Steps to Smooth Foundation Application

Do you want to achieve a smooth foundation application for flawless looking skin? Your foundation is meant to provide a primary base onto which secondary make-up products can be applied to. The aim or purpose of foundation is to conceal natural facial flaws, problematic skin, and provide an overall smooth and healthy looking coverage to the face. We all feel better about ourselves when our skin looks good.

Foundations are sold in different forms which include liquid, stick, mineral, and powdered foundation. Foundation ultimately enhances one’s natural beauty. Attaining flawless and natural looking results depends on a few factors. While this post will expand on how to do this, women should remember the importance of knowing their skin tone, type, and sensitivity to makeup ingredients.

One of my favorite stick foundations from Hourglass Cosmetics.

Exfoliate Regularly

The surface of our skin produces millions of new cells on a continuous basis. However, several layers of the surface skin is also composed of dead skin cells, which automatically shed at the same rate. Exfoliating the face at least once or twice a week will remove deep dirt and dead skin cells from the skin and its crevices (such as pores and lines).

The removal of dirt and old dead skin cells through exfoliation reveals newer and smoother skin, while simultaneously keeping it clean. Applying foundation on to recently exfoliated skin will ensure a smoother application and finish. Exfoliation can also avoid getting a ‘cakey face’, which refers to the common make-up mistake where the face looks dry and bumpy after the application of foundation.

Skin Primer

Foundation primer is a cream or gel applied to the face before any foundation. Most primers are sold as clear, creamy products. However, they can also be purchased in shades such as light yellow or green in order to conceal redness. Primer products are aimed at providing a creamy and smooth base designed to fill fine lines and wrinkles, pores, and cover problematic areas such as blemishes.

Foundation may actually be applied directly to the skin without a primer. However, including primer before foundation will help in attaining extra coverage and smooth results in the overall finish. It is also useful to use a primer for ‘photo-ready foundation’.

One of my favorite primers

Careful Selection

Although there is no specific rule-sheet regarding how to purchase and apply foundation, keeping in mind these basic make-up guidelines will help avoid common mistakes. Always choose foundation depending on your skin type, tone, undertones, as well as the results you intend to achieve. For example, there are oil, silicone, mineral based-foundations and so on. Each type of foundation will look and feel different. Purchase your foundation based on where you plan to wear it, such as whether it is suited for daytime informal events or nighttime formal ones. Aim for an oil-free foundation to avoid shine, and utilize a powder for a matte finish.

Each person’s skin will fall under different and unique categories which depend on ethnicity, gene pool, and even geographic location and weather. Looking for the best foundation in the department store may seem overwhelming with the wide variety of cosmetic brands available. So when aiming for good coverage and maximum results, it is important to know your skin type and follow the basic guidelines of make-up application.

I wish you smooth foundation application days ahead!

Watch for my follow-up post on choosing the right foundation products for each skin type.