How To Use Foundation
Foundation is one of those essential makeup products that many people own. This cosmetic can help you achieve flawless skin for the base of any look. Choosing the right foundation and applying it can be challenging for some.
After all, there are so many things to consider when picking out a foundation. You have to select the right shade, finish, and type of foundation for your skin type for the application process to be successful.
We're providing the best tips and tricks to help you use foundation with ease. We will also cover what to look for when choosing a foundation.
Different Types of Foundation
You may have noticed that foundation comes in many different formulations. There are liquid, cream, stick, and powder foundations. Before you can use foundation, you have to pick the right formulation for your skin.
Liquid foundation is great for people with normal to dry skin. Liquid formulas are the most hydrating out of all the types, so it works well for people with parched complexions. However, there are liquid foundations on the market that can work for people with oily skin.
If your skin is on the oily side, you need an oil-free foundation, like HIDE Premium Foundation. It is mattifying and won't slide off your face. You can also use stick or cream foundations, which are on the drier side.
Powder foundations are easy to use, and a lot of beginners lean towards powder foundations. This formulation can also be good for people with oily skin since the powder can absorb excess oil. However, the powder can settle into fine lines and wrinkles, so it's not ideal for people with mature skin.
You may have to try out a few different formulations before you find one that works for you. Oil-free liquid formulations can be a good place to start since they can work for every skin type.
How To Pick the Right Finish
The second thing you have to think about when choosing a foundation is the finish you want. The main foundation finish types are matte, dewy, and luminous. These names are self-explanatory, but let's quickly go over exactly what they mean.
Matte formulations are made without any ingredients that would cause any dewiness. They make your skin look airbrushed and shine-free. Meanwhile, dewy formulations are trying to make your skin look hydrated and give you a natural-looking glow. They're created with moisturizing ingredients to help achieve a dewy finish.
Luminous foundations give you a shiny dewy glow. It isn't quite as intense as a dewy finish but leaves you looking hydrated. Most luminous foundations are sheer coverage and allow your skin to show through.
HIDE Premium Foundation has a semi-matte finish which allows you to stay shine-free but doesn't make your skin look too dry. It is the perfect happy medium!
The foundation finish you pick is really about your preference, but your skin type can help guide you towards a good option. Matte foundations are fantastic for managing oil since they are shine-free, making them ideal for people with oily skin. Dewy foundations provide extra hydration to the face, making them helpful if you have dry skin.
How To Pick the Right Shade and Tone
The last thing you need to think about when selecting the right foundation is perhaps the most important. You need to pick the right shade and tone for your skin. If you get this step wrong, it will never look natural on your skin. You may end up looking like you are wearing a foundation face mask, which is probably not what you're going for.
Before you can pick your shade, you need to know your skin's undertone. Your undertone is the color beneath the top layer of your skin. This color never changes, no matter how tan or pale you get. There are three main undertones: cool, warm, and neutral.
There are several different tests you can do to discover which undertone you have. One is to look at your veins. Cool tones have purple and bluish-looking veins, while warm tones have veins with a greenish hue. Neutral tones generally can't see a noticeable color.
Once you know your undertone, you can examine the shades under those undertones. You should be able to make a pretty good guess what shade range you fall into, but it may take some trial and error.
How To Apply Foundation
Now that you have the best foundation and are ready to apply it, let's go over all the steps to achieving the perfect complexion. Your makeup will look like a professional applied it in no time!
1. Begin With Clean Skin
You've probably heard this one before, but it's true! Your foundation can only look as good as the skin it's on. A regular skincare routine can help you keep your skin looking the best it possibly can.
No one's skin is perfect, though. Otherwise, you wouldn't necessarily need a foundation. Before you apply it, make sure you've cleansed your face to remove any dirt and oil. Next, apply a moisturizer so your skin is nice and hydrated.
If you apply foundation to dirty skin, that grime can end up clogging your pores, causing a breakout.
2. Time To Prime
This is more of an optional step, but you can add an extra layer between your skin and your foundation with primer.
Primer can ensure your foundation is going over a smooth surface. If your skin has a lot of texture, a primer may be beneficial for you to use. Primer can help disguise things like redness and uneven pigmentation. It can also help keep your makeup in place throughout the day.
3. Apply a Small Amount of Foundation
A little goes a long way with foundation. Begin with a thin layer, and then add more as you go to build up the coverage to your liking.
If you start with a large amount of foundation, you can end up with creasing when the excess product settles in your fine lines and wrinkles. You can also end up looking like you have a cake face, and that's definitely not the goal.
4. Blend From the Inside Out
When blending out your foundation, grab a damp makeup sponge or a foundation brush. You want to start applying it from the center of your face, which is where most people's imperfections develop.
Apply a few dots of foundation to the center of your forehead, nose, and chin. Next, blend outward until the product is evenly over your skin.
5. Don't Rub To Blend
When using a sponge or a brush to apply foundation, you want to avoid a rubbing motion to blend it out. Instead, use a stippling motion to press the foundation into your skin.
Stippling is when you gently tap the product into your skin. If you're using a makeup sponge, it looks more like dabbing the product into your skin. When you use a rubbing motion, you just push the foundation around, resulting in streaking.
You can also use your fingertips to apply foundation. The warmth from your hands will help it melt into your skin. You just gently tap the foundation into your skin. Ideally, you would go over it after with a damp sponge dabbing it in for finishing touches. However, if you don't have any tools, you can still make it work.
6. Don't Forget Your Neck And Ears
Don't forget your neck and your ears if you're doing a medium to full coverage look. Especially If your ears get red, it will look uneven if you don't blend it out over them. You also want to blend it out partially down your neck to avoid any foundation lines.
7. Apply Your Concealer
Once you are finished blending out your foundation, it's time for the concealer to achieve the perfect base. If you notice imperfections peeking through, apply a few dots of concealer and blend it into your skin with a sponge or concealer brush.
A high-quality concealer can cover everything from dark under eyes to blemishes. Plus, it allows you to use a smaller amount of product. You would need a thick layer of foundation to do the job of what a small amount of concealer can do. HIDE Premium Concealer is high coverage and easy to blend out.
8. Set Your Makeup
You may think applying powder over foundation can make your makeup look cakey or dusty, but not if you use a small amount. Use a translucent setting powder on a fluffy brush and gently apply it to set your liquid products.
If you have dry skin, you can opt for a setting spray instead of powder. HIDE products are semi-matte and are formulated to last all day without setting them. However, if you have an active day or oily skin, you can do this step for an extra layer of comfort.
Applying Foundation Is a Breeze
Applying foundation can be a quick and easy process once you have the steps down. Selecting the right foundation for your skin type and tone will go a long way in helping it blend in with your skin. HIDE premium products are easy to use and will leave your skin looking flawless.
Sources:
Skin Types and Care: Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive | Web MD
Oily skin: 6 treatments, causes, and prevention | Medical News Today
Skin Undertones Guide: Is Your Skin Warm, Cool, or Neutral? | Byrdie