Using your own fingers to apply foundation gives you the most natural skin-like finish because you really need to massage makeup into your pores (sorry, but it's true) with the warmth of your hands to melt everything in every crevice.
Washing your hands is important not only before and after applying your foundation but also during (or in between) application steps. Clean hands avoid spreading bacteria onto your skin and prevent cross-contamination with products.
Applying foundation with a brush achieves flawless coverage and a precise, even finish. When you apply foundation with fingers, you tend to get a more natural effect that mimics your skin.
A brush is great for applying liquid or cream foundations , as it allows for more precise and even application . It also helps to blend the foundation seamlessly into the skin , creating a smooth and flawless finish . On the other hand , a beauty blender is perfect for achieving a more natural and airbrushed look .
If you're after a full coverage look, a brush is typically recommended while a sponge is better for skin-like coverage. "Sponges also pair well with both brush and finger usage," says Martino, "when we're on set, we see many makeup artists apply makeup with a brush and then finish their blend with a sponge."
Sponge: You could also use a makeup sponge or beauty blender to apply foundation. They are a good pick if you're not comfortable using brushes. Avoid dragging the sponge on your face to blend, instead use gentle tapping motions to stipple the products across the face.
You may wonder - how to apply foundation on mature skin? Start by prepping the skin with a hydrating primer to create a smooth base. Use a damp makeup sponge or a brush to apply the foundation in light, tapping motions. Avoid dragging or pulling on the skin, as this can emphasize wrinkles.
If you feel that using a foundation brush has left streaks on your skin, a beauty blender can come to your rescue and blend all of it like a pro.” If it's a flawless, practically airbrushed look that you're going for, look no further.
The final takeaway? Apply foundation before concealer when you only want to cover up any minor skin imperfections. The concealer aka colour corrector goes before the foundation if you want to hide stubborn marks or dark circles. Then a layer of your foundation followed by a concealer that is true to your skin tone.
Make sure that your hands are clean. Dot the foundation onto your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Using your fingertips, gently blend the foundation outward in smooth, circular motions. Don't forget to blend along the hairline and jawline to avoid harsh lines.
Ideally, a foundation brush mustn't be wet when used. A wet brush will dilute the foundation and its coverage will be watered-down. Water also changes the shape of the foundation brush, affecting its performance and preventing it from buffing and applying makeup properly, especially when applying powder foundation.
Use a damp sponge: Using a damp sponge to apply foundation can help blend it into the skin for a more natural finish. Blend, blend, blend: The key to a natural look with foundation is blending. Make sure to blend your foundation into your hairline, jawline, and neck for a seamless finish.
Remember, there's no “best way” to apply your foundation, as both application techniques have their perks and unique touch. Applying foundation with a brush achieves flawless coverage and a precise, even finish. When you apply foundation with fingers, you tend to get a more natural effect that mimics your skin.
As a rule of thumb, opt for a sponge when you want to achieve a flawless finish and when using liquid formulas. Alternatively, reach for a brush when you want a precise application and are working with powder or cream-based products.
Go one shade darker;
Our skin can start to look a little washed out and lose it's natural colouring as we age so it can be more flattering to have a bit of warmth/depth by selecting one shade deeper than you normally would.
Lines deepen on dehydrated skin, increasing the chance that foundation will settle in them. Find a hydrating serum and moisturiser to help counteract this. Additionally, a smoothing primer is your BFF! The primer will fill in lines and prevent your foundation from doing the same.
Especially as aging faces undergo the hormonal changes of menopause, primers with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide provide myriad benefits, helping beauty products apply more smoothly while keeping skin radiant under base makeup.
– Hollywood's top makeup artists use Dermaflage Topical Filler to turn back time. This innovative silicone wrinkle filler was expertly developed by special effects makeup pros who demand the best wrinkle filler with results that look like real skin, even up-close and in real life.