Comments on How to Apply Foundation

1. Get professionally color-matched at a department store. Make sure to check the foundation in natural light though. 2. Select a formula that is right for your skin type. People with dry skin should avoid wet/dry and stick foundations. People with oily skin should look for formulations that are oil-free and will need to powder after applying foundation. 3. Moisturize before applying (flaky skin + foundation = not a good look). 4. Dot foundation onto your face and then blend using a latex sponge. These are quite cheap and can be bought practically anywhere. These sponges allow for a polished, natural look. If you are allergic to latex, try using a natural sea sponge. 5. Remember, foundation does NOT have to be applied all over your face. Just target the problem areas. If you blend properly and have a foundation that properly matches your skin tone, you will not look blotchy.

If you really want that airbrushed look, use a foundation brush. - Using your finger doesn't give you even coverage and can leave you with blotchy spots. - Using a sponge will give you better coverage, but the sponge absorbs half the make-up; that's money down the toilet. - With a brush you're getting even coverage and you can easily clean the brush with your face cleaner, so you don't carry anything from day to day. Shop around and find what works best. And always work with a clean palette! That means wash your face and apply a toner to remove any residue that your face wash may leave behind. Apply a moisturizer. Then apply your foundation.

If you really want that airbrushed look, use a foundation brush. - Using your finger doesn't give you even coverage and can leave you with blotchy spots. - Using a sponge will give you better coverage, but the sponge absorbs half the make-up; that's money down the toilet. - With a brush you're getting even coverage and you can easily clean the brush with your face cleaner, so you don't carry anything from day to day. Shop around and find what works best. And always work with a clean palette! That means wash your face and apply a toner to remove any residue that your face wash may leave behind. Apply a moisturizer. Then apply your foundation.

When I use my foundation, after I blend, I blot. That's so it doesn't look like it's just smeared on and it gives you a more natural look.

When I use my foundation, after I blend, I blot. That's so it doesn't look like it's just smeared on and it gives you a more natural look.

Before you put on your makeup, lay a hot washcloth on your face for a minute or two so your face is fresh and your makeup goes on smooth.

Before you put on your makeup, lay a hot washcloth on your face for a minute or two so your face is fresh and your makeup goes on smooth.

When blending concealer around dark areas and on blemishes (under the eyes), set it with a very light application of powder to ensure that the concealer is not rubbed off when applying foundation on top.

When blending concealer around dark areas and on blemishes (under the eyes), set it with a very light application of powder to ensure that the concealer is not rubbed off when applying foundation on top.

A setting spray lays a thin barrier over your makeup to deal with smudges, perspiration and moisture. I found Barrier Spray (about $6 for 2 ounces) at a party store when I was looking at the Halloween makeup.

1. Get professionally color-matched at a department store. Make sure to check the foundation in natural light though. 2. Select a formula that is right for your skin type. People with dry skin should avoid wet/dry and stick foundations. People with oily skin should look for formulations that are oil-free and will need to powder after applying foundation. 3. Moisturize before applying (flaky skin + foundation = not a good look). 4. Dot foundation onto your face and then blend using a latex sponge. These are quite cheap and can be bought practically anywhere. These sponges allow for a polished, natural look. If you are allergic to latex, try using a natural sea sponge. 5. Remember, foundation does NOT have to be applied all over your face. Just target the problem areas. If you blend properly and have a foundation that properly matches your skin tone, you will not look blotchy.

Don't apply concealer before the foundation - except for any color correctors (yellow & green). Most foundations will cover imperfections, and you can then use any required concealer after the foundation is applied. This will save you a heavy makeup look and money!

Use a foundation that is darker than your normal skin color. If you look orange; add a lighter than skin tone concealer. This way, your concealer will not get rubbed off when you blend or rub your foundation in. The light to dark contrast will give you an even, more natural skin tone. You are then able to see where you have put your foundation and where you have put your concealer. You can't do this if your foundation is originally the same as your skin color.

Whatever you do, do not put foundation over foundation straight away. If you apply the first layer of foundation and then immediately apply the second layer, the first layer doesn't have time to adjust to your skin. You're just piling it and will look like a china doll. You'll also have to use a shovel to take it all off!

Drink lots of water. It cleanses the pores and removes toxins from your body. No need for chemicals or makeup!

Foundation-laden birthmarks work against that "no-makeup look." After applying foundation to skin with sizeable "beauty marks," dot larger moles with brown eye pencil, or if you have the time, moisten a cotton swab and de-makeup those moles.

Don't moisturize right before you apply foundation. It will look okay at first, but as the day goes by, your foundation will slide around - it can settle in lines and make you look older!

After applying foundation, pat your jawline with a few drops of water to blend the color into your skin. Doing this keeps your foundation from looking like a mask.

When putting on foundation, always do it in a bright room or by a window. This way, you can see what hasn't been blended-in properly.

Don't forget the neck! The amount of people I have seen that forget to blend their foundation is amazing! If you are going to bother putting foundation on, don't forget to either put a little extra foundation on your neck or blend it in well!

If you have generally good skin, apply foundation only to the most needed areas. On most women that means the chin, around the nose, and under the eyes. Use a firm medium-small brush for precise application. Stick foundations are best for this.