Applying Foundation, How to Apply Foundation, Application Tips

Foundation should be considered as a skin improver.  Foundation should match your skin tone. There are two keys to success, the first is to pick the right formulation, and the second is to choose the perfect shade for your skin. To choose a colour apply little on your cheek or inside of your wrist. For oily skin use non-greasy cake foundation and on a combination skin use a foundation for normal skin or a shade darker than it. Apply the foundation cobbering all the areas of face and neck. Blend it thoroughly into the skin so that you look natural.

When applying foundation use a cosmetic sponge - using your fingertips may result in an uneven, greasy finish. Dampen the sponge first squeezing out the excess moisture - this will make foundation application easier and avert the sponge from soaking up too much foundation. If your foundation looks heavy or blotchy - regardless of whether it was applied with a finger or a sponge - run a make-up sponge across the skin to soak up any excess product. While applying liquid foundation, it is better to put small points of foundation at different parts of your face such as forehead, nose tip, chin and cheek bones and then blend a little at a time on the face to give a more finished look.

How to choose a foundation

Two aspects should be taken into account before choosing a foundation - the form of the foundation and its colour. To choose a colour apply little on your cheek or inside of your wrist.Some forms are more suited to certain skin types than others. Age and the basic condition of your skin also influence the choice of the foundation.

Steps for Applying Foundation

• Apply foundation to freshly moisturized skin to ensure you have a perfect base on which to work.

• Use a cosmetic sponge to apply most types of foundation - using your fingertips can result in an uneven, greasy finish. 

• Apply foundation in dots, then blend each one with your sponge.

• Dampen the sponge first of all, then squeeze out the excess moisture - this will prevent the sponge from soaking up too much costly foundation.

• Check for tell-tale "tidemarks" on your jawline, nose, forehead and chin

How to select the perfect shade

• Ensure you are in natural daylight when trying out foundation colors, so you can exactly see how your skin will look once you leave the shop.
• Select a couple of shades, which look as though they will match your skin.
• Do not try foundation on your hand or on your wrist- they are a different color to your face.
• Stroke a little color onto your jaw line to ensure you get a tone that will mix with your neck as well as your face. The shade that seems to "disappear" into your skin is the best choice for you.