Foundation is an important facet of makeup - the blank canvas on which the rest of your makeup is applied. It is the base for any makeup application - to hide facial imperfections such as scars, depressions and pigmented areas of skin.
Foundation is one such element that is used keeping in mind the skin tone of the user. In order to get finesse, the foundation should blend properly. Select the foundation that is close and of same color as your skin tone. Bronzer can always be used in case you need to add more color at the end. Foundation comes in two to three forms like stick, liquid and powder but the main point to keep in mind is that it should match your skin tone. Using afoundation is like painting a picture and your face acts as a canvas for the picture. To evenly apply the foundation all over the face you can always use a foundation brush. The foundation applied with the help of brush will last longer than if you apply it with your finger tips, as with finger tips you can add bacteria and oil on your face.
Your method of makeup application and your applying techniques will determine the quality of the end product. Apply your foundation with a cosmetic sponge for more control and a smoother application.
Learn how to use foundation, powder, blush and bronzer for a smooth makeup look. So, next time that you think of trying a new look, you will have the knowledge and confidence to apply a beautiful makeup application!
Foundation Applicators
Wherever possible, and for best results, apply foundation with a top quality, natural bristle, foundation brush. They have a remarkable impact on the finish of your base as they allow for far greater control over the placement, texture and finish of your foundation than any other application technique.
Some foundation formulations preclude the use of a brush, or perhaps the portability of a sponge is simply preferred, so ensure that you use a good quality, compacted sponge. It is often necessary to replace the sponge that comes with a new compact foundation as cosmetic companies, even high end brands, tend to cut corners where this vital piece of kit is concerned. A new, compacted sponge can make all the difference to a product you previously dismissed.
The Type of Foundation
1. Liquid foundation
Liquid foundations are probably the most versatile and suit most skin types. Liquid foundations are easy to use and they come as thick liquid in a bottle. These foundations are available in oil-based and water-based formulas. Water based foundations blend effortlessly and evenly over the face. They contain oil or emollient that cover the skin smoothly with a hint of sheen. Water based foundations are best suited for women of color as they leave a small amount of shine behind on the skin.
Water based foundations usually contain some silicon oil and offer very light coverage as compared to oil based liquid foundation. Similarly oil based foundations work well for women with extremely dry or wrinkled skin. Though they are greasy and thick, they blend quite well with such skin making it look dewy and moist. Liquid makeup foundation captures moisture within the skin. It also lends a luminous finish.
2. Cream Foundation
Cream foundations are ideal for dry skin. These are usually creamy and offer excellent coverage to the skin. Generally, cream foundations are known for their heavier coverage and more intense moisturizing properties. Women with normal, dry and especially extra-dry skin can buy cream makeup foundation. Compact foundation - This creamy yet powdery foundation type works well with most skin tones and glides easily with a sponge. It is easily portable.
3. Cake or Stick foundation
These foundations are solid in form and they have a greater drying effect. The cake or stick foundations are best suited for an oily skin. These foundations give a dense matte cover and are good for covering blemishes and scars. Due to their texture, they can also double as concealers Solid foundations like cake and stick are good for occasional use, especially photography sessions. Applying stick foundation may need some getting used to.
4. Waterproof foundation
Sometimes the extra coverage of a foundation may not really last for a long time. This is especially possible in summer due to the humidity and high temperatures that may prevail throughout the day. During these days waterproof foundation is of great help to your skin.Waterproof foundation comes in different shades to suit a variety of skin types. These foundations are water-resistant and make your skin look glamorous in spite of the sweltering conditions.
5. Mineral Foundation
Mineral foundations contain minerals that have been used for cosmetic purposes for thousands of years. Most of these minerals are used to prepare foundations to suit all skin types. These foundations are medicated and they can also be used to cover acne and pimples. Loose mineral foundation can be applied dry or wet and usually provides full spectrum sunscreen. Containing mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxides and zinc oxide, mineral foundation provides a dewy fresh look.
Mineral Foundations are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They rarely contain the skin damaging ingredients so often found in regular foundation formulations, and are incredibly versatile in coverage control. When correctly applied, mineral foundation provides a flawless finish comparable to any foundation on the market. The secret to precision application? Moisture.
6. Spray Foundation
Spray foundations are yet another medicated foundation that are preferred for acne scarring and post surgical skin. Spray foundations are used to retain the makeup for long hours. You can just spray them over your makeup to refresh it at anytime. Spray foundations come in different shades for different skin tones.
HOW DO I USE MY FOUNDATION?
The very first step in selecting your perfect foundation makeup is assessing your skin type, to determine the type of foundation that would work best for you.
Selecting the right shade of foundation for your skin tone is critical. Most women have yellow-based skin. To get a perfect match and to create the look of having naturally flawless skin, you need to wear a foundation with a yellow base.
Apply your foundation with a cosmetic sponge for more control and a smoother application.
Liquid foundation should be blended in a little at a time until the entire face is completed. Matte liquid foundations generally dry faster, so you may need to apply to one section of your face and blend, before moving on to another section. If you have naturally clear skin, liquid foundations may be your best option.
Cream foundation should be applied in long sweeping motions using your cosmetic sponge. Blend evenly until you create a smooth flawless finish. This type of foundation is best for drier skin types and for more mature skin. Ideal for women requiring heavier coverage.
Powder foundation should be applied as you would your normal compact powder. These foundations usually have very good coverage, but work best on lighter skin colors.
Camouflage foundations have been developed for women who need to conceal marks, acne, vitiligo, rosacea, etc. They provide maximum coverage and generally have excellent staying power. The one problem with such heavy coverage foundations is that they often do not blend well with most skin colors, resulting in an artificial, two-toned look.
Remember, proper blending is the key. Blend your foundation under the jawline, into the hairline, on the ear lobes. Pay special attention to the corners of the nose, corners of the mouth, over and under the eyes. If you need to retouch a particular spot, re-apply lightly and blend. Lightly powder with a yellow based translucent face powder to set your foundation.
Skin Type and Foundation
* If you have an oily skin go in for oil-free or oil-control foundation. On the other hand if you have dry skin shop for moisturizing foundations. If you have combination of oily and dry skin, determine the most type prevalent in your skin and purchase a foundation accordingly. Cream-to-powder based foundation work best for combination skin.Once and for all its over. Ok?
* Select a foundation that seems close to your natural skin tone. Yellow based foundations look most natural on all skin types. However if you are very fair, try pink or a cooler shade. Women make a primary mistake of choosing a foundation that is too light for their skin in the hope of appearing whiter or fairer. This ends up looking ashy. You can pick up make foundations in colors ranging from cream and ivory to peach and darker. Test a foundation color by applying a thin line of color to the jaw line. This will allow you to compare color to the skin on the face as well as the neck to avoid any obvious differences. The color should blend perfectly with your skin tone. Once and for all its over. Ok?
* The vital makeup foundation tip is to blend it well. Ensure that your face and neck appear the same color and the foundation has been well blended near the hairline and the jaw line.
Foundation Application Technique
Foundation Technique 1: Concealer/ Foundation
Gently blend concealerusing the middle finger under the eyes to conceal dark circles and apply on blemishes or discolorations. Shake liquid foundation well, then apply on forehead, nose, cheeks and chin using a facial sponge. This will allow the makeup to blend more easily into the skin.
Foundation Technique 2: Ultra-Finish Foundation
Apply foundation with a chisel brush in a circular motion over your entire face for a natural, even matte finish. Apply with a facial sponge for more coverage.
Foundation Technique 3: Face Powder
Use Translucent Veil Face Powder or loose powder to set liquid makeup. Apply with a powdered brush, blending down. You may also use a dry facial sponge for extra coverage, if needed.
Foundation Technique 4: Blush
Apply blush with a makeup brush in light stroke to the apples of your cheeks. Blush should be no closer than the width of two fingers near the nose or eyes.
There are several different ways to apply blush depending on the shape of their face.
1. For a very round face, apply the blush in a C-shape.
2. For a very long face, apply the blush horizontally. If you apply the blush in a long straight downwards stroke, then it will make the face appear longer. To shorten the face, apply the blush in a horizontal shape.
First, apply blush to the apples of the cheeks. Use a highlighting shade for the top of the cheek and then use a darker shade of blush just underneath in the hollow of the cheekbone. This will make your cheeks look like they are contoured.
Make sure that you are using a good cheek blush brush with a rounded head.
Tapping the powder down into the bristles of the brush will allow a small amount of blush to be applied at a time. This will eliminate the possibility of applying too much blush at one time.
To give an appearance of high cheekbones, use a lighter shade of blush on the upper cheek and a darker contour shade under the apples of the cheeks.
Foundation Technique 5: Bronzer
The last step in your makeup application is to apply bronzer to give you that sun kissed look.
You always want your foundation to exactly match the color of your skin. If you want more color, then apply bronzer.
The way to apply the bronzer is to image that the sun is shining down on your face.
Lightly apply the bronzer to the top of your forehead, the top of your cheeks, on the end of your nose, on your chin and across the top of your shoulders. This will give you the beautiful sun kissed look that you desire.
Bronzer is best applied with a bronzer or kabuki brush. Lightly press the brush into the bronzer and then tap end of the handle so that the bronzer goes down into the bristles. Apply the bronzer by lightly brushing across the top of your forehead, a little on top of your cheeks, on the end of your nose, on your chin and then go lightly across the top of your shoulders.
Now you have completed your makeup application and have the look that everyone wants.
