Foundation is a total game changer, and possibly one of THE most integral parts of any beauty look. If the shade is off or the blending isn’t on point, it can ruin the whole look. Achieving flawless foundation is also a major skill and there’s a lot of room for error – even the most seasoned pro can have a day where their foundation just does not behave! Remember, the aim is always to achieve incredible, healthy-looking skin not great foundation, and that’s what we’re going to help you do with these epic hacks and tips.
Here are some makeup tips to help you look your best:
1. Always start with clean, moisturized skin.
Flawless makeup always starts with a great, hydrating skincare regime. The reality is, the better hydrated your skin is, the less likely your makeup will look cakey. Start by cleansing, then follow step two below (if you have time). Then, after toning, prep your skin with a hydrating serum to add a surge of moisture.
2. Use a primer to help your makeup last longer.
Ask any professional MUA and they’ll tell you that using a primer is non-negotiable. Not only will it help you achieve a more seamless finish, but it’ll also improve the longevity of your makeup. Plus, many primers contain beauty-boosting ingredients to provide an extra surge of hydration and amp up your glow game.
3. Tools of the trade.
Apply foundation with a brush or sponge, blending it outwards from the center of your face.
Start by applying the foundation at the center of your face, where redness and blemishes are more common, working outwards to avoid streaks and visible brush strokes. For blendability, we like to use a rounded brush with synthetic hairs.
If you want a more natural, skin-like finish, apply your foundation with your hands; yes you heard right. The heat of your hands helps to melt the formula into your skin so it doesn’t look cakey. This technique is a firm fave among makeup artists. First, warm the product between your fingertips, then apply using outward circular motions. You can either gently pat and blend with your fingers or fine-tune with a damp makeup sponge after working in with your fingers. Don’t forget to blend with your neck.
4. Concealer
If you need more coverage, it can be tempting to empty half the bottle of foundation and smother it on your face, but please don’t! Instead, find a good full-coverage foundation and concealer. One layer of a true full-coverage foundation should be enough, then use a concealer to target any areas that still need coverage.
5. The technique.
Use a light hand when applying blush, and blend it outwards towards your temples.
6. Brows.
Use a brow pencil, pomade or powder to fill in sparse areas in your eyebrows.
7. Eyeshadow
Apply eyeshadow primer to help your eyeshadow stay in place. Use a light shade of eyeshadow on your lid, a medium shade in your crease, and a darker shade in the outer corner of your eye.
8. Eyeliners
Use a black or brown eyeliner to line your upper lash line, and a white or nude eyeliner to line your lower waterline.
9. Lashes
Apply mascara to your upper lashes, wiggling the wand back and forth as you go.
10. Lips
Use a lip liner to define your lips, and fill them in with a matching lipstick or gloss.
12. Set It
This weird water-setting technique called Jamsu (which means submerge) involves covering your freshly-caked face in translucent powder and dunking your face in cold water. We learned the tip from supermodel Bella Hadid – it’s supposed to set your makeup and give your skin an airbrushed finish
Use a setting spray to help your makeup last all day.
The most important thing is to have fun and experiment with different looks until you find what works best for you!