5 Top Tips For Foundation Most People Don’t Know

The best tips for flawless skin and even coverage.

POSTED BY CLAUDIA FAIRWEATHER

One of the most popular make up products on the market. Almost all of us use it to achieve an even-coloured complexion, cover breakouts or to alter our natural skin tone. We use it almost all day every day, and yet, here are 5 top tips most people don’t know about foundation. Read these to achieve a full coverage with no build up, to look after your skin after a full day of makeup, and to ensure you’re using your foundation for optimum results! 

Exfoliate before applying foundation

Foundation acts as a barrier against pollution and toxins in the environment. So, if you’ve got any dirt or a build-up of other products on your skin, applying foundation over the top of this results in a barrier to keep the dirt in! Allowing pores to become built up with all sorts of nasties!

The best way to apply foundation is to clean and clear skin. An exfoliator works best; the small microcrystals can get into your pores, clearing them out and ensuring no toxins are built up. So, for the best results, before applying foundation, make sure you’ve exfoliated all areas you wish to apply the product. Then, apply your foundation so you’ve got happy and healthy skin underneath. 

Oil-based vs water-based 

What happens when you mix oil and water? It separates. The same goes for foundation. If you mix a water-based concealer with an oil-based foundation it can separate on your skin causing a build-up of product in certain areas.

When applying both foundation and concealer, simply check the label or do some research to make sure you’re using products which harmonize with each other. When you decide whether to opt for oil- or water-based here’s a few pros and cons: oil-based foundation can keep your skin hydrated as the oils absorb into your skin creating a dewy look. However, as the oil sits on your skin it can feel heavy and greasy. On the other hand, water-based foundations are a lot lighter and gentler on the skin resulting in less breakouts and that ‘heavy’ feeling. However, water-based may not last as long, especially in warm and humid conditions.  

Finding the right shade

If you can’t find a foundation that matches your skin, don’t use it! Having a shade too dark can make your skin appear orange or fake-tanned whereas a shade too light can cause a washed out or drained appearance. If you’re really struggling to find your perfect shade, try mixing two shades together to reach the perfect color for you.

On top of that, make sure you’re mixing or applying foundation in the best light! Neon or dimmed lights can make you appear paler, so you may end up applying a shade which is too light for your skin. For the best results when mixing or applying, use a natural, bright light for the best possible results. 

How to cover a breakout

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Glossier (@glossier)

If you have acne-prone skin or you’re trying to cover a breakout, don’t be tempted to overdo on the foundation! Applying too much foundation can irritate the skin causing even more breakouts and damage, so it’s best to use as little foundation as possible.

If you’re trying to cover blemishes or spots, opt for more concealer, which is a lot lighter on your skin. Then, apply a light powder or mineral foundation which has full coverage but also allows your skin to breathe. 

Finishing spray 

Apply a finishing spray to your makeup sponge or brush before applying foundation. This will allow the finishing spray to fully blend when you’re applying your foundation.

This will provide a smooth, dewy appearance and also helps foundation stay in place during hot or humid weather, so you’re not left with a build-up of foundation in and around fine lines and wrinkles. If you have oily skin especially, which can cause foundation to mix and settle in certain areas, a finishing spray can help keep foundation where it’s meant to be!
 

Up Next, 5 Top Tips For Healthy Hair

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