Makeup artist applying foundation to a woman's face using a large makeup brush.

The proper way to apply foundation makeup, using a makeup brush.

Sep 30, 2024INTERNATIONAL COSMETIC INC

Makeup is a very important manifestation of the skin, but not everyone knows and can use the basic makeup methods correctly. In this article, we will analyze in detail each aspect that can help you learn how to apply makeup foundation correctly and without negative consequences for your skin.

Preparation Before Applying Foundation

The first step in applying the base is to prepare the skin. First, it must be cleansed. Also, apply an oil-based product, and then wash again with a soap-based product. Wipe your skin with a toner and use a moisturizer. To achieve a flawless finish, start by priming your skin with a lightweight layer of moisturizer before applying foundation.

Now you can start applying makeup! First, decide what effect you want to achieve in the end: matte or radiant skin. After cleansing and prepping, tap the foundation onto your face in dots for even coverage, and blend gently with a damp sponge.

If you want to achieve radiant skin, you will need a regular moisturizer and a liquid or cream highlighter. When applying foundation, focus on areas that need more attention, such as blemishes or uneven spots, to ensure everything blends smoothly.

If you don't want your entire face to shine (for example, if you have oily skin and are afraid of excessive shine), apply the base only to those areas that require it - cheekbones, the tip of the nose, etc. Using circular motions with a brush helps create a smooth, streak-free finish that covers imperfections without highlighting any blemish or flaw. 

Choosing the Right Foundation Formula

Selecting what’s best for your skin may be the key to a successful makeup application. There are a huge number of types of foundations, which are replenished with new subtypes every year.

Liquid Foundation

Liquid foundation is a versatile choice that is suitable for all skin types. Its formula allows you to achieve everything from a sheer, natural finish to full coverage. It blends easily into the skin, creating a smooth, even complexion, while offering a long-term wear.

Cream Foundation

Cream foundation is a great choice for dry or mature skin, as its rich, moisturizing formula provides smooth and hydrated coverage. It glides easily over the skin to help conceal fine lines and uneven texture, providing medium to full coverage. 

Stick Foundation

The foundation stick is a convenient, portable option that allows for easy application on the go. Its solid formula ensures precise application, making it ideal for targeted areas or all-over coverage. 

Mineral Powder

This foundation is presented in the form of a powder, and its main feature is the thinnest coating. Its particles dissolve in sebum and primer within 20-30 minutes, so you can speed up the process with a moisturizing spray applied over the powder.


When choosing a foundation, the best solution is to test it live before buying, applying it to clean skin in the cheek and lower jaw area. If you do not have the opportunity to get acquainted with the cosmetic product offline, then study the maximum number of reviews. This method is less reliable, but it will still give you an idea of ​​​​the color palette, consistency, and effectiveness of the product. 

Foundation for Different Skin Types

Let's figure out how to choose a foundation based on the generally accepted classification.

Oily Skin

For those with oily skin, a matte foundation can help control shine and give your skin a better spot-free appearance throughout the day.

Dry Skin

To choose the right foundation for dry skin, pay attention to products marked Radiant and Moisturizing. The composition should include components such as hyaluronic acid, vegetable oils, and herbal extracts.

Combination Skin

The optimal choice is a product with a light texture. It is good if the composition contains antiseptic components that control the proliferation of bacteria. But be careful.


Finally, for normal and dry skin types, a cushion with a radiant, slightly damp finish is the best choice. At the same time, a gentle mousse foundation or BB cream with sunscreens and caring properties can be called a truly universal product.

Foundation Application Tools

There are different types of methods for the best way to apply makeup foundation to ensure that further parts of the process go as smoothly as possible. 

Sponge

One of them is with a sponge, and the result is a perfectly even coating. Due to the small amount of moisture absorbed, the sponge will not take up too much foundation, and its surface will be as soft as possible. 

 

To apply this method properly, distribute the foundation over your face with the sponge using patting movements. Move from the center of the face to its periphery, avoiding the eyebrows and hairline, as it will be problematic to remove the foundation from the hair.

Fingers

The warmth of your hands warms up the foundation, making it more flexible and pliable for shading. This method is good because it is economical. But it will take practice, it is a little more difficult to apply foundation beautifully with your fingers than with a brush.

Foundation Brush

The foundation brush provides precise application and helps you achieve a smooth and even finish. Its bristles are designed so that liquid or powder foundation blends easily into the skin for even, flawless coverage.

Step-By-Step Guide to Applying Foundation

To apply foundation with a brush, follow these rules:

 

  1. Take the foundation in your hand so that it warms up a little and becomes more pliable. Then use the brush.
  2. Do not apply a large amount of cream at once, add it gradually.
  3. Make circular movements with round brushes. Linear movements with flat brushes.

 

Do not press on the brush, do not squeeze it too hard, and hold it in your hand calmly. This way, the application of the foundation will be precise and neat.

Methods of Applying Different Foundation Formulas

Understanding how to properly apply each formula ensures smooth, even coverage that enhances your skin's natural beauty.

Liquid Foundation Fluid

The most popular and universal foundation in the form of a cream is a liquid foundation. It is easy to apply and shade, and it does an excellent job of dealing with small pimples, minor redness, and capillaries. You can apply this type of foundation with brushes, a damp sponge, or your fingers.

 

This type of foundation is ideal for dry and very dry skin without pronounced rashes and age spots because it smooths out flaking well. But for girls with oily skin, this product is not suitable, as it will leave an oily shine. It is best to apply fluid foundation with a light duofiber brush or a damp makeup sponge.

Cushion

This is a light tone that is applied very quickly and easily, moisturizes the skin well, and can have a very decent covering ability. The cushion itself is a sponge soaked in liquid foundation. Its main advantage is the applicator, which can apply the product in a thin film while at the same time hiding pores and other imperfections. Cushions are best suited for girls with dry, aging and normal skin.

Mattifying Foundation

As you may have guessed, matting foundation gives an instant matte effect on the skin, is well shaded, and has a thick texture. It is created specifically for oily and combination skin, and therefore, in its composition, you can find absorbent components that absorb excess sebum. It is best to apply such a foundation with a soft brush using light movements.

Thick Foundation

This product has a thick and oily texture - one that can hide all imperfections on the skin, and also protect it from environmental influences. It will protect the face from low and high temperatures, wind, and frost. It should be applied with a damp brush, and you can finish shading with a damp sponge - it will help to nail the product to the skin.

Camouflage Cream

The densest foundation. It can be used to hide pigmentation, birthmarks, scars and more serious imperfections. The basis of such creams is coloring pigments, dense waxes and silicons. Applying camouflage creams is quite difficult, but at the same time, they are very durable and hold well on the skin.

Stick

A foundation stick is a foundation in the form of a pencil. Sticks have a very high concentration of pigment, so they work well for prime coverage of specific areas but should be used sparingly on larger parts of the face to avoid a heavy look.

Common Mistakes When Applying Foundation and How to Avoid Them

For a natural glow, use a highlighter. We recommend applying a liquid highlighter under the foundation or adding a small amount of the product to the cream itself.

Using a brush, apply the foundation from top to bottom, otherwise you will lift the fluff on your cheeks and make it noticeable.

Finishing Touches

Once the primer and foundation are applied, it remains to use concealer (and color corrector, if necessary) on problem areas. Finally, one of the best makeup tips for applying foundation is not to forget to add a setting spray or powder to lock in your makeup for long-lasting wear without any unexpected shine. 

 

Highlighting your cheekbones with blush is a good idea. Just apply blush not under the cheekbones, but on the "apples" of the cheeks and blend the product towards the temples. This is the method of using blush that was actively used in the eighties, and now this technique has returned.

Conclusion

Neat and high-quality makeup is the main attribute of any modern woman. Despite the value of natural beauty, the right makeup will never ruin your image; on the contrary, it will highlight your advantages and visually hide your flaws.

 

It is generally accepted that stylish makeup is the work of an experienced makeup artist, which is beyond the capabilities of ordinary girls. This misconception is very easy to refute if you study the basics of professional makeup application.



More articles

Comments (0)

There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!

Leave a comment

Please note: comments must be approved before they are published