How Best To Apply Your Foundation

Here’s a tip that I wasn’t aware of:  if you want liquid foundation to remain usable throughout its lifetime, always shake it well before application.

Then the trick is to pick the right foundation color. For a natural look your foundation should match your skin tone. Test foundations along your jawline. Blend the foundation into your skin to see if the color is right. If it's too light, then test the next shade darker. If it's too dark, then go down a shade until the color matches. You will know the best color because it will disappear into your skin. The goal of foundation application is not to change the tone /color of your skin.

For flawless application start with a clean, moisturized face. A clean face will allow the makeup to smooth and blend easier. Apply moisturizer  and let it soak in at least 3 minutes before applying foundation. (Dry skin will soak up the foundation if not given that base.)

Apply foundation by dabbing a small amount on your face. Start by applying the foundation in little dots on your forehead, down your nose and on your chin and cheeks. Blend the foundation with a brush, sponge or your fingertips. Blend it off on the jaw line and hair line. Make sure it's blended completely to create a natural, flawless look. Using your fingertips will give the heaviest application, a sponge a thinner application. Be careful in the area around your eyes where the skin is super thin. Don't forget to apply foundation on your eyelids and lips. (I’ve never done that!)

To avoid a foundation line around the jaw apply foundation as usual then use a little moisturizer in your hand and blend it down your neck.

On the under-eye area, apply makeup with a finger or with a small synthetic brush or applicator. Pat with your fingertips to blend, using your ring finger or pinkie to minimize the pressure. 

To finish, and for retouching during the day, use loose or pressed powder that is light-textured and contains no oil. Setting foundation with a powder is a must for oily skin; however, if your skin is dry or if you use solid foundation, your foundation will stay in place without powder.  

Liquid foundation should never be applied over your makeup for retouching purposes, because it is impossible to blend well on top of powder, dust, or sebum. 

The smoother your skin, the more natural the foundation will look. So do exfoliate twice a week to get rid of dead skin.