lighting is often too yellow.
If you can’t find the shade that’s right for you, choose a colour that is one half tone lighter than your complexion. Use bronzer or blush to add a touch colour to your face.
Technological Characteristics
Cosmetics are increasingly becoming technologically advanced (wrinkle reducing and more). How can you find what’s right for you? If possible, choose a foundation with the same qualities, even the same ingredients, as your favourite skin care product.
In the case of sensitive skin, you should know that the active ingredients contained in these products could cause a skin reaction. Therefore, it’s best to test your tolerance to the product by applying a small quantity behind one ear. If your skin doesn’t present any kind of adverse reaction, it is safe to use the product over a larger area of skin.
A Flawless Complexion Starts with a skilled Application
The Right Tool:
Any type of oily makeup (such as foundation, even if it is oil-free) should be applied with a synthetic fibre brush. Why? Synthetic fibres will allow the product to slide along the bristles while natural fibres tend to quickly absorb any type of oil, making it difficult to apply evenly and smoothly. A natural fibre brush is best for powder formulas.
A wide fan-like brush allows for a more diffuse application. Superimposing several layers of foundation will give you a more even skin tone and help you avoid streaking.
Although easy to use, a sponge applicator absorbs a lot of product, which forces you to use more to create the coverage and result you want.
Applying Foundation like a Pro:
1. Start with perfectly clean, makeup-free skin;
2. Moisturize your skin with the product that best suits your skin type;
3. Ideally, apply makeup in daylight, conceal under eye circles and imperfections with the Corrector Palette. Use your fingertips to blend;
4. Then apply foundation with a brush working from the center of the face outward;
5. Make sure there are no demarcations around your neck or ears;
6. Normally, foundation should stop at the chin to properly define the jaw line. However, if you are using foundation with technological properties, such as NEW.AGE foundation, you should extend application of this tinted skin care product to your neck.