A great layer of foundation can make or break your makeup look. Applying foundation is a straightforward process that only takes a few minutes once you have the right tools and products. In this article, we’ll walk you through preparing your skin for smooth application, applying powder and liquid foundations, and selecting the perfect foundation for your skin and complexion.
Preparing Your Skin for Flawless Foundation Application
Professional makeup artist Bethany Brenneman recommends washing and moisturizing your face first. Then, apply a face primer. Choose a face wash based on your skin type-use moisturizing washes for dry skin or oil- and alcohol-free washes for oily skin. Use an exfoliating scrub on your face 2-3 times per week to ensure a smooth canvas.
Apply a non-drying, alcohol-free toner. Saturate a cotton pad in toner and gently rub it all over your face to remove any last impurities on your skin. Use your fingers to dab an eye cream or serum to the thin, fragile skin under and around your eyes. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose a water-based, oil-free gel moisturizer.
Opt for a silicone-based primer. These primers protect your face from losing moisture and fill in the skin’s natural creases for more even makeup application. Priming your skin is a crucial step to prevent issues like dark circles or red spots that might show through foundation.
Understanding Color Correction
Foundation is meant to do light color-correcting, so you may not need to color-correct beforehand. Apply liquid or cream concealers before powder foundation. Dab concealer over blemishes and your color-corrector, or paint upside down triangles underneath each eye to hide dark circles. Then, use your ring finger to dab and gently rub the concealer into your skin. The powder you’ll apply later will help set the concealer and keep it in place.
Reader Poll: We asked 227 wikiHow readers about their preferred type of concealer, and 56% of them agreed that liquid concealer works best for them.
Applying Powder Foundation
Grab a rounded, fluffy brush with densely-packed bristles. This style of brush allows you to buff the powder into your skin for an even, blended look. Use a big, fluffy powder brush if you desire very sheer or light coverage. Swish the brush directly into the powder foundation. Dip the domed top of the brush into your powder and swipe it back and forth with quick, light strokes. Make sure your brush is loaded with powder before you begin application.
Examine other areas like your jawline or chin. Make quick, circular motions with your brush over each dot to buff them outwards. Ensure your entire chin, forehead, nose, and cheeks are covered evenly. The end result should look and feel seamless.
Finish your foundation application with setting spray. Hold the can about 10 inches (25 cm) away from your face and spray in a circular motion. Then, use your palms to gently press it into your skin.
Applying Liquid Foundation with a Sponge
Soak and squeeze an egg-shaped makeup sponge. Dip your sponge in clean water or run it under the faucet, then wring out all the excess water until it no longer drips. The sponge will almost double in size.
Squirt or pump a small amount of liquid foundation on the back of your hand or a blending plate so it can spread out a little bit on a flat surface. Dab or bounce the sponge (never wipe or swipe) around your nose first, then move up and out toward your hairline-tap between the eyebrows, then move to the forehead. After, bounce the sponge down around your chin and jawline. Use the small, pointy tip of the sponge to stipple and buff the foundation around your nose and eyes until it’s evenly spread.
Set your foundation and concealer with setting powder. Use a small, fluffy brush to tap powder onto any shiny spots you notice on your face. Then, grab a larger brush and stipple more powder onto larger areas of your face. Make light, circular motions with the brush to blend it all in.
Selecting the Perfect Foundation Shade and Finish
In natural lighting, apply a dab of foundation near the center of your face and blend it out towards the hairline. Ideally, the shade should match the sides of your cheeks and the middle of your neck. If you have a warm complexion, opt for a foundation with yellow undertones.
Your skin’s natural tendency to build up oil or dry out during the day affects the final look of your foundation and how well it sticks to your face. If you have oily skin, opt for a foundation with a matte finish. For combination or mature skin, use foundation with a satin formula finish.
Full-coverage products don’t need midday touch-ups and are great for hiding acne and discoloration in your complexion. Both types of foundation will cover your blemishes and even out your complexion. Powder is easier to reapply and goes on fast, whereas liquid lasts longer during the day. Liquid works great for older, drier, sun-sensitive, or acne-prone skin.
Feel free to mix powder and liquid foundations for a customized finish.
Expert Insights and Tips
Laura Martin, a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia, has been working as a hair stylist since 2007 and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow.
Martin emphasizes that foundation should be applied to clean, hydrated skin. Wash, tone, moisturize, and prime before applying foundation for the best results.
When applying foundation, dot generous dabs onto the tip of the nose, center of the forehead, cheeks, and chin. Use either a foundation brush or a sponge to spread and blend, using gentle circular motions, until your entire face is covered.
Depending on the type of foundation, you can apply it with either fingers, a sponge, or a brush. Use circular motions to blend it.
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers. If your foundation ends up being too dark on your face, powder your face with cornstarch. It will give you a healthy glow, make your foundation non-sticky, and make it last much longer!
Despite what you hear about "the bigger the better," sometimes smaller is better. When applying powder foundation, use a smaller brush.
How To Apply Liquid Foundation: Fingers, Brushes and Sponge | Complete Demo | TiTi's Corner
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