Makeup Artists Share The Foundation Do’s And Don’ts For A Flawless, Crease-Free Finish Over 50—’Primer Will Help’

1. Don’t Overdo It With Foundation

The purpose of foundation isn’t to create a brand new face with skin that doesn’t resemble your own. If you are finding yourself piling on so much foundation that it’s beginning to look like a mask, take a step back and access the situation. Are you trying to make foundation do that work of concealer and color corrector? If so, you could be applying far too much of it. These are all different makeup products that serve very different purposes. If your makeup is a different tone from your skin, this is another red flag — something isn’t working here.

Do Apply Foundation Sparingly

"If you apply the makeup very heavily, it will dry up faster and will eventually crack where your wrinkles are situated," Mintara says. "This is because these are the places where you move your facial features the most, which is why the fine lines are there in the first place!" 

Only apply foundation where you need it and blend very well. Then follow up with concealer in spots that are discolored. Concealer is usually lighter in weight and more peach in tone to counter blue and purple tones.

2. Don’t Apply Foundation To Bare Skin

Great foundation requires great foundation prep. When you apply foundation to bare skin without this prep, it runs the risk of settling into fine lines and dry patches of skin.

Do Use Primer

Primer is your secret foundation weapon that will help makeup sit well and not crease. "Focus this on the areas that have wrinkles, and the primer will help to fill in the lines and imperfections on your skin," Mintara says. Make sure you are first cleansing and moisturizing your skin well, and then wait. Allows moisture to absorb prior to applying primer. After primer, wait a little while longer to allow that to settle. Now you’re ready to apply foundation.

Setting your makeup is also key. A setting spray or light translucent powder will help keep your foundation smooth and crease-free.