A
good foundation is a beauty kit essential and we're bringing you our expert tips for complexion perfection.
What should I use to apply foundation – a brush, sponge or my fingers? “This depends on what you’re using,” says make-up artist Amanda Reardon. “Generally, a large soft brush works best for powder foundations as it helps distribute product evenly over the face and allows you to tailor the coverage. Brushes and sponges can be used as a combination with cream or liquid formulas – the brush allows you to apply foundation evenly and the sponge helps melt it into skin.”
Can I spot-apply foundation? “Absolutely,” says make-up artist Justine Purdue. “Most people don’t need full face coverage − foundation should only be used sparingly where needed and colour-matched to your skin tone for seamless blending.”
I often reapply foundation later in the day – can I add more product or do I need to clean my face and start again?
While Reardon advises against layering (“it can take on a cakey effect”), Purdue suggests re-prepping skin – blot, if oily, or if dry, add moisture to the areas you’ll be touching-up. Also, stick to the same formula. “If you started the day with a powder foundation, use a powder for touch-ups,” says make-up artist Linda Jefferyes.
My foundation often settles in fine lines. How can I avoid it? “This can happen when there is too much product – moisturiser or foundation – in one area,” says Purdue, who recommends blotting after moisturising and using a dense concealer, rather than a creamy formulation, in these areas. Using a primer will help foundation sit smoothly on skin, adds Reardon.
Foundation or concealer first?
“A foundation isn’t supposed to cover all of your skin,” explains Jefferyes. “It’s there to give you an even skin tone; so apply foundation first, see where spots are still visible and then cover those with concealer.”
What do I do when I’ve fake tanned?
“If your face is lighter than your body after applying fake tan, use a darker tinted moisturiser or foundation mixed with a moisturiser to make it less opaque,” says Purdue. “A face full of brown foundation (darker than your natural colour) is actually quite ageing – the aim is a sheer veil of colour closer to what your new body colour is. After applying foundation, dust bronzer lightly on and around theneck and jawline, the forehead hairline and across the top of the cheekbones, then use whatever bronzer is left on the brush down the nose and finish with a dab on the chin.”
I’m at the beauty counter: how can I find the right foundation?
All three experts agree it’s best to ask for testers to take home, but if this isn’t possible, “test foundation on the lower side of your face and let it settle to see how it reacts with skin”, says Reardon. “Is it too matt? Too greasy? If you can afford it, buy two foundations at once – one slightly lighter than your skin tone and the other a bit darker. You’ll have foundation colours for all seasons.”
Anything else I need to know? “Don’t go too heavy and make sure you blend it down into your décolletage to avoid looking like you’re wearing a mask on your face,” advises Jefferyes. “Also, balance your skin tone: if skin is quite pink, go for a yellow-based foundation and vice versa.”
WANT MORE BEAUTY TIPS & TRICKS?
How to apply blushBlemish bustersSkin brighteners