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Foundation is one of the best tools in your makeup arsenal for smoothing out your complexion and enhancing your natural, ageless glow. When applied correctly, foundation can be useful in evening out your skin tone, glossing over fine lines and wrinkles, and creating the flawless appearance we’re all in search of. However, if you struggle with deep-set wrinkles, you may worry that your foundation will settle in those lines, further enhancing the shadows and making you look even older than you are.
Without the proper precautions this may be an issue, but there are hacks that makeup artists swear by to ensure an even application of foundation every time, so you never have to worry about your product settling into the fine lines and wrinkles of your face. Now that we’re beginning to step out of our houses more and actually putting on makeup regularly, this is the foundation trick makeup artists want you to know for flawless application everyday.
The cornerstone of effortlessly smooth foundation is the prep work, and particularly with deep-set wrinkles it’s vital to pay proper attention to your skincare routine to help plump and prime the skin for product. “The very best way to hide fine lines & wrinkles with foundation actually has nothing to do with the makeup, and everything to do with how you prep your skin beforehand with skincare. The biggest misconception in cosmetics is that people should rely on just their foundation to give them a younger appearance. The real trick to younger looking skin is to layer skincare before applying your foundation,” explains makeup artist Jennifer Bradley. If you layer foundation onto dry skin that has yet to be primed, you’re more likely to notice the product sinking into deep-set wrinkles and emphasizing your age.
Before you even get to applying your foundation, there are several steps that come first to lock in a solid base for your product. “Here’s the quickest way to prep, tighten, and smooth out mature skin: after cleansing your skin with a good cleanser, apply a hydrating spray. Then, layer on a skin firming/tightening serum while your skin is damp,” says Bradley. “Finally, apply a thin layer of a moisturizer created specifically for filling in lines and wrinkles again while the skin is damp.” Following these three steps before coating your skin in foundation will help to plump deep-set wrinkles, allowing for a flawless application of product.
After doing your prep work, the type of foundation you opt for becomes just as important for an even application. “The biggest mistake many women make is to use a matte foundation on mature skin, which almost always looks dry and will ultimately enhance any uneven skin texture, and that is not the way to go. My recommendation for a creamy, dewy foundation with natural physical sunblock,” suggests Bradley.
Playing up the hydrated base you’ve created with your skincare products, a moisturizing foundation will smooth over dry patches and wrinkles, evening your complexion for an overall smoother canvas. Using a damp beauty blender will also help to ensure even coverage all around, which will highlight your youthful glow and hide signs of maturing skin. Not sure what to keep an eye out for when choosing a foundation? Esthetician and makeup artist Samantha Welch notes, “lightweight, hydrating, light-diffusing formulations,” are all key terms you should be looking for on packaging. As for ingredients, “hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides,” will all be great for aging skin.
Ultimately when you apply your makeup you want it to elevate your look instead of drawing attention to the imperfections you’re working to conceal. Particularly with foundation it’s paramount to start off with a smooth base to ensure your application will follow suit, so prep work is the most important makeup hack you could lean into when applying product to aging skin. Opting for a hydrating formula may also be beneficial for glossing over fine lines and wrinkles, moisturizing the skin so your foundation doesn’t attract further attention to any dry or flaky patches as well. With just a little extra attention to skincare each morning, you can rest assured that your foundation will go on without issue so you can boast a youthful glow at any age.
