Foundation can feel like a high-risk cosmetic — once it’s applied it’s difficult to remove and start over, especially if you’ve already completed your eye makeup and don’t want to start over. But it’s also the one cosmetic that can automatically make you look like you’re glowing (absent of any other makeup) or like your skin is actually worse than it is without makeup. How you apply foundation makes all the difference in the world. Great foundation application actually starts before you add a drop of makeup to your face. This is the one foundation mistake that ages you instantly, according to professional makeup artists and beauty experts.
You Aren’t Prepping Your Skin
How you treat your skin before you apply foundation can determine the outcome of your makeup look. For starters, never apply foundation to skin that hasn’t been properly prepped yet, according to Pro Makeup Artist Rachel Duncan, owner of NY-based luxury bridal makeup company, Color Me Gorgeous. “Skipping moisturizer is a huge no-no,” Duncan said. “When your skin is dry, any makeup you put on top of it will only amplify or draw attention to lines and texture. This is the main reason women over a certain age feel they can’t wear foundation anymore. Make sure to use a hydrating toner and a rich moisturizer to nourish and plump the skin.”
And don’t just stop after moisturizer and sunscreen. Priming your skin is key, as well.
“Not using a primer is a mistake that will make your foundation more detectable,” said Beauty Expert Katya Bychkova, founder of StyleSprinter.com. “When your skin is not prepped correctly — meaning without using a sheet mask, a good serum and moisturizer combo, and a plumping primer — chances of having a cakey foundation look increase. Most makeup primers contain skin-smoothing and hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, and Aloe Vera that ensure your foundation applies evenly and provides a perfect canvas for your foundation.”
Duncan also cites primer as a crucial step: “I love using a glowy hydrating primer for a refreshed look before the foundation. Not only does it add an extra layer of radiance to your skin, but it also creates a barrier between your skin and foundation, which can help prevent settling or creasing.”
If you don’t have the time to repeat your entire skincare routine before applying foundation in the middle of the day, Bychkova recommends picking a blurring primer like YSL Touche Eclat Blur Face Primer or Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer. “Such primers nourish the skin and blur the fine lines simultaneously for the entire day of wear,” she said.
Picking The Wrong Foundation Color And Undertone
Another common mistake to keep in mind is picking the wrong foundation color and undertone, according to Bychkova.
“The idea behind a foundation undertone is that your skin naturally leans towards a warmer or cooler side,” Bychkova said. “Picking a foundation shade that goes against your skin’s undertone could make you look washed out or too orangy. To avoid that, determine your skin’s undertone and pick only foundation options within your undertone, which is typically identified on the foundation package as “C” for cool, “W” for warm, and “N” for neutral. As for a foundation tone, picking a too dark or light shade could make your skin look duller if your foundation is too light, or show off your makeup line if your foundation is too dark. To avoid both situations, stick to foundations that perfectly match your skin tone, i.e., blend in with your skin and are undetectable even in natural light.”
Your skin can look amazing at any age, and foundation is an effective tool to help — keeping these tips in mind will help you achieve the most flawless and fresh look in less time.
