“When in doubt, keep blending!” Foundation forms the base of our make-up and is used to essentially provide a flawless look. In short, it is the canvas on which we build our make-up. Finding a shade that suits your skintone is a task. And even if you find the right shade, there are various other mistakes one makes while applying their foundation. To help you get that flawless look, we have laid down a few laws of foundation application.
1. Applying too much
Yes, we all have certain problem areas on our face which we want to cover up and end up using extra layers of foundation for the same. The problem that comes with applying too much foundation is that, as the product builds up, more attention is drawn to that particular area of your face or the foundation settles into the creases. Instead of building up the product, dab with a make-up sponge to absorb the excess product.
2. Applying concealer first
Applying the concealer first and then the foundation is a bad idea. Doing this would cause the concealer to spread across the face once you start blending. The coverage on the problem area won’t be as effective. It’s always better to apply the foundation first and then the concealer.
The perfect Instant Full Cover Concealer by Bobbi Brown (Rs 3,650) covers blemishes in a single swipe.
3. Wrong lighting
For a morning function, apply your foundation in an area where there is natural lighting. You could also use a two sided magnifying mirror to apply your foundation as that will help you with blending and to get the perfect finish. If you need to apply your foundation in the evening, do the same in a room which has bright lighting, preferably white lights.
4. Master your prep
Prepping your face before applying foundation is a must! Make sure your face is fully cleansed and well moisturised before you start applying your foundation. This plays an important part in how your foundation would look and feel. Start with using a brush to apply and blend the foundation, followed by using your fingers to press the product into the skin where necessary.
Finish your make-up and give an instant boost of hydration to your skin by using M.A.C Prep + Prime Fix (Rs 1,650).
5. Know your skin’s undertone
Our skin has undertones too and here’s a simple way to know your skin’s undertone. One can find out the undertone of their skin by looking at the veins on the inside of their wrists. If they are blue, you have a cool undertone, green means warm and in between green and blue, means neutral. You must choose a foundation which has a slight shade of your skin’s undertone. For warm undertones, look for subtle yellow or gold hued foundations and for cool undertones, opt for foundations that look slightly pink in the bottle.
6. Prime & Powder
A runny foundation face is a big no-no! To make sure your foundation stays in place all day, you need to follow the prime & powder rule. First, apply a primer to soak any oil on your skin and to give it a smooth appearance. Once done, finish your look by dusting a setting powder over your face and neck. The prime + powder rule would help keep everything in place right till the end of the wedding festivities.
Use M.A.C. Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder (Rs 2,200) to set your make-up and reduce the shine.
7. Stopping at jawline
Do not stop the application of the foundation at your jawline. Your neck needs attention too and you must apply the foundation and blend it right down till your neck. The shade difference between your neck and face is pretty evident in pictures so don’t forget to blend it right till the neckline of your outfit.
8. Formula of the foundation
The formula of the foundation is as important as the colour of the foundation. You need to keep your skin type in mind when choosing your foundation. If you have dry skin, opt for a creamy and moisturised foundation which is hydrating and would not dry out your skin. Similarly, for oily skin, you need to choose a non-comedogenic (i.e. pore clogging), oil free and oil absorbing product.
Use this oil free and water based Stay Matte but Not Flat Liquid Foundation by NYX (Rs 900) to provide full coverage to your face.
9. Using foundation on your entire face
Sometimes, you really don’t need to cake up your entire face. Use the foundation only on spots that need coverage instead of applying it all over the face. The less foundation used, the more natural it looks. Pay attention to the redness around the nose, dark circles under the eyes and any other blemishes.
10. Applying with fingers
Using only your fingers to apply the foundation would give you blotchy and streaky results. Plus, touching your skin with fingers again and again would do more harm to your skin. Use a foundation brush or a make-up sponge to apply the foundation. Using a brush helps you apply the product in a circular motion and also helps in blending the product.
Buy the Foundation Brush by Mac (Rs 2,800) to help create a smooth, even finish and flawless look.
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