Forget what you think you know about foundation it’s come a long way since the cakey, mashlike stuff your mom used to wear. “Modern ones feel as lightweight as moisturizer”, says celebrity makeup artist Troy Surratt, who has worked with Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez. “Celebs look so great on the red carpet because they’re usually wearing foundation. It makes any one’s skin look flawless,” he says. Here’s how to get in on the miracle.
Step 1: Find your Perfect Color.
Test foundation on your jawline and check in the daylight. The color is correct if it disappears without blending. Online shopping is the best way to get great discounts and deals on makeup. So you can either get free samples to test your foundation colors or test foundation samples at the department stores to get your perfect match and then purchase online.
Step 2: Prep your skin with a makeup primer.
For the perfect canvas, make sure your skin is clean and moisturized. Wait five minutes before you apply foundation to let moisturizer sink in. Use makeup primer before your foundation to make your makeup last throughout the day. Primer can also minimize pores and mattify your face.
Primers guarantee a smooth, even skin tone, without clogging the pores or leaving a heavy sensation on your skin. They disguise the imperfections of your skin, provide moisture all day long and create a perfect surface to apply a stunning makeup. Don’t forget that makeup primers are always at your disposal, each time you need to look fabulous and perfect.
The best makeup primers everyone’s raving about!
(save on your makeup primer below):
Philosophy The Present Clear Makeup ($25),
the supernatural | poreless, flawless spf 15 tinted primer | philosophy
Nars Makeup Primer ($33),
NARS Makeup Primer SPF 20
Vital Radiance Smoothing Face Primer, SPF 25,
Vital Radiance Smoothing Face Primer, SPF 25, Petal 002, Cool, 1 fl oz
Smashbox Photo Finish ($39),
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer 1 fl oz (30 ml)
Step 3: Swipe it on the right way.
If you want just a little coverage, use your fingers, pros advice. For more coverage, use a sponge. The beauty blender Cosmetic Sponge is a cult favorite among pros: It leaves just the right amount on the skin. For everyday, dab foundation only where you need it to hide pimples, camouflage redness or even out your T-zone. To get an air-brushed finish, blend makeup all over, including the eye area, starting in the middle and working your way out. Just don’t pile on extra for big events or photos. Digital cameras won’t wash you out like old school ones used to, so less is more.
Step 4: Do Concealer after foundation.
If you apply it before, you will use more than you need. And that base of foundation keeps concealer crease free. Look for a lightweight liquid in a color one shade lighter than your skin. Going too light looks fake, like reverse raccoon eyes. Use a small, pointy brush to cover the darkest part of under eye circles usually right below the inner and outer corners. If other little skin flaws aren’t quite covered by you foundation, dab on a tiny bit of concealer there too.
Step 5: Finish with Luminous Powder.
Unlike old matte versions, it won’t suck the life out of your face. New translucent powders that reflect the light help skin glow and take down shine. Dust one on in a w motion. Starting at your hairline on one side, swoop down to your checkbone, up to the bridge of your nose, back down the other check, then up again to the opposite hairline.
