How To Apply Foundation To Achieve The Perfect Second Skin Look

This tips will leave you looking like a work of art.

POSTED BY INÊS MOURÃO

Makeup is an art form, and applying foundation without leaving a trace of it being there, for that flawless second skin finish is the ultimate challenge, one that can very much be compared to painting the Mona Lisa. We know Leonardo da Vinci was an exquisite artist but could we have nailed the no makeup, makeup look, we are not so sure.


While the key to a good foundation lies in its formula, the way we apply it on the skin is just as important. Nobody has better tips than the makeup artists to the stars, so here’s what they have to say.

Prepare Your Canvas
Your skin is your canvas and so is skincare comes first! Makeup-artist Nina Park, that counts with a clientele of A-list celebs like Bella Hadid and Zoë Kravitz, recommends starting with a hydrating sheet mask, targeted to your skin type, or water based-gel and use a jade-roller to facilitate lymphatic drainage. Then, gently massage a moisturizer into the skin to aid circulation and reduce that straight-out-of-bed puffiness. This will leave the skin feeling luminous and refreshed. Let the moisturizer sit for a few minutes before applying the foundation.

 

Prime It Up, or Not
Using primers is totally optional as not everyone feels like it is a crucial step in their makeup routine. Make-up expert Violette skips this step for the interest of using as few products as possible, however, use a primer if you want your makeup to last all day. A mattifying primer should be applied, using your fingertips, in the oily areas such as the T-zone, chin, and sides of the nose.

 

Start At The Center, Moving Outwards 
The way you apply it matters too. You don't necessarily need to cover your entire face with foundation, only apply where it is really necessary. "Start in the center of the face, on the apples of the cheeks, and slowly blend out," says Violette, reminding us that the area around the mouth that is just as important since it is susceptible to yellow undertones and shadows. For a more natural look don’t cover the bridge of the nose and the corners of the nostrils, where there are generally dry patches, for a freckles sneak-peek for those who have them. Additionally, don’t forget to blend your foundation from your ears down to your neck, you don’t want to look like a floating head.

 

Buff or Bounce Away
Whatever is your toll of choice, a foundation brush, a beauty blender, or your fingers, buff the product (or bounce if you’re using a sponge) onto the face, don’t slather it on like paint, to avoid streakiness and build an even, good coverage natural look.

 

Highlight Where The Sun Does Shine
Add dimension to your face by blending the highlighter into the key parts of the face where the light falls naturally on, such as the cheekbones, temples ad cupid’s bow for a glowing awake look. “I’m not a fan of powder highlighters because it looks a bit fake to me,” said Violette, a french make-up artist. “Creamy balm textures will give you dewiness as if you’re not wearing any products.”

 The Final Touch
Soak up the excess product with blotting papers. Then set the foundation with a featherweight translucent powder using a fluffy brush, applying to the areas that are prone to getting shinier. 

Follow these magical steps and you will have silky smooth, glowing, perfect second skin that will leave others wondering how you were blessed by the gods above and begging you to share your secrets. Time to make some art!

 

Next Up, Neo Nude Melting Colour Balm: The Summer Must-Have By Armani Beauty

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