Mistake: Using Full-Coverage Foundation
The words “full-coverage foundation” are so tempting, especially when you have more zits and dark spots on your skin than you’d like and would love to cover them up. Another reason many turn to these heavier formulas is because they assume, as they age, that they will mask fine lines and wrinkles and give off a more youthful appearance. But, in fact, the opposite often appears to be true, according to Tardif. “ Stay away from full coverage foundations as they will only settle into fine lines and wrinkles, even if the marketing piece tells you otherwise,” Tardif advises.
If you’re in a rush in the morning, it’s also a bad idea to skip one major step before applying your foundation: moisturizing your skin. Applying foundation to dry skin will simply make those dry spots stand out more, plus it’s more susceptible to cracking and settling into fine lines. With that said, there has to be a balance of moisture on your skin and too much of a good thing isn’t a good idea, either.
“The first step is to prep and hydrate your skin properly depending of what your skin needs that day: If using a face oil, only 2-3 drops will suffice, a dime size of face cream or balm is also plenty to eradicate surface dryness and provide smoothness,” Tardif says. “An overabundance of moisture is a sure way towards a makeup meltdown.”
Tardif says he recommends a magnifying balm to help smooth out skin's imperfections like pores and fine lines: “it helps to keep the moisture cushion into the skin while providing ease of blend of the foundation to follow,” he says.
And no matter how many so-called imperfections you would like to conceal with makeup, avoiding thicker formulas (especially in the summer time) and sticking with sheer products that are matched to your skin tone is the way to go.
“Turn to a sheer to medium, buildable liquid foundation that is water based and oil free and that is self-set,” Tardif says. “Self-setting is key here as it will not require an extra layer of powder that destroys the integrity of the skin while adding years to your appearance by way of looking dry and chalky.”
Don’t be scared of foundation — just proceed with a lighter hand and a few good tips and your skin will look amazing and glowy all summer long.