Get Your Glow On: Our Tips for Long Lasting, Flawless Foundation
One of the main goals we all have when we apply our makeup in the morning is to achieve beautiful, clear, glowing skin. With flawless skin, the rest of our makeup is arguably supplementary. But having our skin look dewy and radiant using makeup can involve some small but crucial steps that many too often overlook. There are a few do’s and don’ts involved in achieving luminous makeup, as well as some areas where you can make choices depending on personal preference. Today we’ll talk you through some industry secrets to achieving that photo ready, long-lasting, dewy natural makeup look that we’re all after.
HOW TO ACHIEVE FLAWLESS FOUNDATION
Prep the Perfect Canvas
Because you want your foundation to look natural, almost like a second skin, it is essential to prep the skin, so you are working with the best possible canvas. The first step to creating the idea base is to use a gentle cleanser to remove any oil, dirt or makeup residue. It is also good to exfoliate using an AHA to remove any dead skin cells that your foundation can cling to, creating an uneven texture. Now it’s time to hydrate! This is perhaps the most crucial step, as it will allow your foundation to glide on smoothly and keep your makeup looking light and natural. Keeping your skin moisturized can also help to prevent your foundation from settling in fine lines and wrinkles, creating a more youthful appearance. Furthermore, keeping your skin moisturized underneath your makeup can help to keep your makeup on and intact for longer whilst looking fresh. Use a moisturizer and apply thin layers to plump up your skin. For added radiance, opt for a hydrating serum, like a hyaluronic acid serum, or pure facial oil. Adequate skin prep is vital for that glowy finish we’re all after, so make sure you follow these steps for skin that provides the best base for your makeup.
To Prime or Not to Prime?
Well, that is the question, and the answer differs for everyone, whether you’re a pro makeup artist, or makeup rookie. If you’re opting for a completely minimal, no- makeup makeup-look, then omitting primer may be the best option so as to keep to using as little product as possible. However, if you have a few blemishes or some enlarged pores, using a pore perfecting primer can help to give a smoother finish when you apply your foundation. If you are wanting a particularly glowing or luminous finish, using an illuminating primer can help the light reflect off your skin giving you an especially radiant finish. Primer is also a good tool to have on hand to help your foundation last all day, so aim to select the right primer for you based on your skin and its needs.
Selecting Foundation
When it comes to achieving flawless complexion through makeup, finding the perfect foundation is a must. Make sure you choose the ride shade with the undertone that matches your skin, so that is blends in seamlessly, giving the illusion that you aren’t wearing any makeup. You may choose to opt for a BB cream or light skin tint to keep things minimal, but because (lets be real) most of us don’t have totally perfect skin all the time, finding a lightweight foundation is the best way to give your skin an airbrushed effect. Look for a foundation that contains ingredients that will nourish your skin, such as vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from free radical damage and premature ageing, and also helps to hydrate the skin so that it looks healthy and radiant.
Application 101
When it comes to applying your foundation, there are many paths to the top of the mountain, with each technique having its own set of unique benefits. One option is to simply use your fingers. This will warm the product and help it melt into your skin and gives a very natural result. This is a method that many celebrity makeup artists use when creating a red carpet ready dewy skin look. Another technique for applying foundation is to use a makeup sponge, such as a beauty blender. Wet the beauty blender before use, as this causes it to swell and prevents the makeup from being absorbed into the sponge, and simply dab the product onto your skin for an even finish. Using a makeup brush to apply your foundation is another method available. A flat-top kabuki style brush is the best option. Make sure you blend your makeup so that it doesn’t look stripy. A perk of using a foundation brush is that you can also use it to apply your cream bronzer and blush. The excess foundation helps it to all blend together seamlessly. With any application method, make sure you’re buffing or dabbing your makeup into your skin, rather than painting, as this can end up looking streaky and Overall, there’s no right or wrong way to apply your foundation. It is simply a matter of figuring out your preference, and what results in your makeup looking best.
Set it, but don’t forget it!
Because we’re after a barely there makeup look, but don’t want our skin to look oily, it is best to use a translucent powder, but use it sparingly. Opt for a featherweight loose powder that you can lightly dust over your skin, only in the areas that tend to get oilier, such as your t-zone, and under your eyes to prevent creasing. You don’t want to lose that lustrous glow your skin has by mattifying your whole face, so be frugal with your powder use. Feel free to use blotting papers throughout the day to stay on shine control, whilst avoiding using too much product so that your makeup doesn’t look cakey.
Having flawless dewy foundation is just a matter of knowing a few secrets here and there, as well as a bit of experimentation. With a little bit of effort and experimentation, anyone can achieve a natural, radiant glow that will turn heads. By following some of our tips and tricks, and keeping an open mind to trying new products and techniques, you'll be well on your way to achieving a flawless, dewy foundation that will leave you feeling confident and beautiful. So go ahead, take the plunge, and see how gorgeous you can look with just a few simple steps!
