ORIGINAL PUBLICATION JULY 5, 2015 www.TheLVGuide.com
A common question that readers have been asking is how to apply foundation without it looking “cakey.” With so many brands and products on the market today, it can be challenging to choose and use the right foundation properly. Here are some tips to get you on the right track.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FOUNDATION
You should not purchase foundation based on your skin type, but rather based on the type of finish that you want. I like to achieve a fresh and luminous complexion for my clients, so I work with foundations with a silicone base and medium coverage. Foundations with silicone have smoothing capabilities that blur imperfections, create a healthy sheen, and blend seamlessly into the skin. Try Make Up For Ever HD Foundation, Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder, or Maybelline Fit Me.
As an aside, you really do not need to use a primer if you are using good products. Instead, save that money for a good moisturizer that you can use both day and night, like Embryolisse 24 Hour Miracle Cream or Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream.
MATCHMAKING
A proper foundation match evaluates the entire face, décolleté, and arms. Do not the base the match on the neck or jawline, as the end result would be too light. When working, I always take several steps back to make sure that the foundation shade matches my client fully. Be sure to look in a full length mirror to make sure that you have chosen the right color. Another common mistake that I see, even with makeup artists, is using a shade that is too yellow, so double check your match in natural light.
APPLICATION
Now that you have a great product that matches your skin tone, the application is key. On clients, I like to use a dual fiber brush to buff the product into the skin. I keep an entire arsenal of the Maestro 965 Brush by bDelium in my kit. When I apply my own foundation, I use clean hands like I would apply moisturizer, allowing it to melt seamlessly into the skin. Try both techniques on clean skin and see what works best for you.
POWDER RESPONSIBLY
Too much powder will make your skin look dry and cakey, and most new foundation formulas do not have to be set with a powder. The trend for skin is healthy and dewy, so use powder sparingly and only when you start to look shiny. Gently tap a small amount of powder on the T-zone, around the nostrils, and on the chin. I use either Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder or Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder. Both have a velvety, natural finish, and hold up to long days on set.
Armed with this knowledge, you will be able to navigate the cosmetic aisle more easily and will also achieve luminous, glowing skin in just a few easy steps