Depending on your skin, your budget or the occasion you may have very different foundation needs. Last week we talked undertones, so over the coming weeks I'm going to break it down step by step to make sure you know how to find exactly what you're looking for when it comes to the perfect foundation for any occasion.
This week is all about how to build your perfect coverage regardless of formula.
STEP 1 - CHOOSE YOUR COVERAGE
Foundations generally come in sheer, medium and full coverage options but they can also be layered to build coverage or tweaked to look more sheer.
Want a sheer look but have the wrong product?
Try adding moisturiser, creme illuminator or primer to you foundation to sheer down your coverage.
Need a little more coverage for a big night out?
Mix your lightweight liquids with cream formulas or layer your foundation to create a more opaque and fuller coverage. You can also add loose or pressed powder, or powder foundation on top to not only set your base but to up your coverage.
Your chosen application method will have a lot to do with your overall coverage too:
Hands
Some foundations actually work beautifully with the tools God gave you! Warming cream and liquid foundations in your hands can soften the product giving it a more smooth and blended effect on your skin. Keep in mind, you need to work fast as you will lose some product as it absorbs into the skin on your hands.
Foundation Brush
These traditional brushes are usually synthetic so they don't absorb your chosen product. They paint the foundation on in a single layer creating a smooth and soft yet full coverage look. Be sure to blend carefully as these brushes can leave streak marks.
Buffing Brush
These brushes are designed to have densely packed bristles with a round, flat or tapered shape to create a seamless and blended medium to full coverage look. They are also synthetic ensuring they deposit the most product directly onto the skin. You can use a stippling or pressing motion to push the product onto the face or small circular movements to "buff" or blend the foundation into natural edges or creases.
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush $22.99 AUD
Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki Brush $24 AUD
Stippling Brush
These brushes are often a mix of synthetic and natural hair so they provide sheer to medium coverage while the spread out shape of the bristles creates an airbrushed look. To create this look use circular motions and lightly polish the foundation into your skin.
BeautyBlender/Sponge
The BeautyBlender is probably the most ingenious creation in makeup since mascara. Best when used wet, these magical sponges apply sheer layers that are pushed into the skin leaving it looking seamless and hydrated. The unique shape helps you get into tight areas like under the eyes and they're patented material can be hygienically cleaned for multi-use. There are plenty of sponge options on the market but this is truly a pro must-have.
BeautyBlender $19.95 AUD
PRO TIP: No matter which application method you start with, bouncing the BeautyBlender into your skin when finishing your base will help the overall finish of your foundation look more like real skin. I often start with a fuller coverage tool like a buffing brush and finish with the BeautyBlender to save time on layering my coverage.
I myself am a sheer to medium coverage girl. I really just love skin that looks like skin. How about you?
xx FemFox