Foundation doesn’t have to be tricky - all you need are the right tools and a few pointers. Here’s what I do to get a perfect application every time.
1. Start with the right tools. For liquid foundation, have a
clean makeup sponge ready. I prefer the flat, oval style over
the triangular wedges because you have more surface area to
blend the foundation on your face. Cargo Cosmetics makes an oval
sponge for $5 that you can wash over and over and use for a long
time.
I also like to use a clean cotton swab if the foundation comes
in a bottle. By dipping the swab into the bottle, then applying
it to your face, you keep germs from your fingers out of the
bottle, and you save makeup because you aren’t pouring it
directly on the sponge.
2. Always choose a foundation that matches your skin color
exactly. Don’t try to make your pale skin look tan by using a
darker shade, or make rosy skin look less pink with a very
yellow makeup. If the color does not match your skin, it will
look fake. Match the shade to your cheek near the jawline; a
lightly blended swipe that is the right color will seem to
disappear on your skin. If you can see a line that is dark, very
light, pink, orange, or any color other than the color of your
skin, it is the wrong shade. Wearing the wrong shade of
foundation is almost always the reason for an obvious makeup
line.
3. Once you have the right shade for your skin, gently shake the
bottle, open it, and dip the cotton swab in. Let the excess run
off into the bottle, then use the swab to draw lines of the
foundation on your cheeks, chin, forehead and nose. Start with a
small amount - you can always add more if you need to.
If you are using a long-wearing or transfer-resistant formula,
draw the makeup on one part of your face at a time, blend, then
continue on the rest of your face until you are done.
Once you have the lines on your face, use your sponge in
downward strokes to blend the makeup. Your goal is thin, even
coverage. Blend it all the way down your cheeks and under your
jawline and chin, out to your hairline, and around your nose.
Use short, light strokes with the sponge taking care not to
blend so much that you are rubbing the makeup off.
4. Now that you have an even layer of foundation all over your
face, check for any spots that need extra attention. You can
either apply a bit more foundation there, or use a concealer. If
you use more foundation, put a small dot on the area you are
adding to and press it lightly into your skin with the sponge
until it is blended in. This is a painting technique called
stippling.
Follow these steps and you should be able to have a clean, even
application of foundation every time.
